C. J. Schüler is a freelance writer, journalist and cultural historian specialising in travel, the arts, the environment, and European fiction in translation. In this talk he will expand on a subject close to his heart and ours in COPSE: the history of the Great North Wood that once covered large areas of South London […]

Just when you thought it was all over . . . . Yes, there will be some back-focus on aspects of the recent past that we have probably felt we've moved on from.  However, this Tuesday evening will involve a light-hearted, quick-fire quiz, looking at some quirky and interesting facts concerning our recent General Election […]

Back in June, 14 of COPSE's more adventurous souls set off by train and plane for a week or so of fun and frolics in Germany's capital. History, culture and entertainment were consumed, as were the inevitable currywurst and industrial quantities of pork knuckles with sauerkraut. Tonight we regale you with our travellers' tales in […]

We've all enjoyed Clare's previous talks to the Club. Tonight she returns by popular demand, this time to recount her travels in Tasmania - devils, pademelons and all. There's more about Clare and her travels on her website https://clare-walker-speaker.weebly.com/

Advance Notice – land of opportunity for your photos! All This Club Night one element of the evening is the Caption Competition, where you apply your considerable wits to some problematic pictures. Back in the days when this traditional diversion started, we took the occasional snap with a box brownie, only weeks later paying through […]

Linda and Tim's Scottish recollections will now be on 12th November. Instead  . . . Back in 1968 it was           "I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that"   But these things can (probably) do things HAL never dreamed of: Tonight we explore their possibilities!

Our cyclists' recent trip down the Wandle took them into Merton Abbey Mills. While there they were so impressed by John Hawks and his knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, the history and importance of the Abbey Mills that they recommended him for a COPSE evening. So here he is, ready to educate and entertain us […]

Return of the COPSE Choir! Can't sing? You'll surprise yourself, as Steve Barbe unearths unsuspected vocal talents in even our most unpromising members. This is an entertaining evening where Steve brings humour and freshness to get everyone up and joining in. Come along and raise the Hall rafters even higher!  Add to calendar

An A-Z of Pantomime A light-hearted ramble through panto old and new, including some of the history of this genre and some of the strange traditions and superstitions associated with it, fully illustrated with many images. Chris is a theatre reviewer and journalist, professor, author and panto musical director. He writes books about theatre (Putting […]