Queer Heritage South’s LGBTQ+ History Club is travelling to Preston Manor & Gardens, BN1 6SB for a double bill on September 1.
The event will include a tour inside the house of new interactive experience Shadows of Empire: Taking Tea at Preston Manor, which features hands-on interactive puzzles, previously unseen images and curios including the newly restored mechanical Edwardian Dream Machine. Discover how past inhabitants and guests of Preston Manor enjoyed their cuppas oblivious to the human cost of teatime.
Then enjoy a cup of tea in the gardens and an al fresco talk by Alf Le Flohic about Kent’s only MAGIC farm.
The name Hazlepits Farm isn’t widely known, but its secret queer past has recently stepped into the light. From roughly 1977–1986, gay farmer Tim Day hosted queer discos on his fruit farm in the village of Headcorn in Kent. Initially it was just for him and his mates, but the Medway Area Gay Independent Community (MAGIC) got involved and the events grew, until 600–700 people were attending.
There are two time slots available. Note that the entry to Shadows of Empire is timed, so make sure to book for correct time slot and arrive five minutes before the start.
Both groups will join in the gardens for a cup of tea and Alf Le Flohic’s talk.
Group 1: 12 – 2pm – arrive five minutes early
Group 2: 1 – 3pm – arrive five minutes early
Tickets priced on a sliding scale (£3, £5 or £10)
Book HERE