Firstly, a belated ‘well done and congratulations’ from everyone in the Society to Pauline Kelsey on her British Empire Medal award in Her Majesty The Queens New Years Honours List.
Non-refundable deposits have been received for the visit to the Houses of Parliament on May 15th. The coach is full. Members who subsequently wish to attend are asked to provide their details to Pam or Gary on a ‘first come first served’ basis that will be used if attending members have to drop out at any time. Pam and Gary are finalising all details which will be conveyed to members at the earliest opportunity.
Major Ted Green provided an absorbing talk at the January coffee morningon the Staffordshire Regiment and the museum therein. The wide-ranging address started at their origins, battles fought, regimental colours / badges and continued to the latest mission in Afghanistan.
After the talk, several members expressed an interest to visit the museum. I can personally confirm it is well worth a visit and I understand it can be even more pleasurable if combined with a visit to the nearby National MemorialArboretum. The museum is at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield. The telephone number is 01543 434394 and the web-site for further information is www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com.
The coffee morning speaker in February is Ron Mattison a stalwart veteran from the village and the Royal British Legion speaking about his military experiences.
The coffee morning speaker in March is Harry Scarf of the Pen museum talking about his time working in the Law Courts.Â
The Society annual event / open day is confirmed as November 15th at Harrisons Sports and Social Club, Wharwell Lane. The 2013 event was seen as ‘a great success’ and themes for the event will be developed in the coming months.
The Society is planning to participate in the St. Georges Day procession and fete starting from, and being held at Harrisons Sports and Social Club, Wharwell Lane on Easter Saturday, April 19th. ​The procession starts at 12 noon. Please come and support the Society on this significant date!
April 28th has been confirmed for an evening address to be given by Paul Ford on ‘Walsall during the Great War’. It will be held at the Senior Citizens Centre starting at 7.30 pm. Entrance is £1. 2014 is a significant year as it commemorates the start of the Great War and the address promises to be an interesting and informative session. Please join us.
The Society has been pleased to receive funding support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to undertake a project about the village prior to, during and immediately after the Great War. Much background work is being undertaken and will be shared with members in the coming weeks. This includes asking for assistance so please be ready to contribute, if and where possible.
The Senior Citizens Centre has been pleased to receive confirmation thatTesco Charity Trust has awarded funding to support the on-going activities and site maintenance. It will enable new front doors to be installed and otherfacilities to be updated. Members are asked to contact the Society members (Jill Beckett and Bob Quarmby) on the Centre Management Committee with any discussion points that may wish to raise.
Upper Landywood Farm was built in 1565 and has been uninhabited since the mid-1970’s. It is Grade 2 listed and is to be bought back to its former glories. Thanks to Dr Paul Collins from South Staffordshire Council, we were made aware of planned changes. Gary is ‘on the case’ with the new owner and starting to work together on the way forward. Watch this space! The picture below shows the current state of the farm and the extent of work that will be needed.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Great Wyrley Carnival Committee is holding a ‘Wyrleys got talent’ competition at Great Wyrley Performing Arts High School on Saturday 8thMarch starting at 7 pm. £3 entrance fee pay at door. Competition entry forms can be had from Pauline Kelsey (01922 414647).
Great Wyrley Carnival is being held on Saturday June 28th. Anyone interested in a stall, please contact Pauline Kelsey (01922 414647).
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