Programme of events 2018-2019.
The Birmingham Medal Society meets on the first Thursday of each month at The Holiday Inn, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 9AB. Each meeting is different and provides a wide range of subjects for medal collectors and historians in all areas. The meetings begin at 1900h with the formal start at 1930h. Members may also wish to meet in the bar area from 5.00pm onwards for a meal or drink.
The programme for the next year is detailed below, for more information please contact us.
Any member wishing to talk about an item on a relevant night can fill a form in upon arrival or complete one in advance by CLICKING HERE and e-mailing on the link to the Secretary.
The programme for the next year is detailed below, for more information please contact us.
Any member wishing to talk about an item on a relevant night can fill a form in upon arrival or complete one in advance by CLICKING HERE and e-mailing on the link to the Secretary.
Thursday 7th March 2019 - On the Lines of Communication. This presentation was originally scheduled for March 2018 but cancelled due to inclement weather. Member Paul Handford MBE will focus on WW1 medal groups to individuals who engaged in Ambulance work – ‘On the Lines of Communication’, for both the British and French Red Cross. What Paul calls, ‘Working behind the scenes!’ The talk considers the development of ambulance work from early October 1914, collecting the wounded arriving in trains from the ‘First Ypres’ Battle Front. The wounded were transported from the ambulance trains to Base Hospitals on the French Coast, and as the War continued, became a huge undertaking. Hundreds of ambulances and personnel served large numbers of base hospitals along the French Coast, drivers, orderlies; and mechanics to maintain the vehicles. The drivers also were responsible for transporting the wounded to the awaiting hospital ship when required. The talk is supported by original and rare photographs of the British Red Cross & Order of St John garage works shops in Boulogne, Women V.A.D. drivers, Base Convoys and funeral processions, the coffins being transported in the ambulances driven by the volunteers, to Military Cemeteries situated on the French Coast. The talk also considers the work of volunteer drivers undertaking the same work for the French Army. It also looks at medal groups to the volunteer gentlemen and women who drove the ambulances; mechanics and coach builders who serviced and maintained the vehicles and to those who developed this work from the early days in October 1914, work that although was not at ‘The Front’ was nevertheless incredibly important and helped to save many soldiers lives.
Thursday 4th April 2019 - Annual General Meeting and Easter Rising 1916. The first part of the evening is devoted to the formal business of the Society, followed by the presentation by long standing member Major Dave Seeney who will talk about the armed insurrection in Ireland during Easter Week, April 1916. The Rising was launched by Irish republicans to end British rule in Ireland and establish an independent Irish Republic while the United Kingdom was heavily engaged in the First World War. Dave’s talk will cover the lead up to the rising, the key players, Decorations and awards to the Military & Civilians. An ideal evening for new members who are especially welcome.
Thursday 2nd May 2019 - Members Own Mini talks and Presentations. An evening devoted to members who wish to bring along and talk for 10 minutes on a medal group or militaria item of interest. The items need not be recent acquisitions but of course they too are always welcome. A great night for new members.
Thursday 6th June 2019 - 75th Anniversary of D-Day. BMS President Roger Bragger will introduce this subject 75 years on from the actual day. The decision to undertake a cross-channel invasion in 1944 was taken at the Trident Conference in Washington in May 1943. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed commander of Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), and General Bernard Montgomery was named as commander of the 21st Army Group, which comprised all the land forces involved in the invasion - the rest as they say 'is history'. Roger will cover the main story and he and members will then display relevant groups of medals they possess from the unsung heroes of this famous day. An interesting evening is indeed in store.
Thursday 4th July 2019 - Recent Acquisitions & short talks. An evening devoted to members who wish to bring along and talk for 10 minutes on a medal group or militaria item of interest. The items need not be recent acquisitions but of course they too are always welcome. A great night for new members.
Sunday 21st July 2019 - Birmingham Medal Society Mini Convention & President's Cup - Knowle Royal British Legion Club. A great day out full of medals, militaria, history and excellent speakers. In the morning Paul Handford MBE will talk about PRO - The Purchase: Using examples from his own collection Paul will reflect on the joyful and often anxious process of purchasing a medal or medal group. The Research: The exciting journey of the research and development concerning the medal(s) recipient; the power of the Internet providing access to available research Websites; the benefit of Medal Society membership, sharing knowledge and providing ‘auction alerts! The journey to historical places and reflecting on the motto, “The research never stops!” The Outcome: The ‘researched’ story of the person behind the medal(s). Newly discovered photographs/paintings! Recognised as the “Icing on the cake!” The contact with relatives and friendships made following the purchase and research. A developed knowledge for the wider medal collecting fraternity!
After lunch Wg Cdr Steve Mills RAF VR(T) (Ret'd) will talk about Black Buck - Less is More. An interesting look at the famous Black Buck raids in May 1982 following the Argentinian invasion of the Falkand Islands.
It is hoped to have at least one dealer present and there will be a raffle. Cost is £16.00 to include tea,coffee and biscuits
in the morning and afternoon and a buffet lunch. Click here for more details.
After lunch Wg Cdr Steve Mills RAF VR(T) (Ret'd) will talk about Black Buck - Less is More. An interesting look at the famous Black Buck raids in May 1982 following the Argentinian invasion of the Falkand Islands.
It is hoped to have at least one dealer present and there will be a raffle. Cost is £16.00 to include tea,coffee and biscuits
in the morning and afternoon and a buffet lunch. Click here for more details.