Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society Seeks New Chair
James Wisdom retires after 42 years in the role
James Marshall. Picture: Bridget Osborne
October 15, 2026
The Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society has begun the search for a new Chair following the retirement of James Wisdom, who has led the organisation for an extraordinary 42 years. His departure marks a significant moment for one of West London’s most enduring volunteer‑run heritage groups, founded in 1958 to foster interest in the history of the local area.
The Society, now a registered charity, continues to flourish. It runs a popular programme of monthly talks from September to April, followed by an AGM in May, and publishes a high‑quality annual Journal for subscribing members. Alongside its events, the Society keeps a close eye on how Brentford and Chiswick’s heritage—from historic buildings to archives and museums—is cared for.
In its call for applications, the Society says the ideal candidate will be someone with a genuine interest in the landscape and communities of Brentford and Chiswick, though not necessarily a specialist historian. It continues, “He or she will provide leadership for the team of trustees, ensuring high standards of governance and strategic oversight, contributing to the Society’s development and helping to recruit new members from a wide audience, including younger people.”
Applicants should bring proven management experience and familiarity with the charitable sector, ideally at board level. The new Chair will oversee monthly trustee meetings, preside over public lectures, and act as an advocate for the Society in its dealings with the local authority and the wider local‑history community. Upholding values of inclusivity and the sharing of research is central to the role.
The Society’s recent talks illustrate the breadth of its interests: the Temples of Industry project on the Great West Road, the servants of Boston Manor House, the 150th anniversary of Bedford Park, and a close analysis of an 1863 photograph of Turnham Green. Its Journal has explored subjects ranging from the Hawley family’s global connections to Stamford Brook in the 18th century, Sir John Collins Squire of Chiswick Mall, and Thornycroft’s Coastal Motor Boats. A 2026 survey of members showed strong enthusiasm for topics including architecture, rivers and canals, social history, gardens, industry, transport and entertainment.
The Society’s origins lie in a revival effort for the Victoria County History project in the late 1950s, when Brentford & Chiswick’s Library Service hoped to stimulate local research for the Middlesex volumes. Today, the organisation remains entirely volunteer‑run, with trustees and members managing finances, planning talks, running meetings and producing the Journal. B&CLHS is run entirely by volunteers who give their spare time to ensuring that the Society is secure and active.
Potential candidates are invited to contact the Society at info@brentfordandchiswicklhs.org.uk.
The Brentford and Chiswick Local History Society’s autumn programme is continuing this Monday 19 October, cricket historian Jeremy Lonsdale will speak about Patsy Hendren, the Middlesex and England batsman whose career and character made him, in Lonsdale’s words, “a different kind of English hero”.
The series continues on 16 November, when attention turns to Chiswick's historic landscape. Rosie Fyles, Head of Gardens at Chiswick House and Gardens, discusses more than 300 years of gardening history in the area. Her talk, titled "Garden as though you will live forever", will consider both the preservation of historic gardens and their relevance to contemporary challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss and the relationship between people and nature.
The final talk of the year, on 21 December, will examine the extraordinary history of Goddards' Brentford furniture store. Local historian and Society vice-chairman David Shailes will chart the story of a business that has been serving Brentford since 1815 and remains under the ownership of the Goddard family six generations later. The presentation will highlight how the company has adapted and endured while continuing to trade from premises in Brentford.
All talks will be held at the Chiswick Memorial Club. The Society is not currently able to run hybrid meetings, although records of presentations may be made available on its website where copyright permits. Members will also receive email reminders ahead of each event. In addition to the talks programme, the Society's autumn newsletter highlights a number of local events connected with London Open House, including walks, tours and building visits in Brentford and Chiswick, as well as information about other local history activities taking place later in the year.
For further information about the autumn programme and upcoming events, visit the Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society website.
Meetings, usually on the third Monday of the month, take place at Chiswick Memorial Club, Bourne Place, off Dukes Avenue opposite Chiswick Library. The membership year runs from January to December and the annual subscription costs £15 or £20 for two people at the same address .
If you wish to join, either come along to one of the meetings, or print off, complete and send the membership form with your details and cheque for payment, or if you wish to use your credit or debit card through PayPal, click here but also send an email to membership@brentfordandchiswicklhs.org.uk giving your name, address, phone number, and confirmation that the society may contact you by email in the future.
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