Details of events are listed here and are also emailed to members.
Talks and quiz afternoons normally take place in the John Galsworthy Building, Penrhyn Road.
Meeting places for excursions and other events are arranged conveniently.
To hear what's coming up, send in your details to be added to the mailing list.
Go to: -> Contact and membership
Dates for your diary ... please check your email on the day for any updates.
Friday 10th April, 2pm: "The History of Electricity", a talk by Stephen Fielding from Habitats & Heritage exploring the history of electricity with emphasis on Kingston Power Station which existed on the Thames Riverside between 1893 and 1980 and was demolished in 1994. Galsworthy Building, room 1003. The cost of attending is £5 cash for members and friends.
Friday 17th April, 11 am: Coffee morning, Bourne Hall.
Thursday 23rd April, 2pm: "The Art of Laundry", a talk by Nick Higham. Galsworthy Building, room 1006.
We welcome back acclaimed broadcaster and author Nick Higham for a richly
entertaining journey through the overlooked world of laundry. This talk brings to
life centuries of domestic toil, from Elizabethan underclothes to Victorian mangles,
revealing how the humble wash day was portrayed in paintings, prints and photographs.
The cost of attending is £5 cash for members and friends.
Thursday 7th May, 2pm: "Why we celebrate May Day", a talk by Julian McCarthy. Galsworthy Building, room 1006.
A return visit to KURSA by Julian McCarthy for an informative talk about May Day, a European festival of ancient origins marking the beginning of summer, usually celebrated on 1st May, accompanied by various traditions. ‘International Workers’ Day’ or ‘Labour Day’, observed on 1st May, is also called May Day, but has a different history.
The cost of attending is £5 cash for members and friends.
Friday 22nd May: Visit ~ Honeywood Museum, Carshalton.
A historic Grade II house and museum next to Carshalton Ponds, reopened May 2012.
It has been restored to show how it would have looked like when it was a family home in
Victorian and Edwardian times. It includes a billiards room, drawing room, bathroom
and scullery.
There is no charge for this self-guided visit, but the museum welcomes donations.
Please let Richard know if you are planning to go on this visit by Friday 15th May.
There is an outdoor tea room on site.
We will meet at 1.30pm in Kingston to arrive at the museum for 2.30pm.
The address is Honeywood Walk, Carshalton, SM5 3NX.
https://friendsofhoneywood.co.uk/index.html#
Monday 15th June: Visit ~ Bart's Hospital North Wing, London.
Newly restored in October 2025, the North Wing is now open to the public.
The visit covers the Great Hall and Hogarth Stair and is self-guided with lots of
information paddles around the building, a video about the conservation project
and, if preferred, an audio guide to hire.
St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Museum is also open to visit.
Please let Richard know if you would like to attend by Monday 8th June . There is no cost
to the visit, but the number of people attending has to be submitted to Barts Heritage
in advance.
The address is St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7B.
We will meet at Waterloo Station for 1.15pm to travel to the hospital.
Thursday 25th June: Visit ~ Westminster Roman Catholic Cathedral and Onion Garden.
The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood (to give its full
name) in Victoria Street, London, is the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster.
The building began in 1895 and was completed in 1903. Its unique architecture reflects
the influences of ancient Christian churches.
We will meet a Cathedral guide for a 1 hour tour.
There is no charge for the tour, but the cathedral welcomes donations of £5.
https://westminstercathedral.org.uk/
After the visit we will take the short walk to 'The Onion Garden', a hidden green haven
in the heart of London, which serves hot and cold drinks and food.
https://www.theoniongarden.org/
Please let Richard know by Thursday 18th June if you plan to come on the visit.
We will meet at Waterloo Station at 12.45pm to arrive at the Cathedral for 1.30pm.
Addresses: Westminster Cathedral, 42 Victoria Street, London SW1P 1QW
The Onion Garden, 5 Seaforth Place, London SW1E 6AB
Possible future events:
Lunch at the cafe at RHS Wisley.
Richmond Park minibus ride.
Coffee Mornings at Penrhyn Road, Bourne Hall, Ewell, or Royal British Legion, Surbiton.
Full details of all events will be sent out nearer to the dates.
Please let Richard know if you plan to come to any of these events: -> Contact
The KURSA Committee are always looking for interesting events and new ideas. If you visit somewhere or hear about a talk that might interest members, please send details to Richard for consideration.