Soke Military Society

The Soke Military Society has been in existence since the mid 1960’s and is still going strong, with many members in and around the city of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. The membership is open to any person of any age, if you have an interest in “things military,” then there is something here for you.

Members range from collectors of military items such as uniforms, badges and equipment, to those with an interest in documents and books. Others are interested in military modeling and of course, there are those who do not collect anything, but are interested in the various aspects of military history and just like to come along to our monthly meetings to hear the speaker for that evening.

In addition to the above, we have a monthly Newsletter which is distributed by post and email depending on your preference, which contains interesting articles and club news. The Society meets on the second Wednesday of every month, at 7:30 until about 9:30 in the Lecture Room of the City Museum, Priestgate, Peterborough. Membership is priced at £6.00 per year, and 50p on the night (£1.50 on the night for non members). Every year we hold a two-day exhibition at the museum which allows our members to put on display some of the huge array of items they have in their collections. The pictures at the top of this page were taken at our 2006 exhibition. For more information or to become a member, contact the Secretary: email 

Now up and running is the Soke Military Society ‘French Branch’ web site which has been created by our member in France, Franck Dizambourg. The main body of The site talks about the French village of Guillemont on the Somme and concentrates on its history, particularly during the First World War. Look for the Society page

2009 Society Presentations

At the January meeting the Society Secretary announced the first two winners of what it is intended to become an annual event. See picture below.

The Soke Military Society Essay Award 2008 - This was awarded for the best original written contribution submitted to the newsletter during the year. The winner of this was Brian Appleyard for his article “Master of Deception” which was a short history of the life of Thomas Cochrane published in the newsletter in four parts May-August. Brian was presented with an engraved silver diploma holder, on a stand within which is a copy of his article.

Soke Military Society Roger Negus NDNF Memorial Award - This award is a wooden shield which can have added the name and year for the next fifteen years and will be awarded to the member judged to be the most deserving person to be selected as the society’s “Member of the Year.” The society’s memorial award recognises a person who has played a significant role within the society as secretary for twenty years. The Roger Negus “Not Dead Nor Forgotten” Memorial award therefore recognises this service.

It is therefore fitting that the first winner of this award, now forever to be known as “Member of the Year 2008” is Roger Negus. Roger was selected as the most deserving member this year in recognition of all he has done behind the scenes in obtaining speakers for the society and in preparation for the 2008 exhibition. In addition he has provided considerable assistance to the new secretary to ensure a smooth change over. For everything he has done in this last year and in previous years on your behalf I thank him.

Left: Roger Negus. Right: Brian Appleyard.

Please take a moment to visit this site www.peterboroughguestspeakers.co.uk for more information on societies and guest speakers in the Peterborough area.

Updated July 2009

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