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Thu Oct 08 2026 at 07:00 pm to 08:30 pm UTC+01:00

Victorian Short Story Reading Group: ‘Stratagem Of Puhihuia's Elopement’

  • The Victorian Society · Wimbledon
  • From GBP 6.00
The Victorian Society Publisher / Host The Victorian Society
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Victorian Short Story Reading Group: \u2018Stratagem Of Puhihuia's Elopement\u2019
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Join the Victorian Short Story Reading Group to discuss ‘Stratagem Of Puhihuia's Elopement With Te Ponga’
About this Event

The Victorian Short Story Reading Group has regular meetings to explore some of the exciting material from the golden age of the British short story, which began during the latter part of the nineteenth century.

Current Theme: Colonial Short Stories: New Zealand

When reading group restarts after the summer holidays, we will be continuing with our time and space, globe-trotting colonial tour, which will next land in nineteenth century New Zealand. As with other areas of the globe we have encountered thus far, the stories will cover portrayals of settlers, indigenous First Nations people, cultural differences, the landscape, and the flora and fauna.

‘Stratagem Of Puhihuia's Elopement With Te Ponga’ from Polynesian Mythology by Sir George Grey.

‘Potted Pigeons’ from Folktales of the Maori by Alfred Grace.

This month we will look at two stories from the oral tradition of the First Nations people, which were collected by men who took a great interest in the Māori language, myths, historical traditions and folklore. Their aim was to preserve the cultural value of the stories and to bring them to a larger audience. We will discuss both the stories and the wider political issues surrounding their transcription from oral to written.

Upon registration you will receive a link to an on-line copy of the text and, as it is a short story group, it will require no more than an evening’s preparation to read the required material.

Sessions take place monthly between October and June at a venue in Chiswick, London, W4 1TT, between 7 and 8.30 pm. At each session there is a brief introduction to the work, followed by a group discussion in a relaxed atmosphere, with wine and nibbles supplied.

FAQs

How do I get to the venue?

The nearest underground station is Turnham Green. The local bus is the E3. Transport for London can help you navigate into the area with their plan a journey webpage.

From the station take a right and walk along Turnham Green Terrace. Take the first right which is Bath Road, and cross at the zebra crossing. Walk passed the church. The first left is Priory Gardens. Cross this road and the Victorian Society building is situated on the corner.

Is there local car parking?

After 6pm, there is free local street parking available.

I would like to know what short stories have been read before. How do I find out this information?

Please contact Ruth Miller by email at [email protected].

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact Ruth Miller by email at [email protected] before the day of the event.

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This event helps raise funds for The Victorian Society - the only charity dedicated to fighting for our Victorian and Edwardian heritage. Join us today and safeguard our unique cultural heritage for future generations! For further information, .

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Event venue & nearby stays

The Victorian Society, 1 Priory Gardens, Wimbledon, United Kingdom

Tickets GBP 6.00 to GBP 11.50
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