Step into 200 years of LGBTQ+ history in Elmbridge this Pride Month

As part of Pride Month, residents are invited to discover the stories of extraordinary LGBTQ+ trailblazers at a special talk at Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre in Walton this June, part of the popular Royston Pike Lecture Series. 

The next talk, “Queer heritage trailblazers: Stories of ordinary LGBTQ+ people doing extraordinary things”, brings to life the individuals whose contributions have shaped local, national and global history. 

From Surrey and across the UK, these often-overlooked pioneers include Roberta Cowell, the first legally recognised trans woman and a racing driver and mechanic at Brooklands, and Janet Gulland, a pioneering aviation engineer. National figures such as Ann Lister, Sophia Jex-Blake, Patrick Trevor-Roper and Mark Ashton will also be featured. 

Hosted by guest speaker Sue Shave, a queer heritage consultant and former museum director, the talk draws on her work with organisations including Queer Britain, Queer Heritage South and the Brooklands “Stories Uncovered” project. 

Event details: 
• Venue: Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames KT12 2PF 
• Date: Wednesday 17 June 
• Time: 7.30pm 

Tickets (£4 per person) can be booked online.