Past recorded talks from Covent Garden

 

The Story of the Battle of Britain and the role of RAF Biggin Hill
9th September 2024

The Battle of Britain, fought 84 years ago over the skies of London and South East England, was decisive in preventing a Nazi invasion of the country. Between July & October 1940 an intensive conflict took place whilst below everyday life continued. The Biggin Hill Museum & Chapel tells that story, and that of the history of Biggin Hill, through the personal experiences of those who served there, and the community who supported them. John Callaghan, a leading volunteer and historian at the Museum will tell that story and importantly the tales of some who took part. As one said “it's not about the medals, it's not about the thank you’s.....but it's nice to be remembered....."

Open Access Rail, the way ahead
15th April 2024

Martijn Gilbert will give a presentation on Open Access Rail operations, including Hull Trains which was the UK’s first Open Access Rail operator 23 years ago, and Lumo which is the UK’s newest and greenest passenger train operator, and has brought a new approach to the Open Access rail model. He will also cover the company’s exciting plans to take the Hull Trains model to Sheffield and extend Lumo to Glasgow.

 

 

The History of Kempton Park Pumping Station and the Water Supply of London
12th February 2024

A talk by Stephen Fielding, Trustee of the Kempton Great Engines Trust.

Kempton Park Pumping Station has been supplying fresh water to London continuously since 1906. Steam power once dominated the works, including the use of two gigantic triple-expansion steam engines which are today preserved by the Kempton Great Engines Trust. Hear about the history of the waterworks, the impact it had on London during war and peace, and learn about the operation of the world's largest working steam engine.

 

Are You Being Served?: A Career Retrospective
11th December 2023

Barry LeJeune, former Friends' CEO, will recall events from his 37-year LT career.

The journey starts in 1963, when Barry joined LT as a clerk in the Operational Research office. It moves on to handling correspondence and telephone calls in the Public Relations office (no emails or social media then!); and continues to Barry's appointment to the Management Training Scheme, which included spell as a bus conductor at Reigate Country Bus garage....

 

A Light Hearted Talk by Leon Daniels
13th November 2023

A light hearted talk by Leon Daniels on his Preservation interests and world transport visits.

 

 

 

 

 

It Could Only Happen in Belgium: Part 4
16th October 2023

It could only happen in Belgium.

Part 4: 150 Years of Trams in Antwerp.

A talk by Andrew Braddock.

 

 

 

 

Siddy's Hidden London

11th September 2023

Fans of the highly successful Secrets of the London Underground TV programme will need no introduction to Siddy Holloway, who is also closely involved with the ongoing development of the Museum's Hidden London tours.

Siddy explains her fascination with the Underground's hidden history.

 

 

 

 

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