As a member, an annual subscription entitles free access to the Minster Abbey Gatehouse Museum and free entry to the monthly meetings of the Sheppey Local History Society.
Being a member of the Sheppey Local History Society, your subscription will not only keep the Society going but will also go towards keeping the Minster Abbey Gatehouse and its history alive for the future.
Anyone wishing to become a member (or renew their membership) can either send a cheque for £10 made out to the Sheppey Local History Society to:
Tony Pointing,
Membership Secretary,
5 St Mary’s Row, Scrapsgate Road,
Minster, Sheerness, Kent ME12 2BL
Or visit the Museum and speak to one of our volunteers. They will be happy to help you.
Thank you and regards,
Tony Pointing
Membership Secretary
~ Letter from the Membership Secretary ~
Sheppey Local History Society and the Minster Gatehouse Museum
The Sheppey Local History Society took over the management and day-to-day running of the Minster Gatehouse Museum in 1981.
It is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who offer their time and resources to maintain the building, the grounds and its displays, and who work hard to preserve the Isle of Sheppey’s local history and heritage for the enjoyment of all.
In addition to hosting regular festive community events the Society also offers individually tailored experiences for those who wish to organise a private gathering within unique historical surroundings.
Becoming Involved
Help of any kind is always welcome, and the more people involved the greater the scope of our activities can be. If you would like to volunteer your time or resources please contact us.
Volunteers must be current members of the Sheppey Local History Society.
Sheppey Local History Society Commitment
The past year has shown the number of visitors increase by 30%, and the Society now has charitable status to enable the widening of its activities, and to support its commitment to:
- Advance Education
- Advance Citizenship and Community Development
- Advance the Arts, Culture, Heritage and Science.
- Joining the Sheppey Local History Society
Membership is currently £10.00 per annum, and includes unlimited access to the Minster Gatehouse Museum as well as free entry to our events and talks throughout the year.
Meeting Venue / Time
Unless indicated otherwise meetings take place at the Minster Working Men’s Club, adjacent to the Gatehouse Museum, on Union Road, Minster, Isle of Sheppey, Kent. There is plenty of parking spaces available, and refreshments can be purchased at the bar.
All meetings are scheduled to start at 7.30pm, please arrive from 7.15pm (unless listed otherwise)
Programme of Sheppey Local History Society meetings for 2026:
Meetings commence at 7:30 pm, Minster Working Men’s Club, Minster ME12 2HW (arrive from 7pm)
| Date | Event | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| January 27th | Sea Shanties | Jeff Reed |
| February 24th | Cox and Danks | Betty Allsworth |
| March 31st | Digging for Kent | Craig Cambell |
| April 28th | 200 Years of Railway on Sheppey | Martin Hawkins |
| May 26th | More Wrecks Around Sheppey | David Brown |
| June 30th | History of Queenborough and a Visit to Queenborough Guild Hall. Meet Outside the Guild Hall at 6:30 pm | Jonathan Fryer |
| July 28th | History of Minster Gatehouse plus Picnic. Starts at 6:30 pm. Please bring some food | Martin Hawkins |
| August 25th | Afternoon Cream Teas at the Gatehouse and Tour TBC | TBC |
| September 29th | Princess Irene | Janys Thornton |
| October 27th | Annual General Meeting |
Attendance at meetings for members of Sheppey Local History Society is free, non-members are asked to pay £2 towards the setup costs of meetings. Raffles typically held at each meeting, proceeds go to the upkeep of Minster Gatehouse Museum.