Wednesday 24th January                                   
Ian Bailey

Child Labour  

In the early 19th century the production of textiles was under transformation from domestic industry to newly built factories. This talk will consider the evidence regarding the employment of children in the mills of the Upper Calder Valley and the reaction it created.

Wednesday 14th February                  
Paul Weatherhead

Season of the Witch:
The Lion, the Witch and Cliff Richard

Paul’s talk covers, amongst other things, the story of the witch who tried to buy Slack Baptist Chapel which led to an international media frenzy.

Wednesday 28th February                         
Kathryn Lumb
The Halifax Zoo

Kathryn Lumb is a farmer’s daughter, married to a farmer whose farm is adjacent to what was the zoo. She heard many anecdotes and tales from her husband’s relatives which triggered her interest in the zoo.

Wednesday 14th March
Dave Shepherd & Brian Howcroft

Calderdale Prehistory – Moving On

Dave has authored several articles on local prehistory, and gave a very popular lecture to the society in 2006. Brian is a longstanding member of Huddersfield Archaeological Society.

Wednesday 28th March                           
Richard Almond

Mediaeval Hunting - Hunting Through Art

In the Middle Ages hunting was an economic as well as a leisure activity. Richard, a freelance writer and historian, will show that hunting, including fishing, hawking and poaching, was enjoyed by all classes, and by women as well as men.