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talkS programme
January - April 2026
Wednesday 14 January
Dr David Jenner
Antarctic landscapes and wildlife
David Jenner makes a welcome return to the Exeter Forum for another talk
featuring his wonderful photography. David has recently visited Antarctica, and
he will show aspects of the fantastic wildlife in this talk.
Wednesday 21 January
Stuart Raine
The sinking of the Lusitania and its aftermath
Stuart will look at the tragedy of the Lusitania and the controversy surrounding
its loss in World War 1. He will also reveal the links between this event and
changing attitudes towards the war in Europe in the United States.
Wednesday 28 January
Annual Christmas Lunch
Christmas Lunch – no speaker. Please see separate details for this event
The Devon Hotel
The cost is £27.50 for two courses, main and dessert, full cost to be paid on booking.
Bookings can be made at the usual Exeter Forum meetings.
Contact
[email protected]
Time is 12pm for 12.30pm.
Wednesday 4 February
David Westcott
Richard III and the Princes in the Tower
David’s talk will investigate the reign of one of England’s most controversial
Kings, Richard III, who visited Exeter 2 years before he was killed in battle. He will
look at the various stories surrounding the fate of the Princes in the Tower during
Richard III’s reign.
Wednesday February
John Dean Scars that Shine
The Madonnas of Pervyse, Mairi Chisholm and Elsie Knocker -
WWI Women Heroes.
Exeter born Elsie Knocker and her Scottish colleague Mairi
Chisholm were called the Madonnas of Pervyse in recognition of their front line
care of casualties and innovations in the Belgian trenches of WW1.They received
national honours.
Wednesday 18 February
Caroline Stephens
General Health, Feel energised & fabulous everyday!
Caroline’s talk will describe what being healthy means and how we can both
maintain our general health and improve our energy levels and feelings of
wellbeing.
Wednesday 25 February
Dame Julia Slingo
My role at the Met Office.
Dame Julia Slingo served as Chief Scientist at the Met Office for nearly 8 years.
She was made a Dame in the 2014 New Year Honours for her services to weather
and climate science. Before joining the Met Office she was the Director of
Climate Research at the University of Reading.
Wednesday 4 March
To be announced
7th January 2026
Dr. Todd Gray
'Devon's Home Front Diaries, 1937 to 1945.'
We welcome back Todd Gray who will talk about the experiences of people during their everyday lives in Devon in the build up to the Second World War and through the war itself as shown through their diaries.
Wednesday 14 January
Dr David Jenner
Antarctic landscapes and wildlife
David Jenner makes a welcome return to the Exeter Forum for another talk
featuring his wonderful photography. David has recently visited Antarctica, and
he will show aspects of the fantastic wildlife in this talk.
Wednesday 21 January
Stuart Raine
The sinking of the Lusitania and its aftermath
Stuart will look at the tragedy of the Lusitania and the controversy surrounding
its loss in World War 1. He will also reveal the links between this event and
changing attitudes towards the war in Europe in the United States.
Wednesday 28 January
Annual Christmas Lunch
Christmas Lunch – no speaker. Please see separate details for this event
The Devon Hotel
The cost is £27.50 for two courses, main and dessert, full cost to be paid on booking.
Bookings can be made at the usual Exeter Forum meetings.
Contact
[email protected]
Time is 12pm for 12.30pm.
Wednesday 4 February
David Westcott
Richard III and the Princes in the Tower
David’s talk will investigate the reign of one of England’s most controversial
Kings, Richard III, who visited Exeter 2 years before he was killed in battle. He will
look at the various stories surrounding the fate of the Princes in the Tower during
Richard III’s reign.
Wednesday February
John Dean Scars that Shine
The Madonnas of Pervyse, Mairi Chisholm and Elsie Knocker -
WWI Women Heroes.
Exeter born Elsie Knocker and her Scottish colleague Mairi
Chisholm were called the Madonnas of Pervyse in recognition of their front line
care of casualties and innovations in the Belgian trenches of WW1.They received
national honours.
Wednesday 18 February
Caroline Stephens
General Health, Feel energised & fabulous everyday!
Caroline’s talk will describe what being healthy means and how we can both
maintain our general health and improve our energy levels and feelings of
wellbeing.
Wednesday 25 February
Dame Julia Slingo
My role at the Met Office.
Dame Julia Slingo served as Chief Scientist at the Met Office for nearly 8 years.
She was made a Dame in the 2014 New Year Honours for her services to weather
and climate science. Before joining the Met Office she was the Director of
Climate Research at the University of Reading.
Wednesday 4 March
To be announced
7th January 2026
Dr. Todd Gray
'Devon's Home Front Diaries, 1937 to 1945.'
We welcome back Todd Gray who will talk about the experiences of people during their everyday lives in Devon in the build up to the Second World War and through the war itself as shown through their diaries.
