Leading local historians join a vibrant line-up of talks during Rushmoor Heritage Festival - sharing untold stories, forgotten voices and fresh perspectives that connect heritage to today’s world.
The Medieval Lathe with Paul Vickers
Saturday 12 September, Aldershot
Step back in time and discover the fascinating world of medieval craftsmanship with a demonstration of the medieval pole lathe. This traditional woodworking tool, used for hundreds of years before the Industrial Revolution, enabled skilled craftsmen to create everything from bowls and plates to furniture components using simple hand-powered techniques.
This hands-on heritage experience offers a rare opportunity to see traditional craft skills brought to life and gain an appreciation for the ingenuity and craftsmanship of medieval artisans.
Highlights
- See a traditional medieval pole lathe in action
- Learn how woodworkers shaped timber using historic methods and tools
- Discover the importance of woodworking skills in everyday medieval life
- Watch demonstrations of turning techniques that have been passed down through generations
- Explore the history and evolution of one of the world's oldest woodworking technologies
Cost: Free
Times: 11am, 2pm
Location: Aldershot Military Museum, Aldershot
Further information: For dates, times, tickets and more information, visit the Heritage Open Days website.
Organiser: Friends of Aldershot Military Museum
Military Monuments and Memorials of Aldershot - a talk by Paul Vickers
Wednesday 16 September, Aldershot
Aldershot is home to a remarkable collection of military monuments and memorials, each with its own story to tell. Join this fascinating talk and uncover the histories behind some of the town's best-known landmarks, as well as a few hidden gems that are often overlooked.
From acts of bravery and sacrifice to the regiments and individuals who shaped Aldershot's history, this talk reveals the rich stories behind the monuments that continue to define the town's landscape.
Highlights
- Discover the stories behind Aldershot's military monuments and memorials
- Learn about the people, units and events commemorated across the town
- Explore both famous landmarks and lesser-known memorials
- Gain new insights into Aldershot's military heritage
- Hear the stories that communities wanted future generations to remember
Cost: Free
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Location: Brown Conference Room (formerly Brown Gym), next to the RAPTC Museum, Aldershot
Tickets: Pre-booking is required through our Ticketsource page.
Further information: Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits will be available before and after the talk in the RAPTC Museum. As the venue is located on a military site, all attendees must bring photo ID for admission.
Organiser: RAPTC Museum
Mitchell - Father of the Spitfire. Presented by Paul Beaver FRAeS VR
Tuesday 22 September, Farnborough
Discover the story of one of the most influential figures in aviation history at this fascinating talk from Farnborough Air Sciences Trust. Aviation historian, broadcaster and author Paul Beaver explores the life and legacy of Reginald Mitchell, the visionary engineer whose work led to the creation of the iconic Spitfire.
Highlights
- Learn about the life and career of Spitfire designer Reginald Mitchell
- Discover how innovation and engineering excellence shaped one of Britain's most famous aircraft
- Explore the story behind the Spitfire and its role in aviation history
- Hear from leading aviation historian and author Paul Beaver
- Gain fresh insights into a legendary aircraft that continues to inspire today
From pioneering aircraft design in the 1920s to the development of a fighter that would become a symbol of British ingenuity, this talk shines a light on the man behind one of aviation's greatest achievements.
Cost: Free for FAST Association members and students. Guests and non-members are welcome; a contribution of £5 per person is invited.
Times: 7.30pm
Location: Simon Jarvis Lecture Theatre, Farnborough Sixth Form College, Sand Hill, Farnborough, GU14 8JS
Tickets: Advance booking is required. To book, email Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) or call 07746 957498.
Organiser: Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST)
The North Camp Story - A Social History
Sunday 20 September, Aldershot
Discover the fascinating story of North Camp with local historian and author Jo Gosney. This engaging talk explores how the arrival of the Army at Aldershot Heath transformed a small village on the edge of Farnborough into a thriving civilian community.
From entrepreneurial shopkeepers and local industries to housing, entertainment and everyday life, this talk reveals the social history of an area whose unique identity was shaped by its close connection to the Army.
Highlights
- Learn how North Camp developed alongside the growing Aldershot Garrison
- Discover the shops, pubs and businesses that served thousands of soldiers
- Explore the lives of the people who lived and worked in the area
- Find out about the links between North Camp and Windsor Forest
- Hear how the community has evolved from its nineteenth-century origins to the present day
Cost: Free
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Location: Boyce Building, Aldershot Military Museum, Queen's Avenue, Aldershot, GU11 2LG
Tickets: Pre-booking is required. Book your free place through Ticketsource.
Further information: For dates, times, tickets and more information, visit the Heritage Open Days website.
Organiser: Friends of the Aldershot Military Museum
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.
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