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 24 September
A Visual Tour of the outer Circle
David and Pam Humphries
Any Brummie worth their salt knows the outer circle bus route and many of a certain age may have been round the entire route. However, there is a great deal of history and heritage in the 150-minute bus journey.
The outer circle is said to be the longest urban bus route in Europe. The outer suburbs have surprising histories stretching back to the 10th Century. There are tales of residents who found fame as philanthropists, rock stars, industrialists and suspended from the hangman’s noose
Pam and David’s talk will highlight some of the lost places and some of the people that are on or have been near to the No 11. It may tempt some of our members to make the full journey themselves.
Both Pam and David have been volunteer tour guides at the National Trust Back to Backs and at the Coffin Works in Fleet Street, Birmingham
Friday 29 October
The Secret Wildlife of the Forest of Dean
Nick Martin
The beautiful Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire harbours a wide range of woodland wildlife, including many secretive and surprising animals and birds. We'll look for the elusive goshawk the shy dipper and the exotic mandarin ducks. Find out where adders hide, dormice feed and about the exciting return of the wild boar to the woodland scene.
Nick Martin is an amateur photographer with a passion for nature. His talks contain fascinating information, beautiful images and plenty of humour.
Friday 26 November
From Christmas Past to Christmas Present
Mary Bodfish
Our talk this month has a Christmas theme. Behind all the elements of the great festival of family feasting and fun as we celebrate Christmas today, is a history that stretches back through the Victorians, the Tudors, the Romans and all the way back to our most pagan ancestors.
Mary has taught local history research and palaeography for the University of Birmingham’s School of Continuing Studies and is a founder member of Smethwick Local History Society. Her talks are fully illustrated with a Powerpoint presentation.