EastSheenMatters

Thursday 19 March 2026 8pm at All Saints Church

Richard White is giving a talk on Sheen House and the Barnes Home Guard Club to the Barnes and Mortlake History Society at All Saints Church East Sheen at 8.00pm. £5 for non-members.

The first Sheen House was built in 1617. It was said to have been rebuilt in 1786 but some doubt this date. It housed many eminent local residents during the 19th century, including French Royalty, bankers, politicians and philanthropists. From about 1830 to 1833 it was the home of the Prime Minister Earl Grey at the time of the Great Reform Bill, Poor Law and Abolition of Slavery.

Hear more about the Bicycle Polo Club and Sheen House Ltd.

The House was demolished in 1907 to be replaced by existing homes in Sheen Lane and the grounds extended to build Richmond Park Road, Muirdown Avenue and Shrewsbury Avenue. The coach houses still exist in the last mentioned road though substantially modified. They survived a demolition battle in 2002.

The Barnes Home Guard Club at 76a Richmond Park Road was founded in 1944 as a social club within the grounds of the former Sheen House for members of ‘B’ Company of the 27th County of London Battalion Home Guard. Its headquarters were then in the Larches in Sheen Lane. Today it is a thriving social club with some 800 members and provides a regular programme of entertainment open to members and non-members.

Overview

A free talk to help you plan for later life – emotionally, practically and financially

As we approach later life, we are often juggling so many responsibilities and questions for the future.

These questions have emotional, practical and financial implications – but where do you start? And what do you need to know in order to make the choices that are right for you, your family and those you care about?

Planning with care is a free event to help you plan for later life – emotionally, practically and financially.

At this informal session, you’ll hear from Poppy’s Funerals, Claire-Louise Smith from Pearson Hards Solicitors and eldercare consultant Claire Edwards – all over a cup of coffee at our welcoming shop on East Sheen high street.

Running order

• Introduction from Poppy’s
• Lasting Power of Attorney and Wills – the importance of appointing trusted decision‑makers and the risks of leaving this too late
• Eldercare – navigating the care maze
• Funeral Plans and planning – understanding Funeral Plan options, costs and timing and the value of exploring your funeral wishes in advance.
• Discussion and Q and A

All are welcome at this event, whether you are beginning to think about your own plans for the future, or for people you care for.

Poppy’s is a proud member of Dementia Friendly Communities Richmond‘s dementia-friendly businesses initiative. The conversation will include the implications of planning for later life when living with dementia.

The third Friday of the month is here, and our music series is officially carrying on tonight with an incredible live performance!We are excited to host House of Mojo @ 8PM. Known for their high energy and soulful sound, they are the perfect vibe to kick off your weekend.Grab your friends, head down early to grab a seat, and let’s make it a night to remember.

A classical musician of my acquaintance suggested MOJO might reflect Mozart plus Johann Strauss x2

How many book clubs are there in the local area?

What are they reading – and why?

Do they share thoughts with other book clubs?

AND the $64K question, do they spend more time discussing the book or the food and wine or local gossip or East Sheen Matters!!

Walls Have Ears: A secret life of spies, deception and British Intelligence

Location: St Mary’s Church, Barnes

Thursday, 19 February 2026, 8pm

Dr. Helen Fry is an English historian who specialises in World War II, focusing particularly on espionage and the Allied Intelligence Services. She has published many books on these topics.

Sheen House and the Barnes Home Guard Club

19/03/2026 8:00 pm

Location: All Saints Church, East Sheen

Speaker: Richard White

19/02/2026 8:00 pm

Walls Have Ears: A secret life of spies, deception and British Intelligence

Location: St Mary’s Church, Barnes

Lecturer: Helen Fry