Local and Social History
Local and Social History Programme - 2024
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Local and Social History Programme - 2023
Our Group's tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
"We are deeply saddened at the news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth and our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.
Our Queen was a truly remarkable lady, serving this country and the Commonwealth with dedication, leadership and passion for over 70 years.
Over her long reign, our country has changed almost beyond recognition, but Her Majesty retained a constant, reliable presence throughout"
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Our members present project is to research the people who have given their names to local areas, roads and streets and the local history around them.
Friday 20th January |
Marguerite: Northumberland Avenue, Foley Park Jane: The Badland family, Bernie Crossland, New Meeting Church, Rowland Hill Diana: Bromsgrove St, Lion Street and Square, Prospect Hill, Cross St Moira: Dixon St, Long Meadow Mills |
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Friday 17th February |
Moira: Green St Anna: James Rd, Batham Rd, Turton St, Jotham Close Gill: Franchise St, Hume St, Talbot St, Holman St |
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Friday 17th March |
Maureen: Mason Rd, Broomfield Rd, Blakebrook, Marguerite: Lawrence Sladen Janice: Ukawsaw Gronniosaw aka James Albert (Albert Rd) Development of Kidderminster Town Centre 1920 - 1935 |
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Thursday 30th March |
Illustrated presentation by 2 local cavers, members of the British Cave Rescue Council. They played a huge part in the organisation and the control centre support both here and in Thailand, throughout the rescue of the young football team and the coach from the Thailand Caves. We were able to donate £175 to the Midland Cave Rescue Association. Thank you to all who attended and heard about this amazing rescue carried out by volunteers. |
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Friday 21st April |
Members will be presenting their research about the Villages in the Wyre Forest area - our latest project Jane: Trimpley Shatterford Gill: Arley Upper Arley Wendy: Cookley We also talked about the S V R problems.
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Friday 19th May |
Wyre Forest Villages Project Diana: Mustow Green Chris: Wolverley Marguerite: Low Habberley Habberley Valley We also discussed the content of future meetings
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Friday 16th June |
Moving away from mainly presenting our researched projects, we are chatting more! Keeping to our group's theme, we will be chatting about our own local and social histories' We invite you to join us at this open meeting to see what you think about our new look! We will have a guest speaker who will tell us about the effects that her chosen job has on her and the community. Programme for the meeting: Tracey Onslow Talking about her Occupation Anna - one of her memories. Diana - Chaddesley Corbett Boys from the Board Eileen - Harvington Hall Jeanne - Summerfield & Shenstone Thank you to the new members who joined us for this meeting, we hope you all enjoyed it. It would be very nice to see you again. |
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Friday 21st July |
Programme for the meeting: Anna - Churchill Cathryn - Heightington Mattie - Stone Down memory lane with Gill |
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Friday 18th August |
Programme for the meeting: Diana - Chaddesley Corbett Cathryn - Ribbesford Penny - Hurcott Pauline P - Wilden Pauline J - Blakedown & Broome Janice - Wolverley, Crusader Attwood. |
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Friday 15th September |
Programme Mattie - Stone Manor & Stone House Pauline P - Aggborough The Swinburn Murder Kidderminster Harriers F C Jane T - A holiday experience Wendy H - A holiday nightmare! |
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Friday 20th October |
Programme: Liz - Bliss Gate & Lye Head. A look at the actual Wyre Forest Eileen - The two Martyrs of Harvington Many members recalled their experiences of past holidays, both exciting, expensive and almost disastrous! Many with no Plan B! Janice - History of New road, Kidderminster Discussion re, the effects of the loss of the carpet industries around the area. Past memories of our childhoods were remembered from a poem. |
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Friday 17th November |
Presentation by David Struckett "Bells & Bell Ringing, History & the Social effects" The War memorial on Habberley Valley |
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December 2023 |
I have now retired as this group's leader after 8 years. Thank you to all the members who have supported me. Over the years we have learnt much about Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport. Watch this space for future news. Regards Janice Evans
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Local and Social History Programme - 2022
Our members' project in 2022 / 2023 will be to research the people who have given their names to local areas, roads and streets and the local history around them.
September 19th |
Eileen: George Dance Close, Nash Close (Walter Nash), Ray Mercer Way. Jean: Puxton Hamlet, Franche Court Wendy: Talbot Street, Plimsoll Street, Hume Street |
Report |
October 21st |
Pauline P: Claughton St Jeanne: St Chad, Burcher Green Jo: Horsefair, Broad St, Caldwell Tower Pauline J: Leswell area, Harold Evers Way, Gilbert Scott Way Liz: Farfield, Villiers St, Habberley Valley Janice: Frank Freeman Way |
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November 18th |
Maureen: Peel St, Eddy Rd Doreen: Harold Evers, John Baskerville Chris: The Foxholes, Gheluvelt Avenue, Richard Baxter Cathryn: Chapel Hill Broadwaters, Mill St |
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December 16th
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This afternoon we held our Christmas Party. Very different this year as we shared it with the Quizzing members. We heard Local History stories, took part in Christmas and Local History Quizzes, followed by a bit of a tea party. Lovely opening to our own family Christmas festivities. Wishing all members a Wonderful Christmas and a Very Happy & Healthy 2023. |
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Local and Social History Programme - 2021
Friday 18th March |
Talk by John Campion. West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner Postponed TBC |
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Friday 15th April |
Members Street Project Talks
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Friday 17th June |
"When Kidderminster was lengths ahead" A presentation that tells the story of the changes and developments in our town over almost 100 years. Talk presented by Michael Loftus Postponed TBC |
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Friday 15th July |
An up-to-date illustrated presentation by Peter Hardy of the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas. Very relevant for members who have already visited the NMA, to see the changes that are being made, and for members who have never visited this inspirational and unique place. Postponed TBC |
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Friday 19th August | Members street project talks | |
Friday 16th September |
Visit to Redditch Forge Mill Needle Museum. Guided tour, drink & Cake. Car share Full details to come, again visit depends on circumstances at the time Visit postponed TBC |
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Friday 21st October |
Members street project talks. Please come with your ideas for 2023 |
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Friday 18th November |
Talk by Brian Rollings Border Control, Visas, Sham/arranged marriages, Immigration Postponed TBC |
Local and Social History Programme - 2019
Friday 18th January |
"Haven't things Changed" Presentations by Members |
Report |
Friday 15th February |
Winter Lunch followed by Photographic Memories of 2018. Meeting will begin at 1pm. If you wish to attend, please contact Janice to book a seat before the end of January. |
Report |
Sunday 10th March |
Coach visit to Plant Fair and The National Memorial Arboretum. Leaving Brinton's Park at 9am. There will be plenty of time to look round and buy from the Plant Hunters Fair, whilst visiting the very special Memorial Arboretum. Restaurant & Coffee shop open all day. There is a free talk at 2pm to be held in the Chapel as well as the 11am daily service. Cost; £10 each which includes the coach fare, drivers tip and donation to the NMA. Money to be paid by the 18th February please. |
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Friday 15th March |
Where does our Law come from? Victim Support and Witness Protection Service Presentations by Members |
Report |
Friday 19th April |
"Haven't Things Changed" Presentations by Members |
Report |
Wednesday 8th May |
Coach visit to Attingham Mansion - National Trust Leaving Brinton's Park at 8.45am. A 18thC mansion and estate shaped by a story of love and neglect. So much to see, including the Spring planted Walled Garden and iconic Picture Gallery. Cost; NT members £9 NON NT members £20.90 This includes coach fare, drivers tip, talk about the Berwick family and entrance fee for non members Money to be paid by 10th April please. |
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Friday 17th May 2pm |
Talk and tour of The Church of All Saints, Wilden A donation will be made to the church funds |
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Friday 21st June |
Visit to the Transport Museum in Wythall by shared car. This is a private visit with talk and refreshments. |
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Wednesday 26th June Arrive for 1.15pm PLEASE NOTE |
Visit to the Confetti Flower Field Wick, Pershore Private visit by shared car. Numbers limited Entrance cost for 2019 £5 each CANCELLED DUE TO FIELDS & TRACKS BEING FLOODED |
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Wednesday 10th July |
Coach visit to Trentham Gardens Stoke. Leaving Brinton's Park at 8.45am to visit the contemporary revival of the famous Italian Gardens, the Rivers of Grass and the Floral Labrynth by Piet Oudolf. There are many seats around the park, plenty of places to eat and for those of you who are shoppers, there is a fabulous shopping mall within the park. Cost per person £17, that includes the coach fare, driver's tip and the entrance fee to the Gardens Money to be paid by 24th June please. |
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Friday 19th July |
"Haven't Things Changed" Presentations by Members |
Report |
Friday 16th August 2pm |
Talk and Tour of St George's Church & Churchyard A donation will be made to church funds |
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Wednesday 4th September BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN. OPEN TO ALL U3A MEMBERS. There are a few spare seats available. |
Coach Visit to Middleton Hall and Gardens, Tamworth. Leaving Brintons Park at 8.45am. Visit this Historic Manor House with over a 1000 years of history. Wander around the Georgian Walled garden and nature trail. All renovated by a volunteer led charity. The cost of this visit is £20 each which includes the coach fare, driver's tip, entrance fee, introductory talk with morning coffee/tea. One hour tour of the hall, members split into small groups with their own guide. Entry into the Sir Robert Peel Museum, he was twice Prime Minster and founded our Police service. There are independent shops in the Courtyard and the restaurant and cafe will all be open. Money to be paid by 15th August please |
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Friday 20th September |
"Clutter in the Kitchen" by Paul Harding Starting at 2pm cost £2 each inc, refreshments Open to all members of U3A |
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Friday 18th October |
"Haven't Things Changed" Presentations by Members |
Report |
Friday 15th November |
A Wartime Christmas by Ron Gallivan Illustrated talk Cancelled Hitler couldn't stop our Wartime Christmases but the floods stopped the speaker reaching us. Will try again in 2020. |
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Friday 20th December Change of Speaker |
Illustrated talk on "A Wartime Christmas" by Ron Gallivan Everyone welcome to begin their Christmas time by hearing how our Christmases were in the 1940s |
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December Saturday 21st at 10am | Talk and Tour in St Mary's & All Saints Church when decorated for the Christmas Tree Festival. Donation will be given to the Church funds. |
Local and Social History Programme - 2018
January 19th |
Christmas lunch will be held today, all arrangements as before. This will be followed by" Photographic Memories of 2017" and the talk "Privies of Worcestershire" and free raffle. Please be at the hall by 12.30pm to begin lunch by 1pm, group session will begin after lunch. |
Report |
February 16th |
The Worthies of Bewdley by Lizzie Hill. Illustrated talk on the various families who lived and worked around Welch Gate, Bewdley. |
Report |
Tuesday February 27th |
Private visit to Hagley Hall. Guided tour and refreshments, cost £12.50. By car. To arrive by 10.30am. Money to be paid by Friday 16th February. |
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March 16th |
What did you wear in the 1950's? Presentation by Helen and Paul Harding of Discover History |
Report |
April 20th |
"All about Wolverley" Members short talks about aspects of the village. Plus memories of a "man who went to a football match" by Alison Beddoes. Cancelled due to technical problems. See June 15th |
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May 18th |
Elections and Local Members of Parliament. Presentations by members. |
Report |
Wednesday 6th June |
Coach trip to Aulden Gardens and Nursery, Leominster. Well known for their Irises. Morning visit will include a talk and refreshments there. The lunchtime and afternoon will be spent in the NT property, Berrington Hall. Cost for NT members £13.30, Non members £22.30, this includes coach fare, driver's tip, entry and refreshments at Aulden Gardens and NT entrance fee for non NT members. Monies to be paid on or before Monday 16th April, the town hall monthly meeting. Coach will leave Brinton's Car Park at 9.15am prompt. |
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Friday 15th June Extra Date |
"All about Wolverley" Complete programme transferred from April |
Report |
Friday 29th June |
Visit to the Red Cone Museum, Stourbridge, by car. starting at 1pm. A donation of £3 each for a personal audio tour. Craft shops and cafe facilities available before and after this tour. This 100ft cone is only one of four left in the UK. |
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Wednesday 11th July |
Visit to Spetchley Gardens, Worcester. For visit details, see the Gardening programme for 2018 on the group webpage. |
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Friday August 17th |
Visit to George Marshall Medical Museum, Worcester by car. Booked parking available by the museum on the hospital site. Cost £3 for guided tour at 2pm. Cafe facilities will be available before the visit and maybe afterwards. |
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Wednesday 12th September |
Coach visit to NT property, Shugborough Hall, Stafford. Cost for NT members £8.30, for non NT members £19.70, this includes the coach fare, driver's tip, and entrance fee for non NT members. The Mansion, Gardens, Farm, Servants Quarters and Patrick Lichfield Apartments will all be open. The Apartments visit will be by timed ticket. Monies to be paid on or before 16th July, the town hall monthly meeting. Coach will leave Brinton's Car Park at 9am. |
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Friday 21st Sept |
Aspects of Kidderminster & Bewdley by Film, also Kidderminster during the Cold War 1952. Presented by Bill Every, film-maker |
Report |
Friday 19th October |
Suffrage and The Suffragette Movement. Presentations by members. |
Report |
Friday 16th November |
"Remembrance" "The Unknown Soldier" by Ron Gallivan. Illustrated talk about a few aspects and personalities of World War 1 |
Report |
Friday 21st December |
"Four Kidderminster Houses through Time" Presentations by members |
Report |
Local and Social History Programme - 2017
Friday 20th January |
Photographic Memories of 2016. 2017 Programme Projects |
Report |
Friday 17th February |
Memories of Local People, presentations by members |
Report |
Friday 17th March |
Discover History by Paul and Helen Harding, Costumed Re-enactors Everyday Life and Living in the 1920's and 1930's |
Report |
Friday 31st March |
Visit to The Norton Collection museum in Bromsgrove. |
Report |
Friday 21st April |
Occupations of members, parents and grandparents Presentations by members |
Report |
Friday 19th May |
Visit to the Newman Brothers Coffin Works, Fleet Street, Birmingham. |
Report |
Friday 16th June |
Churches and Religions of the local area. Presentations by members |
Report |
Friday 30th June
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Visit to a couple of local churches to hear about the history. Sorry, postponed until a later date. |
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Friday 21st July No indoor meeting |
Walk and Talk around Wribbenhall with Heather Flack 2pm £1 Meet outside Bridge House in Bewdley. |
Report |
Wednesday 9th August Details are all now confirmed
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Visit Kenilworth Castle and Gardens followed by visit to Coventry Cathedral. Leaving Brinton's Park at 9.10am and arriving home by 5.30pm. Cost inc: coach fare, driver's tip, entrance fee, donation to E H. £14.00 Members of the Gardening Group are invited to join. |
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Friday 18th August
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Visit to the Worcester Royal Infirmary Museum, Castle Road. Travel by the 303 bus using your pass or car, parking in Croft rd or Pitchcroft C P. |
Report |
Wednesday 13th Sept All details are now confirmed |
Coach trip to Sudeley Castle. £22.50. Cost includes coach fare, driver's tip, Castle entrance, History talk, morning coffee/tea. Leaving Brinton's Park at 8.45am. Money due by July 17th monthly meeting. Gardening group members invited |
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Friday 15th September |
" Hatched and Matched" Childhood, Christening, Wedding photographs & Memorabillia. Everyone to bring a baby photograph Being a Midwife in the 1880s Being a Health Visitor in the 1900's |
Report |
Friday 29th Sept 5th Friday in month |
Visit to Museum of Worcester Life in Friar Street and visit Greyfriars NT House opposite the museum. Confirmed Travel to Worcester on the 9.30am 303 bus Use your bus pass |
Report |
Friday 20th October |
Education - Memories as a Pupil or Working Life as a Teacher. Holy Trinity Convent - Anna Being a School Matron - Anne University at the age of 50 - Moira |
Report |
Friday 17th November |
Return to World War 1 and 2. Local Military War Grave Presentations by members following their research in local graveyards. Experiences of a career Seaman. |
Report |
Friday 15th December |
Christmas lunch. Illustrated talk about The Privies of Worcestershire Postponed until Friday 19th January, see details on programme for 2018 |
Local and Social History Report for 2016
Meeting: 16th December.
This was our Christmas lunch event. After we had enjoyed a super lunch, we settled back to sing some old tyme songs. Our guest Anne accompanied us on the keyboard. We listen to part of a poem written by the Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, in which she described the events on the Somme frontline during the Christmas day truce. Our own resident storyteller then kept us spell bound with two of her stories, great.
Members showed that they remembered much about the events in the, all about the Fifties quiz. A very happy afternoon.
Wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful and Happy 2017.
Meeting: 18th November.
This afternoon the group welcomed Dennis, U3A Military History group leader. He did an excellent job of answering questions from the members about many aspects of WW1 and WW2. We are so lucky to have such an expert to call on. Subjects such as Army postings, medals, the significance of Death Pennies, Worcs battalions, War Grave Commission website, various protected occupations and the Bevan Boys.
Another member told us about her childhood during the blitz in Southampton, a very interesting WW1 timeline poster was on display, and a Remembrance poem about the Railway workers in wartime was read out. We heard about a soldier's travels around the world and how information was passed or not to the families back home.
Meeting: 21st October.
What a very nostalgic afternoon - full of memories of days gone by.
The recollections of a member starting work in her parents "Open all Hours" corner shop/off licence at the age of 15 in 1958; were at times hilarious as well as sad because such shops no longer exist.
Skills such as boning and rolling a side of bacon, storage of foodstuffs especially bananas, having to collect everything from a cash and carry, no van deliveries then. Making evening deliveries to customers, having worked in the shop for 12 hours; and dealing with the "odd" customers, like the one who everyday asked to buy just the top of a cottage loaf, and numerous times saying "Cheddar cheese", there was only one kind available! Memories of biscuits in open tins, sweets in jars all having to be weighed out, wines on tap out of plastic boxes and paperbags; all bought back memories and smiles.
Fast forward a couple of decades and we listened to the memories of an ex supermarket manager. The tales of non honest staff, usually at managerial level were related. Again another couple of decades on and more memories of supermarket security and theft by another member. So maybe somethings never change!
To put all the memories of shopping long ago into perspective, another member undertook a survey of all shop premises within the confines of the ring road of Kidderminster. To our dismay we heard that 26% of shops were empty and if the number of discount and charity shops were included, that left Kidderminster with only 50% of occupied shop premises, and very few of them were independantly owed. How sad! especially with the council having spent all that money on pedestrian areas, and now very few shops left for townspeople and visitors to visit.
With many pre-decimalisation coins on show, we realised that the lighter modern coins were kinder to our pockets and purses.
Meeting: 16th September.
It was the turn of Stourport on Severn to come under the spotlight at this meeting.
A brief history of the town was presented which was focused on the development of the Canal basins. It was James Brindley who was responsible for the construction of the canal system in the town, including the design of the basin, wharfs, and locks.
The town grew rapidly from a population of 12 in the 1760s to 1300 in 1795. Because of the business that the canals brought to Stourport, the town quickly attracted Parties of Ladies and Gentlemen to visit in their carriages, to partake in Water Parties - Regattas
But by the middle of the 1850s despite the opening of the Severn Valley Railway, the town was already in decline. It is strange that the coming of canal life in Stourport spelt the end to Bewdley's wealth and the coming of the railway brought about the end to Stourport's prosperity.
A talk was given on the life of Aaron York, a Bewdley man who came to Stourport in 1775, he was built York House and brought much industry to the town, York street was named after him on his death in 1797.
We also heard about the beginnings of Stourport's carnival and river parade, a tradition that is still on the first weekend in September.
A walk around Stourport followed on the Sunday, viewing the many old houses, canal bridges around the the town. Much interest was shown in the canal lock keeper's office and cottage that needed to be open 24 hours a day, in order to collect the tolls due on canal cargoes.
The renovated basins now add so much interest to the town and are providing many opportunities for tourism in the area.
Meeting: 15th July.
This time the members focused on Bewdley. Rose began by telling us about the history of the town and it soon became evident what a wealthy town and port Bewdley had been in times past. So many wealthy and prominent people through the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries had links to Bewdley. Whether it be through business or government connections of the day.
Cath carried the meeting forward by relating tit-bits of facts, gossip and real events that had happened in the past in some of the houses of Bewdley.
Margaret presented an illustrated talk about a Quaker missionary who lived in Bewdley for 30years, Watson Binns. He undertook a life's work in promoting the work of the Society of Friends. He was well connected to some very prominent people who were also Quakers, industrialists and socialites. He was born in 1820 and died 1905 and lived with his wife Esther Lunt Wood.
All of this information about Bewdley was brought to life on a town walk on Sunday. It is amazing how much of Bewdley has remained since the 17th century. The town was certainly the place to be, so much wealth and business going on, largely influenced by the trade that the River Severn bought to the area. Bewdley will long be associated by the number of public houses and churches in the area for over 300years! A great town to explore!
Meeting: 17th June.
Anita started us off down memory lane, with a collection of objects from the 1950's, and music from that era. Soon all the comments were: " I had one of those" We used to read this" I used one of those" "Look how cheap this was" Curiosity was raised by a little Goss pottery cauldron, with a transfer printed Kidderminster coat of arms and a quote from Hamlet as decoration; it was stamped on the base "Boots Cash Chemist. More info needed on that little item!
Items from comics, magazines, catalogues gave rise to happy memories and a lot of laughter. We talked about smoking as teenagers, collecting Green Shield stamps, cigarette coupons, making hand made articles, the toys we had, the books we read.
We talked at length about our earliest memories which were all very different but very happy!
Doreen was relieved that Kidderminster folk were not resentful when "migrants" from Birmingham and the Black Country descended into Kidderminster in the 1960's/1970's. In fact as the town was booming at that time there was plenty of work for everyone, and the large estates that were being built at the time in Franche, Marpool and Offmore brought more wealth to the town. The infrastructure seemed to cope very well with the influx of new families.
Another lovely afternoon full of happy memories, why is it that we can all remember that far back but cannot remember what we did last week!
Meeting: 20th May.
A lovely afternoon spent listening to members' memories of working in the different carpet factories. Sometimes two or three generations of families working together. We heard how the carpet owners really looked after their workers, providing outings and other varied social events. Although there appeared not to be much loyalty to the to the firm you worked for, it was an acceptable practice for female workers to change jobs quite regularly.
The members explained the types of work carried out by the different workers, the pickers, the setters, the creelers, the dyers and the weavers. These memories, photographs and tales provided the insight into the carpet trade which will add more interest to our visit to Kidderminster's Museum of Carpet in June.
Doreen spoke about a very different side of the carpet industry. She worked at the town's Employment Exchange on Castle road. For many years over the decline of the carpet trade, the staff there were responsible for paying out short-time working benefits, redundancy payments, as well as trying to persuade other employers in the town to take on carpet workers via various government schemes.
As now, the government then tried hard to massage the unemployment figures. Disabled workers were moved onto Incapacity benefit, married women were not counted in the figures, nor were workers who went on re-training schemes. Things haven't changed!!
Meeting: 15th April.
A member from another U3A group spoke to us about the Communication preparations that were developed in the Drakelow Tunnels, should they have been needed in the event of a nuclear attack in the Cold War years. We were all relived that no such attack had materialised.
Rickie presented a very detailed and moving talk about her work experiences in Social Housing. She covered many aspects about the history of Social housing and how successive governments had dealt with the issues and the lack of suitable properties.
Issues surrounding Homelessness were explored, resulting in members realisation that there are many varied problems on being a tenant, many of which are not the tenants fault. Government changes in housing benefit, loss of the Fair Rent Act, the high mortgage deposit needed to buy property, the high rates now charged by landlords, lack of social and housing association property all contribute to the ongoing, increasing problem of homelessness.
Meeting: 18th March.
The members watched a DVD, "The Kidderminster Story" which looked back on the history of the town 1300 years ago. It looked at the physical changes that had taken place and at the outstanding events in the town's history. Including the English Civil War that tore the town apart, the 19thC weavers riots and the impact of the two World Wars.
Members also heard a potted history of the town and heard the stories of some of the famous residents throughout the years. Especially interesting was the story of Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African prince of Zoara and freed slave. Who while living in Kidderminster between 1760-1770 wrote his autobiography. The work turned out to be the first slave narrative in the English language to be published.
The meeting was followed up with a walk around the most historical part of the town, on Sunday morning.
Starting in Brinton's park the members looked at the town's memorial Garden, heard about Richard Eve's life and viewed his lovely monument decorated with Victorian tiles and details of his life. Along Park lane and the rare black and white dolls houses, past the Round Wharf Estate and onto admire the picture above the door of the Castle Inn.
The front of the swimming baths, now apartments, have retained their original frontage, facing the untouched long run of Brinton's warehouse building.
Members were surprised to see the giant Tulip tree planted in the 17thC in the grounds of Caldwell Tower. Our walk ended with looking at some of the burial plots of former town residents as well as hearing about the Non conformist chapel within the burial grounds. A number of War Grave headstones made from Portland stone were found in the grounds.
A walk made more interesting with hearing members memories as we went along. A few secrets came out of what members got up to in their earlier years!! Even where one member had her first kiss! No comment!
Visit to Kidderminster Town Hall
Members were treated to a talk by Tim Morris the organist for the town and St Georges church. We heard the William Hill organ being played.
Bob Fleming, Honorary Freeman and retired Mayor's officer presented an excellent tour and talk about the history of Kidderminster's political side. We were able to look at all the past mayor's portraits and and view their names on plaques dated back to the 17thC. We also saw the Charter that was granted to the town by Charles 1st.
The members then had the privilege of meeting Mrs Rose Bishop, Mayor of the town. She gave us a great insight into her year as mayor, she will have carried out upwards of 800 events throughout her year. We saw her in the mayor's robes complete with her chain of office so heavy and so warm! The members were impressed with the way she had approached her year in office, treating it as a civic duty not a political one. The protocol surrounding the mayor's duties is very complex and an efficient Mayor's officer is a must!
Finally members got to sit on the Judge's chair, stand in the dock and witness box and sit on the jury's seats in the very austere scary courtroom. I don't think any member had actually been in the dock but a few had served as jury members! An excellent interesting visit.
Meeting: 19th February.
Thank you to Anne, Stella and Pauline for presenting an excellent insight into the care and lifestyles of the mentally and physically disabled children and adults living in Lea Castle Hospital, throughout the 1970's, 80's and 90's.
The transition from institutional life to living out into the community by the patients was very interesting. The professionalism of the staff contributed so much to making Lea Castle Hospital so well regarded around the country.
Coincidences are still happening at these group meetings! members meeting old school friends, college and workplace friends. What a small place we live in!!
Meeting: 15th January.
Another super meeting. Cathryn gave us an insight of the Nurse training required in the 1960's; where discipline, rules and regulations were priority, but still patients were well cared for. Just imagine life in a hospital without any disposables!! Glass thermometers to be cleaned, proper towels, full cotton uniforms all to be washed in boiling water, instruments to be sterilized in "fish kettles" on the ward by the nurses. Never mind the measuring of the sheet turndowns and hospital corners all with the patients sitting beautifully against the plumped up pillows, with openings all facing the correct way, before Matron and doctors did their rounds!!
Then from the sublime to the ridiculous, Neil gave us an insight of what it was like to be a resident of the Kidderminster Workhouse. Where if the door was left open inmates would be running away. Conditions were harsh, overcrowded, hard manual labour expected, all with never enough to eat.
Meeting: 18th December.
What a super lunch we all shared today. Thank you to all of you for bring the most appetizing donations of food.
The afternoon just got better when one of our members, Alan, gave the most interesting talk about his life as a Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths. The history of the Registration Service as we know it today was fascinating. The talk included some sad stories, some happy and some just unbelievable!!! Thank you Alan, from us all.
Meeting: 20th November. Thank you for the messages of appreciation sent to me following this afternoon.
A great number of members contributed to this meeting, which reflected on WW1 and WW2. You shared with us the experiences of family members, many sad but some happy.
The collection of medals, photographs, service records, personal letters on display were all very poignant. I hope in years to come families do not have cause to add even more memories to these collections.
I know some of you have questions that you would like to be answered. During next year's progamme we will try to answer some of your queries to help in some cases, complete a story.
Following on from October's meeting, Maureen brought in a photograph of Anna as a little girl with her mother and father, which she had never seen before!
Meeting: 16th October. We enjoyed a super meeting, starting with Anna showing us the contents of her Mom's sewing box which was very revealing.
This was followed by the members talking about the sewing and household items they had brought to the group. This is a group that is going to be full of nostalga and memories!!!
By kind permission of Anna:
Two members found they had a connection to Anna's mother Vicky. On leaving Burlish Camp after WW2 Vicky went to lodge with the parents of Maureen. Chris remembers being taught to sew by Vicky.
By kind permission of Maureen and Dale, a fascinating coincidence:
There were 2 brothers born 1854 and 1860 married 2 sisters born 1860 and 1857.
John Gwynne to Mary McGilvray and Robert Gwynne to Jean McGilvray both in Stirling Scotland.
Robert and Jean Gwynne relocated to Kidderminster from Kirkcaldy with the Victoria Carpet Co.
John Gwynne and his wife Mary, remained in Scotland.
Maureen's great grandfather John Gwynne
Dale's great grandmother was Jean Gwynne
so Maureen and Dale are 3rd cousins and although having known each other for 50 years had no idea they were related!!! That's social history!!!
Meeting: 18th September. WOW!!!! I was overwhelmed by the wealth of knowledge and interest shown by the members present. Thank you to all who attended.
Forget outside speakers, we have enough enthusiasm and knowledge from the members to be able to produce our own speakers on such a wide variety of subjects for months to come.
We will be covering areas such as Schooldays, Places of Work, Houses, Social Life in our areas, Family history, Postcards, Photographs etc the interests are endless.
Local and Social History Programme - 2016
January 15th |
Training to be a Nurse Kidderminster Workhouse from 1753 |
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February 19th |
" From Institutional Care to Care in the Community" Life at Lea Castle Hospital and Beyond 1982 - 1989 and 1993 - 2007 The Public's perception of "Disability" |
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March 11th Afternoon Visit |
Tour of Kidderminster Town Hall 3pm prompt Talk by Kidderminster's Mayor, Mrs Rose Bishop. Guided tour by Bob Fleming ex Mayor's officer Hear about the famous William Hill organ from organist Tim Morris. |
Tour will last no more than 2 hours |
March 18th |
All about Kidderminster Talk and DVD |
Money for the Back to Backs visit and NT cards to be shown at this meeting please. Cheques payable to National Trust or Cash accepted. |
March 20th |
Kidderminster Town Walk morning & afternoon |
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April 8th Afternoon Visit |
Guided tour of the Back to Back Houses in Birmingham First tour will begin at 1pm, and then at 10 min intervals, in groups of 8. There is a shop and museum which you can browse while waiting for your group. |
Bring NT cards if a member. There is a car park directly opposite. |
April 15th |
Social Housing and Homelessness Talk about the Use of the Tunnels |
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May 13th Morning Visit |
Guided Tour of Drakelow Tunnels 11am prompt. Photography allowed |
Parking details to come. Please wear warm clothing and bring a torch. Cost £10 each, tour will last one and half hours
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May 20th |
The Carpet Industry The Implications of Statutory Redundancies Memories and Memorabillia of the Industry |
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Friday 10th June |
Visit to Kidderminster Museum of Carpet Refreshments and Opening Talk History of the Carpet Industry Demonstration of working looms Guided tour of the museum |
Cost £6 each 1pm start This is your local museum charting the heyday of the carpet industry |
June 17th |
Your chance to talk, express views about anything local, historical or present day. " A nostalgic look back at the 1950's" "What did they think about us?" Memories of 2 workers from Drakelow Tunnels |
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July 15th
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"The History of Bewdley" "Memories of Bewdley Streets and Houses" " The Missionary of Bewdley" |
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July 17th | A walk around Bewdley |
Starting from Gardeners Meadow Car Park 90 mins free parking. Walk begins at 10.30am |
Friday 19th August |
Visit to the Museum of Lost Content. Visit to Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre Craven Arms |
Voted the best British museum of Social History. 3 floors crammed with everything that we all have used or worn, but thrown away. Leaving Brinton's Park at 10am Calling in at the Ludlow Food Centre on the way home. Money to be paid before the end of July please. |
Sept 16th |
"All about the History of Stourport" "Memories from members about Stourport" |
Please bring your questions and requests ready for the November meeting. |
Sept 18th | Walk around Stourport Town and Marina |
Starting at 10.30am Please park in Vale road carpark. where parking is free for 90mins |
Sept 25th | Walk and talk round the Drakelow area by 2 members who grew up in this area. | Please meet at 10.30am. Drive to the traffic lights in Wolverley village, turn left into Drakelow lane, carry on along the lane until the crossroads, turn right and park tidily along that road. Walk will last about an hour. |
Oct 21st |
" Life in Retailing, pre decimalisation" Show and tell by members of Retail items. Retail and Housing costs
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Nov 18th |
Question and Answer Session about Wartime Activities and Memorabillia ,Meeting led by 2 invited U3A members. Questions and requests needed on the September meeting. e.g medals, battles regiments paperwork etc. |
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Dec 16th |
Christmas Lunch and Entertainment 1pm start
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