Events 2026
You don’t need to be a member of Derby Civic Society to join our events—everyone is welcome! Unless stated otherwise, all events are just £5.00 per person.
January 13th 7.30 - 9 pm
Chairman's Quiz- Ashley Waterhouse
Let's start the New Year with a bang. Our Chairman will be kicking off our social calendar with the Chairman's quiz.
February 10th 7.30 - 9 pm Seeking the Saxon Shore - Maxwell Craven
From the colossal surviving fort at Portchester in Hampshire to the empty, windswept site of Brancaster on the north Norfolk coast, Maxwell will be exploring these ancient sites. Copies of his book; 'Seeking the Saxon Shore: A Guide to the Coastal Forts of Roman Britain' will be available to purchase on the night.
March 10th 7.30 - 9 pm
Derby's Former Leisure Pursuits - Mike Wood
From outdoor sports to cultural pursuits, Mike will be providing a talk on the former leisure pursuits that have taken place in Derby.
March (TBC) 7.30 - 9 pm
ABCD Awards and The David Ling Award
Our "A Brighter City of Derby" Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to the built environment in Derby. These awards highlight new buildings, conservation efforts, and improvements to the public spaces, parks, and streets of Derby.
We will also be handing out certificates for the David Ling Award. An award for schools and pupils in recognition for improving their schools setting or environment.
April 14th - (Time TBC)
A Visit to The Grange
Formerly a a grand house and now a Freemason's Lodge, the Civic Society will be organising a visit to the Grange in Littleover.
May 12th 7.30 - 9 pm
Life as a Journalist - Zena Hawley
Zena is an award winning reporter and the agenda editor for Derbyshire Live, covering politics and education. She also covers Nottinghamshire County Council. Join Zena while she talks about life as a Journalist in Derby.
June 9th 7.30 - 9 pm
38 Year Journey through Royal Mail and Derby City Council - Michael Arnott M.B.E
A former postman, Michael was honoured in the New Years Honours List of 2003 for his volunteer work with schools and the local community. He'll be discussing his time with Royal Mail and the City Council.
July 14th 7.30 - 9 pm
Littleover Historical Society - Jan Dante
The Littleover Historical Society is a local history group dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Littleover, a village with Saxon/Roman roots. Hear about their activities and learn about the history of Littleover.
September 8th 7.30 - 9 pm
AGM with Guest Speaker Professor Chris Bussell
Following our AGM, Professor Chris Bussell will be our guest speaker. Chris is Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean for the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Derby. Chris provides the executive leadership for the College which is comprised of the School of Built and Natural Environment, the School of Computing and Engineering, and the School of Human Sciences. The College is the University’s focal point for STEM teaching, research and innovation.
October 13th 7.30 - 9 pm
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust - Dr Mark Knight
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has been working to protect wildlife and wild places for over 50 years. They are the county's leading nature conservation charity. They carry out conservation projects all over the county to protect and restore special landscapes and wildlife. The Trust is investing energy into farmland, gardens, parks, allotments, community areas, school grounds and even golf courses to make them into places that can support wildlife.
November 10th 7.30 - 9 pm
Derby Civic Defence in World War II - Ashley Waterhouse
Derby's Civil Defence during WW II involved widespread volunteer efforts, notably the massive recruitment for the Home Guard alongside vital Air Raid Precautions (ARP) like shelter management, rescue and casualty care. Messengers, ambulance drivers, heavy rescue teams and firefighters all proved essential to ARP. Almost 7,000 Civil Defence workers were killed during the war. Ashley will be providing a history of the work undertaken by these brave volunteers.
December 8th 7.30 - 9 pm
The Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre - Alan Grimadell
Founded in 1891 by Harry Sykes, The Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre (DCHS) provides vital seaside experiences for children whose families can't afford them. Operating from its base in Skegness with plans for future low-cost school stays and continued community support, Alan is the former Chairman of the charity and is now the Vice President and Ambassador. He will be providing a history of this fabulous charity.
A raffle will be included on the night.
Location of Our Talks
St Mary's Church Hall
Darley Lane
Derby
DE1 3AX
*Doors open from 7 pm