Gentian announced as sponsor of Hampshire History Trust’s February Midweek Musings talk and 2026 Heritage Open Days Festival

Hampshire History Trust (HHT), the charity behind Winchester Heritage Open Days, is delighted to announce an ongoing partnership with Gentian, who will sponsor both the Trust’s February Midweek Musings talk and the 2026 Heritage Open Days festival.

Gentian values the cultural heritage and history of Winchester where it  owns and manages several properties on the  High Street and across the city. Their support will help HHT continue delivering high‑quality cultural programming that connects residents and visitors with the stories, buildings, and people that shape the city.

The February Midweek Musings event - “Adventures to the Southern Hemisphere” - features historian and broadcaster Dan Snow alongside local professor Ed Rochead. Their double‑bill talk will delve into remarkable journeys of exploration, the courage behind them, and the lasting impact of these moments in history.

Nick Ekins, Managing Director at Gentian, shared why the company was keen to support this particular event: “I am fascinated by pioneering stories of bravery and resilience and how lessons from them can be translated into modern day life and business. I’m sure Dan Snow and Ed Rochead are going to be very motivational.”

Gentian’s sponsorship also extends to the 2026 Heritage Open Days festival in September, which will once again open doors to Winchester’s most treasured historic spaces. For Nick, the festival holds personal significance: “I grew up in Hampshire and have lived in Winchester for the last 20 years. As a Chartered Surveyor I have an interest in buildings and in particular those that have been sympathetically restored. I’m looking forward to any opportunities to look around historic buildings that are otherwise closed to the public.”

Speaking about the partnership, Nick added: “We’re pleased to be able to partner with the Hampshire History Trust again this year and as part of this support, sponsor both the February Midweek Musings talks and the Heritage Open Days Festival. Gentian values the cultural heritage and history of Winchester and by supporting the Hampshire History Trust we can celebrate our city and contribute towards making it a desirable place for people to live, work and visit.”

HHT welcomed the collaboration, noting that Gentian’s commitment to heritage and community aligns closely with the Trust’s mission to make Winchester’s history accessible, engaging, and celebrated year‑round.

Tickets are now available to purchase on Hampshire History Trust’s Ticketsource page www.ticketsource.com/hampshire-history-trust with discounted prices for Friends of HHT.

Hampshire History Trust’s Popular Lecture Series Midweek Musings Set to Return Next Year

Hampshire History Trust (HHT) is thrilled to announce the return of their much-loved lecture series, Midweek Musings. Running from January to July 2026, the programme promises an exciting season of talks designed to spark curiosity, celebrate Hampshire’s rich history and keep heritage at the heart of the community. 

Next year’s series features an inspiring line-up of speakers headlined by BAFTA award winning historian, broadcaster and HHT patron Dan Snow, who will be sharing his journey to Antarctica in 2022 where he participated in the extraordinary discovery of Ernest Shackleton’s long-lost ship, Endurance. Also joining the programme is Russell Gordon-Smith, former Mayor of Winchester, who will deliver a fascinating lecture exploring French Prisoners of War in Hampshire. 

Over the next six months, these thought-provoking midweek sessions will delve into a wide range of topics from the history of the iconic King Alfred Buses, a beloved symbol of Winchester’s transport heritage, to the daring achievements of pioneer aviator Amy Johnson. 

Chair of Hampshire History Trust, Liz King said: “We are delighted to be reviving Midweek Musings. The series continues to be a cornerstone of our mission to make history exciting and accessible. Next year’s programme is our most diverse yet, and we can’t wait to welcome both returning visitors and new faces.”

Tickets for the first talk of the year, ‘Introducing King Alfred Buses, Then and Now’ by James Freeman,  are now available to purchase on Hampshire History Trust’s Ticketsource page www.ticketsource.com/hampshire-history-trust with discounted prices for friends of HHT. 

For programme details, booking information and other announcements,  visit www.hampshirehistorytrust.com, email info@hampshirehistorytrust.com or follow HHT’s social media channels.

Winchester Heritage Open Days Celebrates Landmark Tenth Year

The 10th annual Winchester Heritage Open Days (WHODs) festival has wrapped up its most ambitious year yet, marking a decade of celebrating local history, culture and community. With over 300 free events, this year’s festival embraced the national theme of Architecture, welcoming thousands of visitors across Winchester and Hampshire. 

Liz King, Chair of Hampshire History Trust, said: “One of the great things about Heritage Open Days is the incredible variety of events, and I’ve enjoyed hearing about the wonderful experiences shared by festivalgoers. Whether it was families making a day of it at museums, attendees meticulously planning their week around talks and tours, or passers-by drawn in by the pink bunting, everyone I spoke to was impressed by the quality of the events. The 10th anniversary of WHODs is a real milestone for us and we’d like to thank everyone who made this year a success.”

From exclusive access to historic buildings and family-friendly workshops to atmospheric guided tours and thought-provoking talks, the festival offered something for everyone. Hidden gems were opened to the public, expert-led tours drew crowds and local creatives and historians brought Hampshire’s rich architectural history to life.

This year’s programme featured exciting collaborations, access to historic buildings and themed events. Highlights included: 

• A headline event from festival organisers Hampshire History Trust, featuring talks from local architects including Hampshire County Council and Design Engine Architects 

• Family-friendly activities at Winchester College and Winchester City Museum

• A walking tour hosted by festival sponsor ADAM Architecture and community group Hyde900, showcasing the historic Hyde area of Winchester

• An exclusive open day at Hampshire Chronicle

• Music magic with a silent disco at Newport Minster on the Isle of Wight

Hampshire History Trust Launches Midweek Musings Series with a Talk on Baroque Architect Thomas Archer

Hampshire History Trust (HHT), the esteemed organisers of Winchester Heritage Open Days festival, is excited to announce the launch of  its new lecture series, ‘Hampshire History Midweek Musings’. The inaugural lecture, presented by Dr. Helen Lawrence-Beaton, will focus on the renowned Baroque architect Thomas Archer (1668-1743). This insightful event will take place at 6pm on Thursday 8 August, at the ADAM Architecture offices on Hyde Street, WInchester. 

Liz King, Chair of Hampshire History Trust, expressed her enthusiasm for the new series, stating: 

“We are thrilled to introduce ‘Hampshire History Midweek Musings,’ which will illuminate the often-overlooked aspects of Hampshire’s rich history. This series represents our ongoing commitment to bringing the past to life and making it accessible to all.” 

Dr. Lawrence-Beaton's lecture will delve into the diverse array of houses, landscapes, and garden buildings designed by Thomas Archer, a key yet frequently overlooked figure in early eighteenth-century English Baroque architecture. Archer's influential career at court provided him with connections to some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals of his time, facilitating many of his significant architectural commissions. The talk will include an exploration of his innovative landscape design and documented works within Hampshire, including his pioneering estate at Hale, where he is buried in the estate church.

Dr. Helen Lawrence-Beaton brings extensive expertise in British architecture and Garden History, with 20 years of experience in writing Heritage Statements, Pattern Books, and Local Character Studies. She has thoroughly researched the history and development of numerous listed buildings, historic estates, farms, towns, and villages across the UK. After studying History of Art, Dr. Lawrence-Beaton joined ADAM Architecture in 2002, earned a Master's degree in Garden History, and completed a PhD on Thomas Archer, establishing her as the leading authority on this prominent Baroque architect.

Tickets for the lecture include a complimentary drink, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and engage with the fascinating history of one of Hampshire's notable historical figures.

For more details and to book tickets, please visit our website: www.hampshirehistorytrust.com.

Jane Austen and Gothic Tourism: A Talk by Dr. Cheryl Butler

Join Dr. Cheryl Butler for a fascinating talk on literary icon Jane Austen in anticipation of the Jane Austen 250 programme in 2025! This fundraising event for Hampshire History Trust will take place on Friday 19 July at The ARC, Winchester from 7:30 - 8:30pm. 

The talk will focus on Austen’s first novel “Northanger Abbey'' and its connections with Gothic tourism. Dr. Butler will reflect on the author’s love for gothic fiction and the public’s interest in mediaeval ruins such as Hampshire’s Netley Abbey where writers, poets, artists and tourists would visit in the hopes of seeing ghostly monks, and other apparitions. 

As a contributing editor for the Southampton Record Series, Dr Butler's twin passion for history and drama have driven her work as a playwright, novelist and lecturer. She is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a keen supporter of several heritage organisations.