Melanie Williamson, from the Museum at Shugborough, gave a very enlightening talk on the history of shoes. She also talked about the history of the Lotus Factory, and brought with her a display of the equipment and tools used in shoe making.
From this month the Senior Citizens centre is open on the third WEDNESDAY of every month, for members to view our archives, photographs and other ephemera. Last month 14 people attended, some helped archiving some documents, others did their own research.
We are open from 10.30 until 1.30, it is very informal, and you can just come for an hour if your time is limited.

The coach trip to Tutbury is now full. We have started a ‘reserve list.’ It was decided that we would ask Lesley to perform as Mary, Queen of Scots.

According to our records this photograph is of Great Wyrley Secondary Modern in 1959, on a school trip to the Wedgewood Factory. Can anyone give us some names?

We have in our archives a book entitled “A short history of Wesleyan Methodism at Wyrley”, printed in March 1925. It gives the history of the chapel that was on the corner of Benton’s Lane and Gorsey Lane, before the one on the Walsall Road was built.

The speakers for the next three months coffee mornings are:-
March – Dave Battersby – The history of the Conduits
April – Rachel Cooksey – Spies, Lies and Aliens
May – Lee Timmins – Highwaymen

Even though it was a very cold morning,  the January coffee morning was very well attended, Mac Joseph gave a very interesting presentation and talk about ‘Birmingham, ‘Then and Now’. This bought back many memories – especially from the “overspill” members.

We are organising a trip to Tutbury Castle, on Tuesday 24th May, the cost will be about £20. We would like numbers and a £5 deposit by the March meeting. Places are limited.
The trip will include the coach to Tutbury, soup and a roll for lunch and a talk by Lesley Smith.
Lesley performs such diverse roles as Margaret Thatcher, Nell Gwynne, Elizabeth 1 and Mary, Queen of Scots. Please see Pam or Diane for further information.

We received a charming letter from Nigel Govier of the Salvation Army thanking us for the donation of £65 following the auction in December.

Does anyone recognise this elderly couple?
We are always on the lookout for photographs, from any era.
We are not printing them all, we have over 5 thousand and storage is becoming a problem. We are copying any we are given (or lent) and storing them on the computer.

In our archives we have a visitors book from Gilpins dated 1947, there are many interesting entries, from as far afield as New Zealand, Canada, the Ivory Coast.

The February coffee morning speaker is Melanie Williamson on ‘The History of Shoes’.

In March Dave Battersby is giving a talk on the Conduits

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.