Leicester Secular Society Events

Most Leicester Secular Society (LSS) lectures and meetings are held at Secular Hall, 75 Humberstone Gate, Leicester LE1 1WB — All Welcome (exceptions are shown in the detailed listings). Full contact details are on our Home Page. Hire a room.
In the interest of freethought and free speech we also list other selected events of interest - no endorsement or responsibility is implied. Always check details with the organisers.

March 2010
Public Access

Category: All

	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
W K 0 9	01 The Evolutionist - Darwin Extravaganza - continues (ext event, Manchester) Cultural eXchanges: a festival of ideas, insight and inspiration (ext event) 19:30» Leicester Left Unity - Public Meeting (non-LSS)	02	03 19:30» Philosophy in Pubs: Mystery Discussion (external event)	04 09:00» Food for Thought (external event)	05 Cultural eXchangesfestival ends (ext event)	06	07 Fairtrade fortnight ends - but is it any good? (for info) 18:30» LSS: Adrian Hopgood: Artificial Intelligence Demystified
W K 1 0	08 International Womens Day (for info) 19:30» Peter Williams: The History of Science: past echoes or future view (ext event) 20:00» Marian Hobbs: Nuclear Free - The New Zealand Experience (ext event)	09	10	11 Age UK (Age Concern + Help the Aged) Conference (ext event)	12 19:30» Community Wildspace Ceilidh (ext event)	13 18:00» Space Centre - From Archery to Armada (ext event)	14 17:30» Election Question Time 2010 (ext event) 18:30» LSS: Joe Merton: Reagan Democrats: race, religion, ethnicity and the U.S. voter 19:30» The Big Libel Gig (ext event, London)
W K 1 1	15	16 19:30» Skeptics in the pub - Iszi Lawrence (external event)	17	18	19	20	21 18:30» LSS: Clare Carr and Jan Robertson: A Penny for your thoughts
W K 1 2	22 19:30» Women's lives, Women's voices (ext event)	23 19:00» Book Launch: Rich Wiles - Behind the Wall (non-LSS)	24	25	26	27 World Premiere: Gurpreet Kaur Batti: Behud (ext event, Coventry)	28 British Summer Time (BST) begins 18:30» LSS: Headstrong meeting - all welcome
W K 1 3	29	30	31

Description:

Cultural eXchanges: a festival of ideas, insight and inspiration
This week-long annual festival runs from 1st to 5th March this year. It will be based in the Clephan Building and the PACE (Performing Arts Centre) of De Montfort University and will showcase performances, discussions and talks by key people in the arts.
It is hosted by the Faculty of Humanities and run by students on the BA (Hons) Arts and Festival Management course.
Nearly all the events are free and all are open to members of the public.
Highlights of this year's line-up include:
Germaine Greer: distinguished academic, writer, broadcaster and journalist

Ken Loach: renowned British film director

Alexei Sayle: iconic comedian and writer

Michael Billington: eminent Guardian theatre critic

Josie Long: comedian and writer on the hit TV series Skins

Raye Cosbert: music promoter and manager of singer Amy Winehouse
You can book a place by telephoning the Box Office on 250 6229. The website www.dmu.ac.uk culturalexchanges has all the details of the events.
This event is NOT at Secular Hall.

Time:

19:30

Location:

Secular Hall, 75 Humberstone Gate, LE1 1WB

Description:

Leicester Left Unity: Public Meeting - The socialist election challenge in Leicester.

Speakers

Dave Nellist - Former Labour MP 1983-92 and Coventry Socialist Party Councillor;

Sally Ruane - Keep Our NHS Public. (Sally spoke to Leicester Secular Society last April);

Avtar Sadiq - Unity for Peace & Socialism candidate Leicester East;

Steve Score - Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition candidate Leicester West.

For socialist movement unity!
All socialists in Leicester and Leicestershire are invited to join in the regular meetings of Leicester Left Unity. We aim to encourage co-operation between all socialists, both non-aligned individuals and those already members of various left-wing parties. All are welcome to get involved, for more information email peter . leicesternut @btconnect.com (close spaces)

This event is at Secular Hall. Hire a room
Free admission - All welcome - Refreshments.

Time:

19:30

Description:

Philosophy in Pubs: take part in another Mystery enquiry – could be an enquiry into ‘mystery’ or a mysterious topic! Either way, this conundrum takes place as an open forum.
Venue: Swan & Rushes, Infirmary Square, Oxford Street, Leicester, LE1 5WR.
Details: 0796 934 1763
The PIP's are a group of like-minded people searching for philosophical stimulation in a relaxed atmosphere (i.e. pubs, bistros, coffee shops, bookstores & community centres).
This event is NOT at Secular Hall. Do check the Philosophy in Pubs website for venue and last-minute changes.
Free admission - All welcome.

Time:

09:00 - 13:00

Description:

City of Sanctuary - Food for Thought event
County Hall, Glenfirld.
Thursday 4th March 2010, 9am to 1pm
Food for Thought is our latest event and through it we aim to increase donations in support of asylum seekers across the city and county, and also to reduce the amount of food and other usable goods going into landfill sites.
The morning will include an opportunity to hear from some of the organisations involved in supporting asylum seekers locally, including the British Red Cross, Refugee Action, the Open Hands Project and Fareshare Leicester, and to join in discussions about generating additional donations for current projects and ideas for new initiatives to increase the limited support currently available.
To reserve your place contact Gill Buttery at: Leicester @ cityofsanctuary.com (close spaces), 0116 2616222 / 07716 073403 or fax: 0116 2616226

Description:

Cultural eXchanges: a festival of ideas, insight and inspiration
This week-long annual festival runs from 1st to 5th March this year. It will be based in the Clephan Building and the PACE (Performing Arts Centre) of De Montfort University and will showcase performances, discussions and talks by key people in the arts.
It is hosted by the Faculty of Humanities and run by students on the BA (Hons) Arts and Festival Management course.
Nearly all the events are free and all are open to members of the public.
Highlights of this year's line-up include:
Germaine Greer: distinguished academic, writer, broadcaster and journalist

Ken Loach: renowned British film director

Alexei Sayle: iconic comedian and writer

Michael Billington: eminent Guardian theatre critic

Josie Long: comedian and writer on the hit TV series Skins

Raye Cosbert: music promoter and manager of singer Amy Winehouse
You can book a place by telephoning the Box Office on 250 6229. The website www.dmu.ac.uk culturalexchanges has all the details of the events.
This event is NOT at Secular Hall.

Description:

Does the Fairtrade logo match our expectations?
Face the facts behind the Fairtrade logo says LSS member Simon Perry in his latest Leicester Mercury Skeptic column A Fair Trade? I beg to differ!
Does the Fairtrade system hurt the world's poorest farmers to the benefit of others considerably better off?
If you buy Fairtrade, be warned - you may be unpleasantly surprised at how it works!
Fairtrade fortnight (22 Feb - 7 March).

Time:

18:30

Description:

Artificial Intelligence Demystified
Professor Adrian Hopgood, Dean of the Faculty of Technology at De Montfort University will bring his considerable expertise to make AI understandable to a lay audience. His lecture will highlight several practical examples and demonstrations.

Artificial intelligence has been a rich branch of research for computer scientists and psychologists for over 50 years. The concept of mimicking human intelligence in a computer fuels the public imagination and has led to countless academic papers, news articles, and fictional works.
Such exposure has led to high public expectations, despite the incredible complexity of everyday human behaviour and the difficulties in replicating even limited aspects of it. The challenge now is to build a system that can operate across the spectrum of intelligent behaviour from low-level reaction and control to high-level specialist expertise.
The achievement of this goal requires a hybrid approach that draws on a variety of different techniques, each of which will be explained at an introductory level. Several practical examples will be presented, ranging from the control of specialised manufacturing processes to the diagnosis of mouth cancer. No prior knowledge of artificial intelligence will be assumed.
Professor Adrian Hopgood joined De Montfort University in 2007 as Dean of the Faculty of Technology, having previously worked for Nottingham Trent University and the Open University. He also has industrial experience with Telstra Research Laboratories in Melbourne, Australia and Systems Designers plc (now part of HP).
Adrian has published widely and his text book "Intelligent Systems for Engineers & Scientists" is ranked as a bestseller. He is a visiting professor at the Open University, Fellow of the British Computer Society, Chartered Engineer, and a panellist for the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). He holds a doctorate from the University of Oxford and a bachelor's degree from the University of Bristol.
All welcome. Admisson Free. A collection will be taken.

Location:

Worldwide

Description:

International Womens Day

Time:

19:30

Description:

Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society presents:
Sir Peter Williams, CBE, FRS.Physicist. Chancellor of the University of Leicester
Title: The History of Science: echoes of the past, or a glimpse of the future?
Location: Main Gallery of the New Walk Museum
This event is NOT at Secular Hall. Do check the Lit and Phil website for venue, admission details and any further information.

Time:

20:00

Location:

Friends Meeting House, QueensRoad, Leicester

Description:

Following the Leicester Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament AGM (which is for LCND members only and starts at 7pm)
8.00pm Public Meeting - all welcome
Marian Hobbs (ex New Zealand Minister for Disarmament and the Environment) speaks on Nuclear Free! The New Zealand Experience.
Anna writes: "Especially good to have her on this International Women's Day ... Those of us who heard her in London last year know you will have a treat. Be there!"
Contact: Leicester CND 10a Bishop St, LE1 6AF; cndmiduk @ yahoo .co.uk (close spaces); 0116 270 5604

Description:

Age UK (Age Concern + Help the Aged) is holding its East Midlands Conference for 2010 today at Nottingham Trent Vineyard Church Conferencing Centre.
If you are organising this event or have further details, please let us know and we'll update this information.
This event is NOT at Secular Hall.

Time:

19:30

Location:

Great Glen Village Hall

Description:

Ceilidh in aid of Great Glen Community WildSpace
Greenshoots Ceilidh Orchestra
Full refreshments - Raffle
Advance tickets from St Cuthbert’s Primary School and Great Glen Post Office £5 or concessions £3
Tickets on door £6 or concessions £4
Contact: Great Glen Community WildSpace Steering Group c/o 0116 2593563
View the Flyer (pdf 72kb).

Time:

18:00

Location:

National Space Centre, Exploration Drive LE4 5NS

Description:

Sat 13 March 6.00 for 6.30pm From Archery to Armada – a charity event in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal for the Mablethorpe Children’s Holiday Home organised by the Society for Intercultural Understanding Leicester (SICUL)
Tickets cost £25 including a meal. National Space Centre.
Red Leicester Choir, who rehearse at Secular Hall, will be performing. This event is NOT at Secular Hall.
Book a room for your group or meeting.

Time:

17:30

Location:

Leicester Cathedral

Description:

Faith Leaders Forum - Question Time 2010
See the British Humanist Association 'Happy Human' among the logos? LSS President Allan Hayes, a trustee of the BHA and of Sea of Faith, will be attending.
Flyer (pdf 500kb).

Time:

18:30

Location:

Secular Hall, 75 Humberstone Gate, LE1 1WB

Description:

Joe Merton will speak to us about The Reagan Democrats: The influence of race, religion and ethnicity on the American voter.
Joe Merton, LSS member and Balliol Phd Student, will ask why some democrats were prepared to vote for one of the most unlikely candidates.
All welcome. Admisson Free. A collection will be taken.

Time:

19:30

Description:

The Big Libel Gig, London 14 March
The funniest event in the libel campaign so far this year.
Famous names including Dara Ó Briain, Robin Ince, Tim Minchin, Shappi Khorsandi, Marcus Brigstocke, Ed Byrne, Professor Brian Cox and Professor Richard Wiseman.
Hear from Doctors Ben Goldacre, Simon Singh and Peter Wilmshurst, who have all felt the full force of England’s libel laws.
This is a one-off benefit event to raise money for the libel reform campaign being run by the Coalition for Libel Reform, established by the charities Index on Censorship, English PEN and Sense About Science. If you can’t make the gig, other ways to support the campaign include donating through the dedicated JustGiving page or email donate @ libelreform.org (close spaces) for more information.
Related links:
Simon Singh who is being sued for libel by the British Chiropractic Association.
Index on Censorship For Free Expression
Coalition for Libel Reform appeal on JustGiving.com
Libel Reform Campaign - sign the petition
English Pen promoting literature and human rights
Sense about Science Promoting good science and evidence for the public

Time:

19:30

Location:

Check Skeptics in the Pub website.

Description:

Skeptics in the Pub presents:
Iszi Lawrence
An evening with writer and stand-up comedian Iszi Lawrence. Iszi is a skeptic, Methodist atheist and seasoned performer, having appeared on stages across the country and at the Fringe since she was 18, in critically acclaimed shows Skitzaphrantic, Spinning Jenny, Unproper, and the Perrier Award winning The Passion Of The Hodgson.
Critics describe Iszi as an 'upbeat' comedian 'with nicely improvised material' which sits well within her intelligent, witty and fun loving set. She weaves wordplay into a surreal and infectiously joyous world that audiences love to explore.
Iszi is also co-host of the Sundays Supplement podcast and comperes Oxford Skeptics in the Pub.
This event is NOT at Secular Hall. Do check the Skeptics in the Pub website for venue and last-minute changes.
All welcome.

Time:

18:30

Location:

Secular Hall, 75 Humberstone Gate, LE1 1WB

Description:

Clare Carr and Jan Robertson - A Penny for your thoughts.
How do you interpret and think about the world? To what extent is your perspective determined by your gender, your life experience or personality type? Are you a 'convergent' or 'divergent' thinker?
Are there indeed 'Women's ways of knowing'?
The talk will explore various models of thinking and understanding; from personality types to contrasting feminist perspectives; from learning styles to challenging widespread misunderstandings of mathematics and science.
Jan is a mathematician and maths educator who currently works at De Montfort University Maths Learning Centre as a senior lecturer. She is an amateur folk singer and musician.
Clare works as a freelance global education facilitator. She is interested in personal development and helps to organise Philosophers in the Pub (PIPs) in Leicester.
Clare and Jan are both members of Leicester Secular Society.
All welcome. Admisson Free. A collection will be taken.

Time:

19:30

Location:

STUDIO 2 (ground floor, fully accessible) 33-45 Parr Street, Liverpool

Description:

women's lives, women's voices - beautiful words for difficult times.
For the 4th year running, to mark International Women’s Day in Liverpool, we come together for a sociable evening of poetry rooted in women’s lives, loves, crises and aspirations.
Directions: STUDIO 2 (ground floor, fully accessible) 33-45 Parr Street (off Slater Street, which is off Bold Street). Liverpool Central Station exit in Bold Street.
DONATION ON THE DOOR.
Includes finger buffet interval / mingle @ c8 50pm.
Performers finish @ c10 00pm. More mingling up to 10 30pm.
JOIN US! Bring a friend, your mum, your partner, daughter, a colleague or neighbour ... Fellas welcome.
This year we are linking up with local women activists in Amnesty.
Register now to perform: contact val . walsh @gmail .com (close spaces)
Go to www.merseysidewomen.org.uk for information about other events throughout the year.

Time:

19:00

Location:

Secular Hall, 75 Humberstone Gate, Leicester LE1 1WB

Description:

Leicester Friends of Bethllehem presents:
Book launch and discussion with the author:
Behind the Wall - Life Love and Struggle in Palestine by Rich Wiles published by POTOMAC BOOKS
Behind The Wall brings together a collection of Wiles’ articles on the everyday life of Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, told in their own words.
Bookstall, Sale of Palestinian Products and Palestine Solidarity Campaign stall on the night.
Flyer 1 (pdf 83kb) and Flyer 2 (pdf 67kb)

Location:

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Description:

Behud (Beyond Belief) - The story of an artist struggling to be heard.
By Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti. Directed by Lisa Goldman.
27 March 2010 - 10 April 2010
In December 2004, Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti’s play Behzti rocked the world of theatre when it was cancelled after protests in Birmingham. The closure of the play sparked a vehement debate about offence and freedom of speech.
In Behud, a playwright attempts to make sense of the past by visiting the darkest corners of her imaginations. Set amidst the theatre establishment, politicians and protesters, Behud is an imaginative response, inspired by the events surrounding Behzti, and the compelling story of an artist struggling to be heard.
From Behzti to Behud - A day of discussion
On the final day (April 10).
More from Belgrade Theatre
Behud moves on to Soho Theatre, London 13 April - 8 May
Interviews
Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti was Mark Lawson's guest on Front Row (BBC Radio 4, 17 March) - listen again (begins about 1:20 on the time line).
Guardian; Telegraph.

Description:

Clocks go forward one hour - at 01:00 GMT the UK moves to 02:00 BST.
See Living in the UK for confirmation.

Time:

18:30

Location:

Secular Hall, 75 Humberstone Gate, LE1 1WB

Description:

A Headstrong meeting as the last of this season's events
Why not follow in the footsteps of Thomas Paine and come and raise issues which you think we as a society should be concerned about.
We name these meetings after the Headstrong Club in 18th Century Lewes (Sussex) where the members gathered to discuss the unthinkable. Thomas Paine was a prominent member.
All welcome. Admisson Free. A collection will be taken.

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