Talks during the Rushmoor Heritage Festival

The Zeebrugge Strike
A Wartime Raid Revisited with Mr Mike Palmer

Saturday 13 September, Farnborough

Join Mr Mike Palmer for a compelling talk on the daring 1918 raid on the submarine pens at Zeebrugge—a bold Royal Navy operation aimed at blocking German U-boat access to the sea during World War I. The talk also honours Lt Cdr Arthur Leyland Harrison VC, who lost his life during the raid and is commemorated with a plaque on the chapel wall. The church and WWI Memorial Chapel will also be open from 10am to 3pm.

Highlights include:

• Experts will be available to share stories of the 190+ individuals named on the Chapel Wall
• Mr Jim Ennis will explore the site’s connection to poet Sir John Betjeman
• Discover our literary link to Jane Austen with a dedicated speaker
• Children can enjoy a fun “How many lions can you find?” activity
• Light refreshments will be served

Cost: Free
Location: St Mark's Church, Reading Road, Farnborough, GU14 6PP
Further information: Pre-booking may be required. For more information, visit the St Mark’s Church website
Organiser: St Mark’s Church

Tommy Atkins’ Accommodation
A talk by local historian, Paul Vickers 

Saturday 13 September, Aldershot
Sunday 14 September, Aldershot

Step into the shoes of a British soldier - affectionately known as “Tommy Atkins” -and uncover Aldershot’s legacy as the birthplace of Britain’s first permanent army training camp. Guided talk and tour, led by expert local historian, Paul Vickers, explores the evolution of army life - from the wooden huts of the 1850s to the Victorian brick barracks and the concrete blocks of the 1960s, culminating in today’s modern military accommodation. This is a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of generations of soldiers who called Aldershot home.

Highlights include:

• Wander through original Victorian buildings
• Hear how thousands of “Tommies” lived, trained, and served in the garrison
• View two rare surviving barrack blocks from the nineteenth century

Cost: Free
Times: Talks at 11am and 2pm daily
Location: Aldershot Military Museum, Aldershot
Further information: No pre-booking required. For more information, visit the Heritage Open Days website
Organiser: Friends of Aldershot Military Museum

Cove through time 
A talk by local historian, Jo Gosney

Wednesday 17 September, Farnborough

Discover the rich and often overlooked history of Cove, in this engaging talk by local historian and author Jo Gosney. Drawing from her extensive research and publications, Jo will guide you through Cove’s transformation - from a rural hamlet to a thriving part of modern Rushmoor.

First recorded in 880 in the Will of King Alfred, Cove’s story stretches back over a thousand years. In 976, King Edgar gifted the land around Duddas Brook (now Cove Brook) to the monks of Winchester - marking the area’s early spiritual and agricultural significance. Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to the area, this talk offers a fascinating glimpse into the roots of Farnborough’s heritage.

Highlights include:

• The origins of Cove and it’s early occupations
• The impact aviation on local life
• Stories of families, buildings and community life
• Rare photographs and insights from Jo's personal archive

Cost: Free
Times: Doors open at 6pm. The talk is from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
Location: North Camp Methodist Church, 45 Lynchford Road North Camp Farnborough Hampshire GU14 6EG
Tickets: Pre-booking is required through the Cove Through Time Ticketsource page
Further information: Light refreshments are available
Organiser: Rushmoor Borough Council

Aldershot in the Second World War
A talk with local historian, Paul Vickers

Thursday 18 September, Aldershot

Step back into the wartime years with local historian Paul Vickers, as he explores Aldershot’s critical role during the Second World War. Discover how the town and garrison were transformed by global conflict—from the departure of British Divisions to the arrival of the Canadian Army, who made Aldershot their UK base. This is a poignant journey through six years of resilience and remembrance, revealing the impact of war on both soldiers and civilians in Aldershot.

Highlights include:

• Rationing, blackouts, and daily life under threat of air raids
• The vital role of military hospitals in treating the wounded
• Aldershot’s part in preparing Allied forces for D-Day
• The joyous celebrations that marked VE Day and VJ Day

Cost: Free
Times: Doors open at 6pm. The talk is from 6.30-7.30pm
Location: Royal Army Physical Training Corps Museum, Fox Lines, Queen's Ave, Aldershot GU11 2LB
Tickets: Pre-booking is required through the Aldershot in the Second World War Ticketsource page
Further information: Light refreshments are available
Organiser: Rushmoor Borough Council

About these events

Many activities are free and some require advance booking. Many of these events are not organised by ourselves, so please check each individual organiser's website for more information.

To see the full list of events, please visit our main Rushmoor Heritage Festival page.