The Society’s programme for 2019 included the following:
Lost Treasures of Strawberry Hill, Monday 21 January, 7.30pm
An illustrated talk by Michael Snodin, Trustee of Strawberry Hill and co-curator of the exhibition which has brought Horace Walpole’s extraordinary collection back to Twickenham
Visit to Strawberry Hill, Saturday 2 February
Following our January talk, we arranged for 20 tickets to be set aside for members to visit at the discounted rate of £13.50 per person.
How the Glebe Estate was born & its role in Chiswick’s Labour history, Monday 18 February
Chiswick historians and Glebe Estate residents Tracey Logan and Richard Szwagrzak offer an illustrated account of its early history and its architecture
London Stile and Style Hall Mansion, Monday 18 March
An illustrated talk by Janet McNamara and Val Bott about the houses and their residents in this hamlet on the Chiswick/Brentford border from 1600 to 1900
The Intriguing history of Hounslow Heath, Monday 15 April
Howard Simmons, a Hounslow Heritage Guide, presents an illustrated talk about this strategic and substantial open space, its archaeology, industrial, social and military history, links to Magna Carta, sword factories and gunpowder mills and early aviation
Annual General Meeting, Monday 20 May
After the business meeting Brentford & Chiswick Local History Journal 28 will be available; copies will be posted to those unable to attend. Following the business meeting there will be short talks by members about recent research
The Changing Face of Brentford, Monday 16 September
An illustrated talk by Janet McNamara, our Vice-Chairman, using historical images to show how the town has repeatedly been re-born over the last three centuries.
Brentford Dock & Railway – a hidden gem, Monday 21 October
An illustrated talk by David Shailes, local historian and Dock resident, who will describe the building, operation, expansion, closure and rebirth of the Dock as a housing estate
‘Pagan & Popish Mummeries’ – 140 Years of St Michael & All Angels, Bedford Park, Monday 18 November
On the day of its consecration a letter from the churchwarden of Chiswick to the Bishop of London was published, accusing the vicar of St Michael’s of ‘high church’ practices. Father Kevin Morris, the current vicar, recounts its sometimes turbulent history, with help from parishioners Torin Douglas and David Beresford
Christmas Meeting, Monday 16 December
Our usual annual get-together – your small contributions of seasonal food to share always provide a very welcome spread, and drinks will be on sale in the Club bar. Buy last-minute gifts from our bookstall and join in our activity with a local history theme.
