As the secretary of the Berkshire Industrial Archaeology Group (BIAG), Jo Alexander-Jones often gets asked 'so what IS Industrial Archaeology?'. In this light-hearted talk she will explain how the field developed with examples across the country.

This talk is on the development of fighter aircraft from the Wright Brothers first flight in 1903 up to the first World War.

It covers

Before 1909, there were no purpose-built automobile racing tracks in the world. All racing was carried out on normal roads. Hugh Fortesque Locke King decided to build the first track on his estate at Brooklands. The building virtually bankrupted him and certainly put a strain on his health. Brooklands also became the birthplace of British aviation, with some of the most famous innovators and flyers basing themselves there.

Following the recommendation of Dr Nina Baker (OBE!) after her talk on "Wind Tunnels and Slide Rules: Women Engineers of the Royal Aircraft Establishment Farnborough" last year, we're going to join a public tour of the FAST wind tunnel. (And maybe meet for lunch before?).

Vist organised by Gareth Hayton.

More details at  https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/keymer-handmade-clay-roof-tiles-wienerberger-factory-tour.html

If you'd like to join us, please book for the 11AM tour and email chairman@sihg.org.uk  

Date TBC.Details to follow

Zoom registration details to follow

As Britain faced the threat of Nazi invasion it became clear our Airforce was outnumbered 4:1; so the British Government turned to scientists for a solution. They asked for a “Death Ray”, but what they got was even more advantageous.
This is the story of how two unlikely men and a mathematical formula changed the tide of the war.
They say truth is stranger than fiction. Indeed, it was here.

A welcome return for "Guy in the Sky", who gave us a brilliant talk on Concorde last year.

More details to follow