17th January 2022: ‘The Queens of Country Music’ – Maggy Farmer
In this musical presentation, talented local singer Maggy Farmer told us about the stars of country music and performed their songs.
21st March 2022 ‘Giants in The Sky – The Zeppelin in World War One’ – David Skillen
In the night skies above Britain in 1915, people saw huge silver, cigar shaped objects flying across the country seemingly at will – The Zeppelin! It was the start of the first strategic bombing campaign in history. David Skillen’s talk looked at how the Zeppelin were built and flown, how the Royal Navy, Royal Flying Corps and later the Royal Airforce defended Britain against them, their later use as luxury transport around the world, and finally their demise due to the tendency to ignite with catastrophic consequences!
25th April 2022 ‘My Musical History Part 2’ – Steve Allen
In March 2020 Steve Allen, a local musician with a repertoire in country, folk and swing music, came along to present an unusual history presentation for our members. Through the eyes of his character, Ely, he told us more about the Industrial Revolution in Britain through a mixture of songs, words and pictures. This month he came back with the second part of this history, taking his story through from the Industrial Revolution to the 1960’s.
16th May 2022 ‘Mary Quant’s career” – Ruth Lowe
Ruth Lowe has been an avid collector of Mary Quant creations and associated memorabilia, and brought along a number of items for us to look at as she told us about the early part of the designer’s career, from 1955 to the early 1970s’.
20th June 2022 ‘Winterbourne House and Gardens’ – Henrietta Lockhart
Henrietta Lockhart, a member of the team at Winterbourne, told us about this ‘Arts and Crafts’ Edwardian House, nestled in a leafy corner of Birmingham, and its delightful garden, beautiful in any season.
18th July 2022 ‘Myanmar, Land of Temples’ – Paul and Gill Wallis
Paul and Gill Wallis have been on some fascinating journeys to distant lands. This talk, with photo illustration, was based on a river trip along the Irrawaddy, and looked at the people who live there, their villages, temples and culture.
15th August 2022 ‘Behind the Screens’ – Steven B. Bruce, Auctioneer
In his talk, ‘Behind the Screens’, Steven Bruce, a fine art auctioneer and valuations expert, explained the reality behind the many TV programs that feature buying and selling antiques and collectibles at auction. Steven also provided valuations on antiques and collectibles, that some members had brought along.
19th September 2022 ‘Stories of our British Mammals’ – Nick Martin CANCELLED DUE TO QUEEN ELIZABETH’S FUNERAL
Nick Martin was one of our speakers in 2019 when he told us about the development of the RSPB’s Middleton Lakes nature reserve. His second talk was to look at our native mammals and would have been enhanced by Nick’s own personal involvement as a naturalist and by his superb skill as a nature photographer.
In light of the necessary cancellation mentioned above, we will attempt to reschedule this event for next year’s calendar
17th October 2022 ‘The Harvesters’
This was our second visit from the Harvesters Trio, who performed music, songs, and dances based on their research into the traditional tunes and entertainment developed by settlers in the Appalachian Mountains of the USA. This time they showed us how gospel and faith music evolved from Appalachian musical roots.
21st November 2022 Alan Cutler – ‘Judge, Jury, Judgement – Justice?’
Way back in 2017 Alan Carter presented us with an Edwardian murder trial and asked us to pose as the jury of the day to decide whether the guilt of the defendant had, in fact, been proved beyond doubt. This time he presented “The Immortal Case”, another fascinating tale from the annals of crime set in Scotland in 1909 – the trial of Oscar Slater, who was charged with assaulting 82-year-old Marion Gilchrist and killing her at her home in 1908. In gown and wig, Alan gave the judge’s summing up followed by final statements by the prosecution and defense; he then asked the audience for their verdict. Did we agree with the actual jury? The answer is kept secret to avoid spoilers!!
12th December 2022 Coleshill and District U3A Christmas Celebrations
Unfortunately, the planned musical performance by Andy Smith had to be cancelled due to Andy being in hospital. Nevertheless a good time was had by all with an impromptu singalong and a couple of Christmas-themed quizzes – not forgetting the wonderful buffet lunch catered by Cafe on the Hill.