Mid-Bucks (Aylesbury) u3a Monthly Meeting talks

16th July 2026 – Sara Shelby – 1976 – the year of equality in the Police

Sara Shelby is an ex Metropolitan Police Officer. She joined the Police Force in 1976. This was described as the ‘year of equality’. When Sara joined the Police only 3% of the employees were women. She was born in Islington and was posted locally to Bethnal Green in the East End. Since leaving the Police Force Sara has been a teacher, been in the prison service and has run her own business and much more. She also does gardens! We shall look forward to her particular insights.

20th August 2026 –  Richard Paver  –  Apollo Moon missions – the risks, the successes and the personalities that made it happen

Richard is a retired chartered surveyor who had a distinguished career with BP in the Oil and Gas business. He rose from a being a junior surveyor to the Global Head of Property. He was Vice President Global Real Estate when he finished his career in 2012. During his career Richard led many projects in various parts of the world including Singapore, Chicago, Houston, London, Angola and Azerbaijan.

Richard has had a lifelong interest in aviation and has used that, and his research skills to bring us a ‘behind the scenes’ discussion of some of the events and key people involved in the Apollo Moon missions. 

17th September 2026 – Dr Stephen Goss – Opulence, Innovation and Intrigue – the history of the Orient Express

Dr Stephen Goss is an academic historian who has been published in peer-review journals, and has been a popular speaker in local historical societies and community groups for 15 years. Talks from Stephen give history based on the highest standard of research and analysis, presented in an engaging, witty and enjoyable way. He tailors his talks to suit the audience and guarantees that we will be fascinated with the insights, and hear humorous anecdotes which will stay with us. We look forward to hearing from him.

15th October 2026 – Nigel Crompton – History of the British Fire Service

Nigel Crompton has been speaking for over 30 years on a range of subjects to many different and varied audiences. These include Rotary Clubs, Probus, Schools and different associations and special interest groups throughout the UK. At the age of 55 he was invited to go to University for the first time and gained a Masters Degree in British History, specializing in First World War Studies. During his career in the fire service he undertook many presentations on the development of the Fire Service and other emergency services. Nigel is based in Buckinghamshire, but has travelled widely not only researching but assisting with exhibitions and displays as well as giving talks.

The talk will follow the development of fire fighting from the earliest known forms through social changes, the industrial revolution, two world wars and up to the modern day situation. Nigel will also highlight the role of women in fire fighting especially during the Great War.