FOR people who would like to give their brain cells a bit of a work out, there will be a series of intellectually stimulating and enjoyable discussions and talks on offer this weekend as part of the first Ombersley Festival.

The festival, which is taking place on Saturday, April 18 in St Andrew’s Church between 9.30am and 5pm, will featuretalks on ‘Writing the History of One’s Own Times’, ‘Faith and the Public Space’ and ‘Influencing the History of One’s Own Times’, with guests including Professor Lord Hennessy of Queen Mary University, regular Radio Four speaker Mona Siddiqui, and professor of government and policy at University College London, Professor Tony Wright.

Event organiser, emeritus professor Evelyn Ellis, said: “Modern history is full of contradictions and dilemmas; we hope to delve deeper into some of these issues with the help our distinguished line-up. Obviously, we’re delighted these people have made time for us in their busy diaries. We now just need to ensure a good turn out.”

The festival will also feature a number of films of Ombersley in the 1970s, and local fistorian Chris Gait will be talking aout Ombersley since the church was built, while Howard Robinson explores Oliver Cromwell’s contribution to modern democracy.

Tickets for the festival are £30 if purchased in advance from purecharity.org/osca.2 and they include refreshments and a light lunch. Attendees are also being advised to bring their own seat cushion to prepare for a day spent on the 185-year-old, Georgian pews of the church. All funds raised from the festival will be going toward maintaining the fabric of St Andrew’s church.