Andy McConnell is a well-known contributor to the Antiques Roadshow. He will be putting on a three session special interest day, starting with a lecture on the history of wine, followed, after a coffee break, with a lecture about the diversity of wines, from fine wines to the development of New World wines and the glasses used to drink them. After lunch, Andy will give an appraisal of glassware brought along by members.

Built by Robert Cecil in the grounds where Queen Elizabeth spent much of her childhood, Hatfield House was decorated for entertaining. We shall have a guided tour of the House, following which there will be free time to explore the gardens, St Etheldreda’s Church and the Stable Yard shops.

We fly from Birmingham to Brussels with a coach transfer to the four-star Mercure Lille Centre Grand-Palace Hotel. During the holiday, we shall have the services of a Tour Manager and local guides. Our visits will include the Villa Cavrois and La Piscine, the Musee des Beaux Arts in Lille and a full day in Antwerp, to include a walking tour of the Golden Triangle area and visit to the Fine Arts Museum.

The National Memorial Arboretum is a British site of national remembrance. After refreshments on arrival and an introductory talk, there will be a fifty-minute land tour of the site.After lunch, members will be free to explore the Arboretum, gift shop and exhibitions.

This independent and world-renowned boarding school for professional classical ballet works in association with the Birmingham Royal Ballet. During our visit, following an introductory talk and light lunch, we shall be treated to a ballet performance or dress rehearsal.