Andy McConnell is a well-known contributor to the Antiques Roadshow. He will be putting on a three session special interest day, starting with a lecture on the history of wine, followed, after a coffee break, with a lecture about the diversity of wines, from fine wines to the development of New World wines and the glasses used to drink them. After lunch, Andy will give an appraisal of glassware brought along by members.

We look forward to inviting you to our annual Christmas lunch, which will take place at Nuthurst Grange.

This new production from Carlos Acosta is based on a nineteenth century classic ballet, La Bayadere, originally set in ancient India and transported to Renaissance Venice. It is a story of love, lust, betrayal and murder, brought to life with stunning sets and beautiful costumes.

Photograph Maragrasskevco

Burghley House is a grand sixteenth century English Country House built for Sir William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth 1. After refreshments and an introductory talk, our visit will include a self-guided tour of the magnificent State rooms and an opportunity to explore the gardens and park, designed by Capability Brown.

Photograph Anthony Massi

Our holiday in Northumberland will give us the opportunity to explore the major highlights of this historic and lovely part of the country. Stopping en route at Nostell Priory (NT), Wakefield, we continue to Morpeth, for our stay at the four-star MacDonald Linden Hotel. Our itinerary will include visits to Alnwick Castle and Gardens, Holy Island, Bamburgh Castle and a guided tour of Newcastle. On the journey home there will be a stop-off at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, near Harrogate.

Photograph Dr Haus

Hellen's Manor is a Tudor/Jacobean house, said to be one of the oldest historic houses in England. We shall have a guided tour of the house, with time afterwards to explore the extensive grounds and gardens, which include a rare octagonal dovecote, a physic garden, a knot garden and wonderful views of the Malvern Hills. The day will also include a visit to the market town of Ledbury, with its medieval timber-framed buildings, Heritage Centre Museum and independent shops.

Photograph Philip Pankhurst

Jonathan Berg is a photographer and author, who has published several books about Birmingham, illustrated with his excellent photos, including ‘Discovering Birmingham.’ He will be our guide on an interesting and informative walk highlighting Birmingham’s public art.

Redditch was once the international centre of the needle and fishing tackle industry and produced ninety per cent of the world’s needles. We shall have a guided tour of this historic museum, which tells the fascinating story of needle making in Victorian times. It also hosts textile exhibitions. A short walk from the Mill are the Medieval ruins of Bordesley Abbey, once a thriving Cistercian Abbey, which can also be viewed during the visit.

Photograph Philip Halling

We look forward to welcoming members and friends to our annual Christmas Lunch at Nuthurst Grange.