ONE of Redditch's most established societies has launched a new programme of talks with topics to suit people of all ages and interests.

The main aim of The Redditch Society in its inception was to bring together people with an interest in science, art and literature but subject topics now stretch far beyond these realms.

The next talk on Friday, September 30, will be exploring the history of Severn Trent Water.

This will be followed by others including the life of a British Airways pilot, the code breakers of Bletchley Park and the sights and sounds of India.

The society stemmed from a group formed in 1850 called the Redditch Literary and Scientific Institute. This disbanded in 1894 but in 1945, following the Second World War, the society which exists today was formed.

Over the years, the group has managed to secure a range of well-known and fascinating speakers, including the explorer Sir Chris Bonnington and Henry Sandon - regarded as the world authority on Worcester porcelain and a favourite expert on the Antiques Roadshow.

Mr Sandon had society members in hysterics when he pretended to trip while carrying a pottery owl he had discovered worth £40,000 - he later revealed it was a replica.

Society president Ralph Richardson said often the speakers booked depended hugely on the fees being charged.

He said: "We once considered booking Britain's first astronaut, Helen Sharman. But she would have cost us £1,800 and that would have meant we couldn't afford to book anyone else for the whole year.''

Mr Richardson said often the planned talks which members were not particularly interested in or looking forward to were the ones which were enjoyed the most.

"Many years ago we had a talk entitled The Three- Toed Sloth and I really wasn't looking forward to it but it turned out to be magical - I remember it to this day."

The society has about 160 members but more are welcome and all talks are open to guests.

Becoming a member costs £14 a year. Applicants should send their name and full postal address, fee and SAE to Hon Treasurer Mrs R Strong, 1229 Evesham Road, Astwood Bank, Redditch B96 6AB.

Guests are admitted for £3. All talks are held at Trinity High School, Grove Street, from 7.30pm.

Plenty of well-lit parking spaces are available near the venue.