Our diary of events for April 2026 to March 2027

Image: Statue of Charles Darwin (c) Philip Halling

This is a talk on the life of Charles Darwin by a speaker who enthralled us with his dramatised version of part of the life of Wilfred Owen.

Image: Manchester Airport Tower (c) Richard Cooke

Jacquie brings us anecdotes from a 40-year military and civil air traffic control career. Open to guests: husbands and partners welcome.

Image: Llandudno Pier (c) Steve Daniels

Our annual summer outing this year for members and guests will take us to the north Wales seaside town of Llandudno.

Our annual garden meeting for members only will take place either in the Bicton Village Hall grounds or in the Hall, if wet. There will be plenty of bring-and-share food and chat to enjoy! The location will be confirmed at our June meeting.

Image: (c) Godber Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library

A delicious afternoon tea at Refresh – a members-only event funded by our WI. Why not wear your best hat? There will be a prize!

Image by Keith Whiddon

Keith does not profess to be a ‘proper’ photographer. For him a photograph serves as a portal through which the viewer is drawn in to experience the unfamiliar, or discover the hidden context of the subject. He is an enthusiastic explorer, capturing wild and forgotten places on camera, both over and underground. Keith is also a musician and this work combines his photographs with his music and words all inspired by the beauty and mystery of the world around him.

We look at the past year and then have elections for the Committee and President for the next year.

After this we enjoy refreshments and a chance for us to socialise with members.

Image: From the Wellcome Collection. Link to page for further details

Nurses in the Great War (1914–1918) played a vital, dangerous role, caring for millions of wounded soldiers across field hospitals, casualty clearing stations, and hospital ships. Professional nurses (QAIMNS) and volunteers (VADs) operated under high stress, often close to the front lines, treating severe gangrenous wounds, shrapnel injuries, and contagious diseases while enduring air raids and intense conditions. (Source: British Red Cross)

Each year we join with partners and guests to enjoy an early Christmas dinner together. 
The date and venue will be announced later in the year.

Image: (c) Ursula1111222 CC BY-SA 4.0

Magician Jack Dent spent some time perfoming with Billy Smart's Circus and will be astounding us with an unforgettable show featuring circus skills.

Our beetle drive meetings are always fast and furious. Shake and throw that dice as fast as possible or someone else will beat you to "Beetle!"

There will be a prize for the best-drawn beetle, too!

Guests are welcome to join us at our New Year Party. Members - who are reinbursed for their costs - are invited to contribute salads and desserts and the committee will provide a selection of cold meats and hot food.

Bicton Village Hall bar will be open for you to purchase beer, wine and other liquid refreshments.

After the meal, local choir Of One Accord will entertain us.

Melanie will give us a demonstration of chutney and preserve cookery, with tasting and preserves for sale.

The retirement hobby of Hilary and Ian is to produce audio visual shows designed to entertain, inform and amuse. The money they raise is donated to Air Ambulance.