Talks and Events 2025

Talks at the Old School for 2024

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

March 7th

Secrets of the Royal Pavilion by Jackie Marsh-Hobbs 2.30 p.m.

The Royal Pavilion was built in 1787 for the Prince of Wales, who became the Prince Regent in 1811 and King George IV in 1820. The original Pavilion was transformed by John Nash with his grand oriental design. Many of us have visited the Pavilion but there is much unseen. For example, below the Pavilion is a network of tunnels which had many different uses – from storing dirty laundry to accessing George’s private bedroom. The King did, however, spend £1,783 (c £164,082 today) on a tunnel to keep his servants hidden from the gardens as they went between the Pavilion and the stables, now the popular concert venue Brighton Dome. Come to hear more secrets.

Jackie Marsh-Hobbs teaches courses about decorative arts, architecture, house history, and local history for Sussex University. She is a visiting lecturer at Brighton University. Jackie has been teaching since 1993, and has a reputation of being a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and entertaining speaker.

April 4th

Tom Crean– Unsung Hero (of the Antarctic) Michael Smith 2.30 p.m.

Listen to the riveting true stories of Crean’s Antarctic explorations as one of the few men to serve with both Scott and Shackleton and survive three famous expeditions: Discovery, (1901 – 1904); Terra Nova (1910 – 1913); and Endurance (1914 – 1916).

Crean’s story is a testament of human fortitude against all the elements of Antarctic, his 36 mile, solitary trek to base camp during the Terra Nova expedition to rescue his comrades Teddy Evans and William Lashly has been described by Antarctic historians as “the finest feat of individual heroism from the entire age of exploration”.

Michael Smith is an author and journalist who specialises in the history of Polar exploration. He has written books on Polar history and lectured extensively. Michael’s latest book is Shackleton – By Endurance We Conquer. His book An Unsung Hero – Tom Crean become a global success. Michael is a former award-winning journalist with The Guardian and The Observer.

May 6th

Canine Partners – dogs trained for domestic tasks 7.30 p.m.

June 3rd

Shelley Family Nikki Caxton 7.30 p.m.

July 1st

War of the Roses Steve Bird 7.30 p.m.

August 5th

A Gun at my Head by Tony Gledhill 7.30 p.m.

September 2nd

Brummell Family Bill McNaught 7.30 p.m.

October 3rd

Shetland Bus Gilly Halcrow 2.30 p.m.

November 7th

Sussex Inn Signs and their History by Dr Janet Pennington 2.30 p.m.

December 5th

Three Women, One man – glamour, wealth & heartbreak

Melanie Gibson- Barton 2.30 p.m.

2025 EVENTS

Museum Events at the Storrington and Sullington Parish Offices, Thakeham Road, RH20 3PP


 March 29th Quiz Night

Book your place by calling 01903 746569 £10 pp tables of 6. Light supper provided and cash bar.

Friday 4th July—Taylor Maid Concert 

Book your place by calling 01903 740188 or emailing storringtonmuseum@hotmail.com  

£15 pp cash bar available.

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 23rd & 24th Art Exhibition