Edgar Royston Pike, formerly Chairman of the Esher Council, introduced the ‘Esher Library Lectures’ in the late 1960s.
In 1974, Elmbridge Borough Council changed the title of these lectures to the ‘Royston Pike Lectures’ in appreciation of his 20 years’ work on the Library Committee.
All lectures are held at Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames KT12 2PF at 7.30pm on the following evenings. Tickets are £4 per person.
Spring 2026 Programme
Wednesday 17 June - Queer heritage trailblazers: stories of ordinary LGBTQ+ people doing extraordinary things by Sue Shave
Explore 200 years of LGBTQ+ history through the stories of remarkable but often overlooked trailblazers from Surrey and across the UK. From Roberta Cowell, the first legally recognised trans woman, to Janet Gulland, a pioneering aviation engineer, and national figures such as Ann Lister, Sophia Jex‑Blake, Patrick Trevor‑Roper and Mark Ashton, this talk shines a light on the individuals who helped shape British and global history.
Sue Shave, a queer heritage consultant and former museum director, has worked with Queer Britain, Queer Heritage South and the Brooklands Stories Uncovered project. She is currently Interim CEO of the Manchester Jewish Museum.
Book for tickets for Queer heritage trailblazers
Bookselling partner: Cobham Bookshop
For future information, please email arts@elmbridge.gov.uk.