For further information on The Mayer Trust, telephone 07766 163 626.

Wednesday 15 October 2025                

Needles and Sparkles

After a traditional apprenticeship at the Royal School of Needlework, Tina went on to work in embroidery and couture dressmaking for various clients, including Jimmy Choo couture.

Later, Tina worked for the late Queen Elizabeth II and the lecture will share her many experiences in that and her other roles.

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Tina Saunders

Tina has over 20 years’ experience in her specialism. This includes working for Jimmy Choo couture and the late Queen Elizabeth II in the Royal Household at Buckingham Palace.

Wednesday 19 November 2025

SS Alabama

CSS Alabama was a screw sloop-of-war built in 1862 by John Laird Sons and Company in Birkenhead for the Confederate States Navy. Launched as Enrica, she was fitted out as a cruiser and commissioned as CSS Alabama on 24 August 1862. Under Captain Raphael Semmes, Alabama served as a successful commerce raider.                                                                                                                                                                                                              

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John McFerran

John was born in Belfast where he obtained a BA degree at Queen’s University. He is currently a Liverpool Blue Badge tourist guide for the Liverpool City Region and a Chester Green Badge guide for the City of Chester.

Wednesday 10 December 2025

Clash of Nations

The presentation is about the search for the Battle of Brunanburh, the artefacts that have been recovered, the rationale for believing that the battle was fought on Wirral, and the scientific processes used to help identify the actual battlefield.

Many of the artefacts recovered will be on display.                                                                                           

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Peter Jenkins

A member of Wirral History Society and former police officer, Peter’s passion is for military history of ancient and early medieval periods.

Wednesday 21 January 2026

Do you remember the 60s?

This interactive talk will take us back to the 1960s when the whole world changed. There were ‘revolutions’ in the fields of music, fashion, television, politics, and films. However, do we remember these changes and did we realise how important these changes were?

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David Hearn

Redundant from his banking career at the age of 55, David went on to university where he graduated with a BA(Hons) degree in history followed by an MA degree in international slavery studies. 

Wednesday 18 February 2026

Welsh Copper

The talk is about some very important historical sites involved in the mining and making of copper. Many of these sites are just a short drive away from Merseyside and Rob’s aim is to enthuse his audience to go and take a look for themselves!

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Rob Toomey

Dr Rob Toomey was born in South Wales but has lived on the Wirral for the last 40 years. 

Rob studied history at Oxford and Swansea University and his PhD thesis on the South Wales copper industry was published by Garland Books.

Wednesday 18 March 2026

Vintage advertisements to make you smile

Television advertising has changed out of all recognition from the ads we remember from our younger days. The older TV ads gave us a feeling of comfort and familiarity, made us laugh and yet conveyed a clear message through their catchy tunes and jingles. You might recall the tune but not the product, or the other way around!

See how many old TV advertisements you can remember from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

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Dominga Devitt 

Dominga is Director and immediate past Chair of Wirral Archaeology CIC. Born in Liverpool, she moved to Birmingham to pursue a career in front-line media before moving to Wirral to join Wirral Archaeology. She currently works as a freelance project manager, and public speaker.