Celebrating 125 years of the Kew Society

To start our anniversary year

There are still a remarkably high number of families who have lived in Kew for generations or who have moved back ‘home’ here. They often live alongside the many current residents who are ‘first generation’… people who have chosen to move to Kew because it is a wonderful place to live. Whatever your situation, we suspect there is a fair chance that you would enjoy discovering more about your family history and that you would welcome guidance about how to fill the gaps in your knowledge banks.

At the first of what we hope to be a series of events to celebrate our 125‑year history, we will be hosting a special workshop, exclusively for our members, led by staff from the National Archives entitled Getting Started in Family History, where you will be guided in methods and techniques aimed at enabling you to unlock the treasure trove of information stored in the big (and, for many people, quite intimidating) building on our doorstep. Several members of our team are already looking forward to discovering whether some of their family stories are true… or partly true… or just myths.

Evolving plans ...

Later in the year, we are hoping to host a special exhibition which – amongst other events of local interest – will provide an overview of the history of the Kew Society, and what it has contributed for the benefit of local residents. From our early days as the ‘Kew Union’, which was formed to represent the interests of local ratepayers to the council, we have a long history of achievements, often gained as a result of the credibility we have with decision makers and other people of influence in the area.

Plans for the exhibition are still ‘on the drawing board’… we would welcome volunteers (especially anyone with relevant experience) to join our team. We would like to make space to share some of the family stories that you uncover that could be of interest (or amusement!) to anyone who lives in Kew now.

Can you help fill the gaps?

We are hoping to include an article on the history of the Society in a future edition of the newsletter. The origins of the Society can be traced back to 1901 when the Kew Ward Union was established. For those of you who have lived in Kew for some time, do let us know of your earliest recollections of the Society, when you first joined and what activities you can recall. Do get in touch with Helen Bartolome at bartolohel@aol.com.

To start our anniversary year

Evolving plans ...

Can you help fill the gaps?

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