Spring & Summer 2021
- Members will be sent emails with meeting registration details for Zoom talks
- We plan to restart physical talks at the Crossways Community Baptist Church at Junction Road, Dorking later this year – date TBC
- All talks are on Mondays and start at 7:15 for 7:30pm unless otherwise stated
10th May (Zoom): The DeMorgans and the Lovelaces
Talk by art historian& author Professor Anne Anderson on the tangled story of Lord Byron’s daughter, the maths & computing pioneer Ada Lovelace and her relationship with the artistic and affluent de Morgan family, who have strong connections with Watts Gallery & Horsley Towers
24th May (Zoom): Painshill Park
Talk by Painshill volunteer Michelle Howes on the story of a magnificent 18th century landscape garden near Cobham.
If you haven’t been there, it’s well worth a visit.
7th June (Zoom): Richard III in Surrey
Talk by Mike Page of Surrey History Centre, on how the dramatic events of his reign affected Surrey, shedding light on the reasons for Richard’s downfall
5th July (Zoom): Deepdene House
Talk by local historian and author Alexander Bagnell. Once the grandest of all Dorking estates, owned by the Hope banking family -of the “Hope Diamond” fame – Deepdene House was demolished in 1967 after years of decline.
Saturday 24th July 2PM: “Film Locations in Shere” Organised walk by local guide Gavin Dulley who will wax lyrical on the many films that have been shot in Shere, including 4 Weddings & a Funeral and a Bridget Jones film.
Two hours £7. Limited spaces, book early! We may schedule a repeat of this event if it proves popular.
12th July (Zoom): Who’s who in Hoo
Talk by Kent-based local historian Christoph Bull on the surprising history of Kent’s Hoo Peninsula, including Roman sea walls, William the Conqueror’s half-brother, Charles Dickens, WW1 explosive makers and more!.
2nd August(Zoom or Dorking, TBC):
Secret Britain: Unearthing Our Mysterious Past
Time Team presenter Mary-Ann Ochota will reveal secret histories from around Britain, including “A cornucopia of our weirdest and most wonderful archaeological sites and artefacts”.
Book early!
16th August(Zoom or Dorking, TBC):
Searching for Inspector Donaldson.
A talk on the first policeman to be murdered in Surrey, told by Donaldson’s great-great grandson, Henry Pelham, who found the story while researching family history. Local interest: PC Donaldson once patrolled Dorking for the force
Details of the September to December Programme to be added soon – watch this space
