Decades of writing by June Sampson (pictured), ex-Surrey Comet features editor and doyenne of local historians, were marked at a garden party attended by 100 at St Luke’s, Kingston, organised by Surbiton historian and membership secretary of the Friends of Kingston Museum and Heritage Service Bob Phillips, who co-wrote The Story of Tolworth with Pat Ward.
“This was to celebrate June Sampson; the most prolific local historian in Kingston,” he said.

Fourteen of June’s books were on show. The Highest Pinnacle, a 1979 history of St Luke’s, was reprinted, with June signing copies.

Friends’ chairman Patrick Codd spoke of the community’s debt to June for making local history accessible through books and newspaper articles which “entertained as they informed”.

The St Luke’s rector, the Rev Martin Hislop, gave her a bouquet donated by Pat Ward, while the mayor, Cllr Margaret Thompson, said June’s articles had helped her get to know the Royal borough’s history.

The event also showed off the breadth of the Friends’ work, and aimed to attract new members.

“On both counts, success,” said Bob.

Tim Everson, Shaan Butters, John King and Michael Davison also signed their books.