We had our first ‘Meeting in the Pub’ in February, in the Unicorn, Lower Corve Street, Ludlow. This informal meeting involved a free-wheeling discussion on various topics in the news: – the situation in Palestine, is it resolvable? – the recent death of Diane Munday, a Humanist campaigner very instrumental in getting the Abortion Act passed in 1967. We also discussed books some of us had read, including Primo Levi & The Periodic Table, leading to a discussion on quantum physics & chemistry, & Tom Leher’s songs, among other things…
Next meeting
Join us again, in the Unicorn, at 7:30 pm, on Tuesday March 17th. Bring your own topic (or book) you’d like to discuss. Humanists tend to be interested in most things, and we’re a friendly bunch, especially after a drink or two. You may learn something or teach us something, enjoy it.
Here’s an update from Malcolm Rochefort, Chair of Ludlow and Marches Humanists, about the group’s social plans for the year ahead.
Lunch at the Charlton Arms, January 2026
Dear Friends,
As you probably know, we have stopped arranging formal talks this year, but we do intend to continue with informal meetings, allowing everyone to chat and keep in touch. Also, Neil has kindly agreed to continue maintaining the web site, so check that out.
I think all of you who came to the January lunch at the Charlton Arms enjoyed the chat, food and great views of the Teme in (almost) full flood (see attached). Luckily the rain had eased off temporarily, so the river was still dramatic, but not at immediate risk to those living nearby. And the Charlton does enable very good views along with good food and ambience.
Looking out over the River Teme in full flow
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 17th February, at 7:30 pm at the Grade II listed pub, The Unicorn, 66, Lower Corve Street, Ludlow SY8 1DU. We’ve reserved the snug area at the back of the pub, which should be quieter, though without the impressive log fire in the front. We have no fixed agenda, but I’ll bring along some topics that we might want to discuss, and please feel free to bring along your own. We can stay as long as we like (the pub closes at 11 pm!), it’s up to you. We’ll probably leave by about 9:30 as we’ve the unenviable drive back over the hill through Mortimer Forest to get home, dodging the deer.
We’re planning to continue these meetings monthly on the third Tuesday of the month, so after the February meeting, the next one will be on Tuesday, March 17th, also at the Unicorn, which has been pre-booked.
All ideas for future meetings/events/activities welcomed.
Ludlow and Marches Humanists will be laying a wreath
Remembrance Sunday Civic Service is on Sunday 9th November 2025.
Ludlow and Marches Humanists will be laying a wreath at the Peace Memorial during the ceremony. Participants have been asked to arrive by 10:40 a.m. at the Market Square, Ludlow.
A talk by Jeffery Rodell, Dialogue Officer for Humanists UK
Jeremy will explore some of the big questions currently exercising Western Liberal Democracies:
What’s really going on in our religion and belief landscape? Is there a Christian revival? What about religious nationalism? How can humanists make a positive contribution?
Tuesday 21st October 2025 7.30 p.m.
At the Ludlow Quaker Meeting House St. Mary’s Lane, Ludlow, SY8 1DZ
A talk by Ian Jefferson, a retired paediatric endocrinologist
We’re familiar with the rhyme suggesting that boys and girls are made from different things – pleasant (girls) or unpleasant (boys)! In reality, just how do these differences come about? Ian will explain about the mechanisms of sex differentiation, how to manage clinical problems and ethical decision making.
Tuesday 16th September 2025 7.30 p.m.
At the Ludlow Quaker Meeting House St. Mary’s Lane, Ludlow, SY8 1DZ
Bernard is a retired civil engineer who lived and worked in Bristol for some years. His children attended a school named after Edward Colston and Bernard went to concerts at the Colston Hall. It wasn’t until later years that Bernard, like many other people, became aware of where Colston’s and much of Bristol’s wealth came from.
Tuesday 15th April 2025 7.30 p.m.
At the Ludlow Quaker Meeting House St. Mary’s Lane, Ludlow, SY8 1DZ
The event will explore how the Fairtrade movement has evolved over the years locally, nationally and globally. Liz and Sylvia will also lead discussion on the movement’s current campaigns, and what we can do – individually and collectively – to advance trade justice for farmers and workers, and climate justice for all.
There will be a small stall of Fairtrade goods for you to browse and make a purchase if you wish. (Cash or card accepted)
Tuesday 18th March 2025 7.30 p.m.
At the Ludlow Quaker Meeting House St. Mary’s Lane, Ludlow, SY8 1DZ
We had a very enjoyable New Year’s lunch at The Charlton Arms in January. Lots of interesting conversations and good food. Many thanks to Linda Senior for organising it.
Most of us have a drive to do at least some good in the world, but are we doing as much as we could? Effective Altruism is focused on using evidence and reason to understand the best ways to make a positive impact: why it matters, how it works, and some tips and ideas – big and small – for how you can make the world a better place.
Tuesday 18th February 2025 7.30 p.m.
At the Ludlow Quaker Meeting House St. Mary’s Lane, Ludlow, SY8 1DZ
