DOWN TO EARTH in The City

 Down To Earth in The City - a look at the River Rea Across the Rea Valley from Moor Green The Cityscape of Birmingham foregrounded by woodland above the River Rea Harry Reeves, God rest his soul, could be the most well-known enthusiast, when it comes to appreciating the River Rea, although many of the early settlers to the region probably appreciated its resources just as much. detail of 'East Prospect of Birmingham' William Westley's 18th-century image of Birmingham from the east depicts a jolly occasion with grazing cattle and anglers on the banks of the Rea. The source of the Rea springs from the slopes of the Waseley Hills in Worcestershire, before journeying in a north-westerly direction to join The Tame just south of Spaghetti Junction. This whimsical tribute to the river provides a splendid account of one man's association with the river from boyhood to adulthood. Harry takes us on a journey through time and space with poetic descriptions of memories and places ...

 8th March 2022 My first 'Down To Earth in The City' meeting with newly found friends at Pacha House was a most rewarding event as our vibrant discussions and chatter ranged far and wide. I enjoyed the dynamism and enthusiasm held in an informal and comfortable setting, as we deliberated our ideas, concerns, personal interests and anecdotes that spanned the globe and decades, with memories and recollections that bonded our individual circumstances. Later, a private tour of the Friends Institute was a nice and unplanned event, thanks to Sue, revealing staircases, ornate bannister rails, corridors, antique shelving and other wooden fixtures together with empty and cold meeting rooms, mostly unused today and belying their glorious past since 1897. Tucked away with indignant abandon was a bust of the founder, sponsor and philanthropist Richard Cadbury. I'm looking forward to future meetings and new discussions, revealing something, but not everything, about our indi...