Lit&Sci on the HebWeb

A tremendous thirst for knowledge was the driving force behind the establishment, in December 1905, of Hebden Bridge Literary and Scientific Society.

Each year, the Society organises a series of lectures.

Where do babies come from? Starting the talk with Aristotle, at least 2330 years ago, and through Greek, Arabic and Chinese scientific thinking on the subject, pausing in the 18th century where the public's understanding of the subject was still so speculative that some people were taken in by Mary Tofts who, in 1720, convinced her audiences that she could give birth to rabbits. Read report. 13 March

Artificial Intelligence - Prof Leo McCluskey last Saturday gave a talk to the Lit&Sci about the myths and realities of Artificial Intelligence, whether AI can be conscious, whether it might take over the world. Read report. 22 Feb 2024

Artificial Intelligence "A Boffin's View" with Prof Lee McCluskey, a globally respected expert in AI. The aim of his talk to the Lit&Sci on 17 Feb is to give an insight into recent developments in AI, to help interpret news in a more balanced way. Read more 26 Jan

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage was the guest at the recent (sold out) Lit & Sci talk. Chatting with host Amanda Dalton, he reflected on being poet laureate, told of his many other activities and read some poems. Read the report 24 Jan

Transforming The National Portrait Gallery Raised in Hebden Bridge, the Gallery's Director returned to his home town to give a sold-out talk to the Literary and Scientific Society at the Town Hall on 25 Nov. Read the report. 29 Nov 2023

Transforming The National Portrait Gallery The Lit & Sci is welcoming back Dr. Nicholas Cullinan, on Nov 25th at The Town Hall, when he will talk about his current work.

Read more

Julie Hesmondhalgh Talk Report There was full-house last Saturday at the Town Hall when Julie Hesmondhalgh lifted spirits while being interviewed so adeptly by Amanda Dalton - a Lit & Sci talk.
Read report 2 Nov 2023

Born in Bradford report On Sat 30 Sept, Prof John Wright, in an inspiring presentation at the Town Hall, told the Lit & Sci about the project which tracks, through research studies, 13,500 children born in Bradford from 2007 to 2010. Read report. 8 Oct 2023

Julie Hesmondhalgh The next Lit & Sci talk will be on Sat 28 Oct: An Evening with Julie Hesmondhalgh, interviewed by Amanda Dalton.

Read more

Dara McAnulty in conversation with Amanda Dalton The Lit & Sci is collaborating with Hebden Bridge Arts as part of their Open Space 70 festival for this event with young environmentalist and author Dara McAnulty, on 14 July. More info. 1 July 2023

New Ways of Exploring the Universe: ReportProfessor Tim O'Brien addressed a sold-out lecture of the Lit&Sci about the universe, black holes microwaves and other rays, dark matter and much more. More info. 23 March 2023

New Ways of Exploring the Universe: The March 2023 Lit & Sci event will be on Sat 18 March when Prof Tim O'Brien will showcase some of the most spectacular astronomical images and discoveries of recent times. More info. 28 Feb 2023

Chasing the Dram: the world of taste and whisky Following on from Saturday's packed and successful evening on The Archers, the next Lit & Sci event will feature Rachel McCormac explaining all about Scotland's national drink. Read more 23 Jan 2023

Are you an Archers fan? Liz John has been writing for The Archers for more than 6 years, and will be talking to the Hebden Bridge Lit&Sci on Saturday 21 January 2023. More info

The Twelve Plants of Christmas This Lit & Sci talk was on 3 December 2022. Botanist Ian Brand took us on a seasonal tour, encompassing everything from 'Holly and Ivy' to 'Brussel Sprouts and Cranberry sauce'. Read more

Adapting a novel for TV Novelist and TV dramatist Louise Doughty described the process by which a novel is adapted to the very different medium of television, to the Hebden Bridge Lit&Sci, and read a section of the opening prologue of the novel. Read more 14 Nov