2025 Spring Programme
Tuesday 17th June – Intercalation and Battery Technology – a presentation by Phil Slack
This is a follow up to my earlier presentation – “Lithium is this a key to a greener future” which I pointed out that there were environmental and safety problems with lithium batteries. In this session the intention is to explain “Intercalation” and its importance to high power battery performance without too much chemistry and physics and where battery research is focussed currently
Tuesday 15th July – “Ammonia as a Fuel” – a presentation by Phil Slack
Ammonia (NH3) is being explored as a potential carbon-free fuel source, particularly for applications like shipping and potentially for other transportation sectors. While it offers a pathway to reduce carbon emissions, especially when produced using renewable energy (“green ammonia”), it also presents some challenges, including the need for specialized engines, potential for nitrous oxide emissions, and the need for careful handling due to its toxicity.
August – No meeting
September 16th – “Pigs, Small Fish and Hitler’s Beast” – a presentation by Commander Bernie Thompson RN (retired)
Bernie Thomson will talk about the underwater hero’s who blew up the Nazi’s Biggest Warship
Tuesday 21st October Dinorwig – A presentation By Geoff Martell
Geoff as many of our members know was heavily involved in the commissioning of Dinorwig Power Station, also known as Electric Mountain, the a pumped-storage hydroelectric power station located in north Wales, within the Elidir Fawr mountain. It’s a crucial part of the UK’s electricity grid, designed to rapidly respond to fluctuations in electricity demand and provide backup power when needed. The station can generate 1728MW of power within 12 seconds, making it one of the fastest-acting power plants in the UK. Geoff was recently invited back to assist in refurbishment and recommissioning of some of the units.
October 2025 Proposed LES trip to Jodrell Bank Observatory
A Week-Day – (date 20th to 29th Oct, actual day to be confirmed at next meeting)
Ladies Evening will be on the evening of Tuesday 18th November 2025, at Morecambe Golf Club – full details will be published nearer the date
Presentation: Moving the Goal Posts: Women’s Football – Legacy of WW1 By Valerie Welti
Valerie will share some stories from the Munitionettes Football teams during WW1, pick out some pioneers (both male managers and female players) who, with determination and passion, kept women’s football going despite the FA ban from 1921 for 50 years and cover some key developments up to the current day.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions due in January (£15 p.a. for 2025, £7 for those joining June onward) and may be paid at a meeting, or preferably by direct bank transfer. (Details will be circulated by e-mail)
Please check with the Treasurer if you believe you may be in arrears!
Please note that cheques should be made payable to “Lancaster Engineering Society”
If paying cash please try to have the right change or try get some at the bar so we don’t delay proceedings.
Note visitors are always welcome to attend our meetings, especially young engineers, who are eligible to join at a favourable rate. (Students £4 p.a.)
As you are no doubt aware meetings are on the THIRD Tuesday in the month, at the Bare Village Hall, Bare Lane, Bare, starting at 7.30 p.m. However if changes to the programme are needed you will be notified by e-mail and Facebook so please make sure your contact details are up to date and you have submitted a GDPR form so we can contact you.
Please notify any change of email address, postal address or telephone number to the Secretary, either at a meeting or preferably via e-mail.
Further information on any aspect of the Society is available from the Secretary, Phil Slack, tel. 01524-423287 or les.secretary@yahoo.com, from the LES Web Site www.lancasterengineeringsociety.org.uk or at the Society’s new Facebook group page. www.facebook.com/groups/LancasterEngineeringSociety