Celebrate centuries of British heritage with the Royston Pike Lecture Series.

The first lecture will be on Wednesday, September 18, with Pete Allen’s memoir of the Royal Theatre in Drury Lane.

The next features Alan Hepburn delving into the life of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of the figureheads of the art nouveau movement.

Although he was primarily an architect, Mackintosh was also a skilled designer of interiors, furniture, textiles and wallpapers.

As well as his range of skills, he also developed a personal typographical style which is still copied to this day. The series will also look at the life of RC Sherriff, who was one of the highest paid screenwriters in Hollywood in the 20th century.

Also coming are talks on Shakespeare, the First World War and the Great Train Robbery. Explorer John Pilkington will be back to recount his experiences up the Mekong on his way to Tibet.

Councillor Jan Fuller, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, says: “This year’s Royston Pike programme is a real treat.

“Every year, we are fortunate to welcome authors, historians and professional lecturers who are passionate about their subjects and are so enthusiastic when sharing their experience and knowledge with the audience.”

Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Modern Movement; Vera Fletcher Hall, Embercourt Road, Thames Ditton; October 8, 8pm; £2 per person; call 01372 474568 or visit elmbridge.gov.uk/culture.