14th September 2022 Evening Lecture
Revealing the Stories of Attingham Park
Saraid Jones

Saraid and her colleague gave a very enthusiastic and informed talk about the people who shaped Attingham’s history.  We learned about the family members, the lives of those who worked for them and the people who experienced Attingham as part of the Shropshire Adult Education College.
Conservation work in the house and other areas, particularly the landscape, is a very important factor in helping to bring Attingham back to life. A very interesting lecture with over 80 members in attendance got our new season off to a great start.

22nd September 2022. Afternoon Lecture
Where’s my Bag  by Michael Morton  

Michael Morton gave us an interesting talk on what happens to luggage once you’ve checked in at the airport?  We learned about some of the things that can go wrong, causing our suitcases to arrive in a different destination to their owners.
He showed us behind the scenes videos explaining how the system is supposed to work and why sometimes it fails. He also gave us some useful tips to help ensure our luggage does not get lost.

12th October 2022 AGM and Evening Lecture
Wildlife Photography in Wightwick’s Gardens by Steph Wilkes.

Unfortunately Helen Bratt-Wyton was unable to give her talk on Wightwick acquisitions because of Covid but we were very lucky that her colleague, Steph Wilkes was able to step in at the last moment. Steph treated us to a wonderful display of photographs showing Wightwick in different seasons and from a different perspective, some taken from rooftops to which the public had no access. The second half was even more spectacular with close up shots of the varied wildlife in the grounds. Steph was a volunteer at the house before she became a member of staff and her love of the property is evident. She is not a professional photographer but the quality of her pictures would make David Attenborough jealous!

27th October 2022 Afternoon Lecture
The Evolution of Dance by Maggie Love

Following Maggie’s very interesting evening  talk on Charles Darwin last season, she now took us through the history of dance in all its forms including social and ritual dancing. As a dance historian, Maggie is an expert on the subject and presented her talk clearly. She started with the earliest forms of dance from ancient times and showed how important it was to society throughout the centuries. Maggie’s career has included West End musicals, films, top drama schools and a stint in America.  She is a dance/movement specialist with Royal credits.  Her work has encompassed a variety of Shakespeare productions and Festivals across the world.

9th November 2022. Evening Lecture
Britain’s Bloodiest Day –The Battle of Towton 1461 
by David Skillen

David Skillen shared his expert knowledge of the events leading up to the battle and the battle itself. This was a decisive battle in the ‘Wars of the Roses’ or as it was known at the time, the ‘Cousins’ War’. David explained the complicated family history which pitted Yorkists against Lancastrians and the rivalry of two kings, Henry VI and Edward IV. The second half of the talk dealt with the strategies of each side, the types of weapons and armour used.
The historical detail was accurate and well researched, helped by David’s involvement with the re-enactment group. The outcome of ‘Britain’s bloodiest battle’ was in doubt until, at the last minute, Yorkist reinforcements forced the Lancastrians to flee. David presented his excellent talk clearly and with humour.

24th November 2022 Afternoon Lecture 
Easy as ABC by Mary Bodfish

There was a large turnout, despite the atrocious weather, to hear Mary describe how our writing system has developed over 5 000 years. She took us on a journey through Babylon Egypt, Phoenicia, Greece and Rome, showing how a series of marks in a clay tablet progressed to the letter shapes we recognise today. But is the art of handwriting on the decline with the use of keyboards?

14th December 2022. Evening Lecture
Spaced Out In The 1960s by Andrew Lound

After some technical difficulties with projection, Andrew entertained us with a multi – media presentation about the history of space flight in the sixties, culminating in the moon landing in 1969. This was told alongside the political situation at the time and the rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union.  The social events of the sixties were reflected in the images and sounds of the decade, providing plenty of nostalgia for our audience. On a very cold night, the turnout was excellent as was the music.  Andrew describes the sixties as ‘the best decade ever’.  Many of us who lived through it would agree.

11th January 2023 Evening Lecture
For Ever and for Everyone:  Managing Historic Gardens in the 21st Century by Simon Gulliver

Simon is a Gardens and Parks Consultant for the National Trust, responsible for advising on the development of 20 historic gardens in the West and North Midlands. Simon gave a very detailed talk about the management structure of the teams responsible for planning and maintaining historic gardens. There was a lot to take in. He told us about developments in some very beautiful gardens such as Upton House, Wightwick, and Coombe Court, all illustrated with excellent photographs.

Simon brought along an excellent selection of plants for sale.

26th January 2023 Afternoon Lecture
Weoley Hill Ltd – the story of a Bournville Village 
Robert Booth

Robert is a resident of Weoley Hill so was ideally placed to tell the story of the Bournville village promoted by the ideals of George and Richard Cadbury.  We learned a lot of new facts in this very interesting lecture.  Many people thought that the housing developments were solely for Cadbury employees but they were conceived as an estate with many privately owned dwellings.  Robert took us through the history of the village and the Cadbury family.  His photographs compared the past with the present. The gardens, several of which open annually as part of the National Garden Scheme, were very impressive.

8th February 2023 Evening Lecture
Grand Old Mansion – Aston Hall and the people who called it home 
Rik Sowden

Aston Hall is very near to Villa Park, so perhaps a football cliché may be appropriate.  This was a lecture of two halves.  The first half was a detailed history of the Holt family and others who lived at the hall, including James Watt Jr.  The second half was a visual tour of the property.  Rik took us through the history of the hall from its Jacobean origins to its use as a Birmingham museum. After the break he showed some excellent photographs of many of the rooms. Many pictures showed Rik in various historical costumes.  A very interesting and entertaining lecture.

23rd February 2023 Afternoon Lecture
Stourbridge Glassmakers, their history and their legacy 
Dr Kate Round

Dr. Kate Round gave us a fascinating talk on the growth of the glass industry from Medieval Forest Glass and the integration of expert Hugenot glassmakers, from the development of discrete industries making utility bottles, glasses, and windows to the fine crystal tableware for which Stourbridge is renowned.  Who would have thought that a special bottle made with glass that was able to withstand secondary fermentation, would be developed to make ‘champagne’ in Newcastle.  Kate made us aware of the influence of Stourbridge glassmakers in other parts of the world.

8th March 2023 Evening Lecture
Volunteer at The Firs – Elgars Birthplace
Richard Westwood Brookes

Richard Westwood-Brooks, who is Elgar’s biographer, gave us a marvellous insight into his life, detailing how he rose from nothing to be one of the world’s greatest composers. His talk was very revealing.  Elgar’s music was not given full credit in his lifetime.  His more popular works were described as nationalistic and jingoistic. This was largely because he was self-educated, the son of a piano tuner and also a Catholic. Musical circles were dominated by academics. Richard played some excellent pieces of music and explained the background to compositions such as ‘Nimrod’ and ‘Falstaff’.  Elgar, himself, always thought he was second rate.  He never made a lot of money from his works.  His lack of self-worth was reflected in his latter pieces which were heavy in melancholy.
This talk was about ‘Elgar, the composer you never knew’.  After Richard’s relaxed and expert delivery, we now know Elgar much more intimately.

23rd March 2023 Afternoon Lecture
Women in Science and Medicine: Catrin Rutland

Catrin Rutland is an Associate Professor of Anatomy and Developmental Genetics.  She gave us a fascinating talk about the struggle of women in scientific fields.  One in particular changed her name to that of a man so that she could be accepted.  She outlined the huge impact of many brilliant women in history, going back as far as ancient Egypt.  She also told us about her ‘super heroes’; women in the modern era who have changed the world with their discoveries.  Catrin was easy to listen to and kept our attention throughout.  This talk went down very well with our members.  The comments made during the coffee break were outstanding.