This event is for Friends from across the North. We are planning a day that we hope will be challenging, nurturing, inspiring, stimulating, encouraging and connecting. The day will be participative and for Friends of all ages and backgrounds. To register an interest, contact:

nfpb@gn.apc.org 07730 070167

Or complete the form here: https://forms.gle/d6RbrvrcKs8TW1mx8

Speakers: Drs Heather Ellis & Martha Vandrei. ‘This talk explores the extraordinary rise & inexplicable decline of Britain’s literary & philosophical societies, which between the late 18th & early 20th centuries functioned as key institutions of civic education, public debate & scientific dissemination. Drawing on new research into their membership, activities & spatial organisation, we will examine how these societies operated at the intersection of elite & popular knowledge cultures, often prefiguring later developments in adult education & public engagement. We’ll also reflect on the reasons for their subsequent decline, including professionalisation, institutional redundancy & changing cultural norms, & consider what their history can tell us about the conditions under which ideas flourish, circulate & fade from view in public life.’

Meetings start with a buffet at 7:30pm followed by a talk at 8:00pm, then discussion at about 9:00pm.

All meetings are free of charge. Voluntary donations welcome. No need to book. If you can, please bring some vegetarian/vegan food and drink to share.

WiB - London meets every Wednesday, around the statue of Edith Cavell in St Martin’s Place 6-7. We are very happy to welcome new women to the vigils – even if they can only come once in a while.