Local & Community History Month • Chessington District Residents' Association

Last updated on 19 June 2026

Chessington Memories exhibition at Hook Centre

We were delighted that our Chessington Memories project – first created for our 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025 – was part of Local and Community History Month this May. The national month celebrates the stories that shape our neighbourhoods, with events taking place not just across Kingston but throughout the UK.

At the Hook Centre, visitors enjoyed an engaging display of memories and old photographs shared by past and present residents.

Year 3 pupils at St Paul’s School were treated to a lively talk from local historian Mark Davison, and two new fact sheets – one on old Hook and one on old Chessington – were produced especially for the month. These will now become a permanent resource in the library for everyone to enjoy.

Mark Davison with St Paul's pupils — Year 3 pupils of St Paul’s School enjoy a talk by local historian Mark Davison. Some pupils shared stories about their relatives’ activities during World War II.

Now & Then competition winners

Chessington and Hook Old Memories by Mark Davison

A big congratulation to Olivia Ferguson, Zoe Fuller and Nigel Jackman, the first three residents to correctly match historic views of Chessington with their modern day equivalents in our ‘Now and Then’ competition. Each winner received a copy of one of Mark Davison’s popular local history books.

Thank you to Leon at the Hook Centre, Will at Kingston Council and everyone who took part, shared memories, or visited the display – you helped bring Chessington’s past to life during Local and Community History Month.