Thursday Morning Talks - January - March 2026 Series - Multiple Dates

Thursday Morning Talks

Thursday 15 January - Thursday 26 March 2026

10.30am – 12pm - Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

£3.50 per talk, including refreshments.

Join us for a series of engaging talks covering a wide range of topics, including local history, cultural heritage, notable figures, and the evolution of our communities. Whether you're curious about the past, passionate about storytelling, or simply enjoy learning something new, these sessions offer something for everyone. Delivered by knowledgeable speakers in a friendly and welcoming setting, each talk invites you to explore stories that have shaped our local identity and continue to inspire us today.

Thursday 15 January

The Post Office – Britain’s First Intelligence Network

Speaker: Philomena Liggins

Discover a fascinating story of intrigue, intercepts, and inventions. In the name of national security—and perhaps a touch of self-preservation—spymasters enlisted the services of the Post Office to aid their efforts. From Tudor Postmasters and Cromwell’s “Secret Office” to the codebreakers of Bletchley Park, this talk uncovers how Britain’s postal system became an unlikely cornerstone of intelligence. There’s something for everyone in this captivating journey through history.

Thursday 29 January

When Terror Came to Parliament

Speaker: Fay Tennet

Fay served as Deputy Director of Security Operations at the Houses of Parliament, UK. She was on duty the day of the Westminster terror attack, during which six people lost their lives and 29 were injured. In this compelling talk, Fay recounts the events of that tragic day—when Parliament was suspended—and shares insights into the immediate response and the aftermath.

What happens when the worst happens? Join us to hear a powerful, first-hand account of resilience, crisis management, and the human impact of a national emergency.

Thursday 12 February

History of Theatre in Northampton until 1927

Speaker: Roger Smart

Roger Smart explores the colourful—and at times inflammatory—history of theatre in Northampton. The drama begins in the 10th century and concludes in 1927 with the formation of a permanent repertory company at the Theatre Royal.

Join us for a lively journey through centuries of theatrical evolution.

Thursday 26 February

Call of the Nightingale

Speaker: Nick Penny

Following his captivating talk on kingfishers along the River Nene last year, Nick returns to share his experiences with Northamptonshire’s nightingales. This unique presentation combines nature and music, as Nick performs live on harp and handpan, accompanying birdsong recordings he has made himself.

Join us for a morning of storytelling, sound, and the magic of the natural world.

Thursday 12 March

A Pansy Resting on its Laurels: Reminiscences of a Military Intelligence Operator

Speaker: Joseph Lindsay

Joseph Lindsay’s military career spanned nearly thirty years. Originally serving in the infantry, he spent two decades as a Military Intelligence operator.

This is a human story of ordinary people doing an extraordinary job, offering the audience a rare and intriguing insight into the world of Military Intelligence.

Thursday 26 March

When the Landships Came to Town

Speaker: Helen Frost

Discover the incredible story of the 'Tank Banks'—a nationwide campaign to raise funds for the war effort through investments in War Bonds and War Savings Certificates.Learn how these mighty machines stirred excitement as they toured towns and cities across the country. With a special focus on Northampton’s own Tank Week, Helen shares what happened when ‘Ole Bill’ rolled into the Market Square.

You can purchase a series ticket for all six talks for £17.50 (+ Eventbrite booking fee).

Tickets are also available to purchase from the museum direct, either in person of by calling 01604 526322, Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm and Sundays 12-5pm.