The Coalville Heritage Society will be hosting a series of winter talks relating to fascinating stories from the town and the surrounding area.

The talks, given by local specialists and enthusiasts, are every second Wednesday of the month at the Ebeneezer Baptist Church on Ashby Road, Coalville LE67 3LF - and they will begin from October 11.

The season starts with 'The Life of Bryan', not a retelling of the Monty Python film, but an insight into the life of a local miner, Bryan Hallam.

He will tell his story of working in a clay mine in South Derbyshire in the 1960s and later in the local coalmines where he finished as a mine deputy in the 1980s before his retirement from a local quarry.

Bryan is followed on November 8 by Sandra Moore, who will tell the story of some of the 'residents' of Belgrave Cemetery, which includes some notable Coalville people.

Sandra's talks are entertaining and tell the story in period costume as the Victorian, Miss Elizabeth Goodwin, herself a 'resident' at Belgrave cemetery.

The season continues with an update of local research and stories on December 13.

A local film selected by Keith Pare is showing on January 10 and 'History of Ravenstone Hospital and Almshouses' by local historian Mary Danaher is on February 14.

The 'Mystery of the Lost Coalville Coalmine' by Stuart Warburton is on March 13 and the 'History of Games Keeping' by Karen Kreft features on April 10.

Steve Duckworth, Chairman of the Coalville Heritage Society said: "We are really excited about this season talks which will be an entertaining way of telling the many stories of our local heritage.

"With an actor playing the role of historic character, a film show of often unseen films of the area, and notable local history researchers.

"The Society is a friendly lot, and no doubt newcomers will make new friends and hopefully go away entertained and enlightened."

A full list and titles of the talks are;

2023

October 11th The Life of Bryan – Reminiscences of a Coalminer – Bryan Hallam.

November 8th Tales of Belgrave Cemetery – Sandra Moore.

December 13th Christmas Party and Members Contribution Night.

2024

January 10th Local Coalville Films with Keith Parr.

February 14th History of Ravenstone Hospital and Almshouses – Mary Danaher.

March 13th Mystery of the Lost Coalville Coalmine – Stuart Warburton.

April 10th History of Game Keeping – Karen Kreft.

The talks are open to everyone and are all illustrated.

They start at 7.30 and are free to members of the Coalville Heritage Society or £3.00 per talk for non-members.

Non-members can join the Society at any of the talks.

For further information click HERE or contact the Coalville Heritage Society on [email protected].