Posters coming soon, this page lists the talks and gives a brief introduction to each.
2026
6 Oct A history of the Ampthill Union Workhouse, now known as “The Cedars” (Clare Harvey). A talk looking at why the imposing Union Workhouse was built, what life was like for those inside and how it has evolved over time.
3 Nov Bedfordshire’s Secret War and Covert Connections in the Chilterns (Jean Yates) – Did Bedfordshire deserve the name of ‘Spy Capital of Britain’ during WWII? We look at the Met. Office where the D-day forecast was made, the Black Propaganda operation, fakers and forgers, a secret radio station, and lots more!
1 Dec Ampthill’s Beer houses, Alehouses and Inns (John Hele). Ampthill, for a town of its size, has always had more than its fair share of hostelries, 23 at least! This talk will look at whether they were alehouses, inns or beer houses; there are fundamental differences between these three statuses, that all started with Gin!!
2027
13 Feb (Saturday) – Evening of celebration for 75th Anniversary of ADPS at the Wingfield Club. Save the date, more details to follow.
2 Mar The Bedford Mint and local Trade Tokens (Simon Rowley). A talk about the Coin Mint at Bedford, how the coins were made, their purchasing power during the Saxon/Norman periods plus the use of 17thCentury Trade Tokens within Ampthill and surrounding villages.
6 April The Marston Vale Line, Past, Present & Future (Stephen Sleight). The history of the Marston Vale Line a glimpse into its future, the work of Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership in engaging communities and an overview of the award winning Ridgemont Station Heritage Centre.
4 May Talk followed by AGM* – The Mosquito that crashed in Steppingley Road Field in 1945 (Mark Rankine). A journey back in time to February 1945 during World War II where two young airmen were lost in Steppingley Road Field, Flitwick. This is their story.
*Note early start time 7:00 for 7:15
