Torquay Museum lecture programme includes morris dancing and the physics of piracy

David Wills, president of Torquay Museum Society:

What does morris dancing have in common with the physics of piracy?

It’s not the start of some terrible joke, the answer is that they are all upcoming talks in Torquay Museum Society's new autumn / winter lecture programme.

In the society’s new season, there is an exciting selection of talks covered which will cater for a variety of tastes, sometimes on topics you never knew that you were interested in.

Have you ever wondered how rainforests are organised? Did you know that hornets are gentle giants? Or that Devon is a county of bridges? Have you ever pondered the theories of global glaciation? Or knew that Devon's most-prolific author, at a staggering 220 novels, was Eden Philpotts?

We can guarantee that you will know more than you went in with, which is always handy at the very least for that next pub quiz!

Some of the highlights of the programme include Phil Badcott taking us through the ups and downs of Devon's favourite soldier Sir Walter Raleigh on November 15. You will be surprised at his incredible achievements.

Graham Sclater will be telling us about the notorious Dartmoor Prison in the Napoleonic period and its American Prisoners of War on November 22.

Behind the scenes with Dartmoor's Search and Rescue team will be the subject of Alan Pewsey’s talk on January 10, and nautical engineer and thespian Dr Jonty Depp of Britannia Royal Naval College will be taking us on a unique journey through piracy and physics, asking do pirate movies get the science right? And why do they need all that gold?

Also, do not miss a fascinating insight into award-winning film director Ashley Thorpe's career on January 18.

For a festive feel, astronomer Dave Norman will be examining the myths and realities of the Christmas Star on December 13.

Torquay Museum Society has an incredibly long history.

It was formed in 1844 as the Torquay Natural History Society.

By 1875, it had raised enough money to build Torquay Museum, where the society is still based and holds its varied and entertaining lectures.

Famous members of the society include Max Mallowan, husband of world famous writer Agatha Christie and founder, William Pengelly, pioneering archaeologist and excavator of Kents Cavern.

Run by a group of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers, it remains one of the country’s oldest learned societies.

Lectures take place twice weekly on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10.45am in Torquay Museum's Pengelly Hall, with its state-of-the-art projector and comfortable tiered theatre-style seating.

Entry is £5 per talk for visitors, or free if you are a member of Torquay Museum Society.

The cafe will also be open for tea and coffee beforehand and lunches afterwards.

For the full lecture programme or for more information, visit www.torquaymuseum.org.

Copies of the lecture programme can also be obtained from the museum and Torbay Libraries.

A warm and friendly welcome awaits for everyone!