South Solihull u3a Local History Group 2
INTRODUCTION
Our group has embarked on a range of visits to historical sites, of various kinds, chosen and organised by members. Some locations, like that to Solihull School, have been very local, whilst others take us farther afield. Wherever possible, we use a Guide on site to take us round and provide information.
Our group has embarked on a range of visits to historical sites, of various kinds, chosen and organised by members. Some locations, like that to Solihull School, have been very local, whilst others take us farther afield. Wherever possible, we use a Guide on site to take us round and provide information.
- We use public transport, where feasible, or sort out car sharing.
- The schedule usually includes either lunch or a very popular ‘tea & cake’!
- Planning meetings take place at regular intervals to discuss our programme.
- A lunch is organised each December, in a local pub, to enhance the social aspect of the group
- Joint visits with other ssu3a groups take place occasionally.
PLANNED VISITS
RECENT VISITS
3rd May 2023. Birmingham Oratory.
This was a joint visit with the Art Appreciation Group. Details on the Art Appreciation Group webpage.
This was a joint visit with the Art Appreciation Group. Details on the Art Appreciation Group webpage.
12 October 2022. Morgan Car Factory, Malvern.
15 members went on guided tour of the Morgan car factory. After a quick coffee while we assembled, we were welcomed by our guide and shown a short informative video about the history of the Morgan family, and the early days of the car.
We were then escorted through the various workshops while our guide explained the ethos of the company, and the features of the various models they manufacture there; or perhaps it would be better to describe them as being 'crafted', as there is, even in these days of automation, still a great deal of skilled hand working that goes in to making the cars.
We saw how customers can choose so many options for trim, paintwork, accessories etc. that there are billions of possible combinations for each car.
We finished in the museum that contained some fascinating exhibits charting the development of the Morgan brand. Our guide commented that we had kept him on his toes with many interesting questions.
We were then escorted through the various workshops while our guide explained the ethos of the company, and the features of the various models they manufacture there; or perhaps it would be better to describe them as being 'crafted', as there is, even in these days of automation, still a great deal of skilled hand working that goes in to making the cars.
We saw how customers can choose so many options for trim, paintwork, accessories etc. that there are billions of possible combinations for each car.
We finished in the museum that contained some fascinating exhibits charting the development of the Morgan brand. Our guide commented that we had kept him on his toes with many interesting questions.
June 2022: Worcester Cathedral
On a glorious day, our group of 8 met on the Cathedral grounds.
This Cathedral, has been described as possibly the most interesting in England, especially architecturally. In Anglo-Saxon times Worcester was one of the most important monastic cathedrals in the country, being a centre of learning, where the Benedictine monks studied theology, medicine, law, history, mathematics, physics and astronomy. Some of the medieval textbooks survive in the Cathedral Library today.
We were greeted by our guide, Howard Robinson. We started at the Stonemasonry, which is one of only 9 Cathedral stonemasonries in the country. We were shown some of the pieces being shaped by the highly skilled team, who agreed that there is enough work to last a very long time!
Howard, led us to various parts of the building, including the inside courtyard, crypt, high alter and finally the tomb of King John, which is in a place of honour in front of the high alter.
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the visit and thanked Howard who used his subtle humour to good effect! We finished the day in the crypt café, enjoying some home made cakes and drinks.
MC September 2022.
This Cathedral, has been described as possibly the most interesting in England, especially architecturally. In Anglo-Saxon times Worcester was one of the most important monastic cathedrals in the country, being a centre of learning, where the Benedictine monks studied theology, medicine, law, history, mathematics, physics and astronomy. Some of the medieval textbooks survive in the Cathedral Library today.
We were greeted by our guide, Howard Robinson. We started at the Stonemasonry, which is one of only 9 Cathedral stonemasonries in the country. We were shown some of the pieces being shaped by the highly skilled team, who agreed that there is enough work to last a very long time!
Howard, led us to various parts of the building, including the inside courtyard, crypt, high alter and finally the tomb of King John, which is in a place of honour in front of the high alter.
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the visit and thanked Howard who used his subtle humour to good effect! We finished the day in the crypt café, enjoying some home made cakes and drinks.
MC September 2022.
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Download the full text of Malcolm's report here...
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2021 VISITS
17 August 2021: First post Lockdown Trip to Droitwich Spa, organised by Jeanine and Christine
17 August 2021: First post Lockdown Trip to Droitwich Spa, organised by Jeanine and Christine
On Tuesday 17th August sixteen members of ssu3a had a day trip to the ancient salt town of Droitwich.
We started with a guided tour of The Sacred Heart Church, famous for its beautiful mosaics. Our guide, captivated us with details of the building and of the images made from over 8 tons of Venetian glass ‘tessarea’.
After lunch we split into groups for guided tours of Droitwich Spa Heritage and Information Centre, the town centre, the nearby Droitwich Transmitter, the historic gas and oil pumping station engine, and Staryard Interiors shop, which has been restored to how it would have been in centuries past.
We also meet ‘Salt King’, Mr John Corbett (1817 to 1901) complete with top hat, tail coat and walking stick. He spoke to us about his life as an industrialist, philanthropist and Liberal Party politician.
Jeanine Plain-Jones.
We started with a guided tour of The Sacred Heart Church, famous for its beautiful mosaics. Our guide, captivated us with details of the building and of the images made from over 8 tons of Venetian glass ‘tessarea’.
After lunch we split into groups for guided tours of Droitwich Spa Heritage and Information Centre, the town centre, the nearby Droitwich Transmitter, the historic gas and oil pumping station engine, and Staryard Interiors shop, which has been restored to how it would have been in centuries past.
We also meet ‘Salt King’, Mr John Corbett (1817 to 1901) complete with top hat, tail coat and walking stick. He spoke to us about his life as an industrialist, philanthropist and Liberal Party politician.
Jeanine Plain-Jones.
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Download the full text of Jeanine's report here...
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October 2021 - Coventry Cathedral
An interesting guided group tour took members through the history of Coventry’s Cathedrals and the necessity of building the present Cathedral alongside the war-torn ruins of the previous one.
We walked around the Cathedral stopping frequently to view the design features made by a variety of artists. The guide continued to provide us with excellent descriptions and explanations of the features, which included Graham Sutherland’s huge tapestry of Christ and the Great West Window which was engraved with Saints and Angels.
Unfortunately, we chose a very overcast day and the amazing colours that can fill the Cathedral with light from the Baptistry window were missing. Nevertheless the stained glass was a joy to behold.
An interesting guided group tour took members through the history of Coventry’s Cathedrals and the necessity of building the present Cathedral alongside the war-torn ruins of the previous one.
We walked around the Cathedral stopping frequently to view the design features made by a variety of artists. The guide continued to provide us with excellent descriptions and explanations of the features, which included Graham Sutherland’s huge tapestry of Christ and the Great West Window which was engraved with Saints and Angels.
Unfortunately, we chose a very overcast day and the amazing colours that can fill the Cathedral with light from the Baptistry window were missing. Nevertheless the stained glass was a joy to behold.
2019 VISITS
July 2019: Some of us joined the Science Group to enjoy a steam train ride to Broadway
June 10 2019: We joined the Science Group on a visit to Abbey Pumping Station and the Great Central Railway, Leicester
Other visits in 2019:
Severn Valley Railway (Steam train and museum).
Black Country Museum.
Technical Rescue Fire Squad (based at NEC).
Christmas at Aston Hall
Severn Valley Railway (Steam train and museum).
Black Country Museum.
Technical Rescue Fire Squad (based at NEC).
Christmas at Aston Hall
