Birmingham Civic Society

Signpost Event: Review and Preview - The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
2018-02-20 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
You are invited to a Review and Preview evening at the Barber Institute from 6pm on Tuesday 20 February.
Join Nicola Kalinsky, Barber Director, and colleagues to celebrate the highlights from 2017, be tantalised by exhibitions and events planned for later this year, and commemorate the first birthday of our Barber Association of supporters.
This will also be an opportunity to enjoy an exclusive evening viewing of the forthcoming exhibition The Rhythm of Light: Scottish Colourists from the Fleming Collection. This display is the first time these vibrantly beautiful early 20th century works have been shown together in the West Midlands.
We do hope you will join us the team for this delightful evening, and consider joining the Association as a Member or Patron.
Please confirm your attendance with David Powell, Memberships Manager, by Friday 2 February on 0121 414 7598 or email association@barber.org.uk
Refreshments served on arrival from 6pm with presentations commencing from 6.30pm. This event is free to attend.
*George Leslie Hunter, Villefranche, 20th century © Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation

Signpost Event: Chinese New Year with the Farmers Choir from China
2018-02-27 19:30 - 22:30
The Symphony Hall is also celebrating Chinese New Year with the Farmers Choir from China on the evening of Tuesday 27th February.
The Choir consisting of 50 farmers from the Miao minority will be performing on the Symphony Hall stage, with audience members seated on the risers and in the choir stalls.
Tickets are free and the performance will be fantastic! Please see https://www.thsh.co.uk/event/xiaoshuijing-farmers-choir for more details and to book the tickets.

Birmingham Trees for Life: Glebe Farm Recreation Ground
2018-03-07
Visit the Birmingham Trees for Life website for further information.

Birmingham Trees for Life: Perry Common Recreation Ground
2018-03-08

Signpost Event: Sutton Arts Theatre presents...Birdsong
2018-03-08 08:00 - 2018-03-17 17:00
Join Sutton Arts Theatre as they commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War with a production of Birdsong

“No child or future generation will ever know what this was like, will ever understand”
As a young man, Stephen Wraysford was caught up in an all-consuming love affair in Amiens, France. As the First World War unfolds, Stephen finds himself pulled closer and closer back to Amiens, back to the Valley of the Somme. This is a tale of one man’s quest to understand how far mankind can go and still call itself human.
Birdsong tells a mesmerising and compelling story about courage, love, friendship and loss that is heartbreakingly beautiful, powerful and poignant and commemorates the centenary of the end of World War 1.

Written by Sebastian Faulks
Adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff
Directed by Emily Armstrong

Find out more on the website.

Georgian Town to Victorian City talk by Stephen Hartland
2018-03-24 10:00 - 11:30
Stephen Hartland, Trustee of Birmingham Civic Society, will describe the development of Birmingham from a Georgian Town to a powerful Victorian City.
Aptly held in the undercroft at Birmingham Cathedral one of the finest Georgian buildings still evident in the city.
This talk is the first in a series of talks to celebrate 100 years of Birmingham Civic Society, The City Beautiful.
Book via Eventbrite.

2018 Spring Reception: On Stage at Symphony Hall
2018-03-27 17:00 - 19:00
Birmingham Civic Society’s Spring Reception for corporate members and their guests will take place this year on the stage of Symphony Hall, with Nick Reed, Chief Executive of THSH, as our keynote speaker.
As part of our Centenary year celebrations, join us for drinks in the foyer, before we move to the stage for a very special opportunity to experience the orchestra’s view of the auditorium whilst hearing from Nick Reed, our Chairman Gavin Orton, and poet Casey Bailey, who will be performing his poem ‘Blue Plaque’, commissioned to celebrate The City Beautiful 100.
Sign up via Eventbrite.

Photo: Mike Gutteridge

City Centre Walking Tour with Blue Badge Guide Ian Jelf
2018-03-31 09:00 - 10:30
A lively, informative and enjoyable walking tour of Birmingham City Centre with Blue Badge Guide, Ian Jelf. Starting at the front of St Martins-in-the-Bullring, the tour will visit key landmarks and places of interest in the city. Ian will highlight important contributions of Birmingham Civic Society, and some of the individuals who have contributed to make Birmingham a better place. A number of Birmingham Civic Society Blue Plaques feature in the tour and it will end at The Library of Birmingham.

Sensible shoes, a warm coat, brolly and/or sunglasses recommended.
Book via Eventbrite

Centenary Event: Dream Cities
2018-04-03 12:00 - 14:00
Roll up your sleeves, imagine, design and create a Dream City in the unique surroundings of Moor Pool Estate, created by 20th century pioneering planner John Sutton Nettlefold.
This is a drop in family activity for accompanied children between 3-12.

Centenary Event: Casting Creations
2018-04-06 12:00 - 14:00
Celebrate Birmingham Civic Society’s Blue Plaque scheme by creating your very own name plate out of a magical combination of sand, plaster and paint.
This is a drop in family activity for accompanied children of all ages.

Centenary Event: Rea Valley Heritage Trail
2018-04-14 10:00 - 13:00
A guided 6 mile walk from Cannon Hill Park to the site of Hazelwell Mill and return.
Meet at the Garden Tea Rooms, Russell Road Entrance Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B13 8RD.

POSTPONED - Centenary Event: Uncovering 10,000 years of Birmingham’s Past by Mike Hodder
2018-04-21 09:00 - 12:00
Due to unforseen circumstances this event has been postponed

Discover the fascinating archaeological history of Birmingham from the depths of pre-history onwards with prominent archaeologist Mike Hodder. Join Mike after the talk on a visit and introduction to the Birmingham History Galleries at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Book your place here.

Centenary Tree Planting - Lickey Hills Arboretum
2018-04-28 09:30 - 12:30
Our Centenary Arboretum has been rescheduled and will now be taking place on Saturday 28th April. Same time…same place!!
The Earl of Plymouth, the Birmingham Civic Society’s first President, gifted part of the Lickey Hills Country Park to the City of Birmingham, and as part of the Society’s Centenary celebrations, our Birmingham Trees for Life team are planning to bring the Arboretum back to life so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for the next 100 years and beyond.
The Arboretum had become unkempt with trees and shrubs needing to be removed or pruned and new trees needing to be planted. It is easily accessible from the Visitor Centre by a surfaced path and will be visible to the many thousands that visit the Lickeys every year. Lickey Hills volunteers and the Council’s Woodland Management team are busy clearing and preparing the site ready for us to replant on Sunday 4 March.
25 specimen trees of interesting species and varieties have been selected for replanting the area to create a varied and attractive Arboretum.
Members and their families and friends are invited to help the BTfL team plant the trees, followed by an informal reception with well-earned refreshments in the School Room, adjacent to the Visitor Centre. Please remember to wear wellies or stout boots, as the ground may well be wet and muddy.
Booking ends Wednesday 25 April and you can book your ticket here.

Centenary Event: 480 Million Years of History in Two Hours!
2018-05-05 12:00 - 14:00
A walk through time starting in pre-history, then Roman Britain, a quick stop with the Normans and Middle Ages, finishing with the Second World War and home in time for a brew!
Meet at the Lickey Hills Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, B45 8ER

Centenary Event - Boer War to First World War
2018-05-06 10:00 - 12:00
A one-way guided 4.1 mile walk from Cannon Hill Park to Brandwood End Cemetery.
Meet 11am at the Garden Tea Rooms, Russell Road Entrance, Canon Hill Park, Birmingham B13 8RD.
This is a free drop in event.
