Surrey Archaeological Society

The River Wandle has long been an attraction to individuals and their families. Some have come to work and have  their business on the banks of the river others have decided to live by the river. This talk tells the story of some famous names and those lesser known people who have lived and worked in the Wandle Valley.  This talk will be given by Mick Taylor, Volunteer/General Manager at the Wandle Industrial Museum.

This illustrated talk looks at the Home Front in Surrey during the Second World War and includes defensive positions, munitions production, the Home Guard and Canadian troops, air raids and aircraft crashes, Civil Defence, the Women's Land Army and transport.  The talk will be given by David Rose, Local historian and writer.

The talk looks at the massive construction programme needed to build what was then the world's largest free standing reservoir and its supporting infrastructure, as well as the village that was partially destroyed to make way for it, and its Royal opening. Along the way we look at the surprising use to which it was put in the second world war. This talk will be given by Nick Pollard, Curator of Spelthorne Museum in Staines.

Ships like HMS Victory remained in active service for more than 50 years. Battleship development was so rapid post HMS Warrior most battleships were obsolete after only ten years and few had a service life of more than seventeen years. This talk will be given by Bob Bryson, Chairman SIHG.

Any member of SIHG or SyAS who would like to receive details about joining one or all of these meetings, and don't already get details sent to them, should send their name and e-mail address to:-  meetings@sihg.org.uk

This meeting has been CANCELLED

A Meeting of the Forum has been arranged at which a series of talks will be presented by members of the Forum on a wide range of interesting topics.

The programme for the meeting is attached. The charge for the meeting is £5, payable on the door. All are welcome.

To help with practical arrangements including refreshments please e-mail medforum@hotmail.co.uk to register your intention to attend.