Lunar Society Podcast

Prof Schaffer spoke animatedly about the founders of the original Lunar Society and the way man was used as an extension of machine. But he questioned whether the modern day Lunar Society – welcoming new members as it does – was in sync with the original whose preference was to keep their numbers small in what he described as being more akin to a “private club”…

This year’s Sir Adrian Cadbury Lecture will be given by Meg Hillier MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch, is Chair of the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament. With her experience of holding the most senior government officials to account and investigating value for money and efficiency in government projects, Meg will reflect on the role of her committee in ensuring good and effective government.

Deirdre LaBassiere introduces an event exploring the need to change how we provide care to an aging population.

The New Year marks the centenary of the first woman to take a seat in Parliament. On this year’s International Women’s Day, the Lunar Society’s Chair, Jacqui Smith, the UK’s first female Home Secretary, will look at some of the Honourable Ladies who have followed in Nancy Astor’s footsteps.

Listen to the full discussion on the Importance of Place and how does Birmingham measure up? The knowledgeable panel, comprising Deborah Cadman, Alan Chatham, Immy Kaur, Waheed Nazir and Cllr. Lisa Trickett approached the subject from a variety of angles and they were not afraid of voicing their sometimes controversial and bold opinions. Audience questions elicited responses covering aspects of democracy, health, innovation, art, culture, sport, architecture, business and investment.

We talk to our guest panel individually to get their thought's on what makes a place great, and Birmingham in particular. Hear the thoughts of Deborah Cadman, Alan Chatham, Immy Kaur, Waheed Nazir and Cllr. Lisa Trickett and why they think Birmingham is a great city.

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice provides care and support to 400 people living across Birmingham and Sandwell with life-limiting illness and to the people that matter most to them. Care is taken beyond the Hospice itself, offering personalised support, in people’s homes or in their local community. We caught up with Tina Swani, CEO of St Mary's Hospice to get her thoughts on how they can continue to change people's perceptions of Hospice care.

As we are living longer and with a range illnesses, the demand for hospice, health and social care is rising, with many people also living in growing isolation and poverty. Join in the Lunar Society’s discussion and debate on how we can create a new era where every individual may live the best life possible up to and at the end of life. The event is kindly hosted by Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice.

The New Year marks the centenary of the first woman to take a seat in Parliament. On this year’s International Women’s Day, the Lunar Society’s Chair, Jacqui Smith, the UK’s first female Home Secretary, will look at some of the Honourable Ladies who have followed in Nancy Astor’s footsteps. An entertaining and illuminating talk followed by Q and A over a delicious breakfast; an inspiring start to the day.

Jacqui Smith introduces a debate to be held on the 5th March at St Mary's Hospice talking about End of Life Care.

An entertaining and stimulating Question Time-style evening will address some of the key themes and challenges for Birmingham today and focus on how the city can succeed in the 21st Century. Sir Michael Lyons, vice chair of the Lunar Society will introduce the evening and act as question master.

Freelance Historian Chris Rice gives an overview of the commemoration, celebrating one of Britain's greatest inventors.

Nick Clegg served as Deputy Prime Minister in Britain’s first post war Coalition Government from 2010 to 2015 and as Leader of the Liberal Democrats from 2007 to 2015. He was the Member of Parliament for Sheffield Hallam from 2005 – 2017, and served as a Member of the European Parliament prior to that. He remains an outspoken advocate of civil liberties and centre ground politics, of radical measures to boost social mobility, and of an internationalist approach to world affairs. He is a fluent speaker of five European languages, and remains one of the most high-profile pro-European voices in Britain today.

Dame Louise will reflect back on the challenges of life both within and out of Government, commenting on the lessons learned and making sure that we remember that we are dealing with people at the very core of these problems. What lessons can be learnt when we step back, away from policies and politics and look into the lives of the people we deal with on a daily basis.

Our first event of 2018 will feature Liam Byrne MP, whose book, ‘Dragons: Ten Entrepreneurs who Built Britain’, explores how Britain’s rise to global dominance from the 16th century onwards owed much to the vision and creative energies of traders, merchants, industrialists, and bankers. It tells the story of British business endeavour through the lives of ten titans of commerce. Beginning with the Tudor merchants who forged trade links with the New World, Liam Byrne traces a golden line of British entrepreneurial genius through men such as Thomas Pitt, Nathan Rothschild, George Cadbury and William Lever. At the start of the 21st century, Britain remains a major economic power. ‘Dragons’ celebrates British business acumen and provides an informed narrative of a key element of our island’s story. Liam will also be challenging people with the question: ‘How do we become a great power of the cyber age?’ Audience participation will be encouraged. We will be discussing which entrepreneurs of today deserve to be recognised – who do you think are the entrepreneurs that built Britain?