History Group talks and other events at the William Layne Reading Room, Aughton Lane, Aston, S26 2AN.
When do we meet?
The History Group meets in the William Layne Reading Room, Aughton Lane, Aston on the first and third Mondays of the month 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm. (When the Monday is a bank holiday, the meeting moves to the following Monday.)
On the first Monday we have a general meeting of members and on the third Monday we often have a speaker. The History Group takes a break during August. New members are always welcome, just come along to a meeting and try us out. Visitors are welcome at the talks, with a charge of £4.00, including refreshments.
History Group Talks and Events in the William Layne Reading Room, Aughton Lane, Aston, except where shown. Visitors welcome at our talks: £4 including refreshments.
Monday 17th February 2025, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Illustrated talk by Mike Higginbottom. “Demolished Sheffield” – some of the buildings that have been demolished since the mid-1970s alongside others that remain but face an uncertain future.
Thursday 20th February 2025, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lifestyle, Health and Wellbeing event in the Aston Service Centre (Library) on Worksop Road, Swallownest. The event is called “Loving Life”. Admission free.
Sunday 16th March 2025.
Talk by Ann Key of Aston-cum-Aughton History Group on Rev. William Mason who was Rector of Aston from 1754 to 1797. He was born in Hull on 12th February 1725 and Aston Church and the History Group will be celebrating his tercentenary. The talk will be in the church, after evensong which begins at 6.00 p.m. (Talk approx. 20 minutes). In the Narthex, there will be a display depicting his life.
Monday 17th March 2025, 7pm-9pm
Illustrated talk by Pat McLaughlin. “Wentworth – the Village and the Mansion”.
Monday 14th April 2025, 7pm-9pm
Illustrated talk by Susan Kahler “Catcliffe Glass Cone”, the oldest surviving structure of its type in Western Europe. A Grade I Listed Building and Scheduled ancient Monument. Whilst renovations at the Reading Room are being carried out, the History Group has moved to the Parish Hall on Rosegarth Avenue, Aston. This talk will be held in Hall 2 at the Parish Hall commencing approximately 7.15 p.m.
NEW EVENT
Sunday 11th May 2025, 10am-4pm
An Open Day will be held in the William Layne Reading Room, Aughton Lane, Aston to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. There will be displays of photographs, documents and memorabilia to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Come and reflect, remember and celebrate. Free entry. Tea and Coffee will be available.
Monday 19th May 2025. 7pm-9pm
Illustrated talk by Richard Godley. “Land Girls and Lumber Jills”. The stories behind the Girls in Green during the Second World War.
Saturday 2nd August 2025. 12 noon-5pm
Aston Carnival. Parade begins 11 a.m. and arrives at the Lodge Lane Playing Fields at 12 noon. We will be there with our displays and albums of local photographs.Lodge Lane Playing Fields.
Heritage Open Days 6th – 25th September 2025
The Reading Room will be open as follows:
Friday 12th September 6pm-8pm.
Saturday 13th September 10am-4pm.
Discover our local history through documents, maps and photographs.
Monday 15th September 2025, 7pm-9pm
Illustrated talk by Stephen Gay. “Doncaster Rover”. Scenes and landmarks across Doncaster.
Monday 20th October 2025, 7pm-9pm
Illustrated talk by Peter Machan. The Lords of the Manor and Castle of Sheffield 1066 to 1649”. The dramatic story of the lordly families who ruled Sheffield from their stronghold at the castle throughout the centuries when the little town was a manorial borough.
Monday 17th November 2025, 7pm-9pm
Illustrated talk by Tony Dodsworth. “The Life, Death and Cult of Thomas Becket”. His rise to national and then continental importance was remarkable and the cult that developed following his murder was far more wide-ranging and long-lived than many would think. A great range of wonderful art works are associated with his life and death and images of these can be studied in this illustrated presentation. They help us to recognise the potency of his legacy and that shocking news could go “viral” even in medieval times.