On Wednesday 21 March, Roger Pendrill will give a talk at a meeting of Clent History Society to be held in the Parish Hall, Church Avenue, Clent at 8 pm.

The title of the talk is "Charles II: My Ancestors' Part in his Restoration".

Roger Pendrill's ancestors owned Boscobel House (close to the Shropshire/Staffordshire border, near Brewood) to which Charles II fled after the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

Charles II was restored to the throne on 29 May 1660 (his birthday) and four years later a new Act of Parliament commanded that this date be observed as a day of thanksgiving.

It was known as Oak Apple Day and was celebrated all over the land but particularly in Clent, perhaps because of the influence of the strongly Royalist Lytteltons of Hagley Hall and the inspiration of the vicar of Clent.

The special way in which Clent enjoyed Oak Apple Day was celebrated by the Birmingham poet, Ernest Marston Rudland (1875-1958).

Everyone is very welcome to join the meeting which will be followed by tea, coffee and biscuits - all included in the entrance fee of £1.50.

Further information may be obtained from the Society's secretary, Carole Hodgson (01562 885759).