We offer a number of presentations which we can deliver to various groups around Essex, East London and North Kent. We regularly attend U3A and other adult group meetings, as well as Care Homes and schools. The presentations can be tailored to suit the audience and are typically around 60 to 90 minutes, with some interactive Q&A.
We have our own projector and screen or can use your own equipment if you have this available.
Costs vary, please contact us to discuss. All funds raised go towards the upkeep of the Centre.
All the presentations are interactive with opportunities to ask questions, and most involve some degree of "show and tell" with period items on hand to see and touch.
Delve into the history of gunpowder dating back to 9th Century China, exploring its global impact and arrival in the British Isles in the 12th century.
Why were the UK's primary gunpowder storage facilities situated on the river at Purfleet-on-Thames?
Discover the intriguing and often overlooked past of Purfleet-on-Thames spanning from Tudor times through the 20th Century. From its days as a garrison town to a holiday resort, Royal retreat, chalk quarry, industrial hub, and even a source of gothic horror inspiration, this town has a fascinating tale to tell!
Warfare has consistently seen animals play significant roles, resulting in some remarkable stories. We have so many we have split our presentation in two! This discussion delves into some of these tales from the First World War, engaging you to determine the ultimate WW1 animal hero.
Warfare has consistently seen animals play significant roles, resulting in some remarkable stories. We have so many we have split our presentation in two! This discussion delves into some of these tales from the Second World War, engaging you to determine the ultimate WW2 animal hero.
Find out what life was really like in the Royal Navy during the 18th Century. What was a Ship of the Line. What did the ranks really mean, what was the food like and what happened if you broke the rules? This also includes a discussion on shipboard surgery, and a demonstration on navigation at sea.
The story of the vital role of the military airfield at Hornchurch, Essex through the 20th Century from its formation in 1915 as RFC Suttons Farm, through its vital role in the Battle of Britain as RAF Hornchurch, to its closure in 1962.
The controversial history of RAF Bomber Command in WW2 and the highly personal story of one particular Lancaster crew in 1944 as told by the son of it's Bomb Aimer.
The story of the child evacuees from Essex and East London during WW2 from the declaration of war in 1939 and the phony war, through the Blitz and Nazi "vengance" weapons.
With the adult population either in the forces or engaged in vital war work, who could the nation fall back on? Find out how our youth stepped up to the mark and the role they gallantly undertook.
Find out about the "first London Blitz. How did the UK react to being directly under fire at home?
How did a typical Zeppelin raid in March 1916 bring national recognition to Purfleet and the garrisons gunners?
The Second World War really brought the reality of warfare to the people of Britain, with air raids, food shortages and real hardships close at hand.
We explore how people coped.
The story of how instruments were used to direct battles and songs raised moral.
Then join in with our resident singer for 30 minutes of your favourite period songs
We have selected ten of what we consider to be the most haunted locations in Britain. In this presentation we tell the stories of these, and ask you to give us your spooky tales.
Most nursery rhymes have a story behind them, and hidden meanings, telling of persecution, royalty and torture. We look at some of the stories behind the everyday childrens songs and rhymes we all know and love.
An exploration of home life in the 1920s to 1970s as told through a series of artefacts from the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre.
An exploration of childrens play through the 1940s to 1970s as told through a series of original toys from the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre.
"Top class presentation."
"...our residents absolutely loved reminiscing about their childhood memories. Smiles, laughter, and stories filled the room."
Copyright 2024 - 2026 © All Rights Reserved | Registered as a charity in England and Wales 1080629
