Charity Black Country Night Out - Tipton Library Local History Group

Charity Black Country Night Out
(Organised by Tipton Library Local History Group)

The event is being held in aid of Help for Heroes 

Venue: Brook Street Centre, Tipton

Date: Friday 10^th February 2012, 7.30pm  

Ticket price: £8 including hot food

Tickets will be available soon

Tipton Library

17 Unity Walk

Tipton

DY4 8QL

W: www.sandwell.gov.uk

T: 0121 557 1796

E: robert_hazel@sandwell.gov.uk

Full Steam Ahead! Refurbishing the Newcomen steam engine

In 1712 Thomas Newcomen invented a machine which helped change the world… and it all began in the Black Country.

The Newcomen engine was the world’s first successful steam engine, pumping water from mines so that coal and metals could be mined from greater depths and it subsequently paved the way for James Watt’s steam engine. The site of the original engine is the subject of much debate but there is strong evidence to suggest that it operated on a colliery at Coneygree.

Over 100 Newcomen engines were built throughout Britain and Europe in the 18^th century and now the Black Country Living Museum possesses the only full-sized working replica of the engine. Having effectively kick-started the Industrial Revolution, the replica of the Newcomen engine represents one of the Museum’s most historically significant exhibits and when ‘in steam’ is one of its most impressive sights.

Next year the engine will take centre stage in the 300^th anniversary celebrations… but 25 years of service has taken its toll and it needs £60,000 of work to restore it to full working order in time for its birthday celebrations. This work will also mean that thousands more visitors can see it in action, learn about and enjoy it in years to come.

£30,000 has already been raised through the generosity of private trusts, companies and individuals. To support the campaign, you can:

·        Donate quickly and securely online here

·        Donate by cheque or credit card by downloading a donation form

Find out more on the Museum’s Newcomen blog here or by contacting Carolyn Pugh, Director of Development at the Museum: carolyn.pugh@bclm.com, 0121 521 3511.

Black Country Living Museum Trust is a registered educational charity no: 504481

Dressing Up for the Golden Days of Vintage Glamour

Fancy something different for the Sunday before Christmas? Read on:-

An event being staged this December in Wolverhampton’s Wulfrun Hall is set to give fans of all things vintage and retro the chance to step back in time. This time, Central Youth Theatre’s second Vintage Glamour Night has a festive twist. 15 piece live jazz band will be playing a mix of classic dancehall, swing and Christmas favourites all night. With magical decorations and glamorous dresses and suits waltzing around the dancefloor, the event is sure to have a real vintage appeal.

Vintage fan and youth theatre member Alice May (17) says, “I am so excited about the Vintage Glamour Night – I love finding beautiful and original clothes in charity shops and vintage boutiques, and I’m fascinated by the old black and white Hollywood glamour! I can’t wait to have my hair done and enjoy the retro atmosphere”.

Event organiser Jane Ward says, “We were overwhelmed by the success of our first Vintage Glamour Night, and we are bringing the night back by popular demand. There is a real vintage movement going on at the moment, for all ages. With our decorations and live band we are creating an atmosphere where people can get dressed up and feel like they are in the golden days of the dancehalls”.

“Whether you are a fan of the music, the fashion or the dancing, we hope that everyone will come and join the party. We are bringing something really unique to Wolverhampton city centre – the perfect way to start your Christmas with a swing!”

Vintage Glamour Night
Wulfrun Hall
Sunday 18^th December – 7.30pm
Tickets: £7 (£5 concessions)

In the afternoon, members of the youth theatre are staging a Glamour and Romance event, bringing to life real memories of dancing in Wolverhampton through theatre, an exhibition and a tea dance with a live band. The nostalgic event is designed as a celebration of dancing in the area in the 1940s and 50s. Tickets to the afternoon event (2pm) are just £2 each. It is funded by the BBC Performing Arts Fund.

Cast member Katherine Lea says, “One of the most fun parts of this project has been dressing up in the 1940s clothes and having our hair done. Everyone feels very glamorous. We will all be keeping our hairdos for the dance in the evening!”

Tickets and information:

www.facebook.com/centralyouththeatre
01902 572091
jessica@centralyouththeatre.org