Talks at the Old School for 2025
We provide a programme of monthly talks at the Old School.
(Please note all talks will be held at the Old School, School Lane, Storrington. Starting promptly at 7.30 pm unless otherwise indicated. No pre booking required, pay at the door, everyone welcome.
Entrance £6 for members, £8 for Non Members
Teas and coffees will be available after each event.
If you would like to sponsor any of our events or talks please contact the museum on 01903 740188 or storringtonmuseum@hotmail.com
2025 EVENTS
October 3rd
Shetland Bus Gilly Halcrow 2.30 p.m.
This is the story of the brave Norwegian sailors, organised by the SOE, in their fishing boats who kept links open between occupied Norway and Britain during WWII, taking agents in with supplies for the resistance and escaping refugees out. Not only did they have to face sub-Arctic storms in the North Sea but also the might of the Nazi war machine out searching for them.
A moving account of what affectionately became known as ‘The Shetland Bus’; helping Norway to bring back its peace and its pride.
Gillian has been inspired to research this talk to honour the brave men and women SOE agents who served their country in World War II. She has been fascinated by the subject for many years. She will capture your interest from the start, and over the course of the talk, will move you both to laughter and to tears.
The talk is in aid of The Land, Sea & Islands Centre, Arisaig, Scotland.
November 7th
Sussex Inn Signs and their History by Dr Janet Pennington 2.30 p.m.
If only we all had studied for a PhD in ‘Early Modern Sussex Inn & Tavern History’.
That’s exactly what Dr Janet Pennington achieved and can happily claim to “ have been in more Pubs than most of us ”.
Join us for her lively & entertaining talk explaining the origins of the various types of drinking houses plus the symbolism of their names and signage; whether reflecting local industry, religion, heraldry, etc..
Pubs have always been iconic, logistical landmarks to the traveller as well as being invaluable havens of local cultural history. Their colourful signage still paints a thousand words reminding us of their origin, as a depiction locally of the past, whilst still treasured today.
Come and discover their intriguing heritage which otherwise remains a mystery hidden behind the other side of the bar.
PS. The Talk is guaranteed to finish before closing time !!
December 5th
Three Women, One man – glamour, wealth & heartbreak
Melanie Gibson- Barton 2.30 p.m.
Before commencing her mystery talk, ‘Three Women, One Man – Glamour, Wealth and Heartbreak’, speaker Melanie Gibson-Barton asks us to keep secret the names of the intriguing participants about to be portrayed.
Melanie will lead us through a wide selection of slides from world-wide locations, showing how the lives of four charismatic people, intertwined in surprising ways within their world of wealth, resulted in both their joy and heartbreak.
? Can money ever buy love and happiness ?
At the conclusion we will again be reminded to keep the identities of the three women and one man a secret. After all, we would not want to spoil the surprise of this fascinating story for other future audiences.
Melanie has been giving talks for several years to many renowned organisations and looks forward to entertaining each new audience.
2025 EVENTS
October 25th Quiz Night
Book your place by calling 01903 746569 £10 pp tables of 6. Light supper provided and cash bar.
Museum Event at the The Old School, School Lane, (opposite St Mary’s Church), Storrington RH20 4LL
November 22nd & 23rd Art Exhibition
Talks and Events 2026
We are pleased to announce our Talks and Events for 2026
Talks:
January 9th (Friday at 14:30) Beside the Seaside by Sheila Willis
February 6th (Friday at 14:30) A Year in the Life of a High Sheriff by Dr Tim Fooks
March 6th (Friday at 14:30) A Walk on the Wild Side by Tony Whitbread
April 7th (Tuesday at 19:30) Zulu (Wars) by Steve Bird
May 5th (Tuesday at 19:30) White Stork Project by Laura Vaughan-Hirsch
June 2nd (Tuesday at 19:30) Amberley Museum by One of the curators
July 7th (Tuesday at 19:30) The Crop Circle Mystery by Andy Thomas
August 4th (Tuesday at 19:30) “That Can’t Be Natural” by Bill Avenell
September 1st (Tuesday at 19:30) The English Civil War came to Sussex by Chris Hare
October 2nd (Friday at 14:30) The Franklin Expedition Mystery by Michael Smith
November 6th (Friday at 14:30) London Curiosities and Oddities by Sally Botwright
December 4th (Friday at 14:30) Religious Curiosities of Horsham by Richard Shenton
Events:
Saturday 28th March—Quiz Night – Book your place by calling 01903 746569 £10 pp tables of 6. Light supper provided and cash bar.
March (TBC) Taylor Maid in Concert
Sunday 12th April —A Walk Through Storrington’s History – Meet at the Library Car Park for a 13:30 start, finish at 15:30. £5 pp.
Saturday 24th October—Quiz Night – Book your place by calling 01903 746569 £10 pp tables of 6. Light supper provided and cash bar.
Weekend 21st —22ndNovember – Art Exhibition