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Bromsgrove Summer School 10-12 July 2012

perry hall sm

The second Bromsgrove Summer School will be held at Housman Hall, Bromsgrove School, 10-12 July 2012.

Highlights of this year's programme include a detailed study of St John's Church with Simon Henderson, a full day on the archaeology of Bromsgrove led by Hal Dalwood, and a day on the Bromsgrove Guild with Quintin Watt and Roy Albutt.

David Thomas, the High Street Project Officer, will be discussing the future of the High Street, whilst Jenny McGregor Smith returns with a biography of the local architect, John Cotton. Also taking part are Michael Hall, Emma Hancox, Jenny Townshend and Julian Hunt.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Bromsgrove Society will be held at the Guesten Hall, Avoncroft Musem, on Thursday 5th July at 7.30pm.

After the A.G.M, Simon Carter, Director of the Avoncroft Museum, will be talking about his work, recent developments on the site and the future of the Museum.

MP Launches New Website

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid officially launched the Society's new website on Friday 20th April. Newsletter Editor Julian Hunt made a presentation on the site's key features at an event at the Bromsgrove Methodist Centre.

Pictured above, from left to right: Ron Skidmore, Chairman; Sajid Javid M.P.; John Weston, President; Julian Hunt, Newsletter Editor.

Grant to All Saints Church

all saints sm The Society has pledged £3,000 towards the appeal for repairs to the fabric of All Saints Church.

The architects employed by All Saints recently carried out a quinquennial inspection which indicated that the building is in need of substantial repair to the roofs, rainwater goods and storm drainage; also the stonework to the external walls needs considerable attention, all at an estimated cost of £160,000.

Railwaymen’s Graves Set for Restoration

railway graves sm The Bromsgrove Society has pledged £1,000 towards the cost of restoring the historic gravestones in St. John's churchyard of the two young men killed in a railway accident in 1840.

The accident – caused by a locomotive named Surprise exploding – occurred at the town's Railway Station on Monday 11th November 1840. The men were Thomas Scaife, a banking engine driver and Joseph Rutherford, a fitter in the Bromsgrove Depot Workshops and Engine House.

The gravestones, which carry poignant verse, were paid for by public subscription in the wake of the tragedy and were erected sometime in 1842.

Saxon Gold - The 26th Bromsgrove Society Lecture

Saxon Gold by Dr. David Symons

7.30 p.m. on Tuesday 3rd April 2012 at Routh Hall, Bromsgrove School.

saxon gold sm In this, the 26th Bromsgrove Society Lecture, Dr. Symons provided all the latest news on the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest Anglo-Saxon treasure ever discovered.

The lecture was a considerable success being attended by approximately 300 people. Bromsgrove School once again helped us by allowing the use of Routh Hall and making car parking space available, serviced by their mini buses, so we are much indebted to them. A full report will be posted on this site shortly.

Local History Group Talks

A round-up of recent talks given to the Local History Group:

A Tour of Wribbenhall by Heather Flack (Nov 2011)
Worcestershire Folklore and Folk Songs, by Richard Churchley (Dec 2011)
Nailmakers of Bromsgrove, by Pat Tansell (Jan 2012)
Archaeological Finds in Worcestershire', by Richard Henry (Feb 2012)
The Andover Workhouse Scandal', by Andrew Harris (Mar 2012)

Click on the links for a summary of each talk.

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