Lectures

All lectures are free to Civic Society members. Non members are welcome to attend for an entrance fee of £4.00

2026

Coming up…

Friday 20 February, 7:30pm, Joseph Wright Hall
Internetty – A Barton Success Story
Sarah White
This talk tells the story of how a Barton based company identified a gap in local connectivity, overcame rural infrastructure challenges, and delivered full-fibre broadband to the community. It explores the importance of local enterprise, long-term investment, and how improved digital infrastructure can support homes, businesses, and the future of rural towns.

Friday 20 March, 7:30pm, Joseph Wright Hall
Lancasters, Lincolnshire and the International Bomber Command Centre
Air Vice-Marshal Paul Robinson
During his illustrated presentation, Paul will outline Bomber Command’s history and focus on its impact during the Second World War, highlighting the skill, achievements and heroism of its air and ground crews. He will show how important it is for Lincolnshire to host a fitting memorial to commemorate their sacrifice, recognise the suffering experienced, and reconcile both sides of the conflict.

Friday 17 April, 7:30pm, Joseph Wright Hall
Archaeological Aerial Photography in North Lincolnshire
Simon Thompson
Simon Tomson and Chris Belton are private fliers who fly in Lincolnshire recording archaeology from the air, looking for new sites as well as recording the known heritage.

Saturday 16 May, 7:00pm, Baysgarth Park
Tree Trail at Baysgarth Park
Liz Bennet
Join us at Baysgarth Park where Liz Bennet will provide a guided tour covering 300 years of Baysgarth Park through the most significant trees.

Friday 19 June, 7:30pm, Joseph Wright Hall
The Life and Artwork of Reuben Chappell
Alex Ombler
This talk explores the life and art of the Goole born ‘Pierhead Painter’ Reuben Chappell (1870-1940). Painting portraits of ships for sailors arriving in the port of Goole, Chappell spent his days on the quaysides, gaining commissions and sketching ships, which he would paint in his home studio.

Friday 17 July, 8pm, Joseph Wright Hall
(following the Society’s AGM at 7.30pm and a short refreshment break)
Behind the Scaffolding: The story so far at Baysgarth House
Liz Bennet
Following the AGM join Project Manager Liz Bennet for an insider’s look at the transformation of one of Barton’s most treasured landmarks. With Phase One of the ambitious three-stage renovation now complete, Liz shares the triumphs, surprises, and challenges uncovered along the way—from unexpected discoveries in the walls to the delicate dance of heritage and modernity.

Friday 18 September, 7:30pm, Joseph Wright Hall
Toil & Trouble: Magic in Roman Britain
Dr Adam Parker
Dr Adam Parker (Yorkshire Museum / Open University, and Barton resident) will introduce the weird and wonderful world of magic in Roman Britain: Protective charms & amulets, arcane magical words, and powerful curses.

Heritage Open Days will return 11-20 September 2026

Friday 16 October, 2pm*, Joseph Wright Hall
Revolution and Resilience in Lincolnshire: Rex Russell’s Life in Teaching
Keith Miller
Keith Miller, local historian and former regional English Heritage Inspector of Historic Buildings and Monuments, explores the Lincolnshire work of Rex Russell, Barton’s most famous historian. The talk will survey Rex’s great body of work, where he and his many local history groups explored how revolutionary changes in the economy and society of 18th and 19th century Lincolnshire affected people’s lives, and how rural and urban communities worked to alleviate or resist these new economic and social pressures. Keith, a friend and former teaching colleague of Rex, looks at how Rex’s values, ideals and artistic talents were reflected in his work.

Friday 20 November, 2pm*, Joseph Wright Hall
The Evolution of the Enclosures in Barton
Andrew Robinson
In our final lecture of 2026, Andrew Robinson will discuss the life and works of Rex Russell where he will look at the research and writing of the Enclosure movement in Lincolnshire. Andrew will look at the effects of the Enclosure on the modern-day landscape.