PUBLICATIONS :  BRIDGTOWN RECOLLECTIONS.

Since the last upgrade the latest book has been published. David Williams & John Devey have worked hard to produce a different type book. It still contains a good number of photographs but it focuses on the recollections of a number of former residents to illustrate how the village has changed over the years. I believe it is a good read and well worth its £6.00 price tag.

We are planning to produce a definitive history of Bridgtown and all of the team are involved in various aspects of the history.
A plan of action has been formulated and funding is being sourced. Hopefully, it will be ready for publishing around 2019.

HERITAGE WALK:

Many of you will already have seen the first of the Heritage boards outside Costa Coffee House on the ringroad. (if not! Why not?) and the second is about to be unveiled at the new housing development on Walsall Road where the Cornelius Whitehouse “Hedghog Works” was situated. Funding was kindly supplied by the site developers. Another 3 should be erected  and news about those will be forthcoming.

PHOTO ARCHIVE:

This will be a huge undertaking and we are preparing the Albums so that a comprehensive and searchable database can be developed to make research much easier. More to come with this.

TALKS :

March’s talk will be “More streets of Bridgtown” with our own Derrick Middleton. Due to problems with illness etc. further talks will be added as they become confirmed.

STAFFORDSHIRE MAY DAY DISPLAY AT CANNOCK CHASE MUSEUM

On Sunday 1st May 2016 the Society, along with other Local History Groups was invited to the Staffordshire Day Exhibition at The Museum of Cannock Chase. David Battersby, Catherine Page & John Devey prepared a series of photographs and Tools from our archive denoting the Edge Tool works in Bridgtown and Bob Brevitt added an Around & About Bridgtown display. The display was completed by a selection of our Books and computer access to the Bridgtown Website. The Museum opened to the public noon til 4pm and there was a steady trickle of interest in our display. Also with us were groups from Norton Canes, Hazel Slade  and Chadsmoor and we were entertained by two medieval songsters.

BDLHS EDGE TOOL DISPLAY

Cath & David discuss the event with attendees from Hazel Slade and Great Wyrley
The weather played its part as the “Cloggers” and the Brass Band had to curtail their outdoor displays and go indoors. Even so there was a steady flow of people even though the event was not well advertised.

24th APRIL 2016

Dedication of Leighton & B.R.A.G.  Garden in North Street
Despite the inclement weather many people turned up to witness the Dedication of the garden now known as the Leighton Garden – commemorating Dora & Jim Leighton who both did much for the village and also remembering the Bridgtown Residents Action Group who helped stop the village being demolished and turned into a massive Industrial Park.

The Vicar of Bethel Church, the reverend Edwin Myers, led the dedication and there was a speech by Parish Council Chairman, Mr Eddie Smith.
Among those present was County Councillor for Bridgtown, Alison Spicer, Parish Councillors Eddie Smith & wife Sue, Maureen Freeman and John Kraujolis,  Mr Bob Leighton his wife Becky and Jim Leighton’s son representing the Leighton family and Mrs Jeanette Cartwright, representing the BRAG contingent. There was a welcome visit from  former Society Chairman and now life member Mr Tony Pearson and wife Anne. There was also a good turnout from the Society, many of whom were also present as members of the Church, former BRAG members and other groups.

The unveiling took place and then all went to the Bethel Church where there were short speeches by Mr. Eddie Smith who read out a prepared speech from Mr. Barry Cartwright ( first Council Chairman of the Parish), Mr. John Devey for the Society and a poigniant  speech from  Mrs Peggy Greenway. There was a grand buffet laid on and the vicar gave Grace.

23rd April 2016

As some of you may know 1st July 1916 was the start of one of the hardest fought and bloodiest battles of World War 1 – “The Battle of the Somme”. In conjunction with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, there will be events and projects undertaken throughout the 141 days (the length of the battle) remembering those dark days. Here is a video by the actor, Hugh Dennis, outlining the CWGC’s propositions:

CWGC Hugh Dennis

We will keep updating this worthwhile project as things progress

April 2016

The talk at the Bethel this morning was an enlightning and amusing one given by member Mr Peter Bates who was aided and abetted by some of other well known Longfordites and a few memory jogging photographs.

A change of Telephone numbers for the Member Secretary (Bob Brevitt) has caused a few problems with the team as Bob (Me) didn’t give any notice so all thought I’d gone into the spy business. My new number for those predisposed to calling me is 01922 411942. The Contacts list has been updated.

The Bridgtonian for Spring 2016 is now out and being distributed. As membership lapsed at the end of March, we will be ceasing to send to those not renewing after this issue. So get your membership renewed ASAP as the Bridgtonian for non-members costs £1.75 .