Events

2026/2027

Regular Meetings

Meetings are held in the Church Hall.

Everyone is welcome! There will be a £4.00 entrance charge which includes refreshments.

Wednesday 9th September 2026 7.30 p.m. (evening meeting)

Two Two Centuries of Shopping in Belbroughton by Jane Somervell

From Lacy’s grocery shop in the early 19th century to Morrisons today, how has shopping in Belbroughton changed? Come along for a tour of Belbroughton’s shops through history, illustrated with old postcards, photographs and adverts.

(There will be a brief AGM at the start of this meeting.)

Wednesday 14th October 2026 7.30 p.m. (evening meeting)

Henry VIII and the Field of Cloth of Gold by Gill White

In June 1520 the king of France and the king of England met in a field outside Calais to celebrate peace. The celebrations that accompanied this meeting have become known as The Field of Cloth of Gold because of their extravagance and luxury, a magnificence captured in the famous painting at Hampton Court. Textiles, armour, goldsmiths’ work, painting and even a dazzling temporary palace were all called upon to impress the watching world. The diplomatic negotiations were ultimately worthless but for Henry VIII and Francois I it was a chance to compete for honour and glory. This talk explores the history and especially the artistry of this magnificent yet futile event.

Monday 9th November 2026 2.30 p.m. (afternoon meeting)

Countess of Computing by Rob Broadbent

This illustrated talk is the story of an amazing woman who demonstrated an understanding of computers and their incredible potential in the mid 19th Century. Her name was Lady Ada Lovelace and in 1843 she published a remarkable vision of the future in which she effectively prophesised our 21st Century computer age.

Monday 11th January 2027 2.30 p.m. (afternoon meeting)

Music from Medieval to Modern by Danielle Saxon Reeves

A musical journey through 700 years of music in just an hour – with music played on replica and original period instruments.

Monday 8th February 2027 2.30 p.m. (afternoon meeting)

Worcestershire in the Domesday Book by Julian Hunt

The written history of most Worcestershire parishes begins with the Domesday entry from 1086. Julian will compare the data for north Worcestershire towns and villages, noting the similarities and also some curious anomalies. He designed and constructed new railways, created advanced ships and built bridges, docks and tunnels. Many of these achievements are still in use today.

Monday 8th March 2027 2.30 p.m. (afternoon meeting)

Harvington Hall – Discover The House of Secrets by Phil Downing

Uncover the hidden stories and mysteries of Harvington Hall, a house built on secrecy during times of persecution. Explore ingenious alterations designed to deceive priest hunters and discover the latest theories and revelations that continue to reshape our understanding of this remarkable building.