News Bulletin - August 2026
Hello Centre Members,
Unfortunately, we had to cancel our talk on 14th July, due to a family bereavement, but we hope to invite Jess back to deliver her Bravo November talk next year. And, we look forward to seeing you at our next talk – The English & Gardening by Danny Wells on Tuesday 11th August.
Our next walk, is around Norbury Junction on Thursday 13th August. Cathy will be leading this walk, which starts and finishes at the Junction Inn. And, of course, you are welcome to join us for lunch afterwards.
On Wednesday 15th July, as a slight distraction from the England match, some of us visited Uttoxeter and enjoyed a very informative guided tour of this historic town, with refreshments afterwards at the Museum of Uttoxeter Life. Thanks to Ruth for organising this. Our next visit is to Biddulph Grange Gardens, on Friday 18th September, Judith has arranged a 2-hour guided tour, led by Head Gardener; Paul Walton, so be sure to book in good time to ensure your place.
Nigel Holmes
on behalf of your committee
TALKS
This is a fascinating exploration of the brain and perception. You will be taken on an interactive journey through the science of perception and cognitive illusion. Did you know that the brain, despite weighing only around three pounds, is capable of astounding complexity? With a network of blood vessels long enough to circle the Earth four times, the brain shapes our intelligence, personality, and even charisma. Yet, scientists worldwide are still mystified by how it truly works.
This lecture explores the fascinating experiments designed by scientists to understand the workings of the mind. Through seven mind-bending experiments, each with a magical twist, audiences will witness firsthand how easily the mind can be tricked. From simple arithmetic tests that trip up 90% of participants to perception-based puzzles, these experiments will leave you questioning what you believe to be true.
This is not a magic show but a thought-provoking lecture that reveals the science behind perception and illusion. Sit back, enjoy the journey, and experience the mysteries of the human mind.
Other talk dates for your diary
Passionate About Penguins by Rodney Paul on on 13th October
Magic of Pantomime by Dean Nixon on 10th November
All talks start at 2:30 pm at Walton Village Hall.
WALKS
This is a relatively flat walk with no stiles – mainly across fields, wooded areas and along the towpath of the Shropshire Union canal, although there is a country road to cross and a short section on quiet country lanes with traffic, so care will be required.
We start from the cross roads at the centre of Brewood and walk past the church, through a small alleyway to the Shropshire Union Canal which we cross using Dean’s Hall Bridge. At this point we pick up a section of the Staffordshire Way and follow this to Woolley Farm. We continue on the Staffordshire Way across fields until we cross the Upper Avenue which gives a view of Chillington Hall.
A little further on we leave the Staffordshire Way and head along a track and a paved country lane where we turn northwards until we again reach The Avenue we continue along the Lower Avenue until we reach Avenue Bridge and rejoin the Shropshire Union Canal.
We then walk north along the canal tow path and return to Dean’s Hall Bridge and Brewood.
Terrain: Flat, no stiles but some sections may be boggy after rain, so walking boots are recommended.
Meet: 9.45 for a 10.00 am start at the cross roads at the centre of Brewood. Some car parking is available behind the Co-op (access from Stafford St) and along the road in front of the church.
Sat Nav: Co-op, 2 Market Place is ST19 9BS,
Lunch: 1.00 pm at The Three Stirrups, 1 Engleton Lane, Brewood, Sat Nav: ST19 9DZ
Parking is available at the pub for those who are joining us for lunch. Please let Bob know if you going to the lunch by Monday 21st.
Organiser: Bob Whitehouse
Other walk dates for your diary
Look out for details of future walks in the bulletin
Please remember that you join our walks at your own risk, and are responsible for your own safety. Leaders will indicate the difficulty of the walk so walkers can make an informed choice on whether or not to join in. Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn.
The gardens at Biddulph Grange were created by James and Maria Bateman in the mid 19th century. The National Trust took over the property and gardens in 1991 which became their largest restoration project.
The highlight of this visit is a guided tour (lasting approximately two hours) by Head Gardener, Paul Walton, who has been at Biddulph for 30 years. We will be taken on a tour of the world in miniature including a Scottish Glen, Egypt and China.
There is a series of connected compartments, bordered by topiary hedges, with colourful planting throughout the year. Theology meets geology here with a unique display of fossils and geological layers according to the Biblical days of creation, a fascinating journey through time.
Paul will be telling us about his personal journey as a gardener while guiding us around this amazing garden. September is the perfect time to see the dahlia walk, but in addition, Paul will show us the Chinese temple and the Cheshire Cottage. We will see the Egyptian Garden with the Egyptian god of botany. The stumpery is probably the oldest and largest in the UK and the plant and tree collection includes wellingtonias, monkey puzzle trees and the oldest golden larch in Britain.
This promises to be a fascinating visit so do come and join us if you can. Please note that the garden contains many uneven steps, narrow paths, slopes and dark tunnels, so sensible footwear is essential.
Meet : Biddulph Grange car park, Grange Road, Biddulph at 10.15am with tour commencing at 10.30am Sat Nav: ST8 7SD
Lunch: The Tearoom, approximately 12.30pm.
Price: £5 please remember to bring your NT membership card or volunteer card, otherwise you will be charged the normal admission fee (£14) on the day.
Booking Deadline : Tuesday 15th September
Organiser : Judith Carder
Note: All visits must be paid for in advance.