STEPHEN Gilbert gave a talk about vikings.

Their expeditions abroad from the 8th to the late 11th Centuries are known for plundering and looting.

But vikings were also traders and farmers.

They also produced fine atrefacts and wood carvings.

Mr Gilbert also dealt with the vikings' extensive voyages.

They travelled from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and north Germany to the Orkneys, Shetlands, Greenland and Newfoundland.

Members were surprised to learn vikings travelled as far as Novgorod and Kiev in Russia, reaching the Black Sea and besieging Constantinople in 865AD.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday at 8pm in the civic centre.

Diana Rimel will give an illustrated talk called Parliament Through The Ages.

Ms Rimel is a local historian, lecturer and writer and will show the development of central government.

On March 15, Mr Rod Legehr will give a lecture on The Chislehurst Caves.

This will be held in the Public Hall, Bromley Road, Beckenham at 2.15pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings.

For more information about these events, call 020 8466 6201 or visit the website ntbbcentre.freeuk.com