Note: All “Dorking” events are held at Crossways Community Baptist Church, Junction Rd, RH4 3HB, Doors 7pm, talk 7:30pm
Having a break in August!
Monday 7th September (Dorking)
“Guildford’s Wool Trade in Medieval Times and Later” by Mary Alexander
Mary, who gave us a very well-received talk on “George Abbott – the Archbishop of Canterbury from Guildford” in 2024, returns. This talk will examine wool production and trade across Surrey, then look in more detail at 16th and 17th century Guildford where we can meet the many people involved in the trade.
THURSDAY 17th September (Zoom)
“Vickers at Brooklands” by Richard Marks
Brooklands is famous for motor racing, but for nearly eighty years it was also a powerhouse of British aviation. In this illustrated talk, Dr Richard Marks explores Brooklands’ remarkable aviation heritage and the aircraft, engineers, and innovations that made it one of Britain’s most significant industrial sites.
Monday 5th October (Dorking)
“History of Leatherhead stations, the RCTS Library ” by Andy Davies
RCTS = Railway Correspondence & Travel Society. Andy is the RCTS’s Archivist; he will introduce you to the various stations at Leatherhead from 1859 to today and will describe the history of the RCTS Archive and Library.
No mid-October Zoom – having a rest!
Monday 2nd November (Dorking)
“Canal Mania! The Story of an Interactive Map ” by Paul Sebbage
Paul combines historic maps and modern tech to explore the lost and abandoned canals of England & Wales. There are more than you might think – come along and learn more
Tues 17th November (Zoom)
“Recent Archaeology in Albury Park” by Anne Sassin
Surrey Archaeological Society has been undertaking largescale survey and community test pitting in Albury Park since 2023, investigating traces of the deserted medieval village, which has resulted in exciting discoveries, including a possible Roman building or settlement. Come along and hear more.
Monday 7th December (Dorking)
“The History of Christmas: Midwinter Feasts Across the Ages” by Neil Mach
Time to get festive – Neil returns! More to follow
THURSDAY 10th December (Zoom)
We don’t have a Zoom on in December, but our friends at SIHG are running “The History of British Radar (Eat Your Carrots!)” by Guy Bartlett, you are welcome to attend.
Full details at SIHG Talk: “The History of British Radar (Eat Your Carrots!)” by Guy Bartlett (Zoom) | Surrey Archaeological Society or email chairman@sihg.org.uk
2027 Events!!
No live at Dorking talk in January in 2027
TUESDAY 19th January 2027 (Zoom)
“Brooklands – the birthplace of British motor racing” by David Nicholson
Before 1909, there were no purpose-built automobile racing tracks in the world, racing was done on normal roads. The Hugh Fortesque Locke King decided to build the first track on his estate at Brooklands; this virtually bankrupted him, but Brooklands became the birthplace of British aviation.
1st February 2027 (Dorking)
“John Logie Baird and 100 years of Television Magic Lantern” by Jon Weller
There IS a Dorking connection here – please come along and find out what it is.
15th February 2027 (Zoom)
“The History of Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel” by Nicole Lazarus
Perhaps you’ve walked past Tanners on Ranmore Common? Tune in to hear the story of Tanners past and the community enterprise planning its future.
March 1st 2027 (Dorking)
“A Romany Lifestyle in Surrey” by David Rose & Geoff Burch
Many Gypsies, travelers and itinerant workers called Surrey their home in days gone by. We’ll hear about where they made their camps, the work they did on farms and market gardens, hop picking and their ways and traditions. The talk will include vintage pictures from David’s vast collection and personal family details from Geoff, whose mother was born into a Gypsy family in Old Woking
TUESDAY 16th March 2027 (Zoom)
“The Walls Have Tongues – Medieval Graffiti in Kent & Surrey Churches” by Sue Flipping
If you know how to look, you’ll see that many of our medieval churches are covered with centuries-old graffiti – mysterious markings in the fabric of the building. The talk shows some of the most interesting examples, considers their meaning and explains how to find them yourself.
April 5th 2027 (Dorking)
“Spies and Trained Assassins: How events in Mole Valley changed WW2″ by Lorraine Spindler
More details to follow
May 10th 2027 (Dorking)
“Chilworth Mills” by Colin Rumary
This presentation describes the history of the gunpowder mills from 1626, when production of gunpowder commenced in Chilworth, to the eventual closure of the works in 1920.
June 7th 2027 (Dorking)
“TBC” by TBC
More details to follow
Having a break in July & August 2027!!
Future Possibilities
Some Possibilities – live
“Albury Park and Mansion” – Trevor Brook
“Messing about in boats on the River Wey” – Malcom Watson**
“Underground Tunnels and Holes in the Godstone Area” – Peter Burgess
“Holmwood Common, A 1000 Years of Use and Abuse” –Kathy Atherton
“Origins and history of Juniper Hall” – Peter Almond
“Mudlarking on the Thames foreshore” by Alan Robson
“Findlater’s Corner” or “Topographic & townscape drawing over the centuries” by Benny O’Looney
** = will also do Zoom
Some Possibilities -Zoom
“Religion and Disposal of the Dead in Roman SE England” – David Rudling
“Gertrude Jekyll” – Julian Pooley
Messing about in boats on the River Wey” Malcom Watson##
## = will also do their talk live
DLHG 