Autumn 2026 Series
Autumn 2026 Series
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At first glance, our Autumn's talks couldn't be more different. But look a little closer and they all have one thing in common: they reveal the stories behind the everyday, the familiar and the seemingly ordinary.
From the surprising meanings hidden in the shoes we wear, to the continuing role of local radio in a digital age, and the extraordinary double life of Anthony Blunt, each evening offers a fresh perspective and plenty to contemplate afterwards.
- Wednesday 30th September - If Shoes Could Talk
Rebecca Shawcross invites you to uncover the remarkable meanings that shoes can hold. For thousands of years, shoes have been far more than functional objects. They have served as potent and powerful symbols. Footwear can reveal our occupations, our origins, and the communities we belong to. It can signal how we wish to be seen and the identities we choose to express. Shoes are deeply personal and often emotional items, capable of conveying status, power, sexuality, wealth, cultural and religious heritage, and the many layers of our individuality. They are bold statements of personal expression — small objects with extraordinary stories to tell.
Rebecca Shawcross has been a shoe curator at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery for the last 28 years. Her book. "Shoes: An Illustrated History" was published by Bloomsbury.
- Wednesday 28th October - Local Radio in a Digital World
In an age of streaming services, podcasts and social media, what is the role of a local radio station? Why do thousands of people still tune in, and what makes community broadcasting different?
Join HFM presenters Phil and Chris for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at local radio. Discover how programmes are created, how community radio is funded, what it takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape, and why local voices still matter.
Whether you're interested in broadcasting, the changing world of media, or simply curious about what goes on behind the microphone, this promises to be an engaging evening with plenty of stories, insights and opportunities to ask questions.
- Wednesday 25th November - Master of Lies: The Story of Anthony Blunt
For decades, Anthony Blunt was known as the "fourth man" in the notorious Cambridge spy ring. But was his influence far greater than history has recognised?
In his latest book, author Piers Blofeld draws on newly released documents and years of research, to offer a fresh perspective on one of Britain's most extraordinary espionage stories. He explores Blunt's remarkable double life as both trusted establishment figure and Soviet agent, and examines how his actions may have shaped the course of the Second World War and the decades that followed.
Part history, part detective story and full of unexpected twists, this fascinating talk explores espionage, loyalty, power and deception, revealing why the story of Anthony Blunt continues to challenge our understanding of twentieth-century history.
Timings:
Doors open for all events at 6.30pm and talks will start at 7.30.
There will be opportunities to continue the conversation afterwards and the bar will remain open.
Food orders:
A variety of small plates and sharing platters are available:
- Cold Sandwiches (not toasted) with side salad
Coronation Chicken (£8.95); Tuna Mayo with Cucumber (£8.50); BLT (£9.50); Houmous, Falafel, Rocket and Chilli Jam (V) (£8.50); Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese (£8.95); Chicken Club Sandwich (£10.50)
- Salads
Chicken Caesar (£10.25); Falafel, Avocado, Tomato & Olives with salad leaves (£9.95)
- Platters
Meat single £10.50; to share £19.00
Veggie single £10.50; to share £19.00
Cheese board single £10.50; to share £19.50
Please order food from Louisa's Place directly on 01858 322024 or via louisasplace4a@gmail.com.
Please note:
- Over 18's only, please, due to the licensing regulations at Louisa's Place.
- To ensure that our chosen charities receive the maximum possible amount from each ticket sold, we have to charge booking fees to cover the cost of the ticketing website and transaction fees to cover the cost of the finance platform.
Location
Louisa's Place, LE16 7JE