Talks
2026 Programme of Talks
19th February - Jess Brown-Fuller MP
The MP for Chichester who lives and grew up in Midhurst will talk to us about her first year as a Member of Parliament, in conversation with Stewart Collins.
19th March - Major Barry Lane MBE DT
The chairman of The Royal Sussex Regimental Association will talk to us about the Sussex Regiment in WW1.
16th April - AGM Followed by Bill Avenelle - What’s in a View?’
Retired geography teacher, Bill Avenelle, will tell us about some iconic views of West Sussex and explore their geographical origins and historical significance.
21st May - Nigel Goodenough - Bellringing
Nigel is a leading bell ringer at Easebourne Church and will talk about bell ringing in Midhurst and Easebourne. He will discuss its history and the bells in our local churches.
18th June - Paul Ullson - Vikings and Normans
Paul returns to The Midhurst Society by popular demand. His always entertaining and informative talk this time will be about Vikings and Normans.
16th July - Tom Brown - West Dean Gardens
Tom is Head Gardener at West Dean. He will talk about the famous gardens and their history.
17th September - Janet Pennington - Magical House Protection
Janet last spoke to us via Zoom during the pandemic and is returning to talk to us, face-to-face this time, about ritual protection of the home in the past.
15th October - Liz Leggett - Bignor Roman Villa
Liz will talk about the history of this nationally important archaeological site and its connections to our local community.
19th November - Gemma Butterworth - Cowdray Ruins
Gemma is the General Manager of the Cowdray Heritage Trust and will talk about her work managing the Grade I listed Cowdray Ruins.
17th December - The Midhurst Community Choir will be providing our Christmas entertainment this year.
Further details below. Talks are open to all: free to members and £5 for visitors.
19th February 2026 - Jess Brown-Fuller MP
Jess Brown-Fuller —The MP for Chichester who lives and grew up in Midhurst will talk to us about her first year as a Member of Parliament, in conversation with Stewart Collins.
19th March 2026 - Major (Retd) Barry Lane MBE TD
Major (Retd) Barry Lane MBE TD — The chair of the Royal Sussex Regimental Association will talk about Royal Sussex Regiment during the First World War. This will include the notorious Battle of the Boar's Head on 30th June 1916. This was a diversionary raid ahead of the Battle of the Somme in which the Regiment suffered devastating casualties and was to become known as 'The Day Sussex Died'.
16th April 2026 - AGM followed by Bill Avenelle 'What's in a View?'
AGM — Our short AGM will be followed by retired geography teacher, Bill Avenelle, talking on ‘What’s in a View?’ He will tell us about some iconic views of West Sussex and explore their geographical origins and historical significance.