Recent-speakers

10th November 2023

Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester

Sharman may indeed be ‘an ordinary girl’, but the details of her life and devotion to many Charities, are far from ordinary.

‘An ordinary girl’

Sharman was born in Droylsden and educated at Fairfield High School for Girls, and still lives close to the area where she grew up.

 In 1981 she was appointed as a Magistrate, Bench Chairman from 2009 – 2012.

In 2008 Sharman was honoured to be appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and was hugely privileged to serve as High Sheriff of the County 2015 – 2016,she was appointed as Vice Lord-Lieutenant in 2020 and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honour’s List 2022 for her exceptional voluntary and charitable service.

16th October

Kate McNeil

‘The Truth, The Whole Truth,

With A Lot of Bull from

The Other Side

After leaving college I started my career in the Laboratories at Doncaster Royal infirmary separating blood samples for processing, at the young age of 17 years. I moved on to work in the operating theatres after a further two years training to become a Operating Department Lead Practitioner working with medical emergencies in A&E, routine operations, cardiac arrests and delivering babies in maternity. After many happy years my career took a turn in a different direction and I found myself in an Educational Role teaching across the whole of the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Who knew that the skills and Knowledge I developed during my career would prove vital in the biggest battle of my life!

Kate with Boxy The Bull

Feedback from  attendee

18th September 2023

Paul Hindle

                          Salford Through Time

22nd August 2023

Hosted by Royston Futter

Summer trip to the Working-Class Movement Library

1332^nd meeting Manchester Luncheon Club

On Tuesday 22^nd August

We visited  the Working-Class Movement Library (WCML)

Jubilee House, 51 The Crescent, Salford M5 4WX

 Jubilee House is situated on The Crescent in Salford opposite the Salford Art Gallery and Museum.

During the tour, learnt why the library

was founded and viewed some of the highlights from the library and archive collection.

The tour  allowed us to explore from the Attic down to the Basement  of the library, which are usually closed to the public.

Alan G Crossley Publicity Officer thanking Royston 

7th August 2023

Alan Davies

The Duke of Bridgewater’s Underground Coal Mining Canals, 1760 to date

The Third Duke of Bridgewater (The Canal Duke) embarked on a system of underground canals on four levels accessing a vast coalfield to the north and west, at the time regarded as one of the wonders of the engineering world. The canals branched out to draw coal from the workings of over 35 collieries, doing so until 1887.

From the Worsley Delf entrance eventually over 52 miles of canals were driven. The system was last maintained and regularly inspected in 1968 as it continued to drain modern collieries to the west.

Speaker Alan Davies was involved in the 1999 feasibility study along with the Mines Rescue service, he produced the only colour film ever produced of the canals during the survey.

Fully illustrated and brought up to date with developments at RHS Bridgewater and the Worsley Delph landscaping and restoration project.                   

                                                                           President Gwen M Crossley and Alan Davies

Feedback from  attendee’s

“Alan Davies did not disappoint, I think everyone enjoyed his talk, especially judging by the questions! “

“Thank you for such an interesting meeting yesterday, together with an excellent lunch.”

10th July 2023

Bharat Patel

                                                            Colin, MLC President Mrs Gwen M Crossley and  Bharat Patel

Feedback from an attendee

“I have to say that I really enjoyed the July meeting.  The

speaker from the Blood Bikers was excellent giving us a clear insight on

the work that this charity performs.  The motorbike on show in the hotel

was pretty impressive too.  I didn’t try it out!!

The meal was very good too.”

12th June 2023

Joanna Williams – Author

The Great Miss Lydia Becker; Suffragist, Scientist and Trailblazer

Feedback from an attendee

“I’ve just returned from the June luncheon.  I’d just like

to say what an excellent lunch and guest speaker, Joanna Williams.

  Many thanks for an excellent afternoon.”

12th May 2023

Michael Howard – Art Historian

L S Lowery: A Visionary Artist

14th April 2023

Harry Dwan and Lucy Gugas

from  Mustard Tree

10th March 2023

Mr Jonathan Fogerty-Spinal Cord Injury & Survivor & Solicitor

Living with Spinal Cord Injury

13th February 2023

Mr Ian Reed-Archivist

Sheila Buxton-‘Little Miss Music’

13th January 2023

Mrs Gwen Crossley – President of the Society

“The History of Manchester Luncheon Club, the people who made it”.