Birmingham Civic Society

Signpost Event: Tour of the gardens at Winterbourne House and Garden
2019-05-18 13:00 - 14:30 UTC
The tour of this spectacular Arts and Crafts garden will be led by the head gardener, Steve Haines and will include the rhododendron garden laid out in 1975 to commemorate Birmingham University’s centenary.
The tour of the garden will take place between 2.00 and 3.30 and tea can purchased at Winterbourne’s cafe.
This is a related event to Celebrating Heritage Rhododendrons at Highbury, which is being held on the 17th May.
Tickets are £4.50 and you can book via Eventbrite.

Signpost Event: Celebrating Heritage Rhododendrons at Highbury
2019-05-17 09:00 - 15:00
Join the Chamberlain Highbury Trust for a study day at Highbury, which will focus on Joseph Chamberlain’s rhododendron collection, planted between 1879 and 1914. The programme will consist of a series of lectures in the morning followed by a tour of the gardens.
In 2018, the Chamberlain Highbury Trust commissioned a survey of the rhododendron collection at Highbury. Lear Associates identified and mapped over one hundred specimens and made recommendations for the future care of the collection. On the 17th May 2019, Michael and Beverley Lear will describe their findings and give a general introduction to rhododendrons.
Phillada Ballard (trustee of the Chamberlain Highbury Trust) will also speak about rhododendron planting in Birmingham gardens from the late 18th century to the 1970s. Beverley Lear will speak on a garden that predates Highbury – Biddulph Grange in N. Staffordshire, with its spectacular plantings of rhododendrons by James Bateman in the 1850s.
A tour of gardens will be led by Michael and Beverley Lear who will concentrate on the six areas with extant rhododendrons.
Tickets are £55 and you can book via Eventbrite.

Signpost Event: An introduction to the Papers of James Watt and family
2019-03-09 13:30 - 15:30
Join archivist Fiona Tait for an afternoon looking at the James Watt Archives. After an introductory talk there will be time to look at some of Watt’s letters, drawings, maps, notebooks and family papers. Material on display is original and you will be able to read Watt’s thoughts and ideas in his own hand and see his sketches and scribbled notes about major innovations and discoveries.
Fiona Tait worked as an archivist for Birmingham City Council for thirty years and recently retired. She was appointed to the Archives of Soho Project in 2000 to re-catalogue the papers of James Watt and Family and has retained a particular interest in all things related to James Watt.
Tickets are £5 and you can book via Eventbrite

Signpost Event: Birmingham St Mary's Hospice 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner
2019-03-01 18:30 - 23:45
‘Even if a patient cannot be cured, they should be helped for free’
Upon retiring from her NHS nursing career in 1974, Monica Pearce decided to use her knowledge to ‘enable anyone with a life-limiting illness to live their life to the full’. It was this determination to provide better pain relief and care that led to her idea of founding a hospice. ‘St Mary’s Hospice’ would be the first independent hospice in the Midlands and only the seventh nationwide. She envisioned it to be for people all faiths and none, to support patients as well as loved ones, and, essentially, to provide comfort for local people nearing the end of their lives. Pearce’s ambition was finally realised on March 5th 1979 when ‘St Mary’s Hospice’ admitted its first ever patient. She worked tirelessly to raise more than £350,000, and her commitment continued unwavering throughout her life. Monica’s legacy of providing the very best end of life care continues to inspire staff and volunteers every day.
To celebrate 40 years of hospice care in Birmingham we’re inviting you to join us for an evening of dinner and entertainment to continue Monica’s legacy and support more people who are living with a life limiting illness.
Doors will open at 6.30pm where you’ll be welcomed with a drinks reception whilst you peruse our silent auction. From 7pm our CEO Tina Swani will walk you through how far we’ve come over the last 40 years, the amazing things supporters like you have achieved and what the future looks like for palliative care in Birmingham. Dinner will be served at 8pm with entertainment, raffles and games throughout before our live auction is held. We’ll finish with live comedy from brummie Queen of Fun Barbara Nice and musical entertainment before carriages at midnight.
Dress Code: Black Tie
Tickets:
Individuals – £79.00 (shared table of 10, welcome drink, 3 course meal and entertainment included)
Two People – £150.00 (shared table of 10 welcome drink, 3 course meal and entertainment included)
Bronze Table of 10 – £750.00 (table of 10, welcome drink, 3 course meal and entertainment included)
Silver Table of 10 – £850.00 (table of 10, welcome drink, 3 course meal, drinks package and entertainment included)
Gold Tables of 10 – £950.00 (table of 10, welcome drink, 3 course meal, VIP drinks package and entertainment included)
We’re hoping to raise £30,000 from this event, this money will go a long way to improving more people’s experience of living and dying with a terminal illness. Your support is at the heart of this, helping us to develop our care for current and future families – thank you.
To book your tickets visit the website. For further information or sponsorship enquiries please contact our events team on 0121 752 8779 or email events@birminghamhospice.org.uk

Signpost Event: Acts & Monuments Publication
2019-02-28 18:30 - 19:30
28 February 2019 sees the publication of Acts & Monuments, the debut novel of local author and charity CEO, Alan Fraser. Acts & Monuments is set here in the West Midlands, and features our very own Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery – its art collection and even its wonderful tea rooms. It tells the story of perennial ‘good guy’ Barry Todd who works hard for Monument Housing Association providing the poor and vulnerable with a safe place to live. But, overlooked for promotion and with mounting financial problems, Barry starts to wonder if goodness will ever bring him its own reward. So when the opportunity presents itself to steal 50,000 of Monument’s money without anybody being able to trace the theft back to him, Barry finds himself wondering – if nothing bad were happy to anyone, would being good really matter anymore?
To celebrate publication, Alan is hosting a book launch on Thursday 28 February and is inviting Birmingham Civic Society members to join him for what promises to be a great evening. Guests will gather for nibbles from 6pm, with the event kicking off at 6.30pm with a reading, Q&A session, FREE raffle to win a signed copy of the book, and even a photo quiz to test your knowledge of Birmingham’s architecture. It’ll be lots of fun – and finished by 7.30pm.
The event will be held here in Birmingham. Venue details will be confirmed shortly, once organisers have a clear idea of numbers. If you would like to attend please email Alan Fraser (alan-fraser2@sky.com) and Rowena Wilding (rowena.wilding@gmail.com )by Monday 10 February.
Early reviewers have loved the book:
“Gripping… a real page-turner… I couldn’t put it down”
“Well-written, carefully structured, meticulously researched, and thoroughly readable… An impressive and polished debut novel.”
“Gripping… I was hooked from page one.*****”
“A really good read.*****”
“I put down my latest Wilbur Smith to read this, and I can honestly say I was not disappointed*****”.
If you haven’t already got your copy of Acts & Monuments you will, of course, be able to buy copies on the night. But if you can’t wait that long, it is available from the publisher’s website now as either a paperback or ebook https://www.troubador.co.uk/bookshop/contemporary/acts-monuments/

Blue Plaque to Mary Cottrell to be unveiled
2019-02-22 14:00 - 15:30
Join us at the unveiling of a Blue Plaque to Mary Cottrell on Friday 22 February, 2 – 3.30pm. Mary Cottrell was the first woman elected to the Boards of the Ten Acres and Stirchley Co-operative Society in 1909 and to the Wholesale Co-operative Society in 1922. She was the first woman Labour and Co-operative Party councillor elected to Birmingham City Council in 1917, and was a member of the Civic Society’s founding committee. The unveiling will take place at Stirchley Baths and the plaque will later be erected at 1389-1391 Pershore Road, the site of the former TASCOS bakery. Email Penny to attend.

On This Stage
2019-01-26 12:00 - 15:00
Where: The Old Rep
Date: Sat 26th January
Time: 12-3
Cost: £6 (concessions £5)
Ticket purchase : from The REP and TOR box offices, or via the website.

A special celebratory collaboration between The Rep and Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA). An exploration of The Old Rep, bringing to life its history and the people who created it including the significant contribution of Birmingham Civic Society. Take a dramatic tour of the theatre where scenes from its history will be brought to life by BOA’s aspiring young actors.

Enjoy a cuppa and hear about the stars who began their careers here. Sit back and find out how it all happened On This Stage. There is limited accessibility due to stairs on tour but the rest of experience is fully accessible.

James Watt Talk by Chris Rice
2018-12-10 13:00 - 14:00
Historian Chris Rice on James Watt, Birmingham and how, between them, they shaped the world.
This event is free to BMI members and £5 to non members, booking will soon be available on the Birmingham & Midland Institute website.

Signpost Event: Ghost Signs Walking Tour - Jewellery Quarter & Gun Quarter
2018-12-09
Join for a three hour guided walk exploring the historic Jewellery Quarter & old gun quarters hunting for hand painted ghost signs. The walk ends by The Gunmakers Arms pub where you can join us afterwards for a drink and chat.
Takes place at 1pm every second Sunday of the month throughout 2018.
Meeting place: Dayus Square, off Albion Street Birmingham
To book visit Brum’s Ghost Signs on Eventbrite or Facebook.
Form ore information email: hellotraceythorne@outlook.com

Victorian Christmas Card Making
2018-12-08 13:00 - 15:00
With the newly restored statue of Queen Victoria as inspiration join us in making a picture perfect Christmas card.
This is a free drop in family activity for accompanied children between 5-12.

Signpost Event: Ghost Signs Walking Tour - Deritend and Digbeth
2018-12-08
Join for a three hour guided walk exploring Deritend and Digbeth hunting for hand-painted ghost signs. The walk ends by The Old Crown pub where you can join us afterwards for a drink and chat.
The tour takes place at 1pm every second Saturday of the month throughout 2018.
Each tour costs £10pp.
Meeting place: Bradford Street on the corner by Warner Street.
To book visit Brum’s Ghost Signs on Eventbrite or Facebook.
For more information email: hellotraceythorne@outlook.com.

The City Beautiful in Archives
2018-11-26 16:30 - 18:30
A unique opportunity to view selected archive material relating to Birmingham Civic Society, its work and achievements over the past 100 years.
The session will be facilitated by expert archival staff and archivists who have been studying this particular body of documents during 2018.
Book your ticket via Eventbrite.

Leaders Breakfast 2018
2018-11-23 07:15 - 09:15
Book your place at our Annual Leaders’ Breakfast on Friday 23 November, 7.15 – 9.15am at Hotel du Vin, with guest speaker the Leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Ian Ward.
This event is for Civic Society corporate members and their guests. It includes coffee during the networking reception and a full English breakfast.
Book your place via Eventbrite.

The Suffragette Movement in Birmingham a talk by Nicola Gauld
2018-11-17 10:00 - 11:30
Women’s historian Nicola Gauld provides a fascinating account of the suffragette movement in Birmingham from key individuals to historic events.
After the talk, take the opportunity to join an accompanied visit to Women and Protest exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Book your ticket via Eventbrite.

Blue Plaque to Bertha Ryland to be unveiled
2018-11-16 12:00 - 13:30
The Trustees of the Birmingham Civic Society and Birmingham Museums warmly invite you to the unveiling of a Commemorative Blue Plaque to Bertha Ryland on Friday 16 November, at 12.00pm.
In the centenary year of the Representation of the People Act, we are proud to unveil a new plaque to suffragette Bertha Ryland in Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. On 9 June 1914 Bertha Ryland entered the museum and attacked a painting as part of the militant campaign for women’s rights. The attack took place as protests escalated across the UK with suffragettes fighting to have their voices heard. This event does not condone Bertha’s actions but honours her principles and the fight for women’s rights. This event will give a greater insight into Birmingham’s role in the suffrage movement. Taking place in the Round Room the plaque will be revealed as part of a ceremony that features a short presentation by researcher and author Dr Nicola Gauld and dramatic performance by actress Francesca Millican-Slater. An optional tour of a new exhibition “Women, Power, Protest” will follow with curator Emalee Beddoes-Davis.
The Blue Plaque unveiling forms part of a weekend of thought-provoking events and performances from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 November – including a women in parliament discussion with local female MPs – and is part of the programme for Women Power Protest, an Arts Council Collection National Partnership exhibition. In the anniversary year for women’s suffrage the weekend of events reflects on the progress made for women’s rights and asks just how much has changed for women today?
When: Friday 16th November 2018, 12.00pm-1.30pm
Where: The Round Room, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH
RSVP: by Wednesday 14th November 2018 to Penny Colbourne

AGM & Centenary Celebration
2018-11-15 17:00 - 20:00
Join us on Thursday 15 November, 5 for 5.15pm for our 2018 AGM, held at the offices of Pinsent Masons at 55 Colmore Row. For this part of the evening please RSVP to Kay by 14th November
From 6pm, after the AGM we invite you to join Trustees, members and guests as we look back at the highlights from our Centenary year, sharing highlights of this important anniversary and also look forward to 2019 with our new Chair, Amelia Ladbrook. If you would like to join us please RSVP here.

William Haywood and the Birmingham Civic Society a talk by Stephen Hartland
2018-11-07 18:00 - 19:30
Birmingham Civic Society Trustee Stephen Hartland introduces us to the Society’s first Honorary Secretary and illustrates a man dedicated to making Birmingham a better place for everyone.
The talk takes place in the brewery to the rear of the pub.
Book your ticket via Eventbrite.

Signpost Event: Funding public services: postcode lotteries or local responsibilities?
2018-11-07 16:20 - 18:45
Where should decisions on our taxes and public services be taken? Should services be funded on a comparable basis nationally from national taxes? Or should councils and other local public sector organisations have responsibility for funding services in their area, and discretion over what to spend and how to raise their revenues? Is more local responsibility a good thing that will empower communities to improve and tailor services? Or does it simply risk worsening ‘postcode lotteries’ in access to services and the taxes we pay? Would it address concerns, implicated in the Brexit vote, that decisions are made by a distant and out-of-touch elite? Or would it widen inequalities, breeding further political divisions?
These questions and more will be discussed at a presentation and debate hosted by the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Birmingham University.
To find out more about this event and sign up follow this link.

Women of the Early Birmingham Civic Society
2018-11-05 13:00 - 14:00
Birmingham Civic Society Heritage Committee member Sian Roberts reveals the history of women from the formation of the Society including politician Mary Cottrell.
Tickets will soon be available on the Birmingham Midland Institute website. Tickets are free for BMI members and £5 for non members.

Written Word - Centenary Event
2018-10-29 10:00 - 12:00
A family friendly exploration of words and writing around Birmingham Cathedral.
This is a free family drop in event, find out more on the Birmingham Cathedral website.

Unveiling of a special centenary Blue Plaque to New Frankley in Birmingham Parish Council
2018-10-26 09:20 - 11:30
Working with the staff and pupils of Balaam Wood School, as part of our centenary heritage programme, to create a film about their area and to nominate who they felt should receive a special centenary Blue Plaque, has led to a resident-led community action project bringing together local schools and groups to design new artwork to cover up the graffiti and damage on local shops and renew pride in the area.
On Friday 26 October, 10.20 – 12.30pm, this new artwork will be unveiled and New Frankley Parish Council will be receiving a Birmingham Civic Society Blue Plaque for their services to the community and environment since 2000. Young people from Balaam Wood Secondary School worked with Suzanne Carter and Scott Johnston to create a behind the scenes documentary about the community mural project and have created a fantastic film to inspire their peers to get more involved in community matters.
The event will be held at Frankley Library on Friday 26th October at 10.30am and will be followed by the unveiling of the community-designed murals at the nearby local shopping parade.
RSVP: by Thursday 25 October 2018 to Penny

Roots Rights and Resistance a walking tour with Rachel West
2018-10-21 13:00 - 14:30
Join Rachel West from Legacy West Midlands for a lively tour of Handsworth and find out more about the people, movement and struggles that shaped this area and wider Birmingham. Discover some fascinating stories of this ever evolving, dynamic part of the city.
Meet at the gates of Soho House on Soho Avenue and bring a brolly, and suitable clothing depending on the weather.
Book your ticket via Eventbrite.

Private Audience with Martyn Pugh and The Guardian Timepiece - POSTPONED
2018-10-17 17:00 - 19:00
DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED, PLEASE KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR A NEW DATE
Join us for an exclusive evening with Martyn Pugh at The Assay Office.
Five years’ of determined research and collaboration between skilled craftsmen and leading academic scientists have culminated in the spectacular “Guardian Timepiece” which now hangs in the impressive foyer of the new Assay Office Building. This project has drawn on the ingenuity, experience and skill of many businesses and individuals, driven by Martyn Pugh, Goldsmith and Silversmith.
Martyn is an active supporter of the industry and has fulfilled several influential roles. He is currently a Warden of the Birmingham Assay Office and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.
We will hear from Martyn and have the opportunity to see the fantastic facilities of The Assay Office, a true Birmingham gem.
The evening will begin at 6pm with an opportunity to network with drinks and nibbles and finish at 8pm.
Tickets for Birmingham Civic Society Members are £5 and £10 for non-members.
Book your place via Eventbrite.

The Civic Gospel and Citizenship
2018-10-13 09:00 - 10:30
Curator Henrietta Lockhart recounts the history of the Civic Gospel, a significant movement in Victorian Birmingham and its influence on local government and citizenship. The talk is followed by a short presentation from winners of the Society’s Next Generation Awards illustrating the Society’s role in citizenship today.
Pre booking is essential via the Winterbourne House and Gardens website.

The City Beautiful Printmaking Workshop
2018-09-30 13:00 - 15:00 | Birmingham Trees for Life: Tree Planting Events
A unique opportunity for families to work with Karoline Rerrie, Friend of the RBSA, with the City Beautiful as your theme.
To coincide with our ‘The City Beautiful’ programme, design a poster inspired by well- known buildings & places in Birmingham. Draw your design onto silk screens & print your own colourful posters!
This workshop is suitable for children aged 6 to 12. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please book in advance to enable the Gallery to confirm numbers and prepare resources.
This event is £7 per child and you can find out more information and book on the RBSA website.

Birmingham's First World War Archive
2018-09-29 11:30 - 13:30
A rare opportunity to view selected archive material relating to Birmingham during The First World War, presented by Sian Roberts.
This event will take place in the Wolfson Room and all bags will need to be placed in lockers located outside of the room.
Book your ticket via Eventbrite.

Birmingham and The First World War a talk by Sian Roberts
2018-09-29 09:00 - 10:30
Birmingham Civic Society’s Heritage Committee member Sian Roberts illustrates the considerable story of Birmingham during The First World War.
Book your ticket via Eventbrite.

Birmingham Artists in the 20th Century
2018-09-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Explore Secret Birmingham
Join Hon Professor of Art History Brendan Flynn in an engaging and colourful talk describing the prominent Birmingham artists of the 20th century.
You will soon be able to book this event via the RBSA website.

Signpost Event: Festival of Audacity
2018-09-27 07:00 - 2018-09-29 16:30
A multidisciplinary festival of activist art making all of Birmingham its stage. Taking art out of its comfort zone. Come and witness activist artists making a difference where you least expect them.
Free Radical believe that for art to have a real impact it needs to be bold, so Festival of Audacity is a home for young artists who make brave choices about what they choose to say, how they say it, where they say it, and who they address. Festival of Audacity makes space for young creators to take risks and reach people beyond traditional arts venues. With performances in New Street Station, COW Vintage Stop and on the West Midlands Metro Tram, this festival will be difficult to miss. Find out more and book your tickets here.

A Walking Tour around Cannon Hill Park with Irene de Boo
2018-09-23 13:00 - 14:30
Put your best foot forward and discover the park from the perspective of curator, historian and Cannon Hill Park regular Irene de Boo.
Meet at mac reception area at 2pm.
Book your ticket via Eventbrite.
