The Enigmatic Ancient Maya
Have you ever wondered about the fascinating and enigmatic civilisation of the Ancient Maya of Mexico and Guatemala? Why and how did they develop such a brilliant and original civilisation in the jungles of Central America, and why did it apparently disappear?Neil will take you from their early development to their glorious apogee around 700-800 AD. Join him in a tour of their wondrous cities, and mysterious culture which has been made so much more accessible by the deciphering of their strange hieroglyphic writing. And then lament their tragic downfall, so soon after such an effervescence, but again relish their subsequent glorious but short-lived resurgence.
PIRATES - The Origins & Truth
The swashbuckling heros and villains of Hollywood.
But what is the truth about Piracy over the last 1000 years, the origins of such as we understand it and its relevance to today
The Dodleston Messages
We all use computers with email and Internet and are used to receiving messages on a daily basis. But back in 1984, when the first BBC Micro computers were being issued to schools in the UK, no one had even heard of the Internet because it wasn't used by the public till 12 years later. So it was a complete shock for a school teacher to start receiving strange messages on his computer, but even more shocking when the sender claimed he was from the year 1533. Neil Ward explains the strange case known as The Dodleston Messages.
AGM and Short Talks Night (NB - Not the First Thursday but the Second)
Members will be presenting a variety of short talks. This evening is open to all, and proved a great success in previous years. If you wish to provide a 20 minute talk, please contact Steve. Details will be added as the slots are filled. Full Technical help will be given.
Two speakers booked so far - will announce nearer the time
Details to Follow
Bird Migration
Bird migration is the seasonal movement of birds between breeding and wintering grounds, driven by food, daylight, and survival. In the UK, migration is a constant aerial traffic jam. Swallows, swifts, and cuckoos arrive each spring from Africa to breed, then vanish south again by autumn. Winter brings the opposite flow: redwings, fieldfares, geese, and ducks pour in from Scandinavia and the Arctic, escaping frozen landscapes.
As a keen member of Milford Conservation Volunteers, Douglas will present us with some interesting facts.