Society Programme, September 2018 to July 2019
Our programme introduces the era of the Stuarts with three talks spread across the programme. The Battle of Edgehill talk outlines a pivotal point confirming the Civil War. We track back in time to examine the behaviours of Charles I which led to the battle. Subsequently we examine the reign of Charles II, seeing how a reign which started with such enthusiasm at the restoration declined, finally with his brother James II being deposed.
We say farewell for the time being to WWI with two talks, one concerning the stories of Bidford armed services survivors and one covering the German perspective on the end of the war.
As usual we offer fascinating talks on social history and with a strong local emphasis
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Meeting date |
Subject |
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21 September |
The Battle of Edgehill, October 1642 The crucial turning point for the Stuarts with tensions between king and parliament starting the first civil war. The talk outlines the main causes of the war; Money, Power and Religion, explaining the political and military context and social issues. Illustrated by a number of personal stories. A battlefield site visit will be offered by the Society and will draw on the current archaeological surveys of the site Speaker: Stephen Barker, Heritage Adviser |
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19 October |
Bidford Survivors of WW I Based on a three year period of detailed research by our Society Research Group, this is a summary presentation of Bidford WWI Armed Services survivors and their life stories. A book will be published covering the 300+ survivors. Speaker: Bob Marshall, Bidford History Society Research Group |
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16 November |
WWI the final German perspective In this presentation Prof. Chistoph Mick will analyse the reasons for the German defeat, the November 1918 revolution and the transition from war to peace. It will cover the first few turbulent years of the Weimar Republic and the attempts to come to terms with the outcome of the war. Speaker: Prof Christopher Mick, Dept. of History Warwick University |
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14 December |
Huggable Teddy Bears An intimate introduction to early C20th toys. Please bring your Teddy Bears! Speaker: Dr. Gillian White, former Curator at Hardwicke Hall |
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18 January |
Two Titans, One City The contrasting stories of two of the most respected and powerful business men of the late Victorian and early Edwardian era, Joseph Chamberlain (1836-1914) and George Cadbury (1839-1922). Both men shared strong connections to the city of Birmingham and left lasting legacies. Speaker: Andrew Reekes, Author |
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15 February |
Postmans Knock Postal services in the Alcester area from the 18th century to the present day. Original research from 1988 recently updated. Speaker: Alan Godfrey, Chair, Alcester History Society |
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15 March |
Discovering Charles I An introduction to Charles I attitudes to kingship and his behaviours. As King, Charles exercised poor judgement, was unable to compromise and was out of touch with his people. This talk will outline the false world in which Charles lived, his blindness to others views and how he precipitated the civil war, with Edgehill being the first skirmish. Speaker: Prof Richard Cust, Dept of History, Birmingham University. |
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12 April |
100 Years of Women’s Policing in the West Midlands A review of the role of women in policing, 1918-2018. An introduction to pioneers, a short video of some female 'firsts' at different ranks and specialisms Speaker: Corinne Brazier, West Midlands Police Museum |
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17 May
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Charles II, the later Stuarts Government and the reign of Charles II during the restoration. The deterioration in relationships between crown and government and how finally it went wrong for James II, facilitating acceptance of William and Mary Speaker: Dr Stewart Tolley, Continuing Education Department, Oxford University |
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21 June
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“We Are Where We Are” How life expectancy has changed 1830 – Present. The previous causes of lower life expectancy and how life expectancy has extended Speaker: Dr. Alex Grieve |
| 21 July | Society Outing To National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas |