Camberwell Talks Autumn 2025

Back to our Roots: Roy Vickery

GROVE HOUSE TAVERN, 26 CAMBERWELL GROVE, SE5 8RE
MONDAY 6 OCTOBER, 7PM

CLICK HERE TO BOOK FOR ROY VICKERY TALK

Legendary botanist Roy Vickery of Plant-Lore reveals the fascinating history of plants, from folklore and medicine to the weeds of Camberwell streets

Roy shares his 40 years of botanical expertise and his encyclopaedic knowledge of plants and their place in folklore and medicine! He will have us looking again at the weeds on Camberwell’s streets, enriching our understanding of the vegetation around us.

Roy Vickery spent 42 years at the Natural History Museum and has served as President of the South London Botanical Institute and vice-president of the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. He has a passionate interest in plant folklore and has written extensively about the natural world, from the mighty oak to the humble nettle. Roy is a true expert in what plants mean to people - the stories and the superstitions! His extensive Plant-Lore Archive covers all aspects of the folklore and traditional uses of plants.

Age Power! Elaine & Alex

THE CRYPT, ST GILES’ CHURCH, CAMBERWELL CHURCH ST, SE5 8RB

MONDAY 3 NOVEMBER, 7PM

Powerlifting champion Elaine Jackson, with coach Alex James Jackson, shares how it’s never too late to become the ‘strongest woman’.

Elaine Jackson, 55, is the strongest woman in her Masters category in Britain. In just four years, she has gone from complete beginner to British Nationals gold and Commonwealth silver, proving you can discover your strength at any age - as she has done in her 50s.

A Camberwell local for 30 years, she has lived many lives – from fashion and theatre, to touring with Pavarotti. But a cancer recovery set her on a path to powerlifting, where she found resilience, empowerment and community.

Her coach Alex James Jackson, 25, represents a new generation of coaches transforming the sport. With more women and older lifters than ever before, powerlifting is breaking stereotypes. For Alex, coaching Elaine is a lesson in positivity and determination: ‘She can work a 12-hour day and still head to the gym – always with a smile.’

Together, Elaine and Alex will talk about:
• Finding strength at any stage of life
• Overcoming setbacks with resilience
• Shattering stereotypes in sport and beyond
• How powerlifting can transform body, mind, and outlook

A Camberwell Career: Justin Webb

THE CRYPT, ST GILES’ CHURCH, CAMBERWELL CHURCH ST, SE5 8RB

MONDAY 1 DECEMBER, 7PM

BBC journalist Justin Webb reflects on his remarkable 40-year career, and how his life has been shaped by Camberwell.

Justin Webb is one of the BBC’s most familiar voices. Since joining the BBC in 1984, he has held roles as a foreign affairs correspondent, presenter of Breakfast News, Europe correspondent, Washington correspondent, and from 2001 to 2009, North America Editor. Since August 2009, he has co‑presented the Today programme on Radio 4 and he also co‑hosts the Americast podcast.

A long‑time resident of Camberwell, Justin brings keen insight into both journalism and community. In this special talk, he will discuss growing up, his career spanning four decades, and how living in Camberwell has shaped him personally and professionally.