The Grosvenor Museum Society’s Special Lecture March 2026
Tuesday 10th March at 7.30 pm
Mike Royden - Titanic Survivors
The precise number of passengers and crew that survived the sinking of the Titanic is unknown but thought to be 712 people. Millvina Dean was the youngest, aged just 2 months when rescued from the disaster. She was the last survivor when she died in 2009, aged 97.
Mike Royden has a particular interest in maritime history – his lecture will reveal many details about the survivors and how their lives were affected by the tragedy. Mike has previously given us a splendid talk on the Lusitania disaster.
ADDITIONAL EVENT FOR GROSVENOR MUSEUM SOCIETY MEMBERS
Monday 23rd March at 2.30pm
Julie Edwards, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Archaeological Officer
Talk and Tour of two new exhibitions now showing at The Grosvenor Museum Chester’s Amphitheatre, an 8000 Year History and The Amphitheatre Owl a 16th Century Curiosity
Julie Edwards was one of the lead archaeologists on the amphitheatre digs of 2004-2006 and one of the main authors of the publication of the finds. This dig attempted to establish a complete history of the uses of the site from neolithic times to 20th century. Julie’s knowledge and experience untangled many unresolved questions on the different forms and uses of the amphitheatre and what happened to the site when the Romans departed and the games were no more. The Amphitheatre’s history is displayed through finds and objects on show in Gallery 1.
Julie also excavated a small area in the site called ‘The Tudor Pit’ and unearthed one of the dig’s most exciting discoveries – an earthenware owl and cup drinking vessel, which is the centrepiece of the exhibition in Gallery 2. This display was facilitated by the Grosvenor Museum Society.
Julie will give an introductory talk in the lecture theatre, answer questions and be on hand to discuss individual objects in both galleries.
Important note - Gallery 2 is on the first floor. Access to this gallery is only possible by the main flight of stairs from the entrance atrium.
This event is for Grosvenor Museum Society members and is free of charge.
Please register if you would like to attend. You can do this in person at the lecture on Tuesday, email or call Andrea Hopkinson
We are most grateful to the staff of The Grosvenor Museum for opening the Museum specially on Monday 23rd and to Julie for giving her time and expertise for members.
Doors open 2.00 we understand that the doors will not open before 2.00. Tea and coffee will be available
Tuesday 14th April at 7.30 pm
Rina Tillinger - Overpaid, Oversexed and Over Here.
GIs in Britain and My Father’s Wartime Experiences. The title says it all! Learn more about the arrival of GIs, how locals greeted them and the legacy of US troops in the UK.
Change of speaker
Tuesday 12th May at 7.30pm
Sadly, Peter and Gillian Bolt are unable to deliver their talk on Saughall Massie.
We are very grateful that Peter Cocker will speak to us
Peter Cocker - The erection of the Thomas Brassey statue at Chester Railway Station
Many people have noticed and commented on the extremely handsome bronze sculpture of Thomas Brassey which appeared on the forecourt of Chester Railway Station last year. It took over five years of fundraising and hard work to realise the Thomas Brassey Society’s dream of erecting a statue of their hero in front of Chester Railway Station. The talk will explain the trials and tribulations of the process leading up to the unveiling of the statue by the Duke of Gloucester in May 2025.
Peter Cocker is a professional Civil Engineer, a founder Trustee of the Thomas Brassey Society, a Vice-Chairman and Trustee of Chester Civic Trust and a member of the Grosvenor Museum Society.
The GMS will hold our usual AGM report and accounts before Peter’s talk.
Additional Lecture
Tuesday 9th June at 7.30pm
This talk was scheduled for September 2025 but could not proceed due to access problems with the Museum. Most generously and graciously, Barry has offered to return and we are all delighted that we can hear Barry’s engaging presentation!
Barry Cave - A Detective’s Lot
Barry Cave’s career has taken him in many directions, from treading the boards to Freeman of The City of London, JP and lecturing on cruise ships. In between, he served in the Metropolitan Police’s Special Branch and CID. Barry is a natural storyteller, and he returns to give his vivid insights into his ‘life of crime’ with the Met, recalling his times with offenders, colleagues and victims.