This talk will cover the story of one family’s history from Switzerland in the 1700’s, through the Prussian/Russian wars of the mid 1800’s, the First and Second World Wars, Communism and eventually end in Shropshire in 2024. It will explain how politics and alliances changed Central Europe over 200 years and how everyone, today, continues to be affected.

This talk will discuss the vast and diverse archaeological history of Shropshire, stretching back to the Stone Age up until the Industrial Revolution. It will highlight sights and finds of significance from this region and how they play into the larger discussion of the development and history of Shropshire.

Mike Kaiser has been directing drama and acting for over 50 years but most of the last 20 years or so he has been a judge of other people’s efforts throughout the length and breadth of the British Isles.
For much of the time , he has also been a Council member of the Guild of Drama Adjudicators, dealing with issues that crop up in this often highly charged atmosphere.
As soon as a play finishes, the adjudicator has to be up on the stage delivering an opinion. Sometimes that is easy, sometimes not.
Obviously you don’t want to discourage people but what if some points just have to be made?
Equally, you can prepare as thoroughly as you can but some productions will take you completely by surprise.
A glimpse of the world of competitive drama – expect the unexpected!

CV:  He was a loss adjuster and spent 40 years investigating, negotiating and settling legal liability claims.
He started his  career in Manchester and then moved to Liverpool.  He was told if he could work in Liverpool he could work anywhere!
He then moved to the City of London where he worked for 26 years.
He has chosen to speak about his time in Liverpool as it was the most informative period of his professional life.

Lynne is an accomplished speaker and has given talks to many groups.  She was ordained in 1999 and when you consider that women were not allowed to be ordained in the church of England until 1994, she is quite the pioneer.  She worked as a qualified nurse before entering the church and she will incorporate both professions into this presentation.

This will be followed by ‘ A PILE OF BOXES’ by Ray and Bev Langton,  this is an informative, interactive and entertaining presentation with live music. Ray & Bev arrive with a pile of boxes and open each one to reveal a musical instrument. They then tell a tale or two about the instrument and perform a song or a tune on it. Lots of opportunity to join in choruses and lots of fun to be had by all. Songs and music from Shropshire abound!

A talk  by Mr Chris Konstan, on Lord Rowland Hill – his story, and the facts behind Shrewsbury’s Lord Hill Column.
This is a return visit by Chris Konstan, a very engaging speaker, who last talked on Meanderings in the Middle East, but is now bringing us closer to home!

A talk by Mr Andy Begley, Chief Executive of Shropshire Council, and former Director of Social Services. This is a talk which was originally to be given in March 2020, but was closed down by the Covid pandemic. We are delighted that Mr Begley has again offered to give his talk, despite now being very busy in his changed role!

A talk by Mr Adam Siviter ( MCIOF) – Fund Raising Manager of The Ironbridge gorge museum trust.