Victorian Teenage Lion Tamer

22nd February
Victorian Teenage Lion Tamer
Newington History Group’s monthly meeting on Thursday, February 22 (7pm) in Newington Village Hall, High Street, ME9 7JJ, brings the remarkable but true tale of Ellen Blight, a 17-year-old travelling circus lion tamer, who was killed during a performance in Chatham in 1850. The story will be told by Pauline Holmes, a Medway writer and poet. NHG meets on the 4th Thursday and everyone is welcome, £4 at door, inc. refreshments and free parking. Support Newington’s heritage by taking out membership of the group for a mere £1.50 a month. Join now for only £6, with an adult membership which expires at the end of May. Annual membership runs from June 1 and costs £18 for the 12 months.If you’re a young person with an interest in your community’s heritage, ask about the group’s free membership for under-18s and the special young member concession for 18–25-year-olds. The group is here to research, promote and help protect the history and heritage of the village and neighbouring areas. It liaises with heritage and archaeological experts in recording the village for the future. Also, it works closely with the village school enabling the children to learn about and appreciate their local history. Visit the Romano-British temple at Watling Place or walk the World War One defence line at Cranbrook and Wormdale. For more details contact newingtonhistorygroup@outlook.com; through its website: newingtonhistory.uk; or call: 07506 239970. Follow on Facebook: Newington History Group, and X: @newingtonhg.