Sevenoaks Branch Talk: The life of Helen Thomas and Otford in the 1920s with Alan Williams

Helen Thomas (1877 - 1967) was the widow of poet and prose writer Edward Thomas who was killed at the Battle of Arras in 1917.  (Edward has been described by former Poet Laureate Ted Hughes as 'the father of us all'.)  

For several years from 1917 Helen lived in Forge Cottage in Otford High Street, a few yards from where NWKFHS meet, and knew many local and other cultural figures, including author D.H. Lawrence and composer Peter Warlock.  Helen was also a mother of three children, an author in her own right and a staunch supporter of Edward's poetry.  

Alan will tell the story of Helen's life before and during her time in Otford, placing it in the context of Otford as a village a century ago.

About the speaker:

Alan lives locally with his wife and children near to Otford and is a Lecturer. He is a very active member of the 1940s Society, Otford, and many of his talks reflect his interest. Alan has been a regular speaker to Sevenoaks over the years and it will be a pleasure to hear him again.

Doors open 10.45am, meeting starts 11am.

There is a large public car park (payment required, 50p for 2 hours, £1 for 3 hours) adjacent to the hall but it can be busy.

No booking, just turn up.

The Society is a registered charity and membership fees and donations are an important part of our income. The Talk is free to members but guests and visitors are asked to make a donation towards hall hire and speaker's fee. There will be a donations box at the venue.

But Society membership only costs £10 a year (£12 joint members) https://www.nwkfhs.org.uk/about/membership/our-membership