Welcome to 'Let's Talk History' our series of talks produced in collaboration with Leigh Family History Society. Below you will find the details of our upcoming talks which will be held at Leigh Town Hall. Each event starts at 7:30pm.

Tuesday 21st January - 'Real Life Scrooges: Homes & Hoarding in Victorian Britain ' by Dr Thomas McGrath Victorian houses were often cluttered as an aesthethic choice, but what about those who chose to hoard unusual items, including vast fortunes, around their homes? Dr Thomas McGrath will tell us the stories of those 'real life Scrooges' who pinched every penny and hid them too!

Tuesday 18th February - 'Chasing the Convicts: Researching female convicts transported to Australia' by Kath Graham Kath Graham has been researching the transportation of female convicts for over a decade. She has discovered many interesting and surprising stories about the lives of these women and what they faced in exile.

Tuesday 18th March - 'Walking on Fire: Theodore Major, a long forgotten master of 20th century art' by Michael Howard Theodore Major has been described as one of the 'forgotten masters' of British art in the 20th century. Join Michael Howard as he sheds more light on this reclusive local artist and tells us more about the symbolism and meaning in his many artworks.

Note: Ticket price includes refreshment of tea/coffee and biscuits.

Ukrainian communities based in Wigan are invited to join photographer Harley Bainbridge for a drop-in portrait session. We want to share your story of resettling in Greater Manchester through film and photography. We’re looking for people who are comfortable telling us about their experiences of moving here following the 2020 conflict escalation.
The stories we gather will be shared with Wigan & Leigh Archives to form part of the borough's collections on contemporary life.
Dates: Saturday 11th January 11am-1pm and Wednesday 15th January 1-3pm
Venue: The Turnpike Gallery, 1st floor Leigh Library
Cost: Free
Suitable for members of the Ukrainian community in Wigan

Fun creative sessions for little artists hosted by The Turnpike Gallery, Leigh.
Turnpike Tots is a weekly arts session for little artists aged 1 - 5yrs and their grownups! Join early years specialist Tina Thomas from Upbeat Academy for creative fun, messy play, song, dance and movement.
Turnpike Tots is designed for little artists aged 1 - 5yrs. Sessions have limited spaces, please book 1 ticket for each child you are bringing (adults do not need tickets). We recommend no more than 3 children per adult to get the most out of this event.