15/08/2026
This Heritage Open Days, join us for four fascinating talks bringing the real people of our parishes back to life - and the everyday histories that shaped our villages.
🏘️ A Talk about the Village of Chilworth and those who lived there
From the landowning Fleming family to Richard Searle, who rebuilt St Denys Church at his own expense, and sculptor Richard Cockle-Lucas - discover the people who shaped this Southampton village.
📍 St. Denys Church, Chilworth Old Village, Chilworth, Southampton, SO16 7NN
📅 Fri 11 Sept, 2:30–3:30pm
🕊️ A Philanthropist, A Poacher and An Airman
The stories of three very different men: Robert Thorner, Charles Smith and Wing Commander John Dewar, all buried in the same quiet churchyard, yet worlds apart in how they lived and died.
📍 St. John the Baptist Church, Flexford Road, North Baddesley, SO52 9DF
📅 Tue 15 Sept, 2:00–3:00pm
⛪ The Story of St Mark's, Ampfield
Discover the church built under Revd John Keble's direction, the ideas that shaped its design, and the vicars who left their mark over the years.
📍 St. Mark Church, A3090, Ampfield, Romsey, SO51 9BU
📅 Wed 16 Sept, 2:30–3:30pm
🏡 Stories about the First Ampfield Vicarage
From penny-farthing adventures to wartime refuge, hear the human stories of the vicars and families who called the old vicarage home between 1841–1968, including the birthplace of Revd Wilbert Awdry, creator of Thomas the Tank Engine!
📍 St. Marks Church, A3090, Ampfield, Romsey, SO51 9BU
📅 Sat 19 Sept, 2:30–3:30pm
Pre-booking preferred for all talks - reserve your place via Hampshire History Trust: https://www.winchesterheritageopendays.org/the-2026-festival
******erHODs
