Where do the Stonehenge stones come from? Opening of new season of ‘Brains at the Bevy’ tells all

The longstanding partnership between the University of Brighton and The Bevy in Moulsecoomb – the UK’s first, and most probably still the only, community pub in an urban area – brings together experts from the university and the local community to share and discuss their knowledge at a venue which prides itself on being "more than a pub".

The Brains at the Bevy 2023-24 programme kicks off with a talk from David Nash, Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Brighton, who made headlines around the world in 2021 when the international research team he was leading solved the mystery of where the large sarsen stones at Stonehenge came from.

The Bevy community pub

Professor Nash will give a look behind the scenes on the work that led to this incredible breakthrough, including the crucial sample of stone that was lost for half a century, the geological technologies he used to analyse the stone and how he and his team worked out where the original quarry could be.

There will also be a screening of a short film about Brains at the Bevy, which highlights the enduring popularity and value of the programme that has been running since 2016.

Dr Nicolette Fox, from the University of Brighton’s Community University Partnership Programme, said: “We are excited to have Professor Nash kick off the first talk in the new series of Brains at the Bevy. The audience will have a chance to find out about his pioneering research and ask him questions about his work to uncover the origins of the Stonehenge stones.

“Brains at the Bevy is a fantastic example of how universities can work with local partners to bring the work of academics to the widest possible audience. We love working with The Bevy and we look forward to seeing many new faces from the local community at our upcoming talks.”

The 2023-24 programme includes Richard Faragher, Professor of Biogerontology, who will delve into why some people live to over one hundred despite living unhealthy lives. Professor Rusi Jaspal together with Dr Claire Bloxom will discuss what we can learn from psychological research into coping with life’s ups and downs.

Brains at the Bevy talks are often relevant to the local area. On 7 June for example Professor Martin Smith and Susie Howells from The Aquifer Partnership will be discussing Brighton’s aquifer and how the Wild Park rainscape works to remove pollutants and improve water quality.

There is no cost to attend the Brains at the Bevy talks, though attendees are encouraged to book online. The pub also offers tea and coffee as well as a range of other drinks, and often puts on a special food menu for the evening.

About The Bevy

The Bevy is a community owned pub and cafe, run by local staff, volunteers and shareholders. Its mission is to improve the lives of people in the local Moulsecoomb and Bevendean area.

The Bevy has twice been awarded as Britain's best community pub, made it to the short list for the Great British Pub Award and has been commended for being the heart of its community.