 |
| Want
to go home click here... |
 |
| All
the latest news & events locally... |
 |
| Information
about the BCS... |
 |
| Articles
from around the local area... |
 |
| Information
about membership to the BCS... |
 |
| Review
of the Blackcountryman... |
 |
| links
to other sites you may find interesting... |
 |
| Publications
you may also find interesting... |
 |
| 10
things you didn't know about the Black Country |
 |
| Information
on how to contact us... |
|
 |
 |
| Season:
Winter 1999 |
 |
| Vol:
33 |
| No.
1 |
| Year:
1999 |
| |
| Editorial: |
The last few months of 1999must have been the busiest ever for the Black Country Society. There have been book launches for "Sutton" books, our own 'Sparry' book, others to which Society members have contributed such as Rob Birkbeck's magnificent A Picture of a Moment in Time and Sylvia Everitt's/Dianne Mannering's Staffordshire Millenium Tapestry hich includes Graham Beckley's brilliant photographs, and my own volume; concerts, TV, radio and newspaper coverage of these events and our second 'sell-out' Arrowsmith calendar with the Express & Star, giving the Society more publicity than ever.
It became obvious in November that a special issue of the magazine would not be ready to catch the pre-Christmas post, but here it is at last. I hope that the Spring issue will be posted as usual in March.
In this issue the Black Country Personality No. 46 has been moved to the centre pages to accomodate a selection of Black Country artist David Piddock's works. His Nelson's column painting on the front cover, a reminder of Britain's great past, is an appropriate one to illustrate the first issue of the New Millenium. David's story is one of dogged determination in the face of early reverses.
It is sad that the splendid British idea for the 'London Eye', 'the biggest wheel in the world' has so much foreign involvement. The framework was constructed by Dutch engineers, the steel spindle was cast in the Czech Republic by Skoda, the 32 capsules came from France and include French wooden furniture, the special strong glass came from Italy as did the cables for the wheel's spokes and the capsules' gearboxes were made by a German company. Peter J English's series of articles about 19th and 20th century Black Country engineering firms' work overseas continues in this issue to remind us that Britain once led the world in constructional and heavy engineering. Thankfully Britain's ingenuity has ensured that the nation continues to earn a good living in the world despite being superceded in some spheres.
Three new Black Country sculptures, all in Dudley Borough as it happens, have been unveiled recently, of Duncan Edwards, John Northwood and one in which the Black Country Society via Ron Moss had an input, namely 'The Legger'. In his account about the unveiling Ron has disclosed a fact which 'turns history on its head' and which I have not seen reported elsewhere - see page 62.
Among the wide variety of articles is one about Steve Bull, legendary Wolves striker whose record and loyalty to his club have been recognised in the New Year's Honours list and Courtney V Smale, a researcher of Rusking Pottery has contrbuted a fascinating account about this interesting firm's workforce. And there is plenty more by established and new contributors.
Stan Hill
|
| 10
things you can read about in this month's issue: |
| Ruskin Pottery of West Smethwick - Courtney V Smale |
| Bow Street Runners in the Black Country - David Cox |
| Duncan Edwards - unveiling of his statue - Geoff Warburton |
| Confrontatino on the Tramway - Clive Butcher |
| The Aphrodisiac on the Cradley Line - Peter Barnsley |
| BC Personalities - David Piddock - Stan Hill |
| Steve Bull - a Football Legend - John Hendley |
| Black Country Public Art Sculptures - |
| 1930s Parke's Hall - EA Austin |
| A Locomotive Does Not a Railway Make - Robert Wilkes |
| |
|
|
|
