Stamford Lecture Series

The Stamford Lectures are an enjoyable series of informative and entertaining talks from speakers who are experts in their particular field.

The lectures support our ethos of encouraging independent learning and intellectual curiosity and are as valuable for inspiring debate and discussion at home and in the classroom as they are for being thought-provoking and imparting knowledge. 

Our lectures are completely free of charge and are run as part of our commitment to supporting lifelong learning within our community and beyond. However, we welcome voluntary donations and the money you donate will go to supporting our bursary programme for local children.

Upcoming Lectures

Captain Henrik Loy

Thursday 23 January 2025, 19:00

Henrik Loy, a native of Bergen, Norway, has always had an undeniable affinity for the ocean. Growing up in a city that was a bustling hub for cruise ship activity, his fascination with boats and ships was nurtured from a young age. This passion led him to pursue a career in maritime studies, completing a two-year Nautical School and a year of service in the Norwegian Coast Guard.

His journey in the cruise industry began in 1997 when he joined Royal Caribbean Cruises as a cadet. Over the years, he steadily climbed the ranks, gaining invaluable experience as a marine officer on various ships across the globe. In 2010, Henrik achieved a significant milestone, being appointed as Master of a cruise ship. Today, he stands at the helm of the world's largest cruise ship, "Icon of the Seas," a colossal vessel that accommodates nearly 10,000 people.

Captain Henrik Loy will join us to talk to us about his personal journey as a captain to the fascinating science behind cruise ship navigation. He will share insights into the daily life of a captain, the challenges and rewards of working on a cruise ship, and the importance of continuous learning in the maritime industry.

Booking will open on Wednesday 11 December 2024

Poorna Bell

Wednesday 14 May 2025, 19:00

Poorna Bell is a journalist, author, and motivational speaker. Known for her work in women's issues, mental health, and fitness, she has contributed to publications like The Guardian, Red, and Women's Health. Her books, including 'Chase the Rainbow' and 'Stronger', have received critical acclaim. Poorna is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion.

As a powerlifter and social media influencer, Poorna also uses her platform to promote positive messages and empower others. She's been recognized for her work on topics like grief, body confidence, and diversity.

Poorna will join us to talk about her personal journey of overcoming grief and finding solace in powerlifting. She will also discuss her experiences with body positivity and self-love, highlighting the importance of embracing one's unique beauty. Additionally, Poorna will explore the role of community and support in her journey, emphasizing the power of connection and encouragement. As a vocal advocate for diversity and female empowerment, she will share her experiences and insights on using her platform for social change. Finally, Poorna will discuss the transformative power of fitness, highlighting the physical and mental benefits of exercise and how it has positively impacted her life.

Booking will open on Monday 14 April 2025

Past Speakers

Journalist, author and art critic

Will Gompertz

Will Gompertz is an acclaimed English journalist, author, and art critic. He is the Director of Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Known for his engaging and accessible approach to art, Gompertz has written several influential books, including What Are You Looking At? and Think Like an Artist. His work often explores the intersection of creativity and everyday life, making art more approachable and understandable for a broad audience.

Forensic Psychologist

Kerry Daynes

As a respected expert in her field, Kerry has supported numerous high profile police investigations, worked in maximum security prisons and has appeared on various TV programmes including Judge Rinder’s Crime Stories and Faking It: Tears of Crime. Alongside her passion for forensic psychology, Kerry is a huge advocate for better conversations about mental wellbeing. She is a patron of The National Centre for Domestic Violence and Talking2Minds.

Award-winning nurse and peace worker

Dr Dame Claire Bertschinger DBE DL

Dame Claire is recognized as one of the most influential female nurses of all time. Her work in Ethiopia in 1984 inspired Band Aid and subsequently Live Aid, the biggest relief program ever mounted. She won the Florence Nightingale medal in 1991, in 2005 she was made Women of the Year and 2007 received the Human Rights in Nursing Award from the International Centre for Human Rights and Nursing Ethics.

Co-founder of Leon, chair of Chefs in Schools

Henry Dimbleby MBE

Henry is the co-founder and former CEO of Leon restaurants. He also co-founded the Sustainable Restaurant Association and the charity Chefs in Schools, which brings restaurant chefs into school kitchens. In 2013, he co-authored The School Food Plan, a blueprint for government setting out actions to transform what children eat in schools and how they learn about food. He also led an independent review for Government, the National Food Strategy.

British Ski Jumper

Eddie The Eagle

Michael Edwards, better known as Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, was the first competitor to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Olympic Ski jumping, despite having very little skill for his sport. Eddie’s heroic failures won the hearts and minds of the British public at the time making him more popular than most gold medal winners.

Biomimetic Architect

Michael Pawlyn

Michael Pawlyn was one of the lead architects behind the Eden Project in Cornwall. Treating nature as a blueprint, he believes there are huge gains to be made by learning from how the natural world works.

Plasma physicist

Dr Melanie Windridge

A plasma physicist, speaker, writer and adventurer, Dr Melanie Windridge has a PhD in fusion energy from Imperial College London, is Communications Consultant for fusion company Tokamak Energy, Founder of Fusion Energy Insights, is a STEM Ambassador and the author of Aurora: In Search of Northern Lights.

The 'Doctor Who' of Artificial Intelligence

Professor Rose Luckin

Rosemary (Rose) Luckin is Professor of Learner Centred Design at UCL Knowledge Lab and renowned for her research into the design and evaluation of educational technology. She was named one of the 20 most influential people in education in the Seldon List, 2017.

Astrophysicist & BBC Presenter

Dr Kevin Fong

Kevin Fong is a consultant anaesthetist at University College London. He holds degrees in astrophysics, medicine and aerospace engineering, he has worked and trained with NASA, and he’s an award-winning BBC presenter and author.

Professor Alice Roberts

Professor Alice Roberts

Andy McNab

Andy McNab

David Starkey

David Starkey

Dan Cruickshank

Dan Cruickshank

Professor Susannah Lipscombe

Professor Susannah Lipscombe

A.C. Grayling

A.C. Grayling

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