The lectures, music days and conferences, started recently with a series of talks on the history of French art, are being arranged by Shrewsbury School, with Chris Conway leading the venture in his new role as director of Lifelong Learning.

Chris wants to encourage more Shropshire people to take advantage of the outstanding facilities at the school.

"We aim to build on Shrewsbury School's reputation as a centre of learning and extend our offering far beyond the age range and scope of our pupils.

"The Lifelong Learning department has been created as a way of enhancing our community involvement and strengthening our links with the arts and sciences" he explained.

"This is a new direction for Shrewsbury School and a very exciting departure for us – one which we hope will develop, meaning that we become a regional centre for excellence in lifelong learning," he added.

The programme was launched with a pilot scheme, beginning with a series of lectures running until the autumn on 19th century French art, led by art master Fergus Reid.

The programme includes a string orchestra 'Play Day' which will be held on June 8 run by professional violinist and teacher Louise Latham. The next event is a conference on admission to universities in the US on June 13, and on June 15 Professor Chris Pelling from Oxford University will be one of the speakers at a 'Classics Day'.

Contact Chris at cwc@shrewsbury.org.uk or on 01743 280555 for more details.