Kings Arms Hotel
30 High Street
Old Amersham
Though few people nowadays have heard of him, Captain Thomas Mayne Reid was an adventurer and novelist who, in his day, had been a teacher, journalist, soldier-hero, slave overseer turned abolitionist, buffalo hunter, actor and playwright. 2018 saw the bi-centenary of the birth of this well-connected cowboy who sold his enthusiasm for America’s wild west to several generations of boys and who inspired many of them to seek their fortunes in the Empire and Colonies. More famous in his day than Rider Haggard or Captain Maryatt, he chose to build a massive Mexican-style mansion in Gerrards Cross for himself and his bride. His life story is a tale of adventure and derring-do, of romance and riches and finally, poverty and obscurity.
The speaker Denise Beddows is well known to the Society. Retired from government service, and with a background in research, investigation and intelligence analysis, Denise writes (as DJ Kelly) biographical fiction and local history, and (as Denise Beddows) true crime and spy thrillers.
Coffee/tea and biscuits will be available from 7.30pm. The talk starts at 8.00pm. No booking necessary. Guests and new members welcome.