Aston Hall is a magnificent 17th Century mansion in a public park. The restored rooms are furnished in Jacobean style, with furniture, paintings and textiles, while the long gallery is one of Britain's best. Outdoors (free) there is Lady Holte's Garden. There are toilets and a picnic area, but no café on site, so bring a picnic lunch. The Hall is open from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

Our plan is to catch the 09.38 train to Birmingham New Street (meet on the upper floor of the new station building at 09.35, at the absolute latest. At New St. we will catch the Lichfield Trent Valley train to Aston, which is approx. a 10min walk to Aston Hall Park, with the Hall a further 15min across the park. Weather permitting, we will have a picnic in the park, before walking across to the church (if you wish), just beyond the park's Trinity Road entrance. If you don't plan to visit the church, then retrace your steps to Aston station, catching a Redditch train as far as New St. Please note the amount of walking involved.

If you intend coming on the trip and haven't put your name on the sign-up sheet, please contact Bill beforehand, so that he can look out for you.

Aston Parish Church is open from 1.00pm to 4.00pm (free entry). This large historic church was rebuilt in 1879, but retains its 15th-c tower, which can be ascended via a 99 step spiral staircase with a handrail. There are also many old monuments. At 2pm, there will be a free talk exploring the church and its connection to Aston Villa. At 3pm, a talk on the church will refer to its connection with the locally formed band, Black Sabbath. Light refreshments and toilet facilities will be available.