The Society’s programme for 2017 included the following

16 January 2017, 7.30pm
People, plans & plants: Capability Brown at Syon
An illustrated talk by Susan Darling, independent researcher and London Parks & Gardens Trust co-ordinator for the Capability Brown 300th anniversary

20 February 2017, 7.30pm
The History of Mortlake Crematorium
An illustrated talk by Dr Brian Parsons, author of The London Way of Death, on the first jointly-run municipal crematorium which has served much of West London since 1939.

20 March 2017, 7.30pm
Life Afloat – Houseboat Residents on the Thames
Adrian Evans LVO, of the Thames Festival Trust, presents his film on the history of living on houseboats and introduces his current oral history project on boatyards from Chiswick to Teddington.

24 April 2017 7.30pm
Tracing Convict Lives from West London using the Digital Panopticon, 1780-1925
A presentation and demonstration by Bob Shoemaker, Professor of British History, University of Sheffield & co-founder of the Old Bailey Proceedings Online.

15 May 2017, 7.30pm
Annual General Meeting
Our review of the year. Journal 25 will be issued to members at the meeting, and afterwards posted to those unable to attend.

18 September 2017, 7.30pm
A Naturalist on the Thames: C J Cornish (1858-1906) of Chiswick
An illustrated talk by James Wisdom about this Victorian enthusiast for natural history, whose articles appeared in Country Life and The Spectator and who lived on Chiswick Mall

16 October 2017, 7.30pm
Hounslow’s Roman road
an illustrated talk by James Marshall, Local Studies Librarian, following the route through the borough from London towards the west and its impact on the local landscape

20 November 2017, 7.30pm
At Home with the Hogarths
An illustrated talk by Val Bott, marking the 300th anniversary of the first mention of Hogarth’s House in the parish records. She will introduce you to the Hogarth household – family members, friends and neighbours in Chiswick –through portraits and possessions

18 December 2017, 7.30pm
Christmas Meeting
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 quiz with a local history theme