Michael Reid is a volunteer who organises monthly free philosophy discussions in Central Park in Peterborough.
It started over 20 years ago when he was a tutor at the School of Philosophy, Cambridge and volunteered at the Grantchester Summer Lectures in the Orchard tearoom.
He wondered if there was an appetite for philosophy in Peterborough so started giving a yearly talk in what is now the Willow in Central Park. Numbers quickly swelled, so he started doing it monthly and after a few years the Willow was too small and so the discussion moved to the Pavilion by the croquet and bowling greens.
"Philosophy in the Park" has been happening every first Saturday of the month ever since (with a brief move online during covid). A different philosophical topic is discussed, from 10 to noon with a break halfway for an optional visit to the Willow for coffee and cake. A list of the subjects is on the noticeboard opposite the Willow. The online part has stayed and people as far away as Malaysia have joined in online!
Some people come and just sit back and enjoy the discussion and some join in with thoughts and questions. Anyone can come with no qualifications required. No need to book, just turn up.
Weekly evening classes have also evolved out of this, which many people have explored and enjoyed over the years.
There is even an event "When Plato came to Peterborough" planned at the cathedral next year, which will explore Plato's influence in shaping thought and society from medieval times to today. .
Thank you for being part of Peterborough’s cultural story!
