The Governor

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Vanessa Frake-Harris has seen it all. From dealing with violent prisoners, celebrities and politicians to busting drug rings, catching corrupt staff and being subjected to brutal attacks, this hard-hitting but often humorous event lifts the lid on life behind bars with honesty and in unflinching detail. Having risen through the ranks of the prison to become Governor, Vanessa was awarded an MBE in 2012. She left the service in 2013 and her recent book The Governor is a Sunday Times bestseller.

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See more online masterclasses and inspirational talks below

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Tune into our masterclasses to enhance your expertise and become a master in subjects ranging from stargazing to honing your photography skills.

A complete beginners guide to knitting

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A complete beginners guide to knitting

Join us to discover the magic of this enduringly popular yarn craft.

(49 mins)

Family Halloween Craft Workshop

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Family Halloween Craft Workshop

Get the whole family together for this online event with Amy Brown, who’ll be showing us how to make a fun Halloween decoration.

(33 mins)

Have a go at... Brush-pen calligraphy

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Have a go at... Brush-pen calligraphy

Join Sai Banerjee, an expert in calligraphy, for an exclusive online masterclass on the timeless art of brush-pen calligraphy.

(1 hr 1 min)

Valentine truffle making with chef Jethro Carr

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Valentine truffle making with chef Jethro Carr

Join Chef Jethro Carr for a fun and delicious Valentine's Day treat-making event – create handmade chocolate truffles with love!

(59 mins)

Have a go at... Photography

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Have a go at... Photography

Learn photography techniques from Geoff Harris, deputy editor of Amateur Photographer, to elevate your skills and create lasting, cherished images.

(53 mins)

Have a go at... Stargazing

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Have a go at... Stargazing

Join Will Gater, astronomer, in an exclusive Boundless webinar to discover stargazing, constellations, and capturing the night sky's magic.

(1 hr 2 mins)

Tokyo Kitchen with chef Jethro Carr

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Tokyo Kitchen with chef Jethro Carr

Bring a taste of the east to your kitchen as chef Jethro Carr of Brighton Cookery School shows you how to make a traditional Japanese delicacy in this member-exclusive cookery masterclass.

(50 mins)

Have a go at... Painting watercolours

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Have a go at... Painting watercolours

In this Boundless member-exclusive event, world-renowned fine artist Trevor Waugh introduces you to a preview of his self-paced online course, Painting Expressive Roses in Watercolour, created for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

(51 mins)

Hayley's Home Harvest 3 - 3

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Hayley's Home Harvest 3 - 3

Join Hayley Moisley, the organic gardening expert, for the final talk in her series on homegrown food. Winter preparation and more!

(54 mins)

Hayley's Home Harvest 2 - 3

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Hayley's Home Harvest 2 - 3

Join Hayley Moisley, the self-sufficient gardening expert, for her second talk on homegrown food. Discover easy crops and gardening tips.

(57 mins)

Go Goa, Goan Cookery with chef Kanthi Thamma

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Go Goa, Goan Cookery with chef Kanthi Thamma

Join an exclusive online cookery class with Kanthi Thamma, renowned chef from Brighton. Learn to cook a sumptuous Goan feast.

(1 hr 6 mins)

Have a go at... Genealogy

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Have a go at... Genealogy

Sarah Williams, editor of 'Who Do You Think You Are?' magazine, guides you in family history research.

(57 mins)

Hayley's Home Harvest 1 - 3

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Hayley's Home Harvest 1 - 3

Join Hayley in three exclusive events to learn to prepare, grow and enjoy homegrown food. Event 1: Prep for a great growing year!

(59 mins)

Thai cookery with chef Jethro Carr

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Thai cookery with chef Jethro Carr

Join an exclusive online cookery class with chef Jethro Carr, known for his simple and friendly approach to exploring global cuisines.

(50 mins)

Have a go at... Wellbeing

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Have a go at... Wellbeing

Find out how you can banish those winter blues with this introductory talk on wellbeing from life coach and broadcaster Anna Williamson.

(52 mins)

Family staycations - Thinking outside the box

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Family staycations - Thinking outside the box

Claire Hall, award-winning travel blogger, shares her experiences and top tips for caravan and camper-van holidays in this exclusive talk.

(42 mins)

Kids festive card workshop

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Kids festive card workshop

Join our free Iris folding craft workshop for kids. so they can make beautiful Christmas cards to send to friends and family.

(38 mins)

Festive Floristry Workshop

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Festive Floristry Workshop

Join our free class to craft a stunning floral centerpiece with Georgia Miles from the Sussex Flower School. Register now for a goodie box.

(59 mins)

Photography Masterclass - Double exposure

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Photography Masterclass - Double exposure

Enhance your photography skills with Seb Higgins in an exclusive online masterclass.

(30 mins)

Photography Masterclass - Perfecting your portraits

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Photography Masterclass - Perfecting your portraits

Join award-winning photographer Anna-Marie Coster in this exclusive class to master portrait photography with your digital camera.

(30 mins)

South Indian Cookery with Chef Kanthi Thamma

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South Indian Cookery with Chef Kanthi Thamma

Join an exclusive online cookery class with chef Kanthi Thamma, known for Curry Leaf Cafe. Learn to cook a sumptuous southern Indian feast.

(1 hr 29 mins)

Ten easy ways to upgrade your garden

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Ten easy ways to upgrade your garden

Join Nick Bailey's inspiring webinar for easy garden upgrades this season. Learn to expand space, attract wildlife, and grow effortlessly beautiful plants.

(55 mins)

Capturing a moving object photography masterclass

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Capturing a moving object photography masterclass

Learn to capture sharp photos of moving objects with shutter speed, shooting mode, and camera techniques in this essential class.

(58 mins)

Festive wreath workshop

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Festive wreath workshop

Craft your unique festive wreath with Carla Lowe. Bring your own festive foliage for a beautiful decoration.

(1 hr)

Enjoy our inspirational Boundless content.

Engineering Bridges with Roma Agrawal

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Engineering Bridges with Roma Agrawal

Author, engineer, and broadcaster Roma Agrawal returns with a free and inspiring talk on bridge-building and engineering.

(52 mins)

A Psychiatrist’s life with Dr Benji Waterhouse

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A Psychiatrist’s life with Dr Benji Waterhouse

Benji will humorously explore the mysteries of psychiatry and what motivates psychiatrists today.

(1 hr)

Star Gazing – A look around the night sky

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Star Gazing – A look around the night sky

Join astronomer Steve Warbis for an illustrated online tour of the night sky. Explore celestial wonders, from the Moon and planets to constellations, comets, and distant galaxies, while learning why they occur and how the sky evolves.

(1 hr)

Solo 2 Darwin with Amanda Harrison

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Solo 2 Darwin with Amanda Harrison

Pilot Amanda Harrison details her daring attempt to recreate Amy Johnson's solo UK-Australia flight in a Tiger Moth.

(1 hr)

The Tudors at Hampton Court Palace

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The Tudors at Hampton Court Palace

Join us for a trip behind the closed doors of Hampton Court Palace to explore the private lives, loves and scandals of the most celebrated royal dynasty in history.

(1 hr)

Shopping trolley with Christmas presents

The ultimate Christmas gift guide 2024

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The ultimate Christmas gift guide 2024

The Boundless Christmas Guide 2024 – glittering ideas for friends and family.

(1 hr)

D-Day – how much do we really know?

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D-Day – how much do we really know?

Historian Paul Woodadge reexamines the events of D-Day, 80 years later, uncovering new insights.

(1hr 12mins)

Behind the weather forecast with the MET office

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Behind the weather forecast with the MET office

The Met Office’s Helen Roberts on how psychology and social science underpin our weather forecasts.

(59mins)

200 years of RNLI

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200 years of RNLI

Hayley Whiting, the RNLI Heritage Archive and Research Manager, will share stories and treasures from the RNLI’s heritage collections.

(52mins)

NASA Supersonic flight

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NASA Supersonic flight

Join us for an exclusive online event with Peter G. Coen, head of NASA's quiet supersonic project.

(54mins)

Character actors at the British Motor Museum

British Motor Museum - a tour through the decades

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British Motor Museum - a tour through the decades

Join us for a virtual tour of the British Motor Museum in the company of their ‘costumed explainers’, museum experts who will be taking us through the development of the motor car and looking at its impact on our society over the years.

(1hr 7mins)

The untold story of Emily Anderson, The Queen of Codes, with author Jackie Uí Chionna

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The untold story of Emily Anderson, The Queen of Codes, with author Jackie Uí Chionna

Jackie Uí Chonna joins us to look at the life of codebreaker Emily Anderson, who joined British Military Intelligence in 1917 and remained in the job her whole life

(1hr 7mins)

2024 Democracys Biggest Year Yet

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2024 Democracys Biggest Year Yet

Why are elections so widespread now, even in places where they don't seem to count? And what's at stake globally in this year's elections.

(1hr)

The top 5 new cars to buy 2024

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The top 5 new cars to buy 2024

If you’re thinking of buying a new car, join us for this special online event with motoring writer and Car of the Year judge Paul Horrell and get the lowdown on the latest models.

(54 mins)

Top Tours and Driving Holidays in Europe and Britain

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Top Tours and Driving Holidays in Europe and Britain

Motoring journalist Paul Horrell joins us for a member-exclusive event looking at the best destinations for a summer driving tour.

(54 mins)

Greatest nature photos ever taken

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Greatest nature photos ever taken

Wildlife photography expert and conservationist Sophie Stafford tells the stories behind some of the most beautiful images to have graced the Natural History Museum’s prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

(1hr)

Wings of History, WW1 in aviation

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Wings of History, WW1 in aviation

Join us for a fascinating journey back to the world of First World War aircraft, the pilots who flew them and the technology that kept them in the skies.

(1hr)

Disease x with Kate Kelland

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Disease x with Kate Kelland

In this special member-exclusive online event, award-winning global health writer and former Reuters journalist Kate Kelland talks about her new book DISEASE X - The 100 Days Mission to End Pandemics and how the world can work together to build a future free of pandemics.

(1hr 4mins)

The real-life X-Files with Nick Pope

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The real-life X-Files with Nick Pope

Join us for a special member-exclusive event as one of the world’s leading authorities on unexplained phenomena tells us about his 21 years at the Ministry of Defence.

(1hr)

A woman of no importance: the untold story of second World War spy Virginia Hall

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A woman of no importance: the untold story of second World War spy Virginia Hall

Join us for a fascinating insight into the life of Virginia Hall, who spied for Britain in occupied France during the Second World War.

(1hr 1 mins)

Live from NASA the James Webb Space Telescope Mission

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Live from NASA the James Webb Space Telescope Mission

Live from the USA! Journey to the stars with Boundless to discover the amazing story of NASA’s newest telescope as it explores distant galaxies at the very limits of our knowledge.

(1hr 8 mins)

Nuts and Bolts – small inventions that changed the world

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Nuts and Bolts – small inventions that changed the world

Engineer and Shard designer Roma Agrawal tells us how small and seemingly simple inventions like the nail, string and the magnet ended up changing the world.

(51 mins)

Tune in for the Boundless Antiques Roadshow

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Tune in for the Boundless Antiques Roadshow

Join us for an extra-special evening with Jonty Hearnden from TV’s Antiques Roadshow, Cash in the Attic and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.

(51 mins)

Driving into the Future

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Driving into the Future

Join us for what promises to be a fascinating member-exclusive event, as BBC Top Gear magazine journalist and Boundless car reviewer Paul Horrell examines some of the most important motoring questions of our age.

(48 mins)

Search and rescue - Life aboard a nuclear submarine

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Search and rescue - Life aboard a nuclear submarine

Get the lowdown on life as a crew member aboard a nuclear sub on a search-and-rescue mission in this member-exclusive event with veteran submariner Jonty Powis.

(55 mins)

Dreams what are they and what do they mean

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Dreams what are they and what do they mean

In this member-exclusive online event, dream psychologist, broadcaster and bestselling author Ian Wallace will show us how to understand our dreams, what they tell us about ourselves, and how we can use them to help us achieve our goals – our ‘dreams’ – in our waking lives.

(1 hr 4 mins)

The History of Christmas

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The History of Christmas

In this member-exclusive online event, author Judith Flanders unwraps some surprising facts about Christmas down the years and debunks a few popular myths about the festive season along the way.

(45 mins)

100 years of Le Mans

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100 Years of Le Mans

Perhaps the most famous motor race of them all, the 24 of Le Mans clocks up its centenary this year. Award-winning author Richard Williams has written a definitive history of Le Mans, and brings his expert knowledge to this member-exclusive online event looking at what makes the race so special.

(1 hr 14 mins)

Inside job – the Prison Doctor

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Inside job – the Prison Doctor

Join Dr Amanda Brown for a unique glimpse into life behind bars for a prison doctor in the member-exclusive online event.

(56 mins)

100 Years of The Flying Scotsman

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100 Years of The Flying Scotsman

In this member-exclusive online event, engineer Simon Holroyd takes us on a fascinating journey from the engine’s glory days to its eventual decline.

(55 mins)

Money-saving gadgets with Harry Wallop

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Money-saving gadgets with Harry Wallop

In this member-exclusive online event, consumer journalist and broadcaster Harry Wallop will be running his critical eye over some of the gadgets and devices that may – or may not – be able to save you some money.

(55 mins)

Lantern Making with Wakehurst Glow Wild

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Lantern Making with Wakehurst Glow Wild

Every year Wakehurst celebrates the festive season with an award-winning illumination trail packed with thousands of lights and lanterns. In this member-exclusive online event, Wakehurst’s in-house artist Katherine Morton will demonstrate how these lanterns are made .

(39 mins)

Behind the scenes at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

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Behind the scenes at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

Andrea Bishop discusses preserving motoring history and the vast 1.9 million-item collection, highlighting the iconic 350hp Sunbeam, a 1925 speed champion.

(1 hr 10 mins)

The Royal Mint

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The Royal Mint

Embark on a captivating journey through Royal Mint's past to its vibrant present. Uncover legendary coins and their links to the worlds history.

(52 mins)

Tracing the history of your home

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Tracing the history of your home

Discover your home's hidden history with expert Sarah Williams. Learn online tools for uncovering fascinating stories about your house.

(59 mins)

Walk your way – a guide to enjoying the great outdoors on foot

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Walk your way – a guide to enjoying the great outdoors on foot

Discover the joy of walking with the Ramblers. Join our member-exclusive evening with Sara Murray for tips, advice, and inspiration.

(55 mins)

A day in the life of... a forensic psychiatrist

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A day in the life of... a forensic psychiatrist

Join our exclusive event with forensic psychiatrist Taj Nathan for insights into criminal behavior and how he helps solve serious crimes

(1 hr)

More than just a motoring club - 100 years of CSMA

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More than just a motoring club - 100 years of CSMA

In a special event, Michael Tambini from Cotswold Motoring Museum shares 100+ years of CSMA/Boundless history, showcasing camaraderie, adventure, and cultural shifts.

(52 mins)

Inside the Shuttleworth Collection

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Inside the Shuttleworth Collection

Explore the Shuttleworth Collection's ancient, airworthy aircraft in an exclusive online event with their aviation experts. Discover the flying experience.

(53 mins)

A day in the life of a brain surgeon with Henry Marsh

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A day in the life of a brain surgeon with Henry Marsh

Join us for an exclusive online event with brain surgeon Henry Marsh as he shares insights from his pioneering career and personal journey.

(1 hr 3 mins)

Rolls Royce - The heritage of a powerhouse

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Rolls Royce - The heritage of a powerhouse

Explore Rolls-Royce's rich history in motoring and aviation with Neil Chattle from the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust in this member-exclusive event.

(59 mins)

Hidden Britain at its best - Days out and short breaks away from the crowds

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Hidden Britain at its best - Days out and short breaks away from the crowds

Explore Britain's hidden gems with travel writer Luke Waterson in our exclusive online event. Discover unique day trip ideas for 2024.

(1 hr 4 mins)

A day in the life of an air-ambulance crew

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A day in the life of an air-ambulance crew

Join us in January for an exclusive event with air-ambulance pilot Alan Petch and paramedic Pete Reeve, sharing their life-saving missions.

(57 mins)

Under pressure - life aboard a nuclear submarine

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Under pressure - life aboard a nuclear submarine

Explore life on a nuclear submarine with Commander Jonathan 'Jonty' Powis in this exclusive member event. Discover the challenges and pressures of submarine service.

(1 hr 2 mins)

Ghost of Christmas past

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Ghost of Christmas past

Join our exclusive event with Charlotte Hodgman, editor of History Revealed, for chilling Christmas ghost stories and history.

(45 mins)

Electric Dreams

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Electric Dreams

Join ElectriX webinar by LV= General Insurance for Boundless members. Explore the UK electric car landscape, benefits, barriers, and more.

(58 mins)

Night at the museum - 50 Years of the Royal Air Force Museum

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Night at the museum - 50 Years of the Royal Air Force Museum

Celebrate 50 years of the RAF Museum with former Head of Archives Peter Elliott. Explore aviation history and museum exhibits.

(54 mins)

Carl Fogarty: An iconic British motorcycle racer

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Carl Fogarty: An iconic British motorcycle racer

Exclusive interview with motorcycle legend Carl Fogarty, four-time World Superbike champion, and the most successful superbike racer of all time.

(46 mins)

F1 Past and Present with Maurice Hamilton

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F1 Past and Present with Maurice Hamilton

Join our exclusive online event with motor-racing writer Maurice Hamilton for an electrifying history of Formula 1.

(1 hr 2 mins)

An officer, not a gentleman

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An officer, not a gentleman

Discover Mandy Hickson's remarkable journey as one of the UK's first female fast-jet pilots, overcoming obstacles to succeed.

(59 mins)

Ten moments in time: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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Ten moments in time: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Explore botanic gardens' scientific significance and their role in our changing world in this exclusive event with Dr. Sharon Willoughby.

(54 mins)

Night at the museum - Haynes Motor Museum

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Night at the museum - Haynes Motor Museum

Join a member-exclusive event with Haynes Motor Museum director Chris Copson for a nostalgic journey through motoring history.

(1 hr)

People inside the Cotswold Motoring Museum

Night at the museum - Cotswold Motoring Museum

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Night at the museum - Cotswold Motoring Museum

Explore the Cotswold Motoring Museum with curator Michael Tambini in this member-exclusive event. Discover the museum's history and treasures.

(44 mins)

The big festive quiz

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The big festive quiz

Join our Big Festive Quiz, win one of 50 prizes, and test your knowledge in a fun family event. Happy Quizmas!

(49 mins)

Christmas Kids Festive Workshop

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Christmas Kids Festive Workshop

Get kids into the holiday spirit! Join our free Christmas card craft workshop with expert Amy Brown, perfect for ages 8-12.

(50 mins)

Festive Floristry Workshop

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Festive Floristry Workshop

Join our free class to craft a stunning floral centerpiece with Georgia Miles from the Sussex Flower School. Register now for a goodie box.

(59 mins)

The Spitfire kids

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The Spitfire kids

Discover the young heroes behind the Battle of Britain with author Alasdair Cross in this exclusive member event.

(54 mins)

Fully Charged - Electric Cars with Robert Llewellyn

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Fully Charged - Electric Cars with Robert Llewellyn

Join our exclusive event with Robert Llewellyn to explore electric cars, renewable energy, and the industry's future sustainability.

(1 hr 1 min)

The Governor

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The Governor

Vanessa Frake-Harris shares her prison experiences, from dealing with violent prisoners to becoming a Governor, in this hard-hitting and humorous event.

(52 mins)