Shipbuilding on the Clyde, the education of Robbie Burns, and songs about the lowland clearances are among the highlights of a series of talks coming to Skelmorlie this autumn.

The Workers Educational Association of Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay are hosting the weekly talks, commencing on Wednesday 7 October with a short AGM followed by a showing of another in the BBC series “Great Gardens of the World” with Monty Don.

They meet in the reading room above the Library in Skelmorlie Community Centre on Wednesdays throughout the autumn with a spring session following from the end of January until April.

Each talk starts at 10am and lasts from 60 to 90 minutes. Teas and coffees are available from 9.30 and a warm welcome is assured for new visitors. For further information please contact Jenny McGee tel. 521090.

On 14 October, ‘What’s in a Name’ by Ian McVey provides a fascinating talk. Do you agree ‘a good name is more desirable than great riches, to be esteemed is better than silver or gold’ (Proverbs 22 New International Version Bible Society).

On 21 October, David Mackie talks about his life in music - David studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and taught in Glasgow for four years. After further study in Glasgow ande Birmingham, he spent seven years with the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company until its closure in 1982. Since then he has been a freelance accompanist, repetiteur and conductor.

There is an outing to Mackintosh’s Queen Cross Church and Maryhill Burgh Hall on 28 October, and on 4 November, Alan DIckson, will be accompanied with his guitar, and will sing songs from our radical past and talk about the Lowland Clearances, and agitation for land in the Highlands.

On 11 November, Valerie Reilly looks back at the history of the Paisley Shawl, and Marc Sherland will dismiss some myths and illuminate others concerning Rabbie Burns and his education on 17 November. Long time favourite Bill Fitzpatrick will be coming on 25 November to discuss ships and shipbuilding on the Clyde. The year will be brought to an end on 2 December with Christmas celebrations.