The Society provides a social context for members and friends by arranging stimulating and inspiring live meetings and discussions in Wimbledon in a spirit of intellectual and philosophical curiosity, open mindedness and friendship.
Our aim is to be Philosophical, rather than the study philosophy, with a view to having a better understanding of human nature and human existence. We hold four or five main live events per year.
Our previous speakers include Professor AC Grayling, Lord Gus O’Donnell, journalist Bill Keegan, Professor Eric Kaufmann, Lord Charles Powell, author and journalist David Marsh and Lord Maurice Glasman (see past events for the full list).
We were pleased to announce our support for Wimbledon Bookfest in October 2023 and partnership in bringing Sir Ben Okri to the bookfest on Sunday 15th October 2023 to perform live and from memory T.S. Eliot’s, The Waste Land, with the front 4 rows reserved for WPS Members and guests. After the event, WPS Chairman Ed Nanno thanked Ben and discussed future cooperation.
We hold a summer garden party every year and in 2018 and 2019 this was held at Southside House in Wimbledon with poetry readings attended by around forty members and friends (see below).
Courtesy of the Trustees of Southside House (www.southsidehouse.com) in Wimbledon, we have had an arrangement for some time to hold some of our meetings there which provides a wonderful context both in Summer and Winter.
We also use a range of local venues such as the Wimbledon Village Hall, the Mansell Road Centre and Wimbledon Library Arts Space.
WPS current Chairman, Mr. Edward Nanno (see above with Ben Okri) was appointed at our AGM in 2020 (read Ed’s bio attached).
Membership
Membership fees are modest and designed to ensure the Society is securely funded but do not restrict membership. New members under the age of 30 can join for £10 p.a. (normally £35 p.a. single or £50 p.a. for a couple). Members are free to bring guests but usually a donation of £10 per event is requested per guest.
To find out more about becoming a member please contact the Membership Secretary (info@wimphilsoc.org.uk) or download an application form. You may also join at one of our events. Just ask for an application form and we can take payment on the day.
To find out about the Constitution of the Society – download here.
The WPS Committee is putting together an interesting agenda of live speaker events covering a wide range of philosophical topics and ethical and moral issues (see Future events).
And in summer 2024 in a WPS Member’s garden
FAQs
Are events accessible?
Events are mainly held at Mansell Road Centre either on the ground floor or the first floor where there is a lift to access the meeting room. If events are held at a different venue, we will advise about accessibility at that time.
Can I bring a friend?
You are welcome to bring a guest, however, we would be grateful if make a donation at the door. You will also need to tell us in advance if you plan to bring a guest as our events fill up quickly.
How much is the membership?
Please refer to the section above under Membership.
WPS has joined the Royal Institute of Philosophy Local Partner programme and will receive support from TRIP for the next 3 years
