BIRD MAN OF BRIDGTOWN

It’s interesting how certain memories from the past linger in one’s mind. Brian Aldred’s pigeon shed was far from a pretty sight. It was constructed from spare pieces of off-cuts of wood that he had collected over the weeks and months from Lindfords, the wood merchants in Cannock. The shed leaned more like a tired old man against a pub wall. It resembled a patchwork quilt made from scavenged timber—bits of old doors, some warped planks, and even a slice of corrugated iron from who knows where. You could easily guess what was inside, as the whole structure exuded the rich, earthy, and slightly dusty smell of pigeon. It wasn’t just a shed, it was Brian’s sanctuary.

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The sad loss of Trevor McFarlane (CHDLHS Ex-Chairman)

We received the sad news about Trevor McFarlane passing away 20th March 2025. On behalf of Bridgtown and District Local History Society, may we send our condolences 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 from 2004. He built the society upto a great standard and was still a big part of CH&DLS even after he retired has chairman 2019. Trevor was involved at the start of Bridgtown & District Local History Society back in 2009 and will be sadly missed.

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Monthly Meeting – 5th July 2023

We had a great turn out at our monthly Coffee Morning today, with photos from our archives of people and roads to look at. There was a map from 1861 on display that showed what Bridgtown was like when it first started.There was also a more recent map that pin points where all of our history boards are displayed around the village and surrounding area.

We had a small display of photos at the coffee morning that showed members of the Whitehouse family. This was a large family and a big name in the village, with having many connections with local industries.

At today’s meeting we got to celebrate three upcoming members birthdays. There was Jackie Primmer, a long standing member. Jean Dace celebrating her 80th birthday and our Chairman John Devy, who all share their birthday on the 13th July. So from all at the society we would like to wish them a very happy birthday.


This photo, we don’t have any information for. All we know is that the two men flew pigeons in Bridgtown. If anyone recognises the two men or has anymore information that could help name the people in the photograph it would be greatly appreciated.

If you would like a closer look at the photo, please come along to our Coffee Morning (first Wednesday each month) where you can see the photo on display.