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National AGM and West Midland Area visitsAbove: The library at Weston Park with its secret door (Tour 1)Opposite: Ironbridge Gorge, part of Tour 3West Midlands Area ToursBirmingham is not just an extraordinary city in its own right, it also lies at the centre of a region that is well worth exploring. After the AGM, take advantage of one of the 13 exclusive tours kindly arranged by West Midlands Area for May 18. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Booking is online at www.nadfas.org.uk/agm-2017. If you have any questions, please email us at: nadfasagm@gmail.com. Exclusive hotel deals can be found on page 36.Thursday May 18, 20171. Weston ParkWeston Park is a unique 17th-century country house set in more than 1,000 acres of park landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown. The fi rst owner was Lady Elizabeth Wilbraham and it was gifted to the nation in 1986 by the seventh Earl of Bradford. We have exclusive use of the house during our visit, with a guided tour of the exquisite art collection. Lunch will be served in the beautiful Victorian Orangery, followed by free time to enjoy the art gallery or extensive gardens.Lady Elizabeth was an enthusiastic patron of the arts and her heavily annotated copy of Palladio’s book I Quattro Libri dell’Architerrura remains in the collection. Highlights include the Temple of Diana and a single-arch stone Roman Bridge across Temple Pool. Weston Park is now owned and maintained by the Weston Park Foundation, an independent charitable trust, which is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and restoration of the house and park and to this end has completed many projects, including the restoration of the 1767 granary building.Tour 1 Depart 9am, return 5pm. Cost £68, to include coffee/tea on arrival, exclusive use of the house, lunch, guided tour, tips and coach transfers. 2. The Potteries and theWedgwood MuseumThis tour takes you into the Potteries and the Wedgwood Museum, winner of the 2009 Art Fund Prize and home to one of the most important ceramic collections in the world. An exclusive guided tour to all areas of the museum is included before lunch at the Upper House Hotel. Built in 1845, it was the home of Josiah Wedgwood’s grandson and has been lovingly restored. Following lunch – during which Gaye Blake Roberts from Wedgwood will give a brief presentation – time has been allowed for you to explore the hotel and its beautiful grounds.Tour 2 Depart 9am, return 5pm. Cost £49, to include coffee/tea on arrival, entrance fees, guided tour, lunch at the Upper House with a talk by Gaye Blake Roberts,tips and coach transfers.3. Ironbridge Gorge, Coalbrook Museum of Iron and Jackfi eld Tile MuseumVisit the Ironbridge Gorge, where the tour begins at Coalbrook Museum of Iron with an introductory talk by David de Haan on Coalbrookdale, emphasising the decorative and fi ne arts. There is an opportunity to see the remains of the Grade I listed water-powered blast furnace known as the ‘Old Furnace’ and the Deerhound Table designed by sculptor John Bell for the Paris International Exhibition of 1855. After a light lunch, David de Haan will speak on the area as we travel to Jackfi eld. After a short introduction to the Jackfi eld Tile Museum, explore the museum with an experienced guide to see the John Scott Tile Collection.Tour 3 Depart 9am, return 5pm. Cost £42, to include coffee/tea on arrival, entrance fees, lunch, guided tour, tips and coach transfers. For ALL bookings go to www.nadfas.org.uk/agm-201732 NADFAS REVIEW / AUTUMN 2016 www.nadfas.org.ukAGM BIRMINGHAM