M is for ... MI5, At the National Archives (Kew)

Step inside the hidden world of MI5 and explore the extraordinary stories behind the security of a nation.

• For the first time, MI5’s history is on display to the public in a major new exhibition, made possible through an unprecedented partnership between the Security Service and The National Archives.
  Explore the ever-changing world of espionage and security threats through original case files, photographs and papers, alongside the real equipment used by spies and spy-catchers over MI5’s 115-year history.
  From counter-espionage and daring double-agents during the world wars, to chilling Cold War confessions and the counter-terrorism of recent times, this historic exhibition takes you behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most iconic institutions.
• More info about the exhibition - https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/mi5-official-secrets/
• (With bonus view of 'Happy and glorious royal roll exhibtion if we have time).

THIS IS AN EARLY START! Currently no tube / overland diversions planned on TFL. We're REALLY lucky to be allowed to pre book an entrance time as a group, as generally there is no booking allowed for this exhibition, and is still being reported as being super busy as weekends! It does however mean we have to go in early, so please do consider this before rsvp ing!
('Tis also an August bank holiday weekend)

MEET DETAILS:

10.15am: PRE-MEET. Gather inside the main entrance (It is likely to be busy!)
The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, TW9 4DU (10/15 mins walk from tube)

10.30am: We'll be taken into the gallery as a group.

MAP: here

If the weather is good, we will reconvene at the end of the exhibition, or after the ' Happy and Glorius' exhibition, and head to Kew Green (not Kew Gardens) for a casual picnic on the grass. Bring a picnic blanket.
If the weather is bad, we will gather at a local pub. Please watch the Meetup page and WhatsApp group for updates. The WhatsApp link will be shared with attendees the week of the event.

ACCESSIBILITY: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/information-for-disabled-visitors/

Directions -[ https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/how-to-find-us/](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/how-to-find-us/)

BY TRAIN AND TUBE
Kew Gardens is on the district line and overland train is 10/15 mins walk. Exit out of the station following signs to National Archives

BY CAR
Please check https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/how-to-find-us/ There is parking on site.

WHATSAPP GROUP FOR ATTENDEES:
Join the event WhatsApp group for chat, changes and live location updates. The group link will be shared the week of the event with people who have RSVPd as 'Going'. Please note that joining will make your phone number visible to other members.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. We have an attendee limit to help the host manage the event. We prefer a smaller, friendlier group.
• If the event is sold out, Meetup adds you to the Waitlist. If someone drops out, waitlisted attendees are automatically moved to the 'Going' list by Meetup in order of priority.
• If you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to 'Not Going' as soon as possible. This lets someone on the waitlist take your place.

We remove members from the LoMAZ Meetup group who:

• RSVP as ‘Going' but then do not show up three times in a row.
• RSVP as ‘Going' but then change their RSVP to 'No' five times in a row.
• are on the Waitlist or who have not RSVPd, but turn up anyway.

Thank you! — The LoMAZ Admin Team

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