Some of you are aware that our Society has been in consultation with Cheslyn Hay and District Local History Society about consolidation into one society. This merger will bring with it a greater appreciation of the history of our combined villages and will also enhance our knowledge of the local past. The two villages are neighbours that, in places, overlap each other, tile and brick making, coal mining, canals and waterways and, of course, the Raz.

We are delighted to announce that this consolidation will take place on 30th June 2025. The “new” society will be called “Cheslyn Hay and Bridgtown Local History Society”.

The integration of records and archive will take some time in completion but as the year progresses we hope to see some of the advantages of this mutual consolidation to emerge.

I can still picture the scene during our school summer holidays. Weekends were the best days. My friend and I waited on Girton Road with excitement for the milk float. It was our secret adventure. Helping wasn’t allowed, but many milkmen looked the other way. They let us jump on and off to help them. It made their routes faster. The Co-op Milk Dairy was on Price Street in Cannock. Many kids waited there, hoping for a chance. We wanted a ride and a bit of work to earn a shilling or some sweets. Sometimes, we even get extra milk. The orange drink was a real treat, the best part was riding on the milk float. The cabs were spacious inside, and one or two helpers could fit in easily. Back then, the milk floats ran on batteries. They weren’t fancy, but they worked, I would say they were ahead of their time, as now we’re going back to batteries with modern cars.

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