Talks
Talks are held on the last Friday afternoon of the month in January, February, March, September, October and November at the Methodist Church Hall, Station Approach, Solihull starting at 2.00pm.
Admission is £4.00 for Solihull Centre Members and £5.50 for visitors or guests of members including tea or coffee in the interval.
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 September, 2026
Jane Austen’s Warwickshire family
Sheila Woolf
While most of us associate Jane Austen with Hampshire and Bath, her connection with Warwickshire was strong. Her mother was born a Leigh, a member of the family residing at Stoneleigh Abbey. It was on a visit there that Jane saw for herself the gulf between the haves and the have nots. This talk considers how deeply influenced she was by their stories when writing her novels.
Friday 30 October, 2026
Restoration of Moseley Road Baths
Stephen Spinks and Simon Piaia (Project Director and Project Manager)
The Grade II* listed Moseley Road Baths, which some members will know, has a rich history dating back to 1907, since when it has been in continuous use. We’ll hear how the National Trust is involved in a major project to ensure a sustainable way forward for the Baths, combining community knowledge and heritage sector expertise.
Friday 27 November, 2026
My Life as a Tour Guide
Mary Moore
While on package holidays or visiting places of interest, we’ve all met Tour Managers and Blue Badge Guides. But do we ever wonder what it’s like from their point-of-view? Today’s speaker, with years of experience in both roles, will regale us with tales of some of her experiences.
Friday 29 January, 2027
The House where the Weather was made
David & Pam Humphries
For more than 30 years, Highbury Hall in Moseley was the home of Joseph Chamberlain, the Birmingham politician described by Winston Churchill as “the one who made the political weather”. Hear how the house was designed and built to become the centre of a dynasty that shaped the political history of Britain and the Empire.
Friday 26 February, 2027
Ironbridge Gorge Museums and the National Trust
Lois Mitchell
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ironbridge Gorge is recognised as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. In spring 2026, the National Trust took on the care and management of its ten museums, with plans to grow the number of visitors, bringing the Gorge’s unique history to life. Hear how this is going from some of the Trust staff involved.
Friday 19 March, 2027
Women in the Glass Industry
Kate Round
Glass has been made in the Stourbridge area for over 400 years, its craftsmen recognised since the 19th century as world leaders. While it was previously assumed that all the jobs were done by men ‘for the strength of their arms’, we’ll hear how archive sources have uncovered a fascinating account of women working in the glass industry
.