Newsletter: August 2024

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Dear Members           

Here is my Chairman’s Report:

This year has had a different feel to it. With members of the Committee wishing to stand down because of increasing age, the fate of the Society seemed to be hanging in the balance. Luckily disaster appears to have been averted, Sylvia Jenkins came to our rescue after Christmas when she agreed to take on the role of Programme Secretary. This was a job which Stephen Skinner had organised superbly throughout the ten years which he had agreed to give to the role.

Then there was another important vacancy when Margaret Dean said she would like to stay on the Committee but without the work involved by being Membership Secretary. John Simpson has stepped forward to work alongside Margaret whilst he learns what is involved. Margaret has been one of the longest serving members, not just of the History Society, but of the Civic Society beforehand. She deserves a well-earned break. Val Holland and Janet Evans have also expressed the wish to retire from the Committee, again they have been stalwarts for very many years.

That leaves Fred Turley, Peter Birkert, Margaret Dean, Gill Gogle and myself. We too would like to find younger replacements to make sure that the Society is in safe hands for many years to come. More volunteers would be welcomed.

Looking back over the Programme for this last year I think we have just completed a very successful range of talks. Ned Williams began the events by admirably describing the short-lived construction and life of the Wombourne Railway. Besides its function of carrying coal from the Baggeridge Colliery, it served as a destination drop-off for wounded soldiers after the Second World War.

In October Doug Newlyn explored not only why judges wore wigs, but the background to important British traditions like having a jury to assist the judge in high profile cases.

Kevin Goodman, in November brought us the gory details of body snatching for medical research An excellent talk, but not the lightest of subjects. The December talk nearly didn’t happen as Dorothy Nicolle developed flu two days before the evening. Luckily, Elaine Joyce our April speaker was able to step into the breach. We learnt about Charles II’s escape from Cromwell’s forces after the Battle of Worcester through the stories of his loyal companions. In particular of his faithful comrade Colonel Careless, who was with him in the oak tree throughout that long day in hiding.

Winning the vote was the subject of Mike Haynes’s talk in January. The content was quite eye-opening right from the beginning when he showed a picture of the Downton Abbey characters from the 1911 era and explained how hardly any of them would have had the right to vote. From early times, through Rotten Boroughs, bribery and disenfranchisement he brought us to the present day with an educated view on our present political situation.

There was no meeting in March because of the Arts Festival, but as Lesley Smith appeared as Elizabeth I on the Tuesday night the history element was covered superbly.

Phil Clayton came to replace Dorothy Nicolle in April. He gave us a fascinating tour of our local canals, explaining how they came to be where they are, their construction, decline after the coming of the railways and subsequent rejuvenation into leisure centres of the 21st century.

Once again Andrew Lound kept us enthralled as he unravelled the story of Scott of the Antarctic. Our eyes were opened as to how his naval career helped to shape the way he dealt with his men and that maybe his refusal to use dogs was a key factor in the subsequent failure of his expedition.

Our recent coach trip to Powis Castle was enjoyed by all. The castle itself and the Clive Museum were very interesting with informative and welcoming guides to share their knowledge, whilst outside the herbaceous borders were a delight to behold.

I look forward to welcoming you all at our next meeting in September,

Codsallhistory.org, our popular website, continues to be well used. We have had ‘Wartime in Codsall’ put onto the website in its entirety for people to read or download.

History publications – we have recently had two of our recent publications reprinted. ‘Memories from Around Codsall’ and ‘Bilbrook in a Bygone Age’ are now available once again, either from the Library in the Hub or from Judy Davies via the website.

The Society continues to support the British Legion by laying a wreath in Codsall and Bilbrook each year. Bilbrook now allows people to reuse their wreath from the previous year whilst contributing the same amount of money to their very worthy cause.

Last September Paul Dean produced a display of Codsall History for the Willenhall History Society. Since then it has been in demand at Birches School and Codsall Library.
       

RENEWAL OF SUBSCRIPTION 2024-2025

Please make your cheque for £12.50 per person payable to Codsall & Bilbrook History Society or cash and return it to the Membership Secretary, or if you prefer to pay online: Codsall and Bilbrook History Society. Sort Code: 30-99-83 Account No: 02233241. Please insert your name and postcode for identification.

Then please inform the Treasurer Peter Birkert by email quoting your name and postcode.

peteruwclub@gmail.com

If paying by cheque or cash please send to Membership Secretary using the form below: (NB: It’s better to use the PDF version.)

Mr John Simpson, 23 Pagham Close, Pendeford, Wolverhampton, WV9 5RD

I/we enclose a subscription of £…….

Name /s……………………………………………………………………

Address ……………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………..

Postcode …………………………… Telephone number ………………

Email: ........................................................................................

NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE for the Autumn AGM

I wish to nominate:

Chairman: ………………………      Membership Secretary …………………………           

Treasurer: ………………………       Programme Secretary  …………………………

Committee      (1) ………………….......                   (2) ………………………............

(3) ………………….......                   (4) ………………………............

(5) ………………………                  (6) ……………………………....

Name of Proposer ………………...........                   Seconder …………………..........

If you wish to nominate a person please send this form to Margaret Dean with your subscription.

Present Committee:-

 Judy Davies (Chairman), Peter Birkert (Treasurer ), John Simpson (Membership Secretary,)  Sylvia Jenkins (Programme Secretary), Fred Turley, Margaret Dean, Gill Gogle, David Burton-Pye.

New nominations / people willing to help with sound/ publicity/ exhibitions are more than welcome. Please include a note if you would be interested.

Registered Charity 5038