"The History of Thimblemill Swimming Baths" - Andy Moore gives an illustrated talk about this familiar feature which stands on the site of the ancient moated Beakes Farm.  He has also discovered a surprising amount of ghostly activity by the former inhabitants of the farm and even from the nearby Americal airbase.

 
Visit to Thimblemill Swimming Baths - Deputy Manager Andy Moore gives us a privileged guided tour behind the scenes to see how it all works and the sites of those ghostly appartitions mentioned above!  We have been advised to wear non-slip shoes and no smart clothes as it is a hard hat area, rather cramped and dusty, with low ceilings.  Some steps involved.

 
A Walk Round Smethwick: "At the Centre of Smethwick History"
We start tonight's walk where Smethwick was first settled, and will encounter a parachute mine, bull-baiting, civic pride and Finnegan's famous cough sweets.  Meet on the corner of Watery Lane and Firs Lane, opposite the Council House. Meet on the corner of Watery Lane and Firs Lane, opposite the Council House.

 
Picnic in Warley Woods - Bring something to eat, and something to sit on for our annual open-air meeting on the grassy patch where the path leads from Upper St Mary's Road and where the sun stays out for that bit longer (yes it will!).  At around 7pm Steve Cemm will tell us about the latest developments by Warley Woods Community Trust, including the proposed restoration of the drinking fountain.

 
Afternoon Visit to Houses of Parliament, Westminster - to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Smethwick Local History Society, our local Member of Parliament, John Spellar, has agreed to show us around the Houses of Parliament.  Transport to London will be organised and further details will be issued nearer the time. (The places allocated have now been filled but if you wish to join, your name will be added to the waiting list).

The Doris Millward Memorial Lecture 2009

Civilian Volunteer Ambulance Units in the First World War - Paul Handford tells the story of those individuals who could not join the fighting forces for many reasons:  age, medical conditions, religion and women, who were banned at this time by the Authorities from serving abroad.  These civilians became ambulance drivers for the British Red Cross & Order of St John, and indeed other volunteer organisations, who headed for 'The Front', some paying the ultimate sacrifice.  The talk is illustrated by many original and extremely rare photographs.
Donations to The Smethwick Heritage Centre and the Cat Protection League in accordance with Doris's wishes.

 
Annual General Meeting followed by "The Life and Work of Cardinal Newman", who found and resided at The Oratory on Hagley Road from 1852 to 1890 and who is being considered for canonisation by the Vatican.

 
Christmas Social - this year we will be entertained by a display of Victorian lantern slides from the collection of Michael, Peter and Mrs Spencer who will also be appearing in victorian costume.  The slides will include some of local interest along with others of a seasonal nature.  Afterwards we hope you will join us for our customary mulled wine and mince pie.