Events

Steve Hurd This talk will examine the origins, progress and challenges of supporting Humanist Schools in Uganda from the 2004 IHEU East African Humanist Conference in Kampala which provided the inspiration and our thoughts as we prepare for UHSTs 20th Anniversary in 2028.   Steve Hurd is Chair of Uganda Humanist Schools Trust. He taught Economics and Geography in schools in Uganda and the UK, then Development Economics at Staffordshire University. Moved on to the Open University as an educational researcher in the Research in International Teacher Education Group. He managed teacher training programmes at Staffordshire and the OU and led a 5 year British Council funded Programme working with Ugandan teachers, trainers, examiners and curriculum developers to develop materials to empower new teachers entering secondary teaching throughout Uganda. A l...

Professor Paul Monks Paul Monks is Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero ( DESNZ ). Paul delivers independent and impartial scientific advice to ministers and policymakers and advises on current and ongoing issues faced by the UK, such as the critical role of science in supporting sustainable, resilient, and measurable net zero and the challenges of delivering national and global decarbonisation. Paul was Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) from 2020 to 2023. Before joining BEIS , he was Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of College of Science and Engineering at the University of Leicester, where he remains a Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry and Earth Observation Science. All welcome - admission free . ...

George Askwith Belief in a religion is a fundamental human right and with it is the right not to believe. Unfortunately, this is not afforded to everyone, and for some people leaving their religion can be a complicated, challenging, and dangerous process. George is a volunteer with Faith to Faithless who work under the Humanists UK umbrella, and support people who leave high control religions, whether by choice or ostracisation.   All welcome - admission free . Tea & biscuits. Donations welcome.

The Society's annual general meeting is only open to members. There won't be an evening talk.

Sunday 10th November 6.30pm   Witchcraft in Leicestershire Steve Marquis Steve Marquis takes a look at the history of witchcraft prosecutions in 17th and 18th century Leicestershire. Between 1542 and 1736 thousands of people in England were accused of being witches and would have suffered hideous torture with up to 1,000 executed, 90% of whom were women. Steve is a member of Leicestershire Archaeological & Historical Society All welcome - admission free . Tea & biscuits. Donations welcome.  

Cop-turned-comedian Alfie returns with a brand-new show ahead of recording his BBC Radio 4 comedy It's a Fair Cop. To purchase tickets email tickets@lsec.org.uk . No bar - bring your own drink

Hannah Sellers Leicestershire's Woodland History How can we use fossil pollen and place names to tell us about the history of Leicestershire’s woodlands? Hannah is studying woodland change in Leicestershire All welcome - admission free . Tea & biscuits. Donations welcome.  

Dr Karthick Ram Manoharan Note the earlier start time!   This is a talk on the life and ideas of Periyar E.V. Ramasamy (1879-1973), who was not just a vocal atheist from South India; he was also a revolutionary thinker who blended his critique of religion with a bold vision for social justice and equality. Discover how his radical views on caste, gender, and faith continue to resonate today. The talk will be delivered by Karthick Ram Manoharan, Assistant Professor of Social Sciences at the National Law School of India University.   We’ll be live streaming the event at the Secular Hall, so feel free to join us in person or tune in online. Zoom details: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/ 85663017127?pwd= dk00NEhWUGxRK085VHBGS3E3K1VjZz 09 Meeting ID: 856 6301 7127 Passcode: 019219 This is an open event – everyone is welcome! Admission is free, with tea and biscuits provided.   Donations are appreciated to ...

Secular Hall is hosting a watch party for the Apostasy Conference 2024, which will explore the systemic nature of religious abuse. Join us to watch leading speakers, including Pragna Patel, Dr. Kristin Aune, Alexander Barnes-Ross, Yehudis Fletcher, and more, as they discuss topics such as the influence of religious institutions on abuse and the challenges faced by apostates. If you're in the area, come along to participate in the discussion! More details here.    

Appalachian Dancers Appalachian are a dance team based in Nuneaton. They dance in the ‘buck and wing’ Appalachian style using traditional stepping arranged into their own dances. They regularly perform at folk festivals during the summer. They will be accompanied by live music. All welcome - admission free . Tea & biscuits. Donations welcome.

A Former Resident of Afghanistan shows how the manipulation of the education system played a significant role in fostering extremism and violence. Image by WikiImages from Pixabay All welcome - admission free . Tea & biscuits. Donations welcome.

Rory talks about the work of Dear Albert which helps people stop taking alcohol and drugs.     The name Albert was the street name of its director, Jon Roberts; before he entered into drug and alcohol treatment. It relates to the times when he was becoming more and more out of control; eventually leading him to ‘hustling’ for drink and drug money on the streets of Leicester and elsewhere. Albert was his street name. The Dear preceding Albert comes from the time when he finally decided to ask for help and look seriously at ‘saying goodbye to drink and drugs’.   All welcome - admission free . Tea & biscuits. Donations welcome.   Image by Лечение наркомании from Pixabay

 Daniel Gordon's documentary film tells the story of the Battle of Orgreave, during the 1984/85 Miner's Strike.  

Come and see this unique building rooted in Leicester's radical past. The whole of the Secular Hall will be available to see, including the rare arts and craft tiles in the Ballroom. There will be guided tours throughout the day and an exhibition about the opening of the Hall and its early years. There will also be a slide show featuring the history of Humberstone Gate and the Wharf Street areas. There is no need to book Light refreshments available throughout the day.