T&S lights up the skies

How opportune was the talk last week on ‘sunspot maxima’?  The presentation was designed to be topical and we were brought up to date on the history and science of sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections only to experience a massive CME over the following days ending with spectacular auroral display on Friday and Saturday nights if you were in the right place !

Click here for some amazing images.

2025 is guestimated to be the next ‘sunspot maxima’ year in the current cycle. If you are interested then you might sign up for AuroraWatch at Lancaster University.

If you are interested in all things Technology and Science then please come along to our next meeting on Wednesday 22 May where we uncover Derby Park.

If you would like to read the ‘solar maximum’ for a copy presentation then please ask via the ‘comments’ section of the T&S web page.

NEW DAY TRIP

Today we will be visiting the lovely town of Buxton, a town whose history is shaped by water . Specifically we are visiting the Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience which reveals the story of a special spa town and the renowned water set in the recent multi million pound restoration of the Grade 1 Georgian Crescent. For hundreds of years visitors have travelled here to drink and bathe in the mineral waters.  We will have a guided tour, take a virtual reality hot air balloon flight over Buxton, and rub shoulders with the Regency high society at a glamorous ball before having our ailments cured by the l8thC Apothecary. Follow the rain water journey from the Peak District Hills and find out why it emerges warm from the springs beneath the Crescent. Even a souvenir bottle to take home with you. We will also visit the Pump Room. Plenty of coffee shops etc in the area and we are very close to the lovely Pavilion Gardens. Then we are off to Hayfield, a lovely village, where we can visit their wonderful Well Dressings. Widely regarded as the best together with Tissington. This is a custom only to be found in Derbyshire and some of the Staffordshire Border. Pictures are made by local people from flower petals, sticks, stones etc. which are then pressed into damp clay. The origins  are lost in the mists of time but are thought to stem from the plague and the need to protect the water.

WHEN? Monday lst July 2024. Dep.8.30am Ret.6pm. Price: £27 inc.the Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience. Seats will be on sale at our table on Tuesday 14th May 2024.

Philosphy – Free will !

PHILOSOPHY MAY 15 2024

Our topic this month is Free Will. I think this will involve some good debate.

Do we have free will?  How far does Society, Culture etc restrict our free will and much more

Everybody is welcome to come and enjoy. No Philosophy knowledge needed, just listen and join in if you wish or not.

Kensington House Station Road 2.30 pm. Contact  Tony Snape 07753 423075.
antsnape@googlemail.com

Theatre Group

Chorus: Line There are still tickets available for Chorus Line at the Lowry on Saturday 27th July at 2.00pm. The tickets are £49.00 and transport will be available for around £18.50. Please come to the theatre desk to book your place. The bus will leave at around 10.00 am, arriving in Manchester early enough to do some shopping and have your lunch before the performance.