WORLD history is brought to life every month at Inverclyde Historical Society – and they are looking for new members as they prepare to start their new session.

Some of the subjects covered are about Inverclyde, but the society is keen to stress it casts its net widely to include a variety of global topics for its illustrated talks.

Last year’s included the Greenock Blitz, as well as Machiavelli and the Italian Renaissance, the Crusades and Scottish Society and the Radical War of 1820.

This session kicks off on September 14 with the Easter Rising of 1916, and also includes the Covenanters, Magna Carta, the Confederate Navy and Martin Luther, as well as a look inside Dumbarton Castle.

The society was set up 23 years ago by Anne Williams, who recalled that it started as an offshoot of a Glasgow University recreational class.

She said: “Many people were sorry when the class ended, so there was a lot of enthusiasm for a new historical society.

“It’s a nice, friendly group. The talks last for about 45 minutes, and then we have a discussion about it and a cup of tea.

“For a small society, we compare well with the bigger ones, and we have links with other historical societies, as well as groups such as the John Galt Society.”

President Ford Hendry said the talks are delivered entertainingly in the form of a tale, along with slides or pictures.

He said: “It’s all about story-telling in an accessible way. We couldn’t have kept going as long as we have if the lectures weren’t interesting.”

The membership has stayed level in recent years at about 50, but they are keen to recruit some younger people, such as students studying history at school or university.

Ford said they always try to have their own members giving some of the talks, but there is no obligation on them to do so.

He said: “I’ve given a talk only about three times in 20-odd years, so we don’t want to put off anyone who would like to join but doesn’t want to speak.”

Secretary Les McMahan said they would like to hear suggestions about what should be on the syllabus.

He added: “The society is about bringing history to life and visitors are welcome to come along to join us each month.”

The society say they are grateful to Inverclyde Council for financial support that has helped them to buy a projector and go on outings, including to Stirling Castle and the Scottish Parliament. 

Meetings are held in the RAF Club, 11 Ardgowan Square, Greenock at 7.45pm on the second Wednesday of each month.

For more information call Les on 719962 or email william.mcmahan@ntlworld.com