WWI centenary events in Surrey
Picture credit: The IWM First World War Centenary Logo
A rich programme of events will be taking place across Surrey and South West London to mark the centenary of the outbreak of World War I. As the world remembers, we bring you our pick of interesting events not to miss
Plants, People and the Products of War at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Find out about Kew’s intriguing involvement in the First World War and how the war shaped the gardens and the lives of the people who worked there.
Runs until Aug 29; kew.org
Richmond Park in the First World War, Pembroke Lodge
Find out about the extraordinary events that took place in Richmond Park during WWI, including a secret anti-Zeppelin experiment and the construction of a fully-equipped hospital which treated thousands of troops – and one wounded pet monkey!
Aug 1 – Dec 31; free entry; visitrichmond.co.uk
Bourne Hall Museum, Epsom
Learn about Driver Martin, Epsom’s most decorated soldier, take part in cooking in the trenches, see a WW1 horse ambulance and join in a period sing-song.
Aug 4-15, (reenactment Aug 9). Various locations (020 8786 9571)
1914-18 Richmond at Home and at War, Museum of Richmond
Through varied displays and the private artefacts, photos, letters and reminiscences of local people, this exhibition relates the fascinating story of Richmond during the First World War and its aftermath, including the founding of the Poppy Factory and the Royal Star and Garter Home.
Aug 8 – Apr 22; free entry; museumofrichmond.com
Home Front Stories for 4-7s at Orleans House Gallery
Explore the Exhibition ‘In their footsteps: Richmond’s First World War’ with artist Georgia Bailey and design your own pocket watch, inspired by the watch shop that was opened by Belgian Refugees in Richmond during WW1.
Aug 14; £11.20; richmond.gov.uk/arts
Dorking Museum: 100 Years since the start of WW1
Make paper poppies in remembrance of those lost during the First World War and find out about Valentine Strudwick, a local boy who died in the conflict aged 15.
Aug 16; 2pm-4pm Tickets: Adults £2, seniors & U18s £1, U5s Free (01306 876591)
An Evening with Kate Adie Brooklands Museum
Award-winning BBC journalist Kate Adie will explore the impact of the First World War on women’s lives as they entered the workforce in their thousands. She will be asking what this seismic move towards equal rights achieved for us subsequent generations.
Aug 21, 6pm; tickets: £10 for members, £13 for non-members (advance booking only) brooklandsmuseum.com
British policy & diplomacy to Germany during WW2 at National Archives
Perception and reality: British policy and diplomacy towards Germany during the prelude to the Second World War.
In the years immediately before the Second World War, Hitler’s intentions were by no means transparent to British foreign policy makers. This talk focuses on Cabinet and Foreign Office documents, using them to examine British actions and responses to Hitler’s policy, from Germany’s re-militarisation of the Rhineland in 1936 to the outbreak of war. There will be an opportunity to view some key documents, such as the 1938 Munich Agreement.
Sep 4; free entry; visitrichmond.co.uk
Know Your Place Heritage Festival – Footsteps at Richmond Old Town Hall
Learn how to research the impact of the First World War on the local community and gain practical advice and guidance about identifying and using a range of First World War archive material in Local Studies such as newspaper articles, maps, directories, commemorative lists and photos.
Sep 12; free entry, visitrichmond.co.uk
Know Your Place Heritage Festival – Follow The Drum at Richmond Old Town Hall
Find out about the ‘Follow the Drum’ campaign and discover how military traditions were combined with the existing culture of marching music in an effort to support Recruitment Marches and enlistment in the Borough at the outbreak of the First World War.Original archival documentation including concert programmes and posters are presented.
Sep 26; free entry; visitrichmond.co.uk
Cambrian Connections at Cambrian Centre
This exhibition will tell the stories of Richmond in the First World War including the Queen’s Road Estate and surrounding area –encompassing Mary’s Grove and Pest House Common
Oct 1-31; free entry; visitrichmond.co.uk
