At the February meeting John Tedstone described the history and development of Battersea Power Station, an Art Deco landmark on the Thames.
It once powered a fifth of London. Its iconic chimneys made it a cultural symbol, appearing in films and album covers. After decades of dereliction, it’s now a vibrant hub of homes, shops, leisure, and restored industrial heritage, blending past and present. John then concluded by comparing electrical energy sources between the 1950s and today.
We then went back in time to Shropshire, Coalbrookdale and the Iron Bridge which sit at the heart of the Industrial Revolution. Coalbrookdale’s pioneering ironworks powered new technologies, while the Iron Bridge, opened in 1779, became the world’s first cast‑iron bridge. Together they transformed engineering, reshaped global industry, and remain striking symbols of human ingenuity in the Severn Gorge.
Finally, we thank the 5 members who gave their ‘3-minute talks’ about the invention of:
Smoke alarms, pacemakers, wheelie bins, credit cards and the tin opener.
20th March Meeting
Jolanta has prepared a very interesting presentation about the discovery and development of radioactivity with a focus on the work and life of Marie Curie.
There will be time for more ‘3-minute’talks after the interval and contributions from willing volunteers will be most welcome.
David Rose