By Geoff Fisher 
The Bircham Centre’s Walled Garden Talks have returned this September, offering four short lunchtime talks under the theme “Finding Your Direction”.
The first session has already taken place, but three further talks – each exploring a different way of navigating life, creativity and heritage – will run over the coming weeks.
Set in the Bircham Centre’s peaceful walled garden (entrance via the gate in Pudding Pie Alley, between the centre and the King’s Arms, Market Place, Reepham), each talk begins at 12 noon, lasts around 20 minutes and includes time for questions.
Admission is free and there is no need to book; visitors are encouraged to bring a drink, a friend and simply drop in.
Upcoming talks
Tuesday 8 September – Jon Ford: Finding Your Direction Through Adversity
Jon Ford’s route into teaching – and eventually becoming a head teacher – was anything but straightforward. After a difficult childhood and a period of homelessness, he found a new direction that reshaped his future. In this personal and uplifting talk, Jon reflects on the people and experiences that helped him rebuild his life and support young people to find their own paths.
Tuesday 15 September – Helen Lindsay, Conservation: The Power of the ‘Real Thing’
Paper conservation specialist Helen Lindsay will explore why original objects, documents and artefacts held in museums, archives and libraries matter. She will discuss how encountering the real thing deepens our understanding of the past and why preserving these collections is vital for future generations.
Tuesday 22 September – Jessica Perry: Drawing Discoveries
Artist Jessica Perry will share how her drawing practice has shifted from tight illustration to playful experimentation. She will discuss how this change has opened up new ways of thinking about nature, climate and the garden – and how creative exploration can lead to unexpected discoveries.
Whether you’re drawn to personal stories, heritage, art or simply fancy learning something new at lunchtime, the organisers say everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the garden.
Photo: Bircham Centre