“Peter Kemmis Betty was a young officer serving in the 2nd King Edward VII’s Own Gurkha Rifles when he was captured by the Japanese in 1942”

“The Women Who Went Round the World sets the record straight, telling the stories of pioneering women and their extraordinary journeys around the globe. From sleeping with freshly cut heads in Sarawak to travelling through Siberia in the luggage cart of a rickety train, from welcoming an Aboriginal Australian into an eighteenth-century London home to being chased by a jeering mob in rural China, these are the tales of the remarkable women who’ve been missing from the history books … until now.”

“Vikings (Varangians) profoundly shaped Russia and Ukraine by founding the first East Slavic state, Kievan Rus’, in the 9th century, establishing trade routes (like the “Route from the Varangians to the Greeks”), introducing the name “Rus” (likely meaning “rowers”), uniting Slavic tribes under Scandinavian dynasties (like the Rurikids), and adopting Byzantine Christianity, laying foundations for both modern nations, though they gradually assimilated into the local Slavic culture.”

“SS Great Britain — 24th July 2026 (Marnie Rees)

The prefix “SS” stands for “Steam Ship” or “Screw Steamer.” It originated in the 19th century to identify vessels powered by steam engines, which were a significant advancement in maritime technology at the time. The SS prefix helped distinguish these faster, steam-powered ships from traditional sailing vessels.

Today, “SS” is often interpreted as “Single-Screw Ship,” referring to vessels equipped with a single propeller.”

West Country Myths and Legends

Wicked squires, naughty hill figures, mysterious footsteps in the snow and legendary floods…
Tony Painter seeks to explain some of these and other West Country mysteries in a light hearted illustrated talk.

Dilton Marsh Memorial Hall
Friday 30th January at 7.30pm
Admission £4.00 non-members, £2.00 members
All welcome
www.diltonmarshhistory.org