Wednesday 8th January 2025 at 2pm.

Free for members. £4 for non-members.

A talk by Dr Louis Halewood, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business at the University of Plymouth.

During the First World War, the British and American navies worked closely together to defeat Germany's U-boat campaign. The end of the conflict in 1918 sparked hopes for a new era of international naval co-operation, rather than competition. However, when the senior officers of the Royal Navy and the United States Navy met at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, their respective ambitions to be the world's most powerful navy threatened to overturn their wartime relationship and prompt the start of a new dangerous rivalry at sea. 

This talk explores this event - later referred to as the 'Naval Battle of Paris' - and explains its causes and outcome, while reflecting on its continued significance in the Anglo-American relationship today.   

Wednesday 22nd January 2025 at 2pm.

£4 for members. £8 for non-members.

This illustrated presentation will tell the story of the talented Brunel family; not just Isambard, but also his father Marc Brunel (pictured). Through tireless endeavour they produced some world class achievements.

A talk by Gloria Dixon, Chair and Secretary of the Old Plymouth Society.

Tuesday 28th January 2025: 10.30am - 12.30pm

This repeat workshop will be run by PPL trustee Louise Kingdom. It will combine traditional book-making techniques with modern materials to create a unique notebook, ideal as a gift.

Participants will make their own sturdy and pretty covers, and learn how to hand-stitch pages using the coptic binding method. This ancient binding method technique results in books that lie flat when open making them perfect for sketching, recipes, journals, study notes, etc.

Suitable for complete beginners.

All materials provided and refreshments included. 

Takeaway kits can be bought at the event in order to make a second book at home.

Saturday 1st February 2025 at 2pm.

FREE for all.

A free performance by Script-in-Hand Theatre of original works by local writers, exploring the theme "Who is My Neighbour?" in the city. 

Curated by Jenny and Paul Shyrane. Retiring donations welcomed for Plymouth charities working with the vulnerable, needy and lonely.

Wednesday 26th February 2025 at 2pm.

£4 for members. £8 for non-members.

A small number of Plymouth's independent stores have survived into the twenty first century, amongst them Lawsons, although they have now given up their store in Plymouth City Centre and these days can only be found in Ivybridge, Tavistock and Totnes. Goulds, who found life increasingly difficult with competition from companies such as Blacks, Cotswold and Go Outdoors, finally ceased trading recently. Other shops, such as Costers, Tozers, Boolds and Moons, disappeared from the high street many years ago but are remembered fondly by many locals.

This illustrated talk by Alan Bricknell looks at the history of each of these six companies, and ends with a brief look at the history of Plymouth Co-operative. 

Wednesday 12th March 2025 at 2pm.

£4 for members. £8 for non-members.

Join Emma Laws, Librarian at Exeter Cathedral, to hear the story of Exeter Cathedral Library and its collections from its foundation under Bishop Leofric in the 11th century to the 21st century modern research library.

Wednesday 26th March 2025 at 2pm.

£4 for members. £8 for non-members.

This illustrated talk by David Elliott tells the tale of the British Navy's first defeat for one hundred years (since Trafalgar times) off Coronel on the coast of Chile in November 1914. 

Just 38 days later, a comprehensive victory over the German East Asian Squadron off Falkland restored the belief that "Britain Ruled the Waves".

Wednesday 9th April 2025 at 2pm.

£4 for members. £8 for non-members.

Karen Moore is an independent heritage researcher and member of the Plymouth Community Heritage Network. She is a Postgraduate in Social History - her specialism being her hometown of Plymouth, particularly swimming in the region. Karen will share with us some of her ongoing research.

Wednesday 23rd April 2025 at 2pm.

£4 for members. £8 for non-members.

Local historian Richard Fisher returns to the PPL following his talk in 2024 on our local area. Richard has spent many years researching Stonehouse which will be the subject of this illustrated talk.