As Cheshire proceeds with plans for devolution as part of a Mayoral Combined Authority, this talk examines the county’s history of semi-independence from central government. Beeston castle (pictured),visible across Cheshire, was an assertion of the self-governing authority of the medieval earls of Chester, in relation to both England and Wales. The county’s relative autonomy continued after the earldom passed to the crown under Henry III but was curtailed in the sixteenth century and extinguished in 1830, only now to be revived in a modern context.

Our villages, towns and cities are full of buildings which date from many different periods. Many have a story to tell. This introductory talk will look at the buildings around us (both rural and urban) and offer some hints and pointers to dating houses, churches and civic buildings. Become aware of the distinctive features, and possible red herrings, which help when trying to date a building from visual clues. You too can become a building detective!

Cycling is well known as an essential part of sustainable transport planning. This public lecture from Peter Cox, Emeritus Professor at the University of Chester and internationally acclaimed writer on cycling and sustainable travel, will explore the implications of taking walking and cycling as the starting point of thinking about movement; not just including them in travel plans.

This lecture explores the idea that life is all about relationships, and that the experiences that we have with ‘others’ are holy ground where we can develop in dialogue with those we are in relationship. This presentation will draw on James’ experiences in education and inter-faith to fully explore what it means to live life in relationship. It will contrast an approach to life that Martin Buber describes as ‘I-It’: where everything and everyone are things to be used. The argument of this lecture is that we should adopt an ‘I-Thou’ approach to life where we view others in a relationship of love.

Chester is filled with beautiful and distinctive buildings, but in a place where people have lived for more than two thousand years,  things are rarely as they seem. Combining an introduction to European architectural styles with a more detailed look at some of Chester’s most interesting architecture, this illustrated talk will explore the ways in which buildings survive and change through the centuries, and what they can tell us about their makers.

The Cheshire Prize for Literature showcases the literary talents of writers with a connection to the Cheshire area. Now in its 22nd year, the awards evening will announce the winners in the primary, secondary and adult categories for poetry, short stories, children’s literature and scriptwriting.  The winners will be joined by renowned author Ele Fountain. Ele worked as an editor in children’s publishing where she was responsible for launching and nurturing the careers of many prize-winning and bestselling authors, and was shortlisted for the British Council’s Young Creative Entrepreneur Award.  She lived in Addis Ababa for several years, where she wrote her debut novel, BOY 87, which went on to win four awards and was nominated for ten more, including the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and Carnegie Medal. Her second novel, LOST, was a Guardian Children’s Book of the Year. FAKE has been selected as a BookTrust Future Classic. WILD was a Financial Times Best Book of the Year. Her latest novel, STORM CHILD, was a Times Book of the Week. Her books have sold to 13 countries worldwide and received more than 30 award nominations between them.  She has talked about books and reading on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, BBC Radio London, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC World Service, and to anyone who happens to be passing. She speaks regularly at schools and literary festivals, delivering talks and workshops drawing on 20 years’ experience in the publishing industry. Ele currently holds a post as RLF (Royal Literary Fund) Fellow at the University of Reading.  The event will start at 7pm with a complimentary drink available beforehand.