South Devon meetings 2008

February

An illustrated talk by David Love on the history of the Universe. It began with the views held by the ancient Greeks and ended with a summary of our current knowledge.

March

Analysis and discussion of poem Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold. Ros Allen, who led the discussion described the poem as a courageous attempt to meet the pain of truth by the poet who lost his religious faith when he was 22.

April

Talk by Chris Clayton about the Cornish writer, Daphne du Maurier, with particular reference to her writings on religious belief. She was a non-believer but interested in spirituality and also the occult.

May

Lord Young of Dartington was the subject of George Black's talk. He described the entrepreneurial role that Michael Young had played in the life of this country, giving as examples, amongst others, his founding of the open university and the Consumers' Association, and his involvement in the setting up of the National Health Service.

June

Humanist celebrants on Celebrating Life and Death the Humanist Way.

Exeter meetings 2008

January

A discussion on E.M. Forster and Humanism led by Peter Faulkner.

February

Science 1900-2000: What we knew, what we know, what we don't know discussion led by Gordon Peckham.

March

Is religion harmful? A public debate between Devon Humanists and St Leonards Church.

April

A walk on Belstone Tor followed by lunch at the pub in Belstone village; suggested by Tony Bloodworth.

May

A stroll with friends by the Exeter Canal followed by lunch at the Double Locks pub; co-ordinator Gordon Peckham.

North Devon Meetings 2008

May

Darwin and the voyage of The Beagle, a talk by Keith Denby.

June

The Evolution of Bacteria, a talk by microbiologist Paul Menday.

July

A talk by David Love (S. Devon Group)A brief history of astronomy from Aristotle to the Big Bang.