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Banner commemorating Alford Gardner (1926 - 2024) at the Reginald Centre, Chapeltown
Remembrance Day events
Alford Gardner Commemoration
November 11, during opening hours, Reginald Centre
Visit our Reginald Centre library to pay your respects to the life and achievements of Alford Gardner, a Jamaican-born emigrant to Leeds, co-founder of the first Caribbean cricket club in Britain, and Royal Air Force engineer and mechanic during World War II. A Book of Remembrance is available at the library for you to leave your thoughts, memories, and gratitude for Alford.
Free, drop in during opening hours.
Leeds during the Second World War
November 11, 5pm, Crossgates Library (in Crossgates Shopping Centre)
Join Bob and Jacki Lawrence from East Leeds History and Archaeology Society, for this illustrated talk as part of Remembrance Day.
The Second World War affected the general populations of countries worldwide more than any other war in history. Bob & Jacki look at the effects this terrible war had on the city of Leeds, and how its citizens, its businesses, and the general administration of the city responded to the situation. The presentation will spark memories for some and show others the reality of living through such a conflict.
Free, booking required.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
November 12, 1.30pm, Yeadon Community Hub and Library
Would you like to find out about war graves and the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission? The CWGC aims to commemorate those who have died in service as a result of conflict so that they are remembered forever.
Come along to a free talk and hear about the work of the CWGC.
Free, booking required.
Other local history talks and tours
Chris Nickson - Them Without Pain
November 12, 6.30pm, Farsley Library
Join Leeds author Chris Nickson for a discussion of his new novel Them Without Pain. The latest of Chris’ historical, Leeds-based crime novels, Them Without Pain is inspired by the story of Arthur Mangey, a goldsmith who made the Leeds Mace in 1696 and was hanged for treason two years later. The evidence was flimsy, his accuser of dubious reputation… Delve into the world of this lesser-known Leeds tale as Chris talks about the inspiration for his new novel, his writing process and of using Leeds as his creative backdrop in turning history into fiction.
Free, booking required.
Heritage Tours of Leeds Central Library
Various dates and times
Join us for an entertaining trip behind the scenes of our magnificent Grade II* listed building. Find out about the architecture, history and famous visitors, as well as visiting some secret corners! Tours last approximately 1 hour and leave from the ground floor atrium, outside the Lending department.
Tickets cost £5 and booking is required.
Family History events
Family History for Beginners Workshop
Various dates and times
Join us for this live and interactive version of our popular Family History workshop, for a friendly introduction to key concepts and resources for complete beginners.
Free, booking required.
Family History Consultation
Various dates and times
If you are having difficulty with your family history research then join our team of family history librarians at the Central Library for a free consultation: from first steps using Ancestry to more advanced queries, we're on hand to help.
Free, booking required.
Leeds Beckett University Cultural Conversations
Ageing, Apocalypse and Adaptation
November 21, 1pm, Central Library
Why is ageing so often viewed in apocalyptic terms for both individual, society and culture? We can see this in metaphors for ageing like the ‘silver tsunami’ and ‘demographic ticking time bomb’. Why do we associate older people with the past and children with the future? In this talk, Susan Watkins explores how we might challenge these narratives and replace them with ideas about ageing as adaptation. Making use of ideas about adaptation from cultural studies and humanities, the talk will focus on science fiction and fantasy fiction as rich sources for creative alternatives to apocalyptic visions of ageing futures.
Free, booking required.
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