The 26th Bromsgrove lecture takes place on 3rd April 2012 at 7.30.p.m. at Routh Hall, Bromsgrove School.

This year the lecture is by given Dr. David Symons and is entitled “Saxon Gold”. David is the Birmingham Museum Curator of Antiquities and Numismatics, who will tell us about the discovery and the ongoing conservation work on the Staffordshire Hoard.

The subject will include the latest news on the Staffordshire Hoard which is the largest Anglo Saxon treasure ever discovered and is an extremely important addition to our country’s heritage.

The quality of workmanship and archaeological importance of the Staffordshire Hoard is astonishing and has led to so much interest that those who wished to view the few articles that were displayed in 2009 had to queue for up to 2 hours at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The exhibits have been shown at other Staffordshire Museums and also in Washington D.C. at the National Geographical Museum; where attendances were extremely significant and in the first weekend attracted over 1,000 visitors.

The Society is anticipating a good demand for tickets and these can be obtained from Waterstones bookshop, Bromsgrove, or by telephoning 0121 453 3034 or 2100.

Illustration: The Staffordshire Hoard, the finest Anglo Saxon treasure ever discovered. Copyright Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Reproduced by permission.

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 Quentin Watt and Roy Allbutt. David Thomas, the High Street Project Officer, will be discussing the future of the High Street, whilst Jenny McGreggor-Smith returns with a biography of the local architect, John Cotton. Also taking part are Emma Hancox, Jenny Townsend, Julian Hunt and Alan Petford.

Students meet each morning for coffee at Housman Hall at 9.30am and lectures start either at Housman Hall or Cookes Room at 10.00am. Coffee is available again between morning lectures and a two-course lunch is provided at Housman Hall. In the afternoon, students may visit relevant sites in the town or participate in practical sessions. The courses finish at about 4.00pm.

Ample parking is available at Housman Hall, Kidderminster Road. To book a course or to find out more, please contact our Secretary, Chris Nesbitt, 31 Barley Mow Lane, Catshill, Bromsgrove B61 0LU or telephone 01527 877227. Further details here.