Throughout the autumn, winter and spring we run monthly talks on Friday afternoons. In addition there is an annual Charles Lines Lecture and a speaker from the National Trust at the AGM.
The talks are held at the Methodist Church Hall, Station Approach, Solihull starting at 2.00pm. Admission is £3.50 for Solihull Centre Members and £5.00 for visitors or guests of members. Tea, coffee and biscuits available at the interval, cost 50p.
Parking is limited at the hall but three hours free parking is available at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre - a valid ticket must be displayed.
Friday, 25 October
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust: its Work, History and Reserves
Jo Hands
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust was established in 1970 to protect and enhance the local natural heritage, and to encourage people to get involved and make a difference. It aims to protect and enhance wildlife, natural habitats and geology throughout Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull, and to encourage a greater awareness, appreciation and participation in all aspects of nature conservation and the environment.
Today’s speaker, Jo Hands (the Fundraising and Events Officer), will give a talk on the Trust’s work. This will include:
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Managing Nature Reserves - spanning 800 hectares across Warwickshire
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Encouraging and supporting volunteers
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Educating people about nature
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Campaigning on behalf of the environment
Friday 29 November
Gardens Really Worth a Visit
Howard Drury
Today we have a welcome return visit by Howard who last talked to us about the Gardens of New Zealand. Having run garden holidays and day trips for more than 25 years he has amassed a huge collection of images of many incredible gardens for many various reasons.
This presentation will show us a wide cross section of gardens throughout the British Isles and why they are worth visiting. Some may be for their landscape, others may have amazing plant collections, while others most people will never have seen as they are rarely open to the public.
Friday 31 January
Stourbridge Glass: a History
Dr Kate Round
Dr Round was an outreach worker at Broadfield House Glass Museum. She will talk to us today about why glass making came to Stourbridge, its history through time, from the Middle East, Europe, France until it finally settled in England, first on the south coast at Nailsea and then in Stourbridge.
We will also learn about the decorative techniques involved and the skills of the glassmaker and hear about some of their most wonderful creations.
Friday 28 February
Shifting Shores: when Nature and Culture Collide
Phil Dyke
The National Trust is responsible for looking after more than 780 miles of the UK’s coastline. Over the years National Trust Solihull Centre has contributed £56,000 to Coast (formerly Enterprise Neptune).
Today we are extremely pleased to welcome the National Trust’s coast and marine specialist Phil Dyke who will explain a little bit more about their work, aims and illustrate how the changing climate is threatening our coastline.
His talk will look at the National Trust’s coastal work past, present and future.
Friday 27 March
Policing Birmingham during the Second World War
Corinne Brazier and Steve Rice
Following requests from members we have been able to invite Corinne Brazier and Steve Rice to continue the fascinating story of our local police forces.
Today we are going back to the dark days of the Second World War. Birmingham suffered terrible devastation during the Blitz with thousands of lives being lost during the air raids and many of its citizens leaving to fight the enemy overseas. The police had to deal with the aftermath of the destruction, with depleted ranks and the loss of 17 of their own to the air raids. Here we tell their story; we remember many of the brave actions and recognise the selfless courage whilst explaining how we policed Birmingham during World War II.’