Edgar Royston Pike, formerly Chairman of the Esher Council, introduced the ‘Esher Library Lectures’ in the late 1960s.
In 1974, Elmbridge Borough Council changed the title of these lectures to the ‘Royston Pike Lectures’ in appreciation of his 20 years’ work on the Library Committee.
Spring 2025 Programme
All lectures will be held at Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames KT12 2PF.
Thursday 13 March at 7:30pm: 'Riverfed: A Culinary Journey down the Thames' by Di Murrell
An illustrated talk based upon two chapters of Di's book and her own experiences working on canal boats and barges on Britain’s inland waterways. She tells the story of how limes, picked in Ghana and processed in Hemel Hempstead, became the last regular freight to be carried on the English canal system, and why Canadian wheat, grown in Alberta was made into flour in Weybridge. Learn about the Thames, the revival of the grain trade in the ‘80s, the part played by the historic ‘Free Water Clause’ and much more.
Di Murrell is an award-winning food writer whose books, Barges and Bread and A Foodie Afloat reflect her twin interests in food history and waterways.
Wednesday 9 April at 7:30pm: 'Natural History of Elmbridge' by Dave Page
Dave Page has been managing Elmbridge Borough Council’s Commons and Countryside sites since 1991 as part of their Countryside Team. In this lecture, he will describe the important habitats that remain, such as heathland, grasslands, and wetland habitats, explaining their past use, how they are now managed and the challenges they face in the 21st century. Discover more about the nationally important Esher Commons, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Learn about the local conservation of rare or endangered species such as the Starfruit, the Silver-studded Blue butterfly and birds such as the Dartford Warbler. Sharing insights from over 30 years’ experience, Dave will remind us how these precious sites and species enrich all our lives.
Book tickets for Natural History of Elmbridge