Here are our upcoming events


Tuesday 22nd April at 19:30 – Talk: From the beginning: the history of evolutionary theory and the history of life itself

Most people associate the concept of evolution with Charles Darwin or perhaps to Alfred Wallace, but there have been almost 170 years of further work since, much of which the general public are not aware of. In this talk Dr Rich Boden, Associate Professor of Microbial Physiology and Taxonomy at Plymouth University, will begin at the origins of life itself, long before even cells first appeared, and take us forwards through time to the present day with the advent of cellular life, then organelles and then multicellular life. In parallel to the history of life, he will tell us about the history of evolutionary theory. This is a talk suitable for all with no scientific background assumed!

Venue: The B-Bar, The Barbican Theatre, Castle St, Plymouth PL1 2NJ (accessibility information can be found here www.accessable.co.uk/plymouth-city-council/access-guides/barbican-theatre )

This event is free and all are welcome, although a voluntary contribution (cash or card) to help cover speakers’ costs would be appreciated.


Saturday 26th April – Social: Walk around Totnes

Our first walk of 2025, for which we hope to be joined by Exeter Humanists. Meet at 11:00 at Totnes rail station ///marsh.mush.factor You can get there by train (leaving Plymouth at 10:14 or 10:27, Exeter at 10:14 or 10:35) or bus (leaving Plymouth at 9:35). We’ll walk out to Dartington and back, stopping for drink/food somewhere along the way. For more information on the route drop us an email.


Monday 5th May at 11:00 – Social: Bluebells at Warleigh Point

Join us for a walk to look at the wonderful display of Bluebells (and other wildflowers) at Warleigh Point Nature Reserve. 

Meet at 11:00 on Monday 5th May at the reserve entrance (here’s a link to it on Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/eJos3k8bTTXXCUGVA ), where there is space to park cars along the road. It’s not a long walk (about a mile), but the ground is uneven in places and may be muddy, so bring suitable footwear. We’ll do a little bit of litter picking on the way around.


Saturday 17th May – Social: Walk from Bodmin Parkway to Lostwithiel

We did a variation on this walk back in 2023, but we’re going to repeat it in the spring this time. It’s about five miles, and we’ll stop for lunch on the way (so bring something to eat with you), finishing up at a suitable pub in Lostwithiel. Time to be decided on, but it’ll probably be the 10:15 train from Plymouth, returning on the 16:58 train from Lostwithiel. Obviously weather conditions may change our plans, so we’ll confirm nearer the time. Thanks to Roger for suggesting the route. Let us know if you’d like to join us so we can keep you updated.


Tuesday May 27th at 19:30 – Talk: Using data to counter quackery and alternative medicine

We’re delighted to welcome back Michael Marshall of Merseyside Skeptics for another of his great talks.

Venue: The B-Bar, The Barbican Theatre, Castle St, Plymouth PL1 2NJ (accessibility information can be found here www.accessable.co.uk/plymouth-city-council/access-guides/barbican-theatre )

This event is free and all are welcome, although a voluntary contribution (cash or card) to help cover speakers’ costs would be appreciated.


Sunday 1st June – Social: Sunday Brunch

Join us for Sunday Brunch at Boston Tea Party on Vauxhall Street in Plymouth City Centre, starting at 10:30. We usually get a really good turnout for these, so it’s a great opportunity to meet and chat with fellow humanists. Stay as short or long as you like, but please let us know if you’re coming along so we can get a large enough table, as space in the venue fills up fast.


Saturday 21st June – Social: Walk around Bere Ferrers

Our June walk is around Bere Ferrers. We’ll take the 10:24 train out and the 15:40 or 18:00 back. After the walk and before returning we’ll spend some time at The Olde Plough Inn. The route and other details are here https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/walk/gnatham-the-river-tavy-from-bere-ferrers-station/. Thanks to Roger for suggesting the route. Let us know if you’d like to join us.


Tuesday 24th June at 19:30 – Talk: Wave loading on lighthouses

Professor Alison Raby, Professor in Environmental Fluid Mechanics, University of Plymouth

Venue: The B-Bar, The Barbican Theatre, Castle St, Plymouth PL1 2NJ (accessibility information can be found here www.accessable.co.uk/plymouth-city-council/access-guides/barbican-theatre ). Please enjoy the excellent food they serve and take advantage of the bar.

This event is free and all are welcome, although a voluntary contribution (cash or card) to help cover speakers’ costs would be appreciated.

Tuesday 28th October at 19:30 – Talk: The Uganda Humanist Schools Trust

A talk on the important work carried out by the UHST. Read more about them here: https://ugandahumanistschoolstrust.org/