Tim Bridges works as a Conservation adviser for the Victorian Society, representing our region.  The Victorian Society is a National Charity campaigning for the Victorian and Edwardian historic environment.  Tim spoke about his case work and current campaigns for buildings of local interest, including examples from Solihull. Read more

At our October Core meeting we were delighted to welcome Dr. Javad Hashemi-Tafreshi to talk about ‘Unknown Iran’.  Dr. Hashemi began with a quick history of the different invasions and changes in rulers that led to seven capital cities in Iran.  He then advised us to sit back in our seats and enjoy a photographic… Read more

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It was an exceptionally hot afternoon for our Summer Quiz.  We had 11 tables with around 55 people puzzling over Pam’s Quiz questions and grappling with Terry’s teasers (a different kind of problem solving).  Best of all were the scones and cream and strawberry jam!  There was time to chat in a happy friendly atmosphere… Read more

Speaker: Roger Browne This was a musical hour of fun and rhythm.  Roger Browne, accomplished musician and raconteur, talked about his life in music with many interesting and amusing anecdotes.  He enhanced and illustrated his talk by playing some familiar tunes in a variety of jazz styles, took questions, and finished with a recital of… Read more

Speaker: Steven Bruce Steven has had a successful career as a Fine Art Auctioneer and Valuer for several well-known auction houses, as well as running his own sale-room and Fine Art Valuation Services. His illustrated talk included many amusing anecdotes of his time as an auctioneer and valuer and in ‘The Trade’.  He exhibited some… Read more

Following the usual business of our Annual General Meeting, we heard a talk entitled ​Be Kind to Yourself  by Adrian Johnson, who has run a very successful fitness group for this u3a.​Adrian spent over 30 years with West Midlands Police where he completed a Physical Trainers Course and worked for 5 years at the Training Centre in Edgbaston.  He is… Read more

Speaker: Howard Robinson Howard's talk to us in July 2022, Our Precious Planet was well received, and so was this one.  He is a retired Science teacher who lives in Worcestershire, with a strong interest in history.  He described his trip to the Holy Land, and illustrated the many sites with excellent graphics. Read more

Speaker: Simon Durk The talk covered the history of Wildlife Trusts and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust in particular.  It gave us information about some of their reserves; what can be found there and how they are managed.  Details of their campaigns were included.  It also referred to the climate and ecological crisis (locally) and how we… Read more

This talk used contemporary paintings and prints to explore the fairs.  The Little Ice Age was considered, as were the reasons why there have been no more frost fairs since 1814.  The talk was fully illustrated. Read more