On Tuesday 10 June, ARTS SOCIETY WOKING’s talk is Inn Signia Pub Signs. The Artwork and the Stories behind their names. “There is nothing which has been yet contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn” (Samuel Johnson). Pubs and their signs are a fundamental part of our history and cultural heritage. There are some 17,000 different pub names but why are there so many pubs called the ‘Red Lion’, the ‘Crown’ or ‘White Hart’? In this colourful and entertaining lecture John Ericson shows some of the most interesting and distinctive signs before exploring the fascinating stories behind the origin of some of their peculiar names. Who could fail to be intrigued by ‘The Bucket of Blood’, the ‘Cow and Snuffers’ or even the ‘Eager Poet’ – and who on earth was ‘Blind Jack’? Formerly a lecturer at the University of Bath where he was Director of Studies in the School of Education with responsibility for the professional development of teachers, John has been a popular speaker on the Arts Society circuit in the UK and Europe, as well as a frequent visitor to the societies in Australia and New Zealand. Talks start at 10.30am but doors open 9.45am for tea and coffee. The venue is Normandy Village Hall, GU3 2DT. Members may bring a visitor, who may want to make a donation to the Society of £6.

www.wokingdfas.org.uk/talks-arts-society-woking-2025.htm