Lectures

Lectures for the season 2025 – 2026

Our programme for this season has now concluded. Below are reviews of all the lectures. Our 2026 / 27 season begins on Wednesday 9th September at 7.00pm.

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Simon was a Gardens and Parks Consultant with the National Trust.  In fact, he retired on the day he gave this talk.  He is a fine speaker who has great knowledge of and enthusiasm for this subject.  Simon clearly outlined the causes of climate change and gave many examples of the effect on National Trust properties.  The outlook for the future looks rather frightening, but after the interval, he provided us with a more hopeful scenario with many ways in which we can protect and nourish plants not only in National Trust properties but also in our own gardens. This was an admirable and very appropriate start to this season’s lecture programme.

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Kevin delivered a fascinating talk defending a much-maligned bird.  He started by describing how people’s opinions of the humble pigeon were divided, arousing dislike from some and support from others. Some people thought they spread disease and were dirty which is not true.
Kevin delved into the history of mankind’s relationship with the pigeon, with evidence going back 5000 years. In the Bible, it was a pigeon that brought a leaf to Noah in the ark as evidence that dry land was nearby. In more recent times, the excrement from the bird was marketed as excellent fertiliser and as an essential ingredient in gunpowder, saltpetre (potassium nitrate).
During the two World Wars both sides used ‘carrier’ or ‘homing’ pigeons to deliver messages.  Kevin certainly gave us plenty of reasons why this bird should be regarded as a ‘dove of peace’ rather than a ‘rat with wings’.

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We were very grateful to Simon for stepping in, after Peter  Clarke had to cancel his talk on Hanbury Hall, through illness.  Simon had already treated us to a very informative talk on climate change last month.  This time he described the adventures of Ernest Wilson, known as ‘Chinese’ Wilson – Birmingham’s Plant Hunter. He described Wilson’s four adventures in China and the plants he introduced to all our gardens, before his tragic early death in a car accident. Simon’s knowledge of plants is amazing. Most of us will have a plant in our gardens which was discovered by Wilson.

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Many of our members visited Hartlebury in August and were very impressed with the displays (See Outings page). The castle was the residence of the Bishop of Worcester from the early 13th century until 2007.  King Edward I became Hartlebury Castle’s first royal visitor in 1282, when he was on the way to Wales. Queen Elizabeth I stayed in there in August 1575. 
Doug related the story of the castle during the English Civil War.  In 1646, Hartlebury was strongly fortified and held for King Charles I but surrendered in two days without a shot being fired.  It seems the odds were overwhelming.  Doug gave us a potted history of the Civil War and also gave us news of some exciting finds from two recent archaeological digs.

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Baddesley Clinton is one of the properties we regularly support and it has a fascinating history.  James delivered the first of two talks related to the property.  The second will be in February by Richard Lloyd.  Baddesley provided shelter for Jesuit priests at a time of religious persecution.  One of these, Father Henry Garnet, was hidden in the house by Anne Vaux who employed Nicholas Owen, a designer and builder of priest holes, to create hiding places for up to 12 priests.  Even though the house was thoroughly searched, they did not find them.  James told us that the hiding places at Baddesley were more important than other houses because there is documented proof that they were used.  This was a well-researched and well-delivered talk.  If you want to see more about Anne Vaux and other women of Baddesley Clinton, this link will take you there.

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Lynne revealed secrets that no one in Aldridge was aware of, firstly the location of the Lodge, which was off Bosty Lane, near Aldridge airport. She then related the history of people who lived in the manor, before telling the fascinating story of the Basque refugees.
In May 1937, nearly 4,000 Basque children were evacuated on the ship Habana from Bilbao to Southampton, seeking refuge from the fighting during the Spanish Civil War. The British government allowed them entry on the condition that their care was funded by voluntary donations, not public money. Aldridge Lodge was used to provide a home for a number of the children who were cared for by a local voluntary committee. A minimum of 50 Spanish/Basque refugee children and their carers lived there. As opposed to some of the ‘colonies’ in other parts of the country, the children were treated well and seemed happy. This was a well-researched talk including some original photographs. 

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We have come to expect a very dramatic talk from Andrew.  This was a more technical talk about the life of William Hipkins, Managing Director of W.& T. Avery and the last MD of the James Watt Company based in Smethwick.  He started off by telling us how the development of corkscrews led to the growth of manufacturing industries radiating from Birmingham to all parts of the country and even to the USA. William was a first-class passenger on the Titanic but we had to wait until the final ten minutes to find out if he survived. (He didn’t).  Based on his own research, Andrew told of the rise of one of Birmingham’s great captains of industry.  An interesting talk for those who are keen on engineering or the story of Birmingham’s manufacturing legacy.

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Steve was a mounted officer with the West Midlands Police from 1979 to 1991.  He has published a book of his experiences under the name, Stefan Wild. He started by describing the early days of the mounted force. Some of the first officers were cavalry men, others had no experience of horses. Horses were often rented from other sources and in some cases, officers had to buy their own horses.  He illustrated his talk with good quality monochrome photographs, particularly of the ‘Birmingham greys’.
In the second half he told of his experiences on duty which were not always pleasant.  In the 1980’s there was the worst outbreak of football hooliganism and violence.  He related how things were thrown at him, including a savoy cabbage, and how he was badly injured from a blow with a piece of wood.  This was a very interesting talk which made us aware of the importance of the mounted divisions of our police forces.
You can read the first chapter of Stefan’s new book here:
https://tales-of-stefanwild.uk/book-2/

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When we have to put out almost every chair and almost run out of raffle tickets, you know something special is about to happen and our audience of over 100 were not disappointed.  Max Keen is an incredible speaker with a vast knowledge of history.  From the moment he appeared, clad in mail hauberk and helmet, carrying a huge shield and fearsome axe, he had the audience enthralled.  As always Max started by describing each article of clothing.  He always uses replica items which are as authentic as possible.  His presentation attempted to sort the myth from the facts and was backed up by research.  Max not only educates but entertains and this was a thoroughly entertaining afternoon.

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Richard outlined Rebecca’s work as an artist, but also other aspects to her life.  She was a member of the Primrose League, and organised a ‘Gathering’ for the organisation at Baddesley. She also had very strong views on Women’s Suffrage. She welcomed wounded soldiers of all ranks to the house during WW1 but of particular interest  is her response to the ‘story’ that a soldier had been saved by Angels at Mons.  
One of the most endearing stories relating to Rebecca Ferrers may not be true. In 1859, Rebecca’s aunt, Lady Georgiana Chatterton married Edward Dering. It has been suggested that Dering was actually intending to propose to Rebecca but when he asked her aunt for permission, he was so tongue-tied, or she was so deaf, depending on which version of the story is believed, that she thought he was proposing to her.  As a result of this misunderstanding, Edward and Georgiana were married.
At the age of 37, Rebecca married Marmion Edward Ferrers of Baddesley Clinton and two years later, Lady Georgiana and her husband, Edward Dering, moved in with them.  The foursome became known as “the Quartet”.  After the foursome had lived together for seven years, Lady Georgiana died in 1876. In 1884, Marmion also died.  Rebecca and Edward Dering, then married.

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This was a lovely double act by Jan and Jenni who took turns to tell us about their work at Shugborough. Work is well underway on the property’s long-term programme of conservation and visitor facility improvements which is “shaping Shugborough”. After a brief history they concentrated on the previous ten years and plans for the future. A new entrance is planned and a new visitor centre, as well as improved café and toilet facilities.  The “Trent and Sow Washlands” project has created new floodplains to boost biodiversity and habitat for wildlife.  The Arcadia Forest Garden, home to over 80,000 plants will be one of largest of its kind in the country.  “Forest Gardening is an innovative type of gardening. The range of plants reduces competition, enables plants to thrive and builds resilience to pests, disease, and the effects of climate change.  Jan and Jenni spoke clearly with great enthusiasm and made the audience want to visit Shugborough as soon as it has ‘taken shape’.

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Dr. Gillian has visited us several times and has always delivered an interesting and informative talk.  Tonight was no exception as she told the story of how John Churchill successfully navigated the torrid world of late Stuart politics, achieved huge success for his country on the battlefield and was then toppled as the political sands shifted.  It is perhaps his military achievements that most people remember.   His victories at battles such as Blenheim strengthened his reputation as one of Europe’s greatest generals, but Gillian delved into his political career to paint a picture of an ambitious gambler who played the game of court politics with flair and determination.
Churchill’s role in defeating the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685 helped secure James on the throne, but he was a key player in the military conspiracy that led to James being deposed during the Glorious Revolution of 1688 when William and Mary took the throne.  William rewarded Churchill with the title Earl of Marlborough, but persistent charges of Jacobitism led to his fall from office and temporary imprisonment in the Tower of London. 
Gillian used some fine portraits to illustrate this excellent talk.

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This was a fine way to end our very successful season. Kath Reynolds shared a very interactive reminiscence session with us.  She always uses plenty of props and involves the audience.  This was a time when gymslips were worn and chalk used on blackboard, with board rubbers often thrown by teachers at talkative children, but were they the “best days of our lives”? Kath discussed uniforms, books and poems, times tables, inkwells…and discipline, drawing memories and stories from the audience. A well-presented talk delivered with humour. 

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The previous seasons’ lectures (2024 – 2025) are now in the archive.

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