Programme

2024

9 October
2.00 for 2.30
Lightwoods
House

“The Siege of Dudley Castle” –  Elaine Joyce makes a welcome return to tell us about her research into the garrison and siege at Dudley Castle during the Civil War, in particular a Colonel Leveson who carried out several raids into Birmingham stealing people’s cattle!

Elaine
Joyce

13 Nov
2.00 for 2.30
Lightwoods
House

“It’ll all be over by Christmas – Oh, what a Bostin war!” This illustrated presentation examines people’s reactions to the outbreak of the Great War in the Black Country.  Was it ‘business as usual’, or did war hysteria sweep across the region?  Did the war bring out the best, or the worst, in local people?  What were the myths and what was the reality.

Quintin
Watt

4 Dec
2.00 for 2.30
Lightwoods
House

“A Victorian Christmas – a 19^th Century Reinvention?”  Nigel’s talk considers the role of the Royal Family and Charles Dickens in the reinvention of Christmas: how they celebrated, what they ate, their decorations and games.  Afterwards, please join us for a seasonal bite to eat and glass of (sadly) non-alcoholic punch.

Nigel
Metcalfe

9 Jan
7 for 7.3
BY ZOOM

“Mad Dogs and Maria Martin”
Mary has been delving into the news archive from the 1820’s and has unearthed some interesting stories behind the headlines of the day. This meeting will be held by Zoom to give members living further away or working during the day, to have the opportunity to join us for a meeting.  Joining details for Zoom will be advised nearer the time.

Mary
Bodfish

13 Feb
2 for 2.30
Lightwoods
House

“Origins of Place Names”
Have you ever wondered how some towns and villages came by their quaint names?  David Butler-Hollington, Chairman of the Darlaston Local History Society, presents a light-hearted look into how various Black Country locations gained their names, often with Anglo-Saxon origins.

David Butler-
Hollington

13 March
2 for 2.30
at
Lightwoods
House

“The Edwardian Age”
An age of gentility for some, hardship for others.  John Billingham examines the lifestyle of the playboy King Edward VII against the background of social change reflected in Asquith’s reforming government and the activities of the Suffragette Movement.

John
Billingham

10 April
2 for 2.30
at
Lightwoods
House

“The Island by Francis Brett Young” – We welcome back Mike Hall, Chairman of Quinton Historical Society and the Francis Brett Young Society, who will tell us about the epic story of Great Britain written by this Black Country author, as told through the eyes of local characters recalling the great nation-forming events of their lifetimes – an absorbing and nostalgic experience.

Mike Hall

8 May
2 for 2.30
at
Lightwoods
House

“Stories from the Stones” Warstone Lane Cemetery is Grade II listed on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest and is lovingly preserved and protected by the Friends of Key Hill & Warstone Lane Cemeteries of whom Richard Beardall is a member. An unusual feature is the catacombs where John Baskerville, the renowned printer, is interred.  Richard will tell us more about the background of some of the interesting occupants of these two cemeteries.

Richard
Beardall