Welcome to the "Antiquarian Group" web page: our Programme for 2026 is below. We hope you will find something of interest and look forward to welcoming you to our ongoing programme of meetings.

Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month - 10am to 12noon at:

Rolleston Club, Burnside, Rolleston on Dove. DE13 9DN

There is plenty of free parking at the side and to the rear of the club.

Welcome everyone to the 2026 Antiquarian Talks

27th May - Danny Wells: "The Gothic Revival in Staffordshire"

24th June - Martyn Hall: "The Coming of The Tudors"

22nd July - Dr Charlotte Ball: "To Be Confirmed"

26th August - Richard Stone: "The Goodwin Family Part 1" - see below!

23rd September - David Templeman: "Mary, Queen of Scots"

28th October - Richard Stone: "The Goodwin Family Part 2" - see below!

25th November - Richard Stone: "The Goodwin Family Part 3" - see below!

There is still no meeting in December - enjoy Christmas!

Please note: the Antiquarian Group programme may deviate from the above.

The topics for the "Antiquarian Group" are very varied as you can see from the programme of talks above. Our focus is usually on history pre-1750, although, where appropriate, talks will bring us up to the present time in order to complete the picture.

The Goodwin Family: The story of three generations of one of the great noble families of 11th Century England, from the dramatic rise of authority and influence of Earl Goodwin of Wessex, to King Harold and his sons, and their equally spectacular fall from power in the wake of the Norman Conquest.

There is a £2 charge for meetings where we have an external speaker, in order to cover additional costs. Please bring the correct amount to put into our collection box and make sure you have your name checked off at the front desk. There should hopefully be some change if you really cannot get hold of the right amount.

Our meetings last for about 2 hours. Teas and coffees can be ordered at the beginning of the session (tea currently £1.85, coffee currently £1.95) and will be brought through from the cafe for the interval, but people are still welcome to bring their own refreshments to enjoy in the break. Thank you!

We are a friendly and enthusiastic bunch always making new members very welcome. If any of the above interests you, come along and make yourself known to Gill, who looks after the group, or click on one of the email links above for more information.