​On Tuesday 12 March, Sister Kathleen and Jenny (Archivist) attended the Birmingham Heritage Forum meeting at West Midlands Police Museum  - or ‘The Lock Up’ in Steelhouse Lane.
Birmingham Heritage Forum is a network of people concerned with the promotion of interest in Birmingham’s historic sites.  As we try to promote St Mary’s tours and heritage centre, this group is an important and useful link for us.
We found The Lock Up fascinating!   We got a brilliant guided tour, got to see police clothes and equipment used since 1891 (when the prison opened) and hear a brilliant presentation on some of its history and criminals who have passed through.
Sister Kathleen was even put in a cell!  (see picture).

‘Thank you for a superb introduction to the history and work of the Sisters, as well as an excellent guided tour of this remarkable building.’
 
On Wednesday 28th February we welcomed a group of 20 for a heritage tour of the convent.  This ACE Cultural tour group were focusing on the classical music scene in Worcestershire and Birmingham and had spent time exploring Elgar-related sites.  They visited St Mary’s as part of the wider cultural and religious scene in Birmingham.
The group had a 45 minute tour led by Sister Kathleen and Jenny (Archivist) and tea and biscuits.  This was a lively and interested group who were most appreciative of being able to uncover this lived-in convent.  Hopefully they will come again next year!