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Official Opening of the Heritage Annex – 23rd May 2026
On Saturday 23rd May, the Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne was delighted to welcome Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Simon Dean OBE DL, who officially opened the Heritage Annex in Rainham as our President, Paul Auston DL was unavailable due to work commitments and asked Simon to stand in for him.
Simon has a long-standing connection with Sittingbourne, as he is the grandson of Donald Dean VC, the town’s First World War Victoria Cross recipient, and has therefore long been aware of the work undertaken by HRGS, especially the work and events the group took on during the WW1 Centenary. We were especially honoured that this visit marked his first official engagement as a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent.
During a two-hour tour of the Heritage Annex, Simon explored the extensive displays prepared for the occasion and learned more about the remarkable resources held by HRGS, including our library, paper archives, and archaeological collections.
For full story go to our News page.
The Move and New Research Room in Rainham – 1st March 2026
After eleven highly successful years, the Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne closed its Heritage Hub at the Forum Shopping Centre on 6th February 2026.
Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our members, volunteers, friends, and family, we have successfully completed the move to our new home at: 2nd Floor Heritage Annex, 106–110 High Street, Rainham, ME8 8AR.
Sadly though, the public cannot just turn up, as we share our access, so the ground floor is locked. Though we will be pleased to receive visitors by appointment.
The move required all our items to be relocated, up three flights of stairs. The items included 5,000 books, 197 boxes of artifacts and documents, 20 bookcases, desks, chairs and various other items. In all, about 5,700 items.
The move was nothing short of a herculean undertaking. Over several demanding days, an exceptional display of loyalty, commitment, teamwork undertaken by 41 individuals, in convoy in their cars, by their sheer determination it brought the move-phase to a triumphant conclusion after 1069 hours, equalling 172 man days!
One Era Ends and a New Era Begins – 6th February 2026
On Friday 6th February 2026 after 11 wonderful years HRGS’s Heritage Hub in The Forum, Sittingbourne, closed its doors. Pictured are the HRGS Committee, some members and volunteers outside the Hub on this milestone day.
While this is a big change, it’s not the end — it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Sittingbourne’s history.
Since opening in 2015, the Hub has welcomed thousands of visitors and become a much-loved place to explore local heritage. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has visited, volunteered, donated or supported us along the way — you’ve helped keep Sittingbourne’s history alive.
So what happens next?
Monthly Heritage Pop-UpFrom March, you’ll find us in the Forum on the first Saturday of every month — bring photos or artefacts, collect The Archive, pre-order books, or just come and say hello.
Talks, Digs & UpdatesOur talks at the Avenue Theatre will continue, along with our summer archaeology digs. You’ll still get news via our website, Facebook and The Archive newsletter.
Research Room in RainhamOur library, archaeology collection and archives will be available at 110 High Street, Rainham by appointment. Many volunteering roles can also be done from home, including research, writing, cataloguing and transcription. Message us, if you would like to be involved.
Working with Sittingbourne Heritage MuseumWe’re strengthening our partnership to bring local history to life in new and exciting ways.
A New High Street HomeWe’re working with Swale Borough Council to secure a new permanent base in Sittingbourne’s High Street.
“History is the glue that holds communities together” and with your support, Sittingbourne’s heritage has a bright future ahead.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
HRGS thank the current and previous owners of The Forum for their kind generosity in allowing us to be there.
The Train That Jump The Gap – 24th January 2026
Richard Emmett’s book The Train That Jump The Gap prompted Steve Ladner to contact HRGS to make a recording about some of the research that Richard has undertaken regarding the train that jumped the gap.
This World War II disaster at Oak Lane, Upchurch, examines a unique local wartime incident that occurred on Wednesday 16th August 1944, when nine people lost their lives with many more being injured.
Click here for the link if you wish to listen to the BBC Radio Kent recording.
Richard’s book is available from our shop priced at £12.00.
New Book Release – 100 Years of Sittingbourne’s Living Memorial
HRGS has released a new book to celebrate the centenary of Sittingbourne’s Avenue of Remembrance.
This 400 page book, in A4 format, documents the history of the Avenue from its conception to the present day, and the changes that it has seen during its 100 year history.
The book also tells the stories of the 182 Sittingbourne men that the Avenue commemorates, who gave their lives in the First World War.
HRGS are able to offer the book at a subsided price of £12.50, thanks to grants from Queenborough Fishery Trust and Local Government Levelling Up.
The book is available from The Heritage Hub, The Forum, Sittingbourne or online at our shop.
