Willesden
Local History Society

Covering Cricklewood, Harlesden, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Neasden, Stonebridge, Park Royal and Willesden

The WLHS was formed in 1974 by local enthusiasts who were interested in the history of the old Borough. The founder members had two main objectives: to ensure that the two thousand years of Willesden's history was not lost when the then new administrative Borough of Brent was born, and to seek out and record historical facts, because a community's future health is enhanced by a good knowledge of its past.

Now, the Society has members of all types, active researchers, family historians, authors, photographers, and some who just enjoy the lectures and fellowship at the meetings. All are welcome.

We are looking for people to become more involved in the running of the Society. Please come along and have a chat with us if you have an interest in local history and would like to help with the Society.

WLHS meets monthly from September to June, when lectures, usually with a Willesden flavour, are presented. A Journal is produced regularly, and from time to time there are guided walks and outings to places of historic interest. The Annual Subscription (£10.00) includes entry to all meetings and free copies of the WLHS Journal.

We do hope you will join us to extend our knowledge of old Willesden.

Click here for the membership application form.

PROGRAMME 2009-10

Dec. 9th The WLHS Christmas Event. 7:30pm. (Advance booking required). More information later.

Jan 20th ‘'The Dilwyn Chambers Collection of Postcards of Old Willesden' - Malcolm Barres-Baker
Malcolm Barres-Baker of the Brent Archive and Library Service returns to present another illustrated talk this time based on some 330 postcards of Willesden images loaned by Dilwyn Chambers. They have been scanned and put on the Brent Archive on-line catalogue.

Feb 17th ‘Willesden Images’ - Jean Linwood.
Over the years ex-WLHS secretary Jean Linwood has collected many images of Willesden scenes, some very rare. We look forward to her knowledgeable comments on them.

Mar 17th ‘The Grand Junction Canal Feeder.’ - Cliff Wadsworth.
This year (or perhaps next year) marks the 200th anniversary of the opening of Willesden’s own waterway, the Grand Junction canal feeder. In addition to images, the speaker has found some less well-known facts about this 3¼ mile means of bringing liquid from the River Brent to a thirsty canal.

Apr 21st ‘Showbiz Brent’ - Terry Lomas.
Terry, a WLHS member and officer of the British Music Hall Society, returns to give a talk about show business celebrities associated with Willesden.

May 19th ‘Girl Guiding in Willesden’ - Speaker to be announced.
This year it is 100 years since Guiding was established. Our speaker looks back over the activities in Willesden and elsewhere.

Jun 16th Annual General Meeting (and a short slide show or film of Willesden scenes)
Please come along to support your management team - it really is quite enjoyable! This is also your chance to say thank you to the workers who keep WLHS alive.

July 21st The Summer Guided Tour. Details to be announced in the next Journal.