Woodchurch Local History Society
Woodchurch Local History Society
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About
Woodchurch is a village in Kent, located near the towns of Tenterden and Rye (Sussex). It is also part of the Borough of Ashford, about 6 miles away.
Woodchurch has a history going back to at least the 13th century, when All Saints Church was built. Since then, the village has added a smock windmill, two pubs, and a popular primary school. It is also home to several clubs and societies.
The Woodchurch Local History Society started in 1994 when a group of history enthusiasts met at a local pub. In its first year, the Society held four events. Since then, it has offered a full calendar of talks and activities each year. We usually host seven talks annually, plus two shorter ones, all presented by experienced speakers. Most of our talks focus on the history of Kent and Woodchurch. During the summer, we also organize two events, which are either social gatherings or trips to historical sites.
The Society meets on the first Monday of each month at the Memorial Hall. Meetings start at 7:30 PM, with doors open at 7:00 PM. New members and visitors are always welcome. The Memorial Hall is on Front Road, TN26 3PA, next to a car park and near the village green.
Annual membership is currently £12, and visitors can attend for £3 per meeting. Fees are reviewed every year at the AGM. We also offer a reduced rate for new members who join after the summer break, covering all talks and events from September to February.
For more details, contact our Chairman at glbaturner@gmail.com
Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month in the Woodchurch Memorial Hall at 7:30pm
2026 Talks
February 2nd – AGM and short talk by Roger Lightfoot: The History of Ashford Market from 1243 to the Present
Our speaker spent his career with the market and helped with its move to its present location at Orbital Park in 1998.
March 2nd – Andrew Ashton: Rubens with Jokes
The humorous and saucy art of Beryl Cook depicts the post-war men and women of Plymouth enjoying themselves in the town’s pubs and clubs. A fun evening.
April 6th – John Bulaitis: The Tithe Wars in Kent, 1880 -1936
Many Kentish farmers protested and demonstrated against the collection of the tithe during the mid 1930’s. Hear how the authorities reacted, often with comical results.
May 4th – Chris McCooey: Smuggling and the Hawkhurst Gang
Smuggling in Kent progressed to its violent phase during the late 1700’s culminating with the notorious Hawkhurst Gang. They were deeply involved with corruption and murder.
June 1st – Imogen Corrigan: Stone upon Stone – the Men who Built the Cathedrals
Hear how the medieval stone masons were trained and how they constructed beautiful cathedrals. Funnily enough, a surprising amount of attention was given to ‘Health and Safety’.
Summer Event – To be announced
September 7th – Becky Haslam: Archaeology and Wartime at Chilmington Green
Recent excavations have revealed that Chilmington Green was once the home of Iron Age, Roman and medieval communities. Also revealed was the WW2 history of the RAF Ashford airfield.
October 5th – Martin Crowther: Chaucer’s Medieval Pilgrims
Geoffrey Chaucer’s humorous ‘Canterbury Tales’ will be used to illustrate the story of pilgrimage to Thomas Becket’s shrine.
November 2nd – Ed Adams: Pluckley – The Making and Faking of a Ghost Story
Historical research has revealed the origins of Pluckley’s ghost stories. Were these stories entirely fictional or did some have a grain of truth?
December 7th – Members Evening
Talk to be advised followed by wine and festive food.
2025 Talks
February 3rd – AGM followed by a short talk
March 3rd – David Tadd: A Forensic Investigation into the Brighton Bombing
David will describe how forensic evidence brought the IRA terrorists, who almost assassinated Margaret Thatcher, to justice.
April 7th – Ed Adams: Kentish Clerical Errors
A romp through Kentish stories of “contumacious clergy, priestly peccadilloes, and ministerial misbehaviours.”
May 5th – Andrew Ashton: Kill or Cure – 200 Years of Popular Remedies
Andrew will dwell upon quack medicines and cure-alls. Some highly dangerous ingredients were often used.
June 2nd – Melody Foreman: The Wreck Hunter
Since 1961, Terry Parsons has searched for hundreds of lost WW2 aircraft and uncovered the life stories of some brave airmen in the Battle of Britain and the Blitz.
Summer Visit – To be arranged.
September 1st – Josie Mackie: The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker
Josie will take us around Woodchurch to show where you could shop over the last 300 years.
October 6th – Rebecca Warren: Witchcraft in 17th Century Kent – Murder and Mercy at the Maidstone Assizes
In Oliver Cromwell's England, six women were accused of witchcraft and stood trial at Maidstone Assizes. Rebecca will examine one of these trials and discuss its outcome.
November 3rd – Michael Smith: Tom Crean – Unsung Hero of Antarctic Exploration
Tom Crean was a modest Irishman who accompanied Scott and Shackleton to the Antarctic. His story is one of unbelievable bravery and endurance.
December 1st – Members’ Evening: Talk to be advised, followed by wine and festive food.
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