Stan Mould had previously been a long-distance enquirer to the Society about his family heritage. During a visit to the U.K. from his home in Thailand, he called into our coffee morning and spoke of his family history and the gaps in his knowledge. The picture right shows him speaking with the members.
Following his visit, Stan moved on to other locations to undertake further research. A subsequent phone call confirmed a visit to a church in Ranton had provided him with further information about burials within his family.
The visit to the Mother of Pearl factory has been confirmed for October 10th. Transport arrangements have been confirmed and interested members have signed up. A waiting list has been started in the event of cancellations arising. Pam Ball is drawing up the schedule and members are asked to speak directly with Pam for further information.
It is hoped that our M.P. Mr Gavin Williamson will call in for a short visit during our August coffee morning.
The coffee morning schedule has been updated. It now includes:-
November 2013 – Andy Parsons – Uncle Tom in the Great War
January 2014 – Major Ted Green – Staffordshire Regiment Museum
Due to the unavoidable cancellation of the Guest Speaker, an alternative session was quickly arranged for the July coffee morning. Members shared a number of recollections of growing up in the Black Country, Walsall and Great Wyrley. The session provided much comment and jovial inter-action especially ’32 pints of milk being delivered at a doorstep following a 3-2 football result being left for the milkman to know about’. It is hoped that the original guest speaker can join us at a future coffee morning, yet to be arranged.
The Society Open Day was re-confirmed as Saturday, 16th November at Harrisons Club in Wharwell Lane. The main theme of the Open Day is the period after the Great War up to the outbreak of World War 2. A request has been made for all members to re-check their heirlooms to see what photos and artefacts can be made available for inclusion in the Open Day displays. A number of members have kindly lent, or bequeathed, their Great War memorabilia to the Society, in response to our requests. They are being catalogued and archived, as best suited. The range of contents received in July has been excellent. We hope to receive further contents as we move towards commemorating the start of the Great War and produce an inventory to share with members at a future time.
An ‘Expression of Interest’ form has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (hlf) for a possible project about the social history of the village and surrounding areas during the period around, and including the Great War. As part of this Expression, informal discussions have been held with neighbouring Societies to see if a broader social history might be advantageously produced. They are the first tentative steps of many that have to be undertaken should a project subsequently be supported.
The unknown soldier. Does anyone know the name of the soldier in the picture right? More details will hopefully be included in a later newsletter as, and when, we get some responses.
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News From Members
The Wyrley Hub is a community drop-in facility for a pleasant informal chat and cups of tea and cake. Every Wednesday (except August bank holiday week) run at St Andrews Church, Hilton Lane between 1-3 pm. Volunteers are always welcome to support the efforts. Kathleen Curd (07914 413128) will be pleased to hear from you).