LOCAL Roman Catholic Churches are holding a series of talks on the life of priest and theologian Cardinal John Henry Newman.

Cardinal Newman lived from 1801-1890 and worked all his life in the Midlands, writing the poem ‘The Dream of Gerontius’, on which Malvern’s own Sir Edward Elgar based his famous oratorio.

Cardinal Newman will be given the title of ‘Blessed’ by Pope Benedict when he visits Britain in September.

The four talks are being held to prepare for this event, and the first, entitled ‘The Life of John Henry Newman’, by Brother Lewis Barry, will take place at Our Lady and St Alphonsus Church, Blackmore Park, Hanley Swan, at 7.30pm on Monday (February 22). The talk is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Details of further talks will be announced shortly.