Putney Library's Calendar of Events for March

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Did Putney host the biggest crowd of spectators ever to attend any sporting contest?

Putney Library. Picture: Google Streetview

March 22, 2024

Wednesday 27 March 6-7.30pm

“The amazing story of the international Boat Race of 1869”, a talk presented by the Friends of Putney Library.

Did Putney host the biggest crowd of spectators ever to attend any sporting contest?

On a hot August afternoon in 1869, crews from Harvard College and Oxford University rowed into history here in Putney, watched by an unprecedented and unequalled crowd of spectators and amid intense public and press attention on both sides of the Atlantic.

For the first time a major international sporting event was being reported telegraphically across two continents thanks to the recently laid transatlantic cable between Britain and America.

No international sporting contest of this stature had been witnessed before, and it was to have repercussions far beyond the result of the race itself, both in terms of an explosion of interest in international rowing and international sport in general, as well as on the evolution of the special relationship between the United States and Great Britain.

This is a free event but donations are welcomed.

Refreshments from 6pm with talk beginning at 6.30pm. To book your place email: Charlene.Coleman@gll.org or call 02087803085

ART SPACE until 29 March IMMORTALISED

An exhibition of fine art by local photographers, the Putney group for London Independent Photography.

The world at large offers the photographer a boundless array of subjects to cast their lenses upon. From the beautiful nature of our many green open spaces to the bustling shops, people and architecture on and around our high streets. Come and view the work of 15 local artists as they present their take on this and much more.

MEET THE AUTHOR: SARAH BAX HORTON Thursday 25 April 6.30-7.30pm

“ONE-ARMED JACK” presents a new suspect as the most notorious serial killer of all time: Jack the Ripper. Sarah Bax Horton identifies a named perpetrator by linking eye-witness accounts of the killer’s distinctive physical characteristics to his official medical records. Find out more at Putney Library! To book your free place email: Charlene.Coleman@gll.org or call 02087803085

Monday 8 April at 5.30pm FILM CLUB : Truly Madly Deeply. A touching fantasy brilliantly weaving a passionate tale of life, love and death – though not necessarily in that order – this lovely original comedy is a triumph that will leave you touched by its magic.

Putney Library ART SPACE Wednesday 3 April to Thursday 2 May

Ian Robertson: 'THE COFFEE TABLE YEARS'. “Why this title? Well...finding studio space is not always easy, but there is always a coffee table work on…”

Ian's show includes drawings, paintings, collages and enamels produced over the last five decades.

WORLD BOOK NIGHT. To celebrate World Book Night 20 free copies of Those People Next Door: a Quick Reads thriller from an award winning author Kia Abdullah will be given away.

Copies available from 24 April: first come first served!

NHS Digital help Putney Library. Do you want to enhance your digital skills and access vital NHS services online? Join exciting digital drop-in sessions at Putney Library, facilitated by Digital Care Coordinator Andraya Catlyn.

What to Expect:

️ Introductory Sessions: Learn about the features of the NHS App and basic digital skills.

Practical Sessions: Get hands-on experience with computers for signing up, logging in, and practicing essential skills.

One-to-One Assistance: Receive personalized help and guidance tailored to your needs.

For more information or to book a one-to-one session, contact Andraya Catlyn, your Digital Care Coordinator: 02039239593.

DIGITAL INCLUSION PROGRAMME Are you struggling with your laptop, phone or tablet? Come along to afree help session, Wednesday 17 April 1.30-3pm

POETS & PENS

Come join a poetry group every Wednesday 5-7pm

No need to book, just turn up!

LIBRARY TALKS

Local historian Phil Evison has converted some of his most popular Putney Library talks into illustrated articles, in PDF form:

Putney’s Burial Grounds,

The Roehampton Mounting Block

Notable Graves in Putney Vale Cemetery

The Story of Putney's Cinemas

Putney's 'Great Houses'

If you’d like a copy of any of them, email Phil at: philipevison0@gmail.com

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