ON JULY 6, Dave Worthington gave his second talk on The Pope Family of Birmingham, which embraced many facets of Victorian society in Birmingham.

The first record of the family was of Luke Pope who was born in the ''tiny hamlet of Smethwick'' in 1740 and of the family moving to Handsworth to found a nursery on land adjoining the new canal system.

The first Navigation Inn was built and set the family on the road to riches.

The first walk of the month was on July 9, when 30 walkers, led by Brian Todd and Jean Nokes, tackled the second section of The Shropshire Way.

An extra event was included on July 13 when Jean Nokes and Diana Yates led 17 members on a evening walk of three miles from the Neville Arms, New End.

It went through the countryside of Cookhill and back through a drive known locally as The Hacking, finally ending through Cladswell and returning to the Neville Arms.

The annual summer party was held on July 20, hosted by Jean Nokes and Diana Yates, and held at Jean's home in Bromsgrove. The theme was Black Country Night and faggots and peas were served to the 36 members present.

John and Yvonne Everest led 16 members on a walk through the Herefordshire countryside on July 23. The 10-mile route started from Fromes Hill, passed through delightful villages, including a lunch stop at the inn at Bosbury, before returning to Fromes Hill.

The last event of the month was a walk around Mappleborough Green when Brian and Gerda Michie led a group of 16 walkers from the Dog pub on a circular route taking in Haye Lane, Gattax Farm and Lon Harris Cottages before returning via the Henley Road to The Dog.