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A short history of the talks, compiled by Peter Coxhead ----
The Group was formed in the mid-1970s in those enterprising early muddy days of restoration. A small band of enthusiastic characters used to sit on the floor of members' houses planning programmes that would keep the momentum going.
The first actual public meetings when interesting speakers whetted our appetites for what we should aim for, took place in the long-since-demolished Centre Halls in Woking. Our compere was Mike Grist. We then moved to the old Christ Church Hall (now Barclays Bank) and for a time Peter Coxhead presented the evenings.
Then followed a period at the Methodist Church Hall and surely all who came there will remember the 'ex-sergeant-major' caretaker! Our next venue was St Johns Memorial Hall. Ginny Millard took over from Peter during this period.
For the last few years, our meeting place has been at the Westgate Centre again in the heart of Woking. Arthur Dungate was now our 'master of ceremonies' and all who came will remember the wonderful variety of interesting speakers.
Now, subject to receiving approval of a lottery bid, Woking Galleries will almost certainly be building a state-of-the-art 21st century Museum and Art Centre on the site of the old Westgate building.
Finding a hall suitable for both availability and price is not easy. However Peter Coxhead has come to an arrangement with Chobham Parish Council to rent its Pavilion in the Recreation Ground in Station Road, Chobham. The hall is large enough for our meetings, there is sufficient car parking space and a kitchen is available for those very important 'half time' breaks.
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