Society Talks 2026/27
The Society organises a number of talks from prominent speakers during the autumn and winter. The meetings are held in Woodbridge Quay Church, Quay Street, IP12 1BX. Access is from Quay Street along the side of the building. The church is well equipped for meetings. We advise parking near the railway station if necessary. If you are interested in any of the talks or want to know more about what the Society does, please join us at any of these meetings - you will be very welcome. We make a charge (£5) for non-members. All meetings begin at 7:30 pm.
Society talk at Quay Church
Wednesday 2nd Sept 2026 7:30pm
‘Thomas Seckford: The Life & Legacy of a Tudor Benefactor’
by Mark Mitchels
Quay Church, Woodbridge
Members – Free
Non-members £5 (on the door)
Part of the 75th Anniversary Celebrations of the Woodbridge and Melton Society.
When Master Thomas Seckford died in 1587, he was known as a distinguished judge and a loyal servant of Queen Elizabeth I. Seckford left behind him a legacy which not only ensures that his name is known and revered, but to this day continues to improve the lives of people in Melton, Woodbridge and Suffolk. In honour of Seckford’s contribution to the area, this will be the very first of an annual 'Thomas Seckford Memorial Talk’ to be given by prominent speakers.
Mark Mitchels is a former teacher at Woodbridge School and has been active in public life in Woodbridge and Melton for decades. He is a photographer and author. His books focus on East Anglian History, and he has lectured on topics ranging from Elizabethan Theatre to the Bayeux Tapestry.
Wednesday 7th October 2026 7:30pm
‘Protect and Survive: Cold War Archaeology of East Anglia’
by Dr Rik Hoggett
Quay Church, Woodbridge
Members – Free
Non-members £5 (on the door)
East Anglia was home to a disproportionately large part of Britain’s infrastructure for a potential nuclear war. It included V-bomber bases, one of the country’s two nuclear bomb stores, Thor missile sites, Royal Observer Corps bunkers and much more. This lecture examines the archaeological evidence for the Cold War in East Anglia, with a particular emphasis on south-east Suffolk, and places it into its national context.
Dr Richard Hoggett is a freelance heritage consultant, lecturer and writer with over 25 years’ experience in the academic, commercial and local authority heritage sectors. He speaks regularly on a wide range of archaeological and historical subjects to groups and societies across the eastern region, is an elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and a Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.
Wednesday 4th November 2026 7:30pm
‘The Real Basil Brown: From Rickinghall to Sutton Hoo and Back’
by Sarah Doig
Quay Church, Woodbridge
Members – Free
Non-members £5 (on the door)
Many people will be familiar with the story of the discovery of the Anglo-Saxon Great Ship Burial at Sutton Hoo on the eve of the Second World War. However, the life and achievements of the man behind one of the greatest archaeological finds of all time are less well known. This talk shines a light on Basil Brown, a native of Rickinghall in Suffolk; his motivations, passions and discoveries, as well as his ability to enthuse others. It tells, in his own words and using recollections from local people and from those who worked alongside him, a tale of a largely self-educated farmer’s son who achieved immortality in the world of archaeology.
Sarah Doig is an independent historical researcher and author. She is also a popular speaker on local and general history. As well as having written for local magazines, Sarah has had several books published by The History Press and Amberley Publishing.
