Milton Keynes National Trust Association

You can apply for membership by subscribing at one of our meetings.

Money raised through our activities are used to support National Trust projects.

We meet once a month on the first Thursday of each month from 2pm to 4pm at Oak Tree Centre, Wallinger Drive, Shenley Brook End, Milton Keynes MK45 7GZ, and scheduled lectures (£3) include:

On Foot Through the Intelligence Zone

5th March, 2026

Speaker Alan Biggins

Alan Biggins’s talk is based on a chapter from his book The Intelligence Zone. It is about The Whaddon Web – MI6’s wartime communications sites spread across 20 locations, mainly in North Buckinghamshire.

My Writing Journey

2nd April, 2026

Speaker Stephanie Percival

My talk will share my writing journey with my audience. It began by chance, when I was shortlisted for a national competition in 2004.

The competition was called, 'End of Story,' but my story didn't end there. I used it as a springboard into writing. Since then I have self-published 2 books, had a novel and novella published by an independent publisher and also written may short and flash stories that have won or been listed in competitions. I'll read examples of my work during the talk.

Cars, Stars, and Minibars

7th May, 2026

Speaker Tom Johnston

Tom Johnston was the first-ever reporter on Britain’s biggest-selling motoring magazine Auto Express.

He was motoring correspondent for the Daily Star and contributed to the Daily and Sunday Express.

Staying in the media world, Tom moved to American auto giant Jeep in the mid-1990s and headed up the brand’s UK PR department for 15 years. He also worked for the Italian motor group Fiat.

Now, in this hilarious look at car journalism and publicity – from two different sides of the media fence – Tom lifts the lid on the wild world of the motoring hack, recounts some of the crazy news stories he has covered, talks about the celebrities he’s met and describes the many international places he’s visited and driven cars in.

He also outlines the triumphs and tragedies of promoting (and protecting) well-known vehicle brands. You’ll hear great stories, a few motoring-related jokes, and get a light-hearted look at some of the funniest car names you’ll ever come across.

(Lecture Subject to Be Confirmed)

4th June, 2026

Speaker Dr Jill Eyers from Chiltern Archeology

William Hogarth

3rd September, 2026

Speaker Martin Attridge

William Hogarth - one of, if not, the finest English artist of any age who devised a new genre of painting and prints. Hogarth devised a novel, English style and became the first home artist to be admired overseas. Ever the innovator, he is largely responsible for the Engravers' Copyright Act of 1735. Hogarth has regained his popularity of late with many of his pictures on display in London galleries and a number of books dedicated to his life and work.

The Repair Shop and Me

1st October, 2026

Speaker Christine Farmer

Christine Farmer talks about her experience of being on the Repair Shop and treats you to background information on the cast of repairers as well as the history of the sewing table she took along to be restored.

Stowe Gardens

5th November, 2026

Speaker Barry Smith

As an expert with over 45 years of experience at the site, Barry Smith’s talks often cover the restoration, trees, and history of the National Trust property.

Scheduled trips include:

26th Mar 2026 - Eltham Palace (English Heritage)

22nd Apr 2026 - The Canal Museum & Coton Manor Garden

20th May 2026 - Cliveden (National Trust) and Marlow

23rd Jun 2026 - Doddington Hall

Holiday to Scarborough – 15th to 19th June, 2026

22nd Jul 2026 - West Wycombe (National Trust)

19th Aug 2026 - Hindu temple at Neasden

23rd Sep 2026 - Foundlings’ Museum

(If you are not a member of the National Trust, you have to pay entrance fees for National Trust properties in addition to travel fees.)

In addition, the association members have informal “Coffee and Natter” morning meetings held at different locations each month with details provided via e-mail.