Originally a local history group started in 2013, then in 2021 members agreed to widen the focus to include the history of places, people and culture of Worcestershire and further afield. with political reform, industry and connection to groups like Nonconformists and Victorian buildings of 18c. Recently covering the history of Local landed families like Wm Laslett, Berkeley of Spetchley, Burneys also groups like the Quakers. The history of towns like Bewdley, Tenbury Wells, Malvern, Ludlow Bridgnorth we are researching a variety of subjects in the current programme below.

. I have an archive of different history subjects built up after joining WU3a History group in 2009 and with a new interest in history, , combining it with other skills learnt in other U3a groups. These can be shared with other members in the programme

Meeting at the Hive with excellent access by local bus, on foot or car parks, and all audio visual equipment on site has proved to be an excellent venue for members. who can also access research in one of the top Archives in the country including the university library on level 3 if they wish. I also organise visits including to Stourbridge Glass Museum, Worcestershire Collections at Hartlebury, and the Castle Tudor House. Some members enjoy doing research and presenting to the group and this can be a short talk or a full hour and I’m happy to help anyone who would like to start that journey with interest in any subject of their choice to participate in future programmes. I will also present for any member who would like to just research their subject but not present. It can be daunting at first but we are a small friendly group and if you would like more information please contact me through the website. Below is current programme 26/7 showing subjects chosen by members of this and other WU3a history groups providing an eclectic mix of history. . Members pay a small fee on the first meeting to cover cost of several outside speakers supplementing group members. I hope it is of interest and inspires you to join the group as I did in 2014 to lead the group and passing our skills to others.

The 2026/27 programme

Sept. 9. Milk Molehills Murder Chemistry of Worcs

Sept 22. History of Greyfriars

Oct 6 Visit - tour of Mosaics in Sacred Heart Church Droitwich £4

Oct 20 Visit the history of Bridgnorth in pictures

Nov 3 Story of Lucien Bonaparte

Nov 17 Moving the Newspaper Archives

Dec 1 Aspects of Elgar makes him unique by Stuart .Freed

Dec 15 History of Leader family. By Ian Care visiting speaker

2027

12 Jan Womens Rights through hustory

26 Jan Worcester in WW11

Feb 9 History of Commandery

23 Feb Passion for Plants - 3 Gardeners

Mar. 9. Charles Dyson Perrins how he spent proceeds of Worcester sauce

Mar23. Myth Mystery and Murder

Apr. 6 The fascinating life of Victoria Claflin

Apr 20The Black Country??