Three weeks to go: Milton Keynes branch presents ‘A Great War Cornucopia’
Places are filling up for the Milton Keynes branch autumn seminar, ‘A Great War Cornucopia’, which takes place on Saturday 3 October 2026 from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the historic Old Bathhouse in Wolverton.
One of the greatest strengths of the Western Front Association is the sheer variety of events organised by our local branches. These events regularly bring together original research, engaging speakers, and enthusiastic audiences, making them an excellent day out for members across the wider association as well as those based in neighbouring counties. At £30 per person – which includes morning coffee, afternoon tea, biscuits, and a full buffet lunch – the Wolverton seminar offers exceptional value.
Speaker programme
The day features four talks from experienced historians and researchers.
Helen Frost – Convalescing at Cottesbrooke Hall: Helen examines the home front in Northamptonshire, exploring the care and rehabilitation of wounded soldiers repatriated from the front lines to auxiliary country-house hospitals.
Major Charlie Barrett – The Q Ships: Charlie takes to the high seas to recount the hazardous, secretive world of armed warships masquerading as defenceless merchantmen to lure German U-boats into close-range duels.
Nick Higham – Shooting War: The Work of Pioneering WW1 Photojournalist Ariel Varges: Nick offers a richly illustrated study of an official British Army cinematographer who spent four years documenting the campaigns across Macedonia and Mesopotamia.
Michael Hughes – Bantams: Little Men who Made History: Mark tells the remarkable story of the Bantam battalions – men under the standard army height regulation who volunteered in their thousands and proved their grit in action.
Displays, living history, and books
Alongside the lectures, the organisers have arranged plenty to explore throughout the day.
Living history and uniforms: Members of the Great War Society, turned out in Royal Flying Corps and Royal Army Medical Corps dress, will display original medical equipment and field kit, accompanied by short informal presentations.
Militaria: Adding to the atmosphere in the hall, a static Vickers machine gun post will be set up to keep a watchful eye over proceedings.
Stalls and books: Attendees will find information displays from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Royal British Legion, alongside a raffle. WFA regular Martin Passand will also be bringing his well-stocked second-hand First World War bookstall, so visitors are encouraged to bring cash for books and raffle tickets.
Venue and travel
The venue itself carries a strong wartime pedigree. The Old Bathhouse (205 Stratford Road, Wolverton, MK12 5RL) originally served the workforce of the Wolverton Railway Works, where ambulance trains and munitions were manufactured during the Great War.
Travel by rail: Wolverton railway station is just a four-minute walk away, with frequent direct services on the West Coast Main Line between London Euston, Northampton, and Birmingham. Regular local buses also run from Milton Keynes Central.
Travel by road: For those arriving by car, there is ample free parking available on site and close by.
Join us
Tickets are £30, covering the full day of talks, refreshments, and lunch.
To reserve your place on the guest list, please email branch chairman Stuart Macfarlan at wfa.miltonkeynes@gmail.com.
Putting on an ambitious, full-day seminar requires lots of preparation from branch volunteers, and strong support from members across the wider WFA makes all the difference.
