January - August 2010

4 August

Picnic in Warley Woods – Bring something to eat, and something to sit on for our annual open-air meeting on the grassy patch where the path leads from Upper St Mary’s Road and where the sun stays out for that bit longer - we have been quite lucky with the weather so far! At around 7pm Steve Cemm will tell us about the latest developments on this ever-evolving project.

(meet at 6.30, stay until sunset).

8 September:

  The Doris Millward Memorial Lecture

"Ladywood to Winson Green through time": Ted Rudge tells us about his latest publications which look at the changing urban landscape of working-class areas of Birmingham. (In accordance with Doris's wishes, proceeds from this evening's talk will be donated to The Smethwick Heritage Centre and the Cat Protection League).

6 October

"Glimpses from the Graveyard" - Smethwick's existence as a distinct place began with the establishment of the Old Church in 1732. This talk explores the stories that can be found by examining its churchyard and burial records (this talk was postponed from January this year).

3 November

Annual General Meeting followed by:

"A sheep with 6 legs and a skeleton in the cupboard". David Yates tells us the fascinating story of the community which developed in Barclay Road from 1906.

1 December

Our Christmas celebrations begin with an illustrated talk, with sound recordings, about the fascinating life and career of Worcester-born music-hall artist, Vest Tilley, particularly known for her redition of Burlington Bertie: perhaps we can sing along! Afterwards, join us for a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine from our very own wassail bowl. Merry Christmas!