The visit to the Houses of Parliament on May 13th was considered a great success. In Gary’s words, ’48 of us paid a visit. We were met by Gavin Williamson, our M.P. and had the usual group photo (as shown below) in the Great Hall of Westminster. Avery helpful guide took us round the building. A marvellous day out was enjoyed by all which will not be the last day out, I’m sure’
Thanks to the co-operation and support of Ron Mattison and Dave Dunham, a visit has been arranged to the Chase Training huts on 12th June. The coach will leave the Senior Citizens Centre at 10.30 am and return to the Centre by no later than 2.30 pm. The cost is £2.50 per person. There are places available on the coach that can be booked with Diane (414417) or coming to the Centre on the day, subject to availability. A café serving snacks and drinks is nearby and it should be possible for the Great War Trail in the Chase to be followed, if preferred, during the visit.
The June coffee morning is the A.G.M. followed by Gary speaking about Landywood Farm. The July coffee morning address is given by a long-standing resident of the village (Derek France) and includes his participation in the exciting world of speedway racing.
Due to illness, the speaker at the May coffee morning had to withdraw at short notice. A hasty replacement enabled the Society to outline its Great War project, as supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, with special mention being given to a number of on-going and planned activities therein. It is hoped that a written summary will be available for members attending the June coffee morning. One of the activities is summarised below.
Restoration of the plaque / inscription at the Institute on the corner of Norton Lane is scheduled for July time-frame. The feasibility of further restorations is being considered. At present, it includes plaques at the Wesley Chapel and a change to the Memorial Gates.
Recording of coffee morning speakers has been raised for consideration. It especially applies to members who cannot attend the coffee mornings for whatever reason. Speakers’ permission will always be sought before the coffee morning. Would members have any objection to the possibility? It should be raised at the A.G.M. for consideration and, hopefully, agreed, if possible.
Broadband facility should be installed at the Centre in near future. It had been requested by coffee morning speaker(s) in the past and will be invaluable during our Great War project when further research is being undertaken.
As Gary confirmed at the May coffee morning, the Society hopes to start a drop-in facility and, at the same time, help members of the community with their family history. The broadband capability should be of tremendous assistance with this latter objective. The intent is to run the sessions on the fourth Thursday of each month and a provisional autumn time-frame to start has been indicated.
An interesting enquiry has been received from the USA re Wyrley origins and any knowledge of current (or relatively recent) Worley families in the area. Can any members provide any information? It is possible that we may be visited in foreseeable future to further consider the question.
Community Events
The Society is preparing its materials for the upcoming Carnival being held on the Star field on 28th June. The main theme of the Carnival is ‘history’ so we hope to see many members there joining us.
Visits to the National Memorial Arboretum, as supported by District Council members on the Parish Council, are still scheduled, as previously mentioned. Feedback from the earlier visit has been excellent and further information, or bookings, can be made with Sian or Debbie at the Community Centre on 414768.
The Society is promoting an event on behalf of the Royal British Legion and SSAFA for the poppy appeal. On 9th August, a big band concert is being held at Great Wyrley Sports and Social Club. It starts at 8 pm. Advance tickets cost £4 from Gary or £5 payable at the door. The music is provided by the Miller Tones with vocal support from a male and female singer. It promises to be a great night of Glenn Miller tunes and swing music of that era.