The museum opened in September 2000 as one of the millennium projects for Chobham. Our first exhibition was mainly made up of items that were given and lent to us by Chobham residents and Surrey Heath Museum.
Since that opening we have continued to accumulated our own collection as well as displaying collections loaned from various other sources. Our permanent displays show a general area history, archives of local interest and the 1853 Chobham Common Great Camp. Our regularly changed displays & activities have included:
- Our first Christmas display depicting a Victorian Christmas.
- The older houses of Chobham.
- The centenary of the Chobham Agricultural and Horticultural Society.
- Santa’s workshop.
- The Chobham Home Guard.
- The Chobham Rockets – the bicycle speedway teams.
- The Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen.
- The 150th anniversary of the great camp on Chobham common in 1853 – probably the greatest event in the history of Chobham.
- A talk on “The Great Camp” in Chobham Village Hall.
- The restaging of the play “The Camp at Chobham” in Chobham Village Hall which had run for over 300 performances at The Adelphi theatre in London in 1853.
- A “Great Camp” walk on Chobham common.
- A church hall flower display relating to the 1853 camp for the Chobham Festival.
- Robes worn by the family of a local lord at 1911, 1937 & 1953 coronations.
- In September 2003 (3rd anniversary of the of our opening), a pageant with Queen Victoria riding side-saddle down Chobham High Street accompanied by her troops.
- A collection of milk bottles displaying advertisements from the 1950’s and 1960’s.
- Travel – photos of early forms of transport including the airship R101 over Chobham.
- The 60th anniversary of D-day.
- Chobham Cricket Club.
- “Items from the Deep.” A selection of items recovered by a local diver from local rivers and ponds – swords, a dagger, a pistol, spoons, spectacles, pots etc. Some lost by accident some perhaps thrown away to destroy the evidence.
- Westcroft Park.
- Shoes – leather, china, canvas, low heels, very high heels.
- Typewriters and early word processors.
- Flexlands School.
- VE-day and VJ-day.
- “Floral Glories”. The story of local nurseries.
- A celebration of the life of Nelson and the 100th anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar. This was followed by a fifth anniversary pageant on Benham’s Corner.
- Royal Ascot.
- The 80th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.
- Vintage toys loaned by Chobham residents.
- Chobham and District Angling Club.
- Music & Musical Instruments. This display coincided with Chobham Music Festival.
- Chobham’s Famous People. 22 well known people who had lived in Chobham.
- A Book of Remembrance in memory those who lost their lives in the two world wars. This was prepared by the Chobham Cadet Force.
- William Baigent 1791-1859 Property Owner and Money Lender.
- Chobham High Street – the last 100 years.
- Chobham Schools.
- Fairoaks Airport.
- Olympics (inc. cigarette card collection of the event).
- Village floods over the years.
- WW1 centenary.
- Filming in Chobham (details & pics of 40+ films) + several illustrated talks.
- Chobham’s Pet Cemetery.
- Chobham has Talent – skills showcase of the village.
We have arranged for children from local organisations to visit all displays that we feel would be of interest to them.
We have participated in the Chobham Carnival every year and have had walking entries in the parade inc:– The Wizard of Oz, Fred and Ginger, The Soldiers from the Great Camp, HMS Pinafore, Nelson and HMS Victory, Under the Sea, Myths Mysteries & Legends, Country Life, Around the World in 80 Days……..