Talks

Ashtead and Leatherhead Probus
Talks

9 times a year we have a talk on a topic of general interest.

Take a look through the upcoming events and for a full idea of the subjects covered, view our “Past Talks”

Future Talks

The Chinese Ministry of State Security – what is it doing in the UK and the West?

Meeting date:
19 January, 2026
Presenter:
Rupert Allason (the author Nigel West)
Details:
Nigel West is an author who has concentrated on security and intelligence issues. The Sunday Times has commented: “His information is so precise that many people believe he is the unofficial historian of the secret services. He has been a frequent speaker at intelligence seminars and has lectured at both the KGB headquarters in Dzerzhinsky Square, Moscow; and at the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. He continues to lecture to members of the intelligence community at the Centre for Counterintelligence and Security Studies in Washington, D.C

The Wars of the Roses

Meeting date:
16 February, 2026
Presenter:
Steve Bird
Details:
The Wars of the Roses - everyone has heard of them. We know that they began in a rose garden and ended with the Tudors on the throne, but few can tell you what caused them and what happened during them. This talk will enlighten us.

A Solo walk across Africa

Meeting date:
16 March, 2026
Presenter:
Fran Sandham

Cyber Security – Insights and Warnings

Meeting date:
20 April, 2026
Presenter:
Daniel Sykes (Surrey Police)

The New Iron Age – a short history of blacksmithing and the work of the Fire & Iron Gallery

Meeting date:
18 May, 2026
Presenter:
Lucy Quinnell

Summer Lunch

Meeting date:
15 June, 2026
Details:
No Talk

The Big Stink – how Victorian London’s sewer system was created

Meeting date:
20 July, 2026
Presenter:
Roger Mendham

The Cheapside Hoard

Meeting date:
17 August, 2026
Presenter:
Stephen Chater

Cuba, the Mafia Years

Meeting date:
21 September, 2026
Presenter:
Iain Kennedy

Annual General Meeting

Meeting date:
19 October, 2026
Details:
No talk

The Aristocrat, the Able Seaman & the tragic sinking of RMS Titanic

Meeting date:
16 November, 2026
Presenter:
Angela Young

Christmas Lunch

Meeting date:
21 December, 2026
Presenter:
No talk

Past Talks