We received the sad news about Trevor McFarlane passing away the start of March. On behalf of Great Wyrley Local History Society, may I send my deepest sympathy to Janet (Trevor’s wife) and family. Trevor will be greatly missed by all that knew him. He was the Chairman for Cheslyn Hay District Local History Society for many years and built the society up to a great standard. Trevor always liked to be busy, even after he retired from being Chairman a few years ago, he still liked to be in the ground helping out. It was only a few weeks ago that Trevor was out and about helping to deliver our latest book, so it came as a big shock to hear of Trevor passing away. He was a great organiser and would always get the job done. I’m sure if there is a place for an organiser in heaven, it should surely go to Trevor.
I first know Trevor McFarlane back in 1966, we was part of a team. A group of us lads on the Caddick Farm formed a football team, from a Residents Association beginning, we were known as Caddick Rangers a rag tag mob with a borrowed kit and no pitch. To my knowledge, the men in the original team that played are nearly all gone now.
Going back about 20 years, I found out that Trevor had took over as Chairman for Cheslyn Hay and District Local History Society. It wasn’t till I formed Great Wyrley Local History Society with the help of Trevor Pearce and Terry Challenger, that I got back in contact with Trevor, who was instrumental in the start up of Great Wyrley Local History Society, by allowing us to have access to their photograph archives. Through their photo archivist (at the time, Sue Challenger) all photographs related to Great Wyrley, were transferred over to GWLHS, that was 16 years ago. Trevor has been a good friend of our Society since, helping us out whenever we needed it. We have attended many open days at CHDLHS Annual Open Day, Pinfold Lane when Trevor was chairman and they would always come to our shows. By Gary Smith
To celebrate the life of Trevor McFarlane, Trevor’s funeral will be held at Bushbury Crematorium on Thursday 10th April at 11.15am, followed by the wake at Old Wyrley Hall 12.30pm onwards, for all those who would like to attend. No flowers please any donations will be forwarded to charity.
Chronicle Article about Trevor McFarlane
Popular history society member dies at 86
by DANIEL COLES daniel.coles@mnamedia.co.uk
The funeral takes place today (Thursday 10th April 2025) of a well-known local history society member. Trevor McFarlane died peacefully at home from cancer at the age of 86. Mr McFarlane, who spent a long career in finance, also spent decades serving the local community- particularly with Cheslyn Hay & District Local History Society. He became chairman for a time, creating videos and publishing several sell-out books. He is survived by his wife Jan, 78, two children and three grandchildren, who said he was a ‘proper family man’ who was ‘always’ there for them when called upon. The father-of-two always had a love of sport, was a life-long supporter of Walsall FC, played basketball and football in his youth and loved cricket and athletics. He jogged twice a week right up until his passing. His widow Jan said: “Trevor was a real family man, whatever we needed he sorted out and always prioritised his role as husband, father and grandfather.”
Mrs McFarlane said her husband was told he had cancer in March, but remained involved with the history society until his death. She added: “He was a family man through and through, he had an active life and full life and we’re all really proud of him.”
The funeral service is at Bushbury Crematorium at 11.15am, followed by Old Wyrley Hall from 12.30pm. The family requests no flowers, with donations forwarded to charity.