Book Writing - Good and Bad

I have just read a blog entry (follow link below) “10 Literary Trends that Need to Go Away” (http://www.accreditedonlinecolleges.org/blog/2011/10-literary-trends-that-need-to-go-away/).

It made me think about the wealth of quality material available in the Black Country. I am not talking about nationally published fiction or non-fiction, available from the likes of Waterstones and supermarkets. I am talking about local material.

On Saturday night, for example, I attended a book launch in Bilston for Ned William's new major works: "Black Country Cinemas" and "Black Country Theatres". Ned has spent years researching and compiling these works, and what a job he has done. He has also taken the trouble to self-publish them, so he believes in the quality of the work. I have both books, and will be reviewing them in the Winter issue of The Blackcountryman.

I am also talking about the wealth of material that Black Country folk have published over centuries. Fiction from the likes of Jerome K Jerome and Francis Brett Young; and non-fiction from a variety of writers on the whole spectrum of Black Country-related subjects.

We buy a lot of books, in fact I have just had to extend my bookcases in my office to cater for recent purchases. Some of those are modern fiction and non-fiction, but much is Black Country-related and is my reading of choice. There is also a bit of a thrill at finding an out of print book, often from the late 19th or early 20th Century, it is like buying a piece of history - an antique.

Finally, just so this post doesn't sound too much like a rant. I have just installed a new app on my iPad. It is a British Library app and is free to download. It gives access to a whole library of out of copyright books, some are available free of charge, but for a small monthly subscription, you can have access to at least 30,000 (soon to rise to a planned 60,000) books on every conceivable subject. I have subscribed and have already read books by Hackwood on Wednesbury and West Bromwich, and have others that I have ready to read. It is the best £1.99 I have spent this month and I will be continuing my subscription as long as the books keep coming. I think for a historian, that it is almost worth the price of an iPad to get this facility!

Mike

Local Artist Fred Barnefield's 76th birthday exhibition video

Click on the link below to see the youTube video of local Black Country artists's birthday exhibition

Exhibition

Update on National Dialect Day - 22/10/11

The profile of the National Dialect Day has clearly been raised. As Sid put it, the presenter on the regional BBC news programme, 'Look North', used the phrase, 'National Dialect Day', so it exists, just the same as when you put a nameplate on a door.  The key is now to build. BBC Radio Devon got in touch were in touch with organisers to say that they are interested in covering the 2013 bash, and there were radio interviews on BBC Radio Lincs and also Humberside the day before the event. So, as far as the media goes, a message to all future hosts: make sure the Beeb, radio & TV, know all about your event - and all other local/regional/national media, of course.

On the day, 60+ were there in the afternoon for the competition and around 100 for the evening bash.  It seems that the local Lincolnshire food - stuffed chine, haslet, Lincs sausages, etc - went down really well (the stuffed chine quickly ran out ....) It seems like a good idea to do the local food thing - fits in with the heritage angle - recommended for future events.

The three trophy winners were The Bill o' Bows Trophy for a performance of original work in chosen dialect: Andy Robinson (LIncs)

The Sam Laycock Trophy for a performance in Lincolnshire (host county) dialect: Peter Mackinder (Lincs)

The Eric Topping Trophy for a performance in any English dialect: John Routledge (County Durham)

NB Only the host county can, in theory, win all 3 trophies!

The Far Welter'd hentertayunment trophy was introduced for the best 'act' at the evening bash, which went to Sid Calderbank, whoever he is! Like all the trophies, this will travel around, so it kind of embeds the idea of an informal evening bash.

Look out for the 2012 (Northumberland) and 2013 (Devon) events, hopefully we will get plenty of notice and be able to be represented at the event, given the unique nature of the Black Country dialect we should be represented.

Tipton Boat Gauging Station

The Black Country Society has written to Sandwell MBC expressing its opposition to the renewal of planning permission to convert for residential purposes the Boat Gauging Station, Tipton.  In 2007, led by Vic Smallshire, Chairman of the Dudley Canal Trust, organisations such as the Inland Waterways Association, Birmingham Canal Navigation Society, the Black Country Society, the Victorian Society, the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust and Tipton Civic Society campaigned against this development without success.  However, due to the economic turndown it did not go ahead but Stoford Living Ltd has now applied for renewal of the planning permission.

The Boat Gauging Station was built by the Birmingham Canal Navigations in 1873 to calibrate boats so that the tonnage they carried could easily be measured and the correct tolls charged.  The process was carried out in two docks inside the building and the Tipton building is unique in this respect, most boat gauging stations having only one.  Although it was last used in 1966 for gauging boats, during its life tens of thousands of boats were gauged at the station.

The building to now part of the Factory Locks Conservation Area, and, as such, should have a degree of protection from development.  It is also a grade II listed building so English Heritage will need to be consulted before any changes are made to the appearance of the building.  However, although Sandwell’s Unitary Development Plan states, ‘The Council will seek to protect the Borough’s canal heritage, including canal side buildings and associated structures and areas around the canal network that are of special interest’ this rare survivor from the canal’s Victorian heyday is under threat.

The nearby Malthouse Stables are a good example of what can be done to convert a Victorian building, whilst retaining a water based purpose, and we would prefer that the Tipton Boat Gauging Station should return to a canal related use.  The Black Country Society is represented on the West Midlands Metropolitan Area Canal Partnership, as is the Dudley Canal Trust, and we would support the latter in the suggestion that the site should be returned to the soon to be established Canal and River Trust who would be best placed, as a charitable body, to raise funds to restore the building.

Spooky goings on at Ruskin Glass Centre

Things will be getting very eerie at Ruskin Glass Centre this Saturday when Kevin Barry and some crafty friends have plenty to see and do to keep young ones amused.

Children will be able to sandblast their chosen Halloween design onto a glass, take part in a painting workshop and even carve a pumpkin with staff and students of Glasshouse College. There will also be treats on sale at the organic cafe all with a Halloween theme.

Earlier today Kevin said; ‘we always like to have activities for children to do but it’s great to have an opportunity to let our imaginations run wild and to invite other craft activities into the Centre to demonstrate and sell their wares’.

There will be a number of demonstrations taking place throughout the day including handmade bead spiders and Merlyn will be giving glassblowing demonstrations using his mobile glassblowing unit in the form of the Stourbridge Lion.

Activities will be taking place between 11am and 3pm for more information visit ruskinglasscentre.co.uk or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Ruskin Glass Centre
Wollaston Road, Amblecote, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY8 4HF

Telephone: 01384 399419

Black Country Living Museum - new study room

Did you know that the Museum can also accommodate researchers.

The new study room contains a selection from the museum library, as well as some local studies material, the library has a particular emphasis on the iron and steel industry, engineering and coal mining.

It is also possible to research items from the large reserve collection of objects relating to Black Country life and industry held in store.

In addition, they hold archives relating to local life and industry, particularly where these are directly related to the displays, buildings, industry and lifestyles represented on the museum site.

If you are interested in using our research facilities, please contact BCLM to arrange an appointment:-

0121 557 9643 or info@bclm.com

Spoken Words evening - Cradley Heath

David Francis has been holding a spoken word evening at a Cradley Heath pub for the last 4 years. it runs every 1st Friday of the month and is co-ordinated by Stourbridge writer Richard Bruce Clay.

It is an 'open mic' format platform, ideal for new or experienced performers wanting to read their works, there are often Black Country dialect readings and folk music.

David recently hosted a BBC televised dialect event and would welcome performers from Black Country Society members.

The venue is The Hollybush, Newtown Lane, Cradley Heath, B64 5EA

(There is also a comedy night every Thursday if this suited the performer better)

British Glass Foundation receives donation

On Saturday 15^th October 2011, at a meeting of the Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum (‘Friends’) held at Broadfield House, a cheque for £1000 was presented by Barbara Beadman, Chair of Friends, to Allister Malcolm, a Trustee of the British Glass Foundation (BGF).

The amount had been agreed by the Friends at their recent AGM as a gesture of support for the work of BGF.  Allister Malcolm said he was delighted to receive the cheque on behalf of the  BGF and thanked the Friends for their most generous donation which he assured them would be put to very good use.

 

Picture: Chair of ‘Friends’ and proprietor of Plowden & Thompson, Barbara Beadman (left) presents Allister Malcolm, Trustee of BGF, with a cheque for £1,000.

Events Around Wolverhampton

Some events you may be interested in around the Wolverhampton Area:

WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY

Wolverhampton Society of Artists
15 Oct - 14 Jan

The popular Wolverhampton Society of Artists exhibition returns with a diverse
range of styles, mediums and subject matter. Info.

The Black Country in 10 Objects
Until 19 Nov

10 fascinating objects tell the story of the Black Country landscape since
the early Industrial Revolution. Info.

Talk by Ed Ruscha
21 Oct 2.30pm

Renowned artist Ed Ruscha will give a walk-through tour of the exhibition
in a rare appearance in the UK. Info.

BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY

Reverberation: The Art of Bashing Metal Then and Now
Until 26 Nov

Reverberation highlights the region's metal-bashing industries,
and explores current British innovation. Info.

Etched Metal Jewellery Workshop
15 Oct 11am - 3pm

Learn a variety of techniques to create beautiful patterns on metal
with metal-worker Rebecca Gouldson. Info.

Craft Shop Autumn Showcase
Until 19 NovSnuggle up with something cosy and stylish this Autumn
with hand woven scarves and knitted goods. Info.

BANTOCK HOUSE MUSEUM

Exhibition: The Part we Played
31 Aug - 13 Nov

A look at the contribution made to the war effort by Wolverhampton Factories.

Valuation Day: Fine Art & Antiques
20 Oct 11am – 4pm

Items will be valued by Fieldings Auctioneers including ceramics, jewellery,
collectables, clocks, books etc.

Once Upon a Time...
25 Oct 11.15am - 12pm
Come along to the prformance space and listen to a story then afterward create some wonderful crafts.

WOLVERHAMPTON ARCHIVES

Wolverhampton's Black History Display
Until 31 DecThrough original documents, photographs and newspaper reports the stories of local heroes such as Denise Lewis and Tessa Sanderson, George Africanus and Sathnam Sanghera will be told.

Wolverhampton Poetry Display
4 - 31 Oct A display of the winning entries of a poetry competition based
around the theme of Wolverhampton.

Historical Syphons Donated to British Glass Foundation

The British Soft Drinks Association, which is the national body representing the collective interests of UK soft drinks manufacturers has gifted to the British Glass Foundation their collection of historic glass soda siphons and bottles.

The collection comprises about 20 soda siphons and 50 glass and ceramic bottles.  Jill Ardagh, Director General of the British Soft Drinks Association in London, said “We are just about to move premises and sadly will no longer have room for our collection of historic glass soda siphons and bottles.  I am very pleased that we have found a good home for the collection and it is heartening to know that the collection can find a new lease of life in both safe and appreciative hands”.

Graham Fisher MBE, Trustee of the British Glass Foundation, the charity set up to protect the glass collections at Broadfield House Glass Museum, said that he was hoping that in the future the Foundation will be able to arrange an exhibition to show off the collection.  Graham is a keen waterways and glass expert and also well known as an author and radio presenter on 102.5 FM The Bridge Radio. 

 

Graham Fisher New PR & Communications Bod for British Glass Foundation

Well I can't think of anyone better qualified to do this role. Good luck Graham

Graham will now be responsible for all press releases and comments from this office and his contact details are below:-

Graham Fisher MBE – Trustee British Glass Foundation

Telephone: 07885 786826 (mobile) or 01384 270020(home)

Email: grahamfisher@me.com

If you require any further information then please do not hesitate to contact me.

c/o Hulbert Properties Limited,
Peartree Lodge,
Hulbert Drive , Dudley,
West Midlands , DY2 OXW
Telephone: 01384 217984/239019
E-mail: bgf@britishglassfoundation.org.uk

www.britishglassfoundation.org.uk

Registered Charity Number 1139252

Palethorpes Exhibition - Tipton Library

Following the recent success of its food and drink related local history day Tipton Library is pleased to announce details of a special Palethorpes photographic and memorabilia display.

Palethorpe's is a British producer of cooked meat and pastry products and was particularly well known for its branded sausages. Founded in 1859, it was bought by the Bibby Group in 1969 and then by Haverhill Meat Products (a J Sainsbury, Canadian Meat packers Joint Venture) before becoming part of the Northern Foods Chilled Foods division in 1991. Palethorpes is now part of Pork Farms.

The company moved to Tipton in 1896, claiming at the time to be the world's largest sausage producer. The company expanded during World War I, supplying canned meat products to the British Army

However, it lost market share during and after World War II, with restrictions on meat sales due to the amount of meat that was being imported and by the 1960s, with the development of supermarkets in the United Kingdom, the company was experiencing additional pressure.

In 1967 Palethorpe's constructed a purpose built factory employing 400 people in Market Drayton

The memorabilia includes original sausage boxes from the 30s and the photos include shots of the factory never been seen before in Tipton

Community Library Manager Robert Hazel says 'it is a great oportunity to come in and look at part of Tipton's past. The company was a big employer in the area and hopefully the photos will re-kindle some memories.
The exhibition will run at the library until the end of November

Robert Hazel

Community Library Manager

Sandwell Council... working for you

Sandwell Council

Tipton Library

17 Unity Walk

Tipton

DY4 8QL

W: www.sandwell.gov.uk

T: 0121 557 1796

E: robert_hazel@sandwell.gov.uk

For Your Tomorrow documentary WORLD PREMIERE

This event takes place on Monday 24th October 2011, at the Light House cinema Wolverhampton, 5:15 for 6 pm.

About 6 years ago Don Clark began interviewing men from Wolverhampton & the Black Country about their experiences in the Second World War's Burma campaign. He recorded about 80 hours of oral history-style interviews, and this has been used as the basis for a film: "For Your Tomorrow". A link to the website and trailer is below. Sadly, some of the interviewees have since died, but that does further enhance the value of their testimonies.

Although the interviews were the inspiration for the film, the documentary takes some younger local people, whose grandparents died in Burma, on a journey of discovery with living vets who served alongside their grandfathers. Don hopes it is thoughtful and moving, but also quite uplifting and a fitting tribute to the 'lads' who went to fight in the Far East on behalf of all of us, as part of the Forgotten Army. It has a much broader appeal than if it were simply an account of what happened in wartime.

 

The film has been a long and involved project, involving award-winning documentary-maker Christopher Hird, and the editing was done by Paul Oremland, who came up from New Zealand to edit with Don in Tettenhall.

The film website can be found at: http://www.foryourtomorrow.com . The website gives plenty of detail about the film and you can also book tickets for the premier online. Hurry though as they are selling out fast.

There should be a fairly big piece in the 'Express & Star' this week and Don has been interviewed on Radio WM to be broadcast tomorrow (Monday 10 Octoiber), so people will be starting to hear. The film is bound to appeal to plenty of Black Country Society followers.

 

I will be reviewing the DVD in the Winter edition of The Blackcountryman, so if you cannot get to the premier you will be able to purchase the DVD, details will be included in the review.

National Dialect Day

This arrived in my inbox a couple of days ago. The event is on 22 October 2011

 

The East Lincolnshire Dialect Society, aka "Far Welter’d", has been celebrating the joys of Lincolnshire dialect for over 10 years.  Meanwhile, all over the UK, there is increasing interest in local dialects, and in October people from dialect groups all over the country will be descending on Louth for the National Dialect Day.

In 2009, the first ever National Dialect Day was held in Lancashire, bringing together regional dialect speakers from all over the country, from as far afield as Northumberland and Cornwall.  Poets, story-tellers and singers came together to compete in three competitions, with traditional and contemporary offerings.  A group of Far Welters attended that event, and also in 2010, when it was once again held in Lancashire.

Now the competition is on the move.  This year’s event will be organised and hosted by Far Welter’d, and will take place in the British Legion Hall on Northgate, on Saturday October 22^nd.  The competition will take place between 1pm and 5.30pm. 

From 7.30pm onwards, with the competitive side of things out of the way, there will be an evening of entertainment, featuring a wonderful mix of dialects from all over the UK.

Next year the competition will be held in Northumberland in 2012, and in 2013 it will travel to deepest, darkest Devon.  The aim is to raise the profile of local dialects, spoken and written, around the UK, and so preserve an important aspect of our national heritage.

In 2009, Far Welter’d shared a stage at an event in Lincoln Drill Hall with Dr Benjamin Zephaniah, who now lives in Lincolnshire.  One of his passions is local dialects, and he was very interested in Far Welter’d.  He currently spends a lot of time out of the country, but has said he will try to come to the event in October.  

The three trophies presented at the inaugural event in 2009 will travel around the UK with the competition.  They are:

The Bill o' Bows Trophy for a performance of original work in chosen dialect.

The Sam Laycock Trophy for a performance in the host county’s dialect.            

The Eddie Topping Trophy for a performance in any English dialect.

As the underlying theme of this event is local culture, Far Welter’d will be taking the opportunity to show its visitors some good old Lincolnshire hospitality, so there’ll be some tasty local food being served up, including the likes of stuffed chine, haslet, award-winning local sausages and plum bread.

The following day, Sunday, October 23^rd, the town centre will be closed for the staging of a Victorian Fayre, organised by the Town Partnership.  The first such fayre was held in October 2010 and was a huge success.  This is the perfect incentive for our visitors to make a weekend of it in our lovely town, and to help them make up their mind, part of the marketing has included a link to the video of last year’s Victorian Fayre, produced by Louth student, Paul-Arthur Talmard at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2VKmMTWgtY          

For further information, please contact Alan Mumby

t. 01507 600055

m. 07941 116559

e alan743@btinternet.com