The group was formed in April 2016 to accommodate increasing demand for participation in a Science & Technology Group.

Members have a broad range of experience from their working careers as scientists, engineers and teachers and are complemented by those who have developed a technical interest in later life. Whilst each meeting has a main scientific or technological subject researched and introduced by a group member, the subsequent discussions are likely to develop into considering the impact of a particular issue on individuals and society as a whole. This accommodates both the technically and less technically minded members.  The aim is always to provide interest and inspiration for all members across the scientific and technological spectrum in a relaxed informal way. Discussion meetings are supplemented by visits to places of related interest.

The Group has looked into a range of subjects of which the following are just a selection: nanotechnology, food & health, drone technology, EV infrastructure, Alzheimer’s disease, hearing aids, the body clock, the science of ageing, water supply resilience and development of the bicycle. The Group has also visited Dungeness B Nuclear Power Station, the pioneering nuclear fusion developments at Culham in Oxfordshire, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the Mini Car Plant in Oxford and SES Water Bough Beech reservoir; a short photo gallery is below.

The meetings and visits programme for 2026 may be viewed here. Meetings are held on the 4^th Thursday of each month from 2– 4pm in member’s homes. Occasional vacancies do occur, so if you are interested, please contact Chris.

Updated 02/04/2026