Byron Street School was opened in 1907 and tonight's presentation is a DVD, made in it’s centenary year, commemorating 100 years of educating Royton's children. It includes historic photographs and the recollections of former pupils dating back to its earliest days.

Sadly Byron Street School (renamed Royton Hall Primary School) closed it’s doors in July 2009 for the very last time. The pupils have amalgamated with those from the former Highbarn Junior School and now enjoy classes in newly built premises on Highbarn Street.

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Councillor Mike Buckley, Oldham Council’s Heritage Champion, takes a look at historic buildings and architecture across the Borough.

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Once a famous whaling centre and home to Captain James Cook as a young man, now a bustling tourist resort and busy fishing port. Where is it? Whitby, of course, but did you know it is also THE place to find amazing fossils. This talk is about the history of Whitby and the incredible fossils that have been found there.

John will be bringing some samples to illustrate his talk and will also have some fossils for sale if you want to purchase your own little piece of history.

Glen made his first visit to us last April when he spoke about the building of ‘The Big Ditch’ (the Manchester Ship Canal). His talk was both informative and humourous and enjoyed by all those who attended so, for this Christmas meeting, we have invited him back again to entertain us.

Tonight he intends to take a light-hearted look at the incredible antics reported in the Victorian local newspapers.

Of course, this fun evening would not be complete without festive refreshments to round off the night.

Towneley Hall is a grade 1 listed building set within the 284 acre Towneley Park in Burnley. For over six centuries it was the residential home of the Towneley family, who lived there from the 13th century to 1902. The present house, which dates from the 14th and 16th centuries, is now owned by Burnley Borough Council and houses a museum, with period rooms containing 16th/17th century oak furnishings, and an art gallery.

There is lots more to learn about the history of this magnificent building and no one better to tell us than tonight’s speaker Ken Darwen, the Museum Manager, who will be revealing the true splendour of the Hall and it’s grounds.

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Doug and his wife Marjorie tried and failed to find Hadrian’s Wall on a visit to Northumberland in 2008. Not to be defeated they set off again in 2009 armed with more information and found exactly what they wanted and much, much more. They found the Military Road and all was revealed - accomodation for 500 - 1500 soldiers with a hospital, baths and latrines for the men, in fact all the mod. cons. a good Roman had come to expect. In tonight’s illustrated talk Doug and Marjorie hope to share their experience of Hadrian’s Wall with you.

Originally a cotton mill which ceased production in 1938, this Oldham mill was used as a Prisoner of War camp during the Second World War. Tonight’s talk about the Glen Mill includes it’s origins, how it reflected the rhythm of the war and the conditions inside the camp. We will also hear some prisoner’s recollections, before concluding with the final days of the mill.

Although this is John’s first visit to our society, he is much in demand as a speaker and comes highly recommended by a number of other groups.

Another new speaker to our society is Derek Slater who will be taking a light-hearted look at the main characteristics of popular nineteenth-century theatre. He will also be taking a look at some individual plays and the way they reflected the social conditions of the time.

An alternative look at Manchester’s history - the stories and personalities connected with the City’s street names. Ray , also making his first visit, is a Registered Tour Guide so hopefully should be able to find us at Downey House!

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The ever popular Margaret Curry returns again this evening with part 2 of her Beatrix Potter story. Part 1, expertly told to us in November 2008, took a look at Beatrix’s early life.

Tonight we will learn about her marriage and permanent residence in the Lake District, the farms and other properties which she bought, her success as a farmer and sheep breeder, her involvement with the National Trust and finally, her legacy to the Trust - still the largest single bequest from any donor.