GENERAL HISTORY 2025
General History 2022
OUR PROGRAMME:
Thursday 8 December 2022 at The Museum of Carpet, Green Street, Kidderminster
Following on Tim Carter and Mike Loftus’s fascinating talks during lockdown we have a wonderful opportunity to hear the full talk by local historian Dave Laverty.
This will be at The Museum of Carpet in Green Street, Kidderminster, DY10 1AZ not at our usual venue and will be in the morning. It is next to Morrisons Supermarket.
Arriving 10:20am to promptly start 10 minutes later on. Dave Laverty will deliver the first part of the talk focusing upon The Story of Carpet Making in the town of Kidderminster.
Then there would be a break of 15 minutes for tea and coffee and we will be providing mince pies and shortbread, followed by the second part of the talk ‘On the Weaving’: Life in the Carpet Factories of Kidderminster. 'On the Weaving' is an affectionate look at life in the carpet factories of the town dealing with themes such as: Young Workers; All in the Family; Dangers; Power Loom Weavers; Relationships; Work and Play and Pride, based upon the words of the carpet people themselves and also sound clips and images from the archives of the Museum of Carpet. It will finish about noon.
Thursday 10 November 2022 at 2pm at Wribbenhall Community Centre
Following the discussion held on 13 October (see notes below) We will spend the first half hour firming up on our small committee and roles etc then:
Vincent O'Callaghan gave an interesting and detailed talk on Elections in Worcestershire up to 1945 including some of Kidderminster’s more unusual MP’s and their elections. Followed by a lively discussion.
Thursday 13 October 2022 at Wribbenhall Community Centre
The group: In light of Caroline's forthcoming surgery and rehab in early 2023 we dicussed how the group would proceed and a small committee with defined roles was agreed. We also discussed our lack of WiFi at the venue and restarting refreshments with members making their own outside the kitchen to avoid a bottleneck. Alison Barsby gave the group a financial update.
Caroline O'Callaghan gave a talk on After the Black Death became a ‘Golden Age’ for some Medieval Women. Featuring some of the amazing women who stepped up in the century and a half between 1350 and 1500 and took over their own destiny. Followed by questions and discussion about how warfre and epidemics enabled women to shine.
Classical Spain 16 to 22 September 2022 Flying from Birmingham we visited historic Seville, Córdoba and Granada photos shared on the October newsletter
Thursday 8 September 2022 Vsit to Powis Castle and Clive of India day visit.
Thursday 9 June 2022 at 2pm - Episode 3 The Story of India based on the BBC series with Michael Wood the Silk Road followed by a discussion.
Our Group Guided trip to Monet's Garden, The Loire Valley and Fontainebleau departing on 14 July 2022 for 7 days / 6 nights, plus breakfast and three dinners, including one at a traditional, local restaurant. We travelled by Eurostar so no flights
Thursday 12 May 2022 - Alison Barsby did a presentation on the caste system and Vincent O’Callaghan on Hinduism followed by a discussion and then Angela Curtis did an introduction to The Silk Road - The Story of India based on the BBC series with Michael Wood.
The last half an hour was for those members going to France in July 2022
Thursday 10th March 2022 - our second meeting back at Shaw Hedge Road Community Hall at Wribbenhall
We saw the first 35 minutes of the second episode of The Story of India based on the BBC series with Michael Wood.
From 3pm Mike Loftus gave us a very interesting talk on Henry Chellingworth a Public Life. Mike told us that “the decade of the 1850s was an extraordinary period for Kidderminster. The introduction of steam power to the town’s principal of trade carpet weaving was, through those ten years, to have a quite devastating effect. Handloom weavers lost employment in huge numbers and the companies that employed them, or used their product, shrank. Alongside this high unemployment there were protracted bad industrial relations and in the face of the associated economic distress many individuals and families saw emigration from the town – and even the country – as their only solution. The atmosphere of bitter discontent that pervaded the town contributed to a shameful breakdown in public order on the occasion of the 1857 parliamentary election and a sense of something close to despair descended when the town’s major carpet manufacturer fell into bankruptcy in 1858.Yet through this period – which saw the population fall by some 5000 people or 25% - there were glimmers of hope and positive development. The railway arrived in 1852; a new meeting place / concert venue and Corn Exchange was constructed in 1855; a free library was created, and in recognition of the importance of public health, a municipal public baths and wash house were built and opened in 1855, having been first mooted in 1851 and making the town one of the first in England to create such a facility. This last innovation was the initiative of Henry Chellingworth a significant figure in the town who was participated in many of the other changes in the town in this period. He was also being implicated in some of the most notorious – in particular the election riots. This essay is a brief public life of Chellingworth and a review of the events he was involved in within that challenging decade.”
Monday 14 February 2022 Paul Harding’s long awaited presentation on Anglo Saxon Life unfortunately Paul cannot change his day to a Thursday so we are meeting at St Ambrose RC Church Parish Hall for a one off additional meeting on £3 per person.
Thursday 10 February 2022 we had a catch up and started our new topic our studies The Story of India based on the BBC series with Michael Wood with an introduction read by Angela Curtis.
January 2022 - No meeting
General History 2021
Monday 10 May 2021 - Outstanding Women - We celebrated two of the six outstanding women that in 2021 English Heritage will be raising plaques to and one outstanding Irish woman with group members giving a short presentation on them followed by discussion.
Ann Murrells talked on Ellen Craft (1826-1891): Ellen and her husband William escaped slavery in the southern US state of Georgia and was a fervent campaigner for its abolition.
Angela Curtis talked on Caroline Norton (1808-1877): Caroline’s abusive marriage and separation was one of the most highly publicised cases in 19th century Britain. Her determination to fight for custody of her children and the rights to her own property had far-reaching ramifications.
Linda Robertstold us about her aunt Mary Dorothea Heron (1896-1960):Marywas born in Dublin, grew up in County Down, worked in Belfast, but was one of the few who was eligible to practice in both the new states. She was the first woman solicitor in Ireland, after passing her final law examinations in 1923. She has recently been recognised by the Irish Law Society in their celebration of the first 100 women solicitors in Ireland. Linda Roberts our group member is her niece and as Mary was the first, they published her article.
This finishes our 13 months on Zoom where to now? Discussion
On 12 April 2021 we had a revisit from our own Mike Loftus lead the Kidderminster Civic Society successful bid to get National recognition for ‘Great Wall of Kidderminster’ Historic England announced on in December that the structure, more formally the ‘Retaining Wall with Sculptural Relief by William Mitchell’, is to be placed on the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest as a grade 2 structure.
On 8 February and 8 March 2021 Tim Carter joined us from Malvern U3A giving a fascinating two-part talk on "Sea Diseases, Sailor Towns and the State”
General History 2017
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THE IRISH REBELLION-1916 EASTER RISING - part 1 Monday 13th February Meeting
Elaine Yates introduced Caroline O'Callaghan as the General History Group Convener. Alison Barsby will be the group Deputy and Treasurer of the group.
To set the scene we showed just under 20 minutes of ‘Awakening’ part one of the DVD 1916: The Irish Rebellion (BBC/RTE) Narrated by Liam Neeson. This was a landmark documentary series examining the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin and the subsequent events that led to the establishment of an independent Irish State and indirectly to the breakup of the British Empire.
Vincent O’Callaghan gave an interesting further talk following on to the first part of the Awakening first part of the DVD about the people involved and the attempts at Home Rule.
We then saw the first two minutes of part two ‘Insurrection’ of the DVD as a taster for what we might choose to explore ourselves for next time.
Discussion and questions followed by members identifying which relevant area they would like to follow up on to feed back to the March meeting to share and pool our knowledge. |
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THE IRISH REBELLION-1916 EASTER RISING - part 2 Monday 13th March Meeting
We watched the 2nd part of the DVD 1916: The Irish Rebellion (BBC/RTE) Narrated by Liam Neeson on the Easter Rising itself – “Insurrection”.
Group members gave varied and interesting talks to show their research with the rest of the group. Members expressed surprise at many of their findings being quite different from what they expected and we started to explore these.
From our enthusiastic volunteers they contributed:
The role of St. Enda's School (Scoil Éanna), the secondary school for boys set up in 1908 in Ranelagh, Dublin by Irish nationalist Patrick Pearse – Elaine Yates with photos projected by Tim Yates
Part of The Proclamation was read out to the group to further set the scene - Anne Williams
The British point of view, was such a level of force understandable or justified? – Julia Scott
The relevance of WW1 to the 1916 Easter Rising – Sue Whiteman
Discussion as to where the group might meet after April 2017 and whether we wished to go on future trips and talks related to our topics of study and the financial costs of this.
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THE IRISH REBELLION the 1916 EASTER RISING - part 3 Monday 24th April Meeting We had a further discussion as to where we wish to go from here regarding content, subject, speakers relevant to subjects, funding and members will feed back on other less expensive halls they have agreed to investigate. We agreed the next three meetings will be about the Tudors running up to the August day visit to Sudeley Castle & Winchcombe. Anne Williams agreed to do some initial finding out about The Salt Road to let us know the possibilities for study and visits in the Autumn. Following the discussion Caroline O'Callaghan will look at the possibility other meeting places discussed. Then we had a final shorter instalment if the 3rd part of the 1916: The Irish Rebellion (BBC/RTE) Narrated by Liam Neeson. After coffee / tea members gave a short talk about what they have found out about their chosen area with a chance to ask questions and discuss. The role of James Connolly (from one of his descendants in the group) – Lin Roberts The role of the Irish Women’s Movement ‘Cumman na mBan’ – Caroline O’Callaghan The relevance of the strike and the lockout of Irish trade union members - Vincent O’Callaghan The writings, poems and plays of the Irish Rebellion including ‘Easter, 1916’ and 'Sixteen Dead Men' by William Butler Yeats and his relationship with Maud Gonne MacBride - Anne Williams |
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THE TUDORS - part 1 Monday 8th May Meeting We watched the 2015 BBC documentary Shakespeare’s Mother: The Secret Life of a Tudor Woman brought to life by historian and broadcaster Michael Wood. Mary Arden, her family and their lives on the farm through turbulent Tudor times is a fascinating contrast to the Royals and Knights stories of the time. Refreshments. We then discussed the film and talked about what group members are interested to research about the Tudor period to share with each other at our July meeting. See below. Anne Williams gave feedback on what was possible for the proposed Droitwich Roman Salt Road visit for September. Caroline gave feedback about the possible alternative meeting halls from October 2017. Elaine & Tim suggested Tesco and this was favoured as a possibility so Caroline will follow up. |
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THE TUDORS - part 2 Monday 12th June 2017 A GROUP DAY VISIT TO MARY ARDEN’S FARM AT WILMCOTE, WARWICKSHIRE - lead by Alison Barsby We discovered the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother. Experienced the sights, sounds and smells of a working Tudor farm at Mary Arden’s Farm. We meet the Tudors who run the farm wearing period costume just as Shakespeare’s mother would have done, watch craft and falconry demonstrations and explore the farmyard, playground and historic buildings. Built by Mary’s father, Robert Arden around 1514, Mary Arden’s House has been significantly altered over time. We were able to peek inside the chimney and the walls, discover how the house was built and imagine what life must have been like for Mary when she lived here with her seven sisters. Neighbouring Palmer’s Farmhouse retained much of its original 16th Century structure. Adam Palmer would have employed several day labourers to undertake the daily work on the land and the care of the livestock, and female servants to help his wife with domestic and farmyard tasks. By 1584 Palmer had improved his house, demolishing the old hall and parlour and building a new hall, cross-passage and kitchen, to create the building we saw. We had an opportunity to watch the Tudor Farm lunch prepared. |
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THE TUDORS - part 3 Monday 10th July meeting We watched an episode of The Tudor Monastery Farm– BBC 2 DVD - Historian Ruth Goodman and archaeologists Peter Ginn and Tom Pinfold turned the clock back over 500 years to run a farm at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum in West Sussex exactly as it would have been in 1500, during the reign of the first Tudor King, Henry VII. Group members discussed the DVD over refreshments and the enjoyable and interesting June visit to Mary Arden’s Farm lead by Alison Barsby. Members fascinating feedback to the group on what they have found out about: Music in the Tudor era with slides and pictures of Tudor instruments and a musical accompaniment - Anne Williams Hygiene in Tudor times for the rich and poor especially in relation to hair care – Sue Clarke Rush floors, mattresses & bedsteads with the development of chimneys in the Tudor & Elizabethan eras – Caroline O’Callaghan Housekeeping - Information & discussion about the new venue for the autumn, last minute information on the Sudeley Castle visit August from Caroline O'Callaghan and The Droitwich Roman Salt Road visit in September booked by Anne Williams. |
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Saturday 12th August: Building the Cathedral Exhibition we visited the exhibition of how the Cathedral was constructed from the Middle Ages onwards. Looking at the various types of mediaeval craftsmen and stonemasons who appear in the Cathedral library's historic documents followed by the tour around the Cathedral's more significant Stained Glass Windows including the inspiring West Window depicting Creation, currently being conserved, and the window commemorating Sir Edward Elgar and Sir Charles Hastings.
Monday 14th August: Cathedral Garden Tour. We went on a tour around the Cathedral's gardens with the gardener. This was a real treat and for me (Caroline) the best of the tours I did.
Saturday 19th August: Worcester Cathedral Behind the Scenes Upper Reaches Tour. Seeing the Cathedral from a different perspective. Guided tour given by the Cathedral Archaeologist or a specialist trained upper reaches guide through some of the Cathedral roof spaces.
Wednesday 23rd August: Worcester Cathedral Library Tour. Guided tours of the Cathedral library offering a chance to see the Worcester Anitphoner and other mediaeval manuscripts, other historic documents and rare books form the Cathedral archives.
Wednesday 23rd August: Worcester Cathedral Fossils in the Stones A tour around the stonework used to construct the Cathedral discovering more about the fossils hidden within.
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THE TUDORS - part 4 Monday 21st August 2017 Sudeley Castle and Winchcombe. 20 members went on the visit. The castle was once home to Queen Katherine Parr, the last and surviving wife of King Henry VIII. Henry himself, Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Queen Elizabeth I and Richard III have all played a part in Sudeley’s story. King Charles I found refuge here during the Civil War, when his nephew Prince Rupert established headquarters at the Castle. Following its ‘slighting’ on Cromwell’s orders at the end of the Civil War, Sudeley lay neglected and derelict for nearly 200 years. King George III was amongst those sightseers who came to admire its romantic ruins. Then in 1837 Sudeley was rescued by the wealthy Worcester glove-makers, brothers John and William Dent, who began an ambitious restoration program which was continued by their nephew, John Coucher Dent, when he inherited the castle in 1855. His wife, Emma Brocklehurst, threw herself enthusiastically into Sudeley’s restoration, at the same time forging strong links with the nearby town of Winchcombe. It is the results of Emma’s dedication that are so evident in the gardens and exhibitions at Sudeley today. |
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THE ROMAN SALT WAY, SALT ROAD AT DROITWICH Monday 11th September visit We met at the museum and spent an hour at the museum looking at the two exhibitions. We were then met by the Mayor of Droitwich who is also the Chairman of the Local Historic Society and he guided us on a historic walking tour until about of Droitwich showing parts that even those of us who know Droitwich had never seen. Many thanks to Anne Williams for arranging this! |
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The History Group Trip to Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings Friday 6th October 2017 Several of us joined the trip to Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings which is an open air museum of rescued buildings which have been relocated to its site in Stoke Heath, a district of Bromsgrove. Chris a volunteer told us about the museum and other volunteers were in several of the major buildings to tell us about their history. Thank you to Margaret for inviting us. |
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REFLECTING ON THE FIRST 9 MONTHS OF THE GROUP & PLANNING THE NEXT 9 MONTHS Monday 9th October was our first meeting at the Kidderminster Tesco Community Room. We took the opportunity to review our first 9 months and to plan our next 9 months of meetings and topics. We also discussed the information for the AGM stand for next Monday's meeting. To be added to our list of to do's - Group visit using shared cars to Ludlow Castle Summer 2018 & Look at the Dents of Worcster adding to what we have learnt about Emma Dent. |
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THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION 1917 - Part 1 Monday 13th November meeting at 1.50pm at Kidderminster Tesco meeting at the customer services desk Film (first part) of The Russian Revolution in colour followed by group members who have volunteered to research & share (maximum 10 minutes each please) Anne Kraemer the Causes of the Russian Revolution, Anne Williams the Russian Royal Family and their role incl connections with UK Royal Family, Vincent O’Callaghan the Bolshevik & Mensheviks and then a group discussion about the film and contributions. |
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Wednesday 13th December 6.30pm start at Harvington Hall - Elizabethan dancing, tour, mulled wine and mince pies event - Please note change of Venue, Day and time for this Christmas Treat! SOLD OUT |
General History 2018
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THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION 1917 - Part 2
Monday 8th January 2018 at Tesco Kidderminster, we had excellent presentations from Bob Brown & Dennis James on The Russian Civil War and a lively discussion - thank you.
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THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION 1917 - Part 3
Monday 12th February 2018 at St George's Hall, Bewdley - Ann Murrell gave a fascinating insight into Grigori Rasputin. We then watched the final part of the fascinating Channel 5 TV documentary film "The Russian Revolution in Colour" starting from 11 November 1918 through the third revolution. We then had a group discussion on Ann’s research and the film with all the groups researchers present. Followed by an update on room hire and trips next meeting and preferred meeting places after May 2018.
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Sunday 18th March 2018 Alison Barsby secured sufficient seats on the Whittle Bus & Coach Day Trip to Greenwich in London where the WRNS anniversary expo is which U3A members have contributed to. Alison for details. There was no March meeting due to the visit
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No April meeting due to the trip being postponed
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THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR & SLAVERY- PART 1
Monday 14th May 2018 2pm – 4pm at Cookley Village Hall, Lea Lane, Cookley, DY10 3RH - Showing part of 1861 of Ken Burns The Civil War ‘The Causes’ - A big thank you to Anne Kraemer for leading the May meeting and starting us off so well with the American Civil War & Slavery, really interesting & enjoyable.
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Some suggested reading. There are so many history books but these are more related ones about the subject:
White Cargo: The Forgotten History of Britain's White Slaves in America by Don Jordan and Michael J. Walsh £2.32 on Amazon Kindle at 15 May Barracoon: The Story of the Last Slave by Zora Neale Hurston The Invention of Wings Paperback by Sue Monk Kidd
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beacher Stowe on Amazon Kindle £1.41 the unabridged version at 15 May
Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era (Penguin history) by James M. Mc Pherson Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for History published 1990 |
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Check out: www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/slavery-united-states
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THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR & SLAVERY- PART 2
Monday 11th June 2018 - 2pm to 4pm at our new group home Wribbenhall Community Centre, Shaw Hedge Road, Bewdley DY12 1EU we watched the second part of The Ken Burns film The Civil War covering Traitors and Patriots 12th April to July 1861 including the first battle at Fort Sumter. Group volunteers did excellent presentations on:
Where did the slaves come from? Vincent O'Callaghan
Underground, helping slaves move to the North. Sue Clarke
The historical influence of the UK re the introduction of slavery into America Dennis James
Uncle Tom’s Cabin, its influence on the war / public opinion Lin Roberts |
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WORCESTERSHIRE CHARTISTS COTTAGES
Sunday 1st July 2018 A big thank you to Alison Barsby for arranged a fascinating visit and guided walk around Rosedene a simple red brick Victorian cottage built for Chartist members as part of the innovative Chartist Land Plan Chartist Land Planwith a talk for the group from the National Trust volunteers. Very enjoyable, interesting and sunny!
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AN AUDIENCE WITH HENRY VIII
Friday 27th July 2018 a prebooked visit to Blakesley Hall. Shared cars. A few places left on the 12:30 visit. Book directly with Birmingham Museums on 0121 348 8263 at £7 per person if you do not have tickets. A very good performance and visit. |
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THE AMERICAN MUSEUM DAY TRIP - POSTPONED to 2019
Sunday 12th August 2018 leaving Kidderminster at 8am a day trip group members only using cars 12 group members have signed up to visit the American Museum nr Bath car sharing we have five voluntary drivers Anne K, Dennis & Caroline, Glenise & Alison to get us all there so 18 of our group members could go. The proposal is that as it will take 2 hours drive each way approx 180 miles round trip so where 4 are in a car the passengers pay the drivers £10.25 each direct as a voluntary contribution to the costs. Meeting at the car park at Brintons Park Kidderminster ready to leave by 8am please. We have booked 5 parking spaces at the museum. I will not be collecting any money as we can pay entry on arrival £11 pp for seniors.
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THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR & SLAVERY- PART 3
Monday 10th September 2018 - 2pm to 4pm at Wribbenhall Community Centre, Shaw Hedge Road, Bewdley DY12 1EU
We listened to a fascinating audio clip from Jim Thompson on Slavery and how the slaves used music to communicate
Members contributed their own research and thoughts on: 'The importance of music to the slaves & indentured' Caroline O'Callaghan 'President Abraham Lincoln' Alison Barsby
'General Robert E Lee (for the South)' Ann Murrells
'General U Grant (for the North)' Denis James
And there was a lively discussion.
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THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR & SLAVERY - PART 4
Monday 8th October 2018 - 2pm to 4pm at Wribbenhall Community Centre, Shaw Hedge Road, Bewdley DY12 1EU - our third part of The Ken Burns film The Civil War covering 1865 "The Better Angels of Our Nature" up to
Frederick Douglass was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. After escaping from slavery in Maryland, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement gaining note for his oratory and incisive antislavery writings.
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."
"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will."
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters."
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DENNIS PLANT SPEAKING ON THE ORIGINS OF WW1
Monday 12th November 2018 - 2pm to 4pm at Wribbenhall Community Centre, Shaw Hedge Road, Bewdley DY12 1EU
The catastrophic chain of events that led from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28th June 1914, to the declaration of war between Britain and Germany on 4th August 1914.
Dennis Plant gave a group of 30 a timely talk on the origins of the First World War and there was a fascinating question & answer and discussion session. Thank you to Dennis and everyone who took part.
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VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM - FACE OF SUFFRAGE AND VISITING THE 19TH CENTURY BACK TO BACK HOUSES
Friday 7 December 2018 - we went by train to New Street Station and saw the astonishing Face of Suffrage collage of 3,700 womens pictures making a 200 sq meter depiction of the first Suffragette to be force fed. Then onto the Birmingham Hippodrome to see the display of Women Suffrage and Suffragette historic photos. Finally from the coffee shop to The National Trust Back to Backs for our own guided tour of the houses, yard and shops. Thank you to all who came. |
General History 2019
09 December 2019 - Anglo Saxons part 2 we enjoyed a festive field visit to The Staffordshire Hoard exhibition in Birmingham. Members travelled by train to see the largest hoard of Anglo Saxon gold ever found.
11 November 2019 - Anglo Saxons part 1
Group Visit 2.30pm to 4pm to BISHOPS WOOD CENTRE CROSSWAY GREEN, STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN DY19 9SE.
Around 20 members met at Bishops Wood Environmental Centre in the overflow Car Park. Alison Barsby arranged a first rate start to our new topic The Anglo Saxons. John R Rhymer who is the former head of the Bishops Wood Centre led everyone up to The Centre to sign in then down to the Saxon Hall (and remains of the previous one that burnt down). Helen Ferguson a former Schools Team Leader will be able to demonstrate how the Saxons lit their fires using a flint and steel.
Members were asked to donate £5 each to the Friends of Bishops Wood for the "bursary fund" that they use to enable children from less well-off areas to attend programmes for school classes at Bishops Wood.
Bishops Wood is home to a reconstructed Saxon hall, thatched Saxon workshop, and a newly constructed forge-shelter and willow long-ship! A previous reconstruction based on an original excavation at West Stow was destroyed by fire in 2008 and gave the opportunity for a great deal of important archaeological research into the evidence left following such a fire.
Monday 14 October 2019 NO MEETING
As the AGM at The town Hall with the Showcase was moved to this day.
Tuesday 3 September 2019 - The American Museum Day Trip with the Travel Group
Saturday 3 August 2019 - Battle of Evesham part 5 A field tripto the annual commemoration of the Battle of Evesham - sharing cars. We arrived in time for the memorial service and wreath laying followed by refreshments with Jenny Wood and helper from the Simon de Montfort Society. After this Clive Bostle from the Simon de Montfort Society had arranged a talk in St Lawrence’s church to see the window to Simon de Montfort with Anthony Rich (Battlewell Trust) and then a tour of the battlefield with a speaker from the. Members joined him to go up by public bus from the church to the battlefield. Those who did not wish to do this remained at the Medieval Fayre & Battle Re-enactment Camp in the riverside park or return there afterwards.
Monday 8 July 2019 - Battle of Evesham part 4 a big thank you to Alison Barsby for arranging a fascinating field trip to Kenilworth Castle seat of Simon de Montfort 6th Earl of Leicester. We learnt a lot achieved all but one of our study goals and had an enjoyable day!
Monday 17 June 2019 - Battle of Evesham part 3 - Alison Barsby arranged a fascinating field trip to The Almonry Museum and Heritage Centre in Evesham. The14th Century building was once home to the Almoner of the Benedictine Abbey that was founded in the 8th Century. Entrance is £3 for 65’s and £4.50 up to 64 years old. It houses an eclectic collection that spans the prehistoric to the 20th Century. Displayed over 12 rooms and a garden, the emphasis is on how Evesham has developed and grown during this time. There are exhibitions about the Abbey, the battle of Evesham in 1265, horticulture in the area, Anglo-Saxon burial treasure, 18th Century clothing and the impact of war upon this little market town.
Monday 13 May 2019 - THE BATTLE OF EVESHAM 1265 - PART 2 - WITH PAUL HARDING from 2pm to 4pm at Wribbenhall Community Centre, Shaw Hedge Road, Bewdley DY12 1EU - 39 members enjoyed Paul Harding's fascinating talk about the Battle of Evesham and seeing and handling the weapons, mail, helmets and experiencing part of the battle. A lovely sunny afternoon and an interesting talk - Thank you.
Monday 8 April 2019 - EDWARD 1 of ENGLAND & SIMON de MONTFORT 6th Earl of Leicester & 'THE BATTLE OF EVESHAM 1265' - PART 1
2pm to 4pm at Wribbenhall Community Centre, Shaw Hedge Road, Bewdley DY12 1EU
Members research sharing Maximum 5 to 10 minutes each to allow time for questions & discussion
INTRODUCTION to our topic - Caroline O'Callaghan
Introducing KING HENRY III of ENGLAND - Kay Pagett
An introduction to HOW THE KINGS COUNCIL FUNCTIONE D before Simon de Montfort’s proposals making the foundations of the modern Parliament - Lyn Grogan
Introducing ELEANOR OF ENGLAND daughter of King John and Isabella of Angouleme, and sister of King Henry III & wife of Simon de Montfort - Ann Murrell
Introducing SIMON DE MONTFORT 6th Earl of Leicester - Vincent O'Callaghan
Introducing PRINCE EDWARD then EDWARD 1 - Alison Barsby
Refreshments, discussion on our presentations followed by thoughts on our plans for the next few months meetings & speaker.
Monday 11 March 2019 - THE WORCESTER SUFFRAGETTES an illustrated talk from author LUCIENNE BOYCE
Our speaker Lucienne Boyce originates from Wolverhampton. In 2007 she gained an M.A. in English Literature with distinction from the Open University. Since then she has been writing & publishing historical fiction including her Dan Foster mysteries where Dan, a Bow Street Runner, is determined to get his man or woman! In 2016 she was joint winner of the prestigious historical novel society indie award for new historical fiction an award judged by authors & historians. Lucienne Boyce has also written a number of factual books on the Bristol suffragettes and given talks and walks on Weston-Super-Mare and the Suffragettes, the Cheltenham Suffragettes, Swindon, Wiltshire and the Suffragettes and our topic the Worcester Suffragettes. Lucienne Boyce is also a campaigner & is currently writing the biography of Millicent Price the suffrage campaign for a forthcoming book. She also keeps up a fascinating website and online blog. We had an interesting & knowledgeable talk and a lively discussion.
We would especially like to thank the Civic Societies, W.I.’s, WFHRG and Soroptimist’s for joining us as well as members of other WFD U3A groups. 69 places / tickets sold thank you.
Monday 11 February 2019 - SUFFRAGE, SUFFRAGETTES & ANTI SUFFRAGE - part 3
2pm to 4pm at Wribbenhall Community Centre, Shaw Hedge Road, Bewdley DY12 1EU
Thank you to Ann Murrell and the Bewdley W.I. we will also had their recent exhibition information on show as well at this meeting.
Lyn Grogan shared the "BBC Radio 4 episode 2 '1913: The Year Before" a 14 minute programme on Michael Portillo and others take on The Women’s Rebellion and her thoughts on this fascinating account.
Group members study information shared maximum 10 minutes each, questions and discussion: Thank you to all the members for sharing their work and thoughts. It was really interesting.
Millicent Garrett Fawcett - Kay Padgett
Womens Vote in USA & other countries - Alison Barsby
Men against Women having the vote - Dennis James
Monday 14 January 2019 - SUFFRAGE, SUFFRAGETTES & ANTI SUFFRAGE - part 2
2pm to 4pm at Wribbenhall Community Centre, Shaw Hedge Road, Bewdley DY12 1EU - A relaxing start to the New Year watching the 2015 film Suffragette with a discussion over refreshments about the film and areas of study for the February meeting.
Suffragette (2015) The film tracks the story of the foot soldiers of the early feminist movement, women who were forced underground to pursue a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an increasingly brutal State. These women were not primarily from the genteel educated classes, they were working women who had seen peaceful protest achieve nothing. Radicalized and turning to violence as the only route to change, they were willing to lose everything in their fight for equality, their jobs, their homes, their children and their lives. Maud was one such foot soldier. The story of her fight for dignity is as gripping and visceral as any thriller, it is also heart breaking and inspirational.
‘Suffragette’ was funded by the British Film Institute. The Historical drama, set in London follows the early members of the Women's Social and Political Union and the story of their radicalisation from peaceful protesters to law breakers. The film documents WSPU's secret meetings to discuss tactics when protests and parliamentary evidence fail to win women the vote. After further mistreatment by employers, police and political lies the suffragettes decide to increase their activism with civil disobedience causing damage to Oxford Street windows, post boxes, churches and politicians homes. Police surveillance and arrests lead to the suffragette's imprisonment and hunger strikes.
General History 2020
Monday 14 December 2020 - When Kidderminster Was Lengths Ahead a detailed account of the swimming baths in Kidderminster filled with interesting facts by Mike Loftus
Monday 9 November 2020 - Tim Carter’s fascinating talk and discussion about Anthrax and the effects on the Edwardian Kidderminster Carpet Workers the results of which are still citied in law cases today! He named workers and their families who had been mortally affected by Anthrax and why Brinton’s responded so differently to Broom’s when their workers died. Members asked questions and shared information on a range of related experiences from the ‘weavers yarns & songs’ to Trevor Robert’s knowledge of local farming practices and volunteering at the Kidderminster Carpet Museum. We talked of the higher marital separation rate in Kidderminster as women were earning their own money so could say sling you hook, so to speak.
Monday 12 October 2020 – Group member Ann Murrells presented an overview history of Chateau Chenonceau filled with detail and interest sparking a wide ranging discussion.
Saturday 3 October 2020 – Several members attended The Mortimer Society virtual conference. Philip Hume advised on some local information for our members – Tickenhill - Though at the time of Domesday the King held the manor of Wribbenhall (Worcs), and the two manors of Ribbesford, the Mortimers seem to have some possession of them quite soon afterwards. In 1100, Ralph Mortimer confirmed a grant of land in Wribbenhall by one of his tenants to Worcester Cathedral Priory, and in 1203 Roger Mortimer (d.1214) is recorded as paying 20s. rent to the Priory for the manor of Wribbenhall and the fishery appurtenant to it. The 20s. rent was still being paid in 1304, as part of the manor of Bewdley, and there was a ferry across the Severn recorded in 1335.
The Mortimers were certainly in possession of the two manors of Ribbesford by 1176, when their steward, Simon de Ribbesford was holding one manor. It was part of the dower lands of Margaret, the wife of Edmund Mortimer (d.1304). The de Ribbesford family continued to hold the manor of Ribbesford as feudal tenants of the Mortimers right up to the death of the last Earl of March in 1425.
The other manor in Ribbesford became known as Bewdley towards the end of the 13th century, and was also part of the dower of Margaret, the wife of Edmund Mortimer (d.1304). Margaret did not die until 1334, by which time both her son and grandson were dead. It was part of the dower land of the grandson’s wife, Elizabeth (d.1356), and of her son’s wife, Philippa (d.1382). The Inquisition post mortem of Philippa’s son, Roger (d.1398) sees the manor named as “Tykenhull” with the town of “Bealieu”, which suggests the late 14th century as the time of the name-change, or perhaps the establishment of a manor house there.
Monday 10 August 2020 – No Meeting
Monday 13 July 2020 – Group members presented an overview history of Medieval Tours with a range of inputs particularly from Angela Curtis who presented the Basilica of St Martin of Tours and Julia Scott who did an overview of Tours and its history.
Monday 6 June 2020 – Members of the group did detailed presentations on The Royal Fortress of Chinon and some of the more notable residents. The history of the castle building: Vincent O’Callaghan Henry II: Ann Murrells Eleanor of Aquitaine: Alison Barsby Joan of Arc: Caroline O’Callaghan followed by discussions and questions
Monday 11 May 2020 - Group reorganization discussion on zoom as to how to meet in pandemic lockdown due to Covid 19 restrictions
Monday 13 April 2020 - Easter & no meeting scheduled
Monday 9 March 2020 - Chartres Cathedral a brief history and how to read the windows presentation by Caroline O’Callaghan followed by questions and discussion.
Monday 10 February 2020 - The Royal Abbey of Our Lady of Fontevraud a monastery in the village of Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, near Chinon, in the former French duchy of Anjou. Founded in 1101
Angela Curtis did a presentation on the importance of the Abbey and a 'family tree' from William I through to Edward I as to why the family are historically so important and that is why the Abbey is supported by information from Vincent O’Callaghan
Ann Murrells talked on the life of the 4 houses of the Abbey and under the important Abbess’s
Kay Pagett talked on the role of the abbey as a high security prison (1804 under Napoleon Bonaparte) and in WW2 many members of the Resistance were incarcerated there before being deported. Ten were shot on site.
Monday 13 January 2020 – We watched a Time Team Special on The Staffordshire Anglo Saxon Hoard and discussed the December visit and the film.
General History
GENERAL HISTORY 2023
Thursday 14 Dec 2023 - A Special Christmas Event at Hanbury Hall meeting at 11am organised by Alison Barsby. It was very enjoyable and relaxed as well as informative.
Thursday 9 November 2023 - A meeting to discuss the proposed changes for the group and the suggested programme for 2024 - our last meeting at Wribbenhall.
Thursday 12 October, 14 September, 13 July, 8 June, 11 May, 13 April & 9 March 2023 - The group continued its focus on the HISTORY OF INDIA and wide ranging aspects of CHARTISM
Sunday 26 February 2023 - Day Excursion to MACCLESFIELD SILK MUSEUM and PARADISE MILL TOUR & Treacle Market. Explore how silk shaped Macclesfield over 300 years and its intriguing connection with Ancient Egypt. Getting a taste of 19th and century fashions with the pattern book and costume collections and discover the crucial role that the silk industry played during the Second World War. At Paradise Mill, 26 iconic Jacquard Hand Weaving Looms are uniquely housed in their original positions and the collection also includes various other machines connected with weaving.
Programme
GENERAL HISTORY 2025
General History Programme dates 2025 at 12.04.25
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WE DO NOT MEET IN JANUARY |
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10 February 2pm to 4pm
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Candlemas the Pagan and then Christian celebration Alison Barsby The Making of the Mighty Pen in Birmingham Caroline O'Callaghan At our new home St Peters Community Church (see above) £3 a member |
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31 March 25 2.30 to 4pm £3 each
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The very popular Paul Harding will do a presentation on A Victorian Easter which was lively and full of facts including the Easter Hare All changed in the 1837 with the new young Queen Victoria? In celebration, the Victorian Easter became a time for fairs, bonnet parades, bunnies, bonhomie and lavish celebration. Victoria's appetite, both for food and, indeed, for life meant that she became 'as plump as a partridge'. |
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Friday 11 April
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A morning visit to Birmingham by Train to The Jewellery Quarter then a 7-minute walk to The Pen Museum. It has been estimated that the city produced three quarters of the world’s pens in the mid to late 19th century. Hear the voices of the Victorian workers and experience the interactive displays. 19 members went on a beautiful sunny day and were split into 2 groups for the tours. We made nips, learnt history, saw a film of one of the former workers and did graphology. https://search.app/1xcHtKtNZJrCAwDy8 Prebooking open to all members £7.50 for over 65’s + train fare |
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E
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12 May 2025 2.15 to 4pm £3 each
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Tony Robinson’s The History of Britain - THE VICTORIANS The actor takes a fresh and humorous look at British history, ‘from the bottom up’. Instead of the usual stories of the powerful, rich and famous, this is history through the eyes of the common people. In this film we explore their everyday lives: how they washed, ate and made a living; and also, how the behaviour of those who ruled the land affected them. One thing for sure, life for the common people was tough! A colour film followed by group discussion & refreshments.
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F
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Monday 9 June 2.15 to 4pm £3 each
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The History of Assisi, Perugia, Spoleto & Orvieto all are maximum of 15 minute presentations and then questions and a group discussion. Etruscans and Umbrians Angela Curtis The Romans Liz Wood Refreshments at half time Early Medieval from 500 A.D. Vincent O’Callaghan Papal States, Communes and the Renaissance. Caroline O’Callaghan This is for all group members not just those travelling. |
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G
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Tuesday 15 July a visit by car share
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The Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey departing Kidderminster at 9.30am and returning at around 2pm for a tour of Forge Mill explains the gruesome story of how a needle was made in Victorian times. This takes place in the atmospheric surroundings of the world’s only remaining water powered needle scouring mill. Open to all members booking being taken now £5 a head but spaces in cars are limited unless we have other drivers for the day. To be fair members travelling in cars will contribute to the costs following our u3a rules. |
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04 to 11 September
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Umbria, Assisi & Perugia: The Heart of Italy Following our successful visits to France and Spain we have booked another this time to Italy - Fully Booked |
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I
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13 October 2.15 to 4pm £3 each
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Tony Robinson’s The History of Britain THE TUDORS In this film the actor and history enthusiast explores the history of Britain through the everyday lives of ordinary people. How a knacker became an executioner, and how clothes were made. Finding Henry's sunken ship the Mary Rose. Showing us how food was prepared in Tudor England. A look at cumbersome armour. A colour film followed by group discussion and refreshments. |
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10 November 2.30 to 4pm |
A Tudor Christmas Banquet - a presentation from the very popular Paul & Helen Harding more details to follow but we have been promised a fascinating talk ...... open to all members £3 each |
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8 December 2.15 to 4pm £3 each
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The Tudor Monastery Farm Part 1 Archaeologists Peter Ginn & Tom Pinfold and historian Ruth Goodman, who is also a leading specialist in Tudor domestic life. In this televicion film they turn the clock back to the year 1500 to take on the role of the lay-folk who did the bulk of the farming and crafting within monastic lands. There are domestic tasks to tackle, from lighting fires with flint, making meals with depleted crops during the Hunger Gap and using a tread wheel to fetch water from the well. Peter and Tom's first job is to move the sheep to fresh grass. Wool at this time was known as 'the jewel in the realm', because it generated much of the nation's wealth. A colour film followed by group discussion and refreshments. |
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