2025
The National Archives, Kew - Saturday 26 July
Would you like to move beyond "simply" using websites?
TNA gives access to historic documents including military, judicial, estate, family and countless other records and free access to commercial websites. Entry is free. Visitors to the Reading Room (probably the main reason for going) need to register and are encouraged to book their visit and order documents in advance. Although this is not essential, it saves a lot of time on the day. You don't need to book to visit an exhibition (eg MI5: Official Secrets), the reference library, or the shop or cafe.
TNA is also a short walk to Kew Gardens or Kew Gardens Underground for Central London. Pick up from Westbury (Haynes Road) 7.00; Devizes (Market Place) 7.30; Chippenham (Morrisons) 8.00; West Swindon (Link Centre) 8.30. This will give plenty of time at TNA, and we'll leave for the return at about 4pm.
Return trip for only £34 per person - members or non-members. To register your interest and for more details, email our Coaches Organiser Natasha at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Last year - 2024
We enjoyed two very different trips this year. The first, in April, to the National Archives at Kew was well subscribed, with quite a number of first-time visitors to the Archives: encouraging for family history as it means that people have progressed beyond just using the websites. Others enjoyed a day (without rain!) at Kew Gardens. So a day for exercise of the mind and the body.
Our second journey, in early July , to the Weald & Downland Museum started off in pouring rain. But the skies cleared and we enjoyed a day of sunshine, blue sky and a blustery wind while looking at domestic and farm buildings in a beautiful setting on the South Downs.
This was the last year that I shall be organising trips. A big thank you to everyone who has travelled with us over the last 10 years. Your good humour and prompt time-keeping has been invaluable. I shall look forward to being a passenger next year when Natasha takes over. She will be writing this column in future, and you wil be able to contact her on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. One of the most difficult tasks is to find venues to visit within a reasonable journey time - do let her know any suggestions you have.
Looking forward to 2025!
Jenny Pope
(almost former) WFHS Coach Organiser
