First Wednesday Talks

All the First Wednesday Talks will take place on Wednesdays in St Bridget’s Church, Rectory Road, West Kirby, starting at 7.30 pm

Admission on the door: £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

1 February
The Battle of Brunanburh
by Professor Stephen Harding

Professor Harding has been instrumental in raising our awareness of Wirral’s Viking ancestry and has written or co-authored books on the subject - Wirral and Its Viking Heritage, Ingimund’s Saga: Norwegian Wirral, Viking Mersey as well as working with others on the study of Viking DNA. Professor Harding presented our opening First Wednesday Lecture in February 2008 covering Wirral’s Viking Past. He returns to talk on the Battle of Brunanburh - a pivotal event in the fortunes of our Norse settlers and the emerging English nation.

Booking is strongly recommended for this event as interest is likely to be high. Tickets available from Pipedreams, Banks Road, West Kirby or Martin Harrison on 625 8535

 

7 March
The Art of Stained Glass: the Work of Charles Kempe and Glass Artists in the Wirral and Chester Area by David Cummings.

David Cummings became interested in stained glass a few years ago when a Charles Kempe window at his Church in Christleton needed repair. Since then he has researched the history of stained glass and visited churches all over the country and viewed Charles Kempe windows - Charles Kempe was responsible for most of the windows and iron tracery in St Bridget’s Church.

 

4 April
West Kirby Residential School
by Marilyn Josey

A special school has stood on Meols Drive since 1899 when the old building was erected to house the Children’s Convalescent Home. Marilyn Josey, Head of Support Services, will present a talk on West Kirby Residential School upto the present day including its current role.

 

2 May
A History of Transport in Wirral
by Glynn Parry

Glynn Parry, formerly of Wirral Museums Service, will take us through a century of public transport on Wirral from the first ferries in the 14th century, to the world’s first successful tramway and the Mersey Railway tunnel.

 

6 June
The Delights of Historic New Brighton
by Joy Hockey

Joy Hockey, architect, Chair of Wallasey Historical Society and native of New Brighton, talks on the development of New Brighton and samples some of the key moments in the life of the seaside resort.

 

4 July
Storeton Quarries and its Tramway
by Gavin Hunter

One of our regular and most popular speakers, Gavin Hunter returns to give an illustrated talk on the unique quarries at Storeton which were worked from Roman times to the present day. The quarry with its tramway to Bromborough Dock has supplied stone for buildings across Wirral, including Birkenhead Town Hall and as far afield as the Empire State Building in New York.

Other Events

Sat 31 March
Plant Sale and Refreshments in Ashton Park

Good quality nursery-grown bedding plants and perennials for sale. A great way to start your garden restocking and fill those empty spaces. Combine this with a cup of coffee and buy a jar of marmalade, jam or chutney and a cake from our stall and enjoy a gentle stroll round the park.

Time: 11.30 - 4pm. Venue: Ashton Park Lower Park by bowling green and teashop.

 

Mon 7 May
Ashton Park May Fair

West Kirby’s family event of the year! Visit the St Bridget’s Appeal marquee at a fabulous event featuring fairground attractions, stalls, belly dancers, singers, pony rides, refreshments, plant sales and lots more - set against the beauty of Ashton Park. St Bridget’s Church with its Viking hogback stone and Kempe stained glass windows will be open in the afternoon. For details or to book a stall contact Dave Wade on 0151-625-6194.

Time: 10 - 4 . Venue: Ashton Park and Westbourne Hall.

 

Sat 19 May
Capriccio Singers

The Capriccio Singers return, once again, to St Bridget’s Church bringing a varied repertoire of music to suit all tastes - with their own brand of fun! Church music from all periods interspersed with nursery rhymes, folk songs, songs from the shows and contemporary songs.

Time: 7.30pm. Venue: St Bridget’s Church

 

Sat 30 June
St Bridget’s Summer Fair

A great day out for all the family packed with activities and fun - brass band, tombola, home made cakes, jams, chutneys, teas, bouncy castle, coconut shy, raffle, strawberries and cream and lots more.

Time: 1.45 - 4 pm. Venue: Rectory Field by St Bridget’s Church

Spring/Summer 2012
Events Leaflet Available

click the image below!