A main feature of the Society Great War project was completed on 11^th November when the digitised cemetery burial records were handed over to the Parish Council.

The pictures show 1) Kath Williams, Chairman of the Parish Council receiving the digitised records from our Secretary, Diane Tolley and 2) the Society team with Gavin Williamson, our M.P. at the event. Also in attendance were Fred Pritchard, our Society Hon. President, the Chairman of South Staffs Council, Parish Council members and members of the public. It started a hectic period for the Society.

On 19^th November, a very informative and entertaining coffee morning was held. The address was given by Bob Williams outlining the aims and objectives of the Hatherton Canal Trust and their on-going efforts and achievements. The picture below shows Bob in conversation with members

Our annual event / open day was held on November 21^st at Harrisons Sports and Social Club. A sizeable audience enjoyed the varied displays around the main theme of ‘Cradle to the Grave’. Special thanks to the Museum of Cannock Chase for participating and providing exhibits plus Daz Butler from Cheslyn Hay Society for his specialism and skills with the digitised burial records display. Colleagues from Cheslyn Hay and Bridgtown Societies are also thanked for attending and their enthusiastic support.

Our new book ‘Our Village’ was also launched at the Annual Event / Open day and our picture shows Diane and Trevor awaiting prospective buyers at the event.

On October 18th, the Society joined with Bridgtown Society at their annual Open Day at Bridgtown Working Mens Club. Informal feedback indicated it was an enjoyable interesting event.

On November 11th, the Society is handing over the digitised cemetery burial records to the Parish Council. As mentioned by Gary at our October coffee morning, there will be samples of the plans on display. Members of the Parish Council have been invited and it is hoped that members of the Society will also join us at the event which starts at 7 pm at the Community Centre.

On November 21st, the Society is holding its Annual Event / Open Day at Harrisons Sports and Social Club, Wharwell Lane. It is scheduled for 11am to 4 pm. We hope to put on a wide range of features, including:-

– The launch of our new publication ‘The Village’
– Detailed graphic samples of the new digitised cemetery burial records
– A large array of previously unseen photos
– A ‘Cradle to the Grave’ display.

The return visit of John Palmer for our October coffee morning delighted and entertained members. Requests have been received for a further visit and it is hoped that it can be included in the 2016 coffee morning schedule.

The speakers for the November coffee morning are Sue and Bob Williams talking of the Hatherton Canal. It promises to be an absorbing and enlightening session.

The Society is looking to further increase its storage capacity in anticipation of the continuing receipt of artefacts and other memorabilia from Society members and general members of the community. Discussions with the Senior Citizens Centre re possible solutions have been held and will continue in the near future.

It is likely that further booking opportunities for our Operating Centre i.e. the Senior Citizens Centre will arise early in the New Year. Should members have a possible interest, or know of groups in the local area seeking a venue, could they please speak in the first instance with Pauline on 01922 414647.

Unfortunately, due to illness our Guest Speaker for the September coffee mornings had to withdraw at short notice. Thanks to Pam and Diane for devising and running a quiz instead.

The scheduled Guest Speaker for the October coffee morning has also had to be changed due to illness. Instead, we are delighted to welcome back John Palmer for the second part of his entertaining discussion on Puppetry.

The Guest Speakers for the November coffee morning are Sue and Bob Williams on Hatherton Canal.

The Society will be at The Bridgtown Society Open Day. It is being held on 18th October from 11 am to 4 pm at Bridgtown Working Mens Club.

Digitising of the Great Wyrley Cemetery Burial Records has been completed. It has been a long-term project led by Darren Butler of the Cheslyn Hay Society. November 11th has been confirmed as the date when the contents will be handed to the Parish Council. Members are invited to join the Councillors at the event. Further details will be confirmed at the October coffee morning and will be included in the October Society newsletter. An outline of the Site Plan is copied below.

A cross-section of The Burial Records will also be included in our Open Day which will have many new themes and contents. It is also hoped that a new review will be published in time for launch at the Open Day. It is scheduled for November 21st from 11am to 4 pm at Harrisons Sports and Social Club, Wharwell Lane, Great Wyrley.

John Palmer gave an interesting and entertaining talk at the coffee morning on how he became interested in puppets. He bought along beautifully made puppets he had made himself and we are looking forward to a return visit early next year.

The upcoming coffee mornings provide contrasting themes. In September, we welcome Anthony Hunt speaking on ‘local murders’ and in October, Graham Sleigh is speaking on ‘the local music scene in the 1950’s and 60’s’

Puppets, local murders and music demonstrate the wide range of topics that the Society tries to include in the coffee morning sessions and we welcome members suggested topics and speakers. Pam looks forward to receiving feedback at any time.

As part of the Society Great War project, detailed work has been on-going on the burial records for Great Wyrley cemetery. Daz Butler from the Cheslyn Hay Society has been leading the activities with detailed support from Di. It is nearing completion. During the work, an informal partnership has been maintained with the Parish Council. It is hoped that, in the near future, the newly-created digitized burial records will be made available for review with the Parish Council for their consideration and future use, if desired.

The Society has been invited to, and will participate in, the Cheslyn Hay and Bridgtown Societies annual exhibitions and open days. See ‘Events Summary’ for details, as known at present.

We have confirmed details of our Society annual event / open day. It will be held at Harrisons Sports and Social Club on November 21st. The main themes have been defined and they will be further refined in the next few weeks.

Part of the planned themes for the annual event / open day is the launch of a Review. Gary, with support from Di, has been working on it for several months and has unearthed previously unseen photos and stories. The initial draft is finalised and is being checked out.

An enjoyable morning was held supporting the Walk for Health group. It focussed on the Edalji trail in the village.

Two further visits have been arranged to the National Memorial Arboretum. Members are asked to contact the Community Centre, as seats are limited.

The Townswomen Guild was the theme of the coffee morning address given by Pam and Pauline. The enlightening talk was interspersed with light-hearted tales and was enjoyed by the audience.

The upcoming Coffee Morning speakers are John Palmer on ‘Puppets’ and Anthony Hunt on ‘Local Murders’ in August and September respectively.

Arrangements have been made for the Centre to continue to be available until at least the end of the year on the fourth Thursday of each month. It enables members and guests to view our archives and library and undertake further family research efforts, as preferred.

The Society wishes a further member to join the Senior Citizens Centre Advisory Committee. This Committee meets periodically (typically five times per year). In the first instance, it would be appreciated if interested members could contact Gary or Diane for further details.