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Tech Group visits Grenfell

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Wednesday’s talk was given by John Joyce (BA) who talked about all aspects of the Grenfell Towers incident. A very comprehensive presentation covered the incident itself, previous issues with similar buildings, building materials, council  issues and the inquiry.

He also gave detailed information on the outcomes of findings within all the industries and services involved including significant changes to legislation, likely to affect all construction in the future.

The presentation was broken down into 5 key areas:

  • Grenfell summary
  • Construction sector
  • BSA summary
  • Grenfell today
  • What next for the fire industry ?

Our thanks to John and to Steve for inviting him to the group.

Further reading can be found in these links:

The Grenfell tower inquiry
The Hackitt Report
Grenfell – BBC podcast
Show me the bodies

Next month we will be looking at Luca Turin (11th) and plague (25th)

Quarry Bank Mill – Thursday 26/6/25

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Arrangements are in hand to visit the above Mill, built by Samuel Greg in 1784. In 1820 a new Mill was added which created space for more spinning and carding machines.  300 workers were operating 1000 spindles. New scutching room , steam engines and boiler room were added in the 19th century. There is Quarry Bank House , the Apprentice House, which housed as many as 90 children as young as eight years old packed in together, all available to visit. There are extensive gardens which incorporate natural and industrial features side by side to create drama and interest There is a cafe on site where members can purchase refreshments for lunch. Return coach travel from Maghull Square , Cost is £21 for National Trust and £41 for non members (join prior to trip and it is only £21) See George or Jeff at AFF desk or text George on 07826 048379

Book Club 2 Latest Review

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Britt Marie was Here

Ten members of Book Club 2 met on Friday May 9th to discuss the book ‘Britt Marie was Here’ by Fredrik Backman, the New York Times best selling Swedish author. Once again we had a lively discussion as opinions ranged from hating the book to loving it. Britt Marie finds herself alone after years of an oppressive marriage and we are led inside her mind as she gradually breaks out of the shackles of her childhood and thoughtless mistreatment as a wife. She is set free by her chance employment in a depressed town, which itself comes to life by its contact with her.
Our average score was eight, and we can recommend it as a book that’s not easy to get into but with perseverance becomes very absorbing, with lots of humour , sympathetic characterisation ( and some pleasing references to Liverpool Football Club! )