Members of the History Appreciation Group share a wide ranging interest in all things historical with no aspect of history being off limits. We find that meeting monthly encourages us to read around topics new to us and to listen to subjects we know nothing about – all about broadening the mind.

Meetings take place on the third Thursday of the month from 10 till 12. We meet in members’ homes; not everyone can accommodate a meeting and this is not a problem.

We usually look into one topic per meeting, though larger topics may spread over two or three meetings. Each group member takes responsibility in turn for deciding what topic will be the focus of a meeting. How you tackle it is entirely up to you – it may be a presentation or showing a film or sending us something to read and leading a discussion about it or organising a visit or trip – the possibilities are endless. Meetings always include discussion of the topic in hand and wide ranging conversation, historical and otherwise and refreshments.

Topics identified for 2026 include: Napoleon; his wives and women. Spying in Elizabethan England. Chinese Renaissance in the 11th Century. Marie Antoinette. A History of World Citizenship from the Ancient Greeks to the Present Day. The rise and downfall of Prussia 1600 – 1947. Monastic Granges in Derbyshire and aspects of the world of the Knights Templar.

We also enjoy trips out. Local outings have included the parish churches of Ashover and Wirksworth and surrounding areas. Last year we went to Leicester to the Richard III Visitor Centre and the Cathedral. This year we are thinking about a visit to Bramall Hall.

We currently have a vacancy for a new member, so whatever your interest in history please do get in touch and come along to see if we are for you.

The co-ordinator is Helen Boocock (e-mail)

Photo courtesy of Matt Moore