The speaker 

This year's speaker is David Rooney, the Curator of Time Keeping at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. A winner of the Dibner Award for Excellence, David writes and speaks widely on the history of timekeeping and frequently contributes media interviews on the subject.
Photo courtesy of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

Outline

The Royal Observatory has been exporting Greenwich Mean Time ever since 1833, when a five-foot time ball was installed on its roof. Since then, a wide variety of technologies have brought Greenwich time to the outside world.

In this illustrated, lively and thought-provoking lecture, David Rooney will explore the curious history of time distribution from Greenwich, revealing little-known stories behind one of Britain’s best-known measurement systems: Greenwich Mean Time. Rather fittingly, part of its history can be attributed to Savoy Place.

David will describe the importance of technology over the years, illustrating the role of the electric telegraph, broadcast radio, and the telephone network. You will learn about the uses of accurate time, and the reason for standardising it to Greenwich.

Take advantage of the networking opportunities available by joining us for a networking buffet prior to the lecture. The evening promises to be time well spent!