The former head of Letchworth Arts Centre is pumped up at the prospect of her new job – as executive director of the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain.

Maria Iredale, who lives in Willian with husband Ian and daughters Kate and Neve, is now working with celebrated scientist and broadcast Professor Robert Winston whose pioneering work on IVF treatment has helped countless numbers of people become parents but who has also issued strong condemnations of unethical practices.

Lord Winston is delivering the society’s annual Stoneley Lecture on the theme Uncertainty: Is Technology the Solution? – and Maria is inviting local people to come along and meet him on Tuesday, March 8.

“It would be great to see local people there,” said Maria. “The lecture is about engaging the public in science, particularly earth science.

“It will be engaging and not so scientific that it alienates people – that’s my plan, anyway.

“I am already planning next year’s lecture, which is exciting. I am hoping to bring some scientists over from the USA who have discovered a fossil field with evidence of the meteor that wiped out the dinosaurs!”

The lecture takes place at Central Hall, Westminster, from 6pm to 7pm and is followed by a drinks reception with the opportunity to chat to Lord Winston.

You can register for tickets (£15) on the Eventbrite website, and there is a £5 student concession available on the door.

The Petroleum Exploration Society promotes education in the scientific and technical aspects of petroleum exploration, with conferences, lectures, field trips, newsletters and regional meetings.

Maria said: “It’s a very different scene from the arts centre, but really fascinating and a great deal of fun.”