PEOPLE across Redditch are reflecting on a decade of shared knowledge as the Feckenham Forest History Society celebrates its 10th anniversary.

The society meets once a month and a variety of established speakers come to enlighten members with their historical insight.

The idea to form the society came about in 1990 from a group of people already dedicated to increasing their historical knowledge.

Several local history courses, one major project of which included the transcription of the parish registers, had been run in Feckenham under the tutelage of Workers' Education Association tutor Elizabeth Atkins.

The WEA has been running since about 1902 to give adults who left school at an early age the chance to further their education.

Members of Mrs Atkins' courses felt it would be a good idea if they formed a history society in which they could continue to develop their interest in local history.

An inaugural meeting was held in September 1990, at which there were 18 people present.

It was decided to call the new society Feckenham Forest Local History Society which changed to Feckenham Forest History Society some years later.

The original title was constructed so both Feckenham and the surrounding villages would be included in its area of interest. To this end, meetings are held alternately in Feckenham and Webheath.

Over the years, there have been lectures on a multitude of diverse topics, including Romans in the Countryside, Bromsgrove workhouses, Death, Dung and Disease, Who poached the King's Deer? and a history of the Worcestershire postal service.

And this season's programme promises more of the same, focusing on everything from Christmas food and customs to the Battle of Evesham to "Brum Grub".

As well as enjoying talks, members also travel further afield on coach and car outings to churches and museums and other places of historical interest.

Mrs Atkins said: "The society really gives members a chance to broaden their horizons but it also has a fantastic social life.

"People don't just join to develop their historical interest but also to enjoy social events with like-minded people."

Membership of the society costs £7 a year but visitors are also welcome at lectures. Entry is £1.50 for members and £3 for visitors.

The society meets at Feckenham Village Hall, Main Street, or Webheath Village Hall, Heathfield Road, on the second week of the month on a Wednesday or Thursday for lectures and weekends for visits.