Welcome to the summer 2002 issue of The Blackcountryman. I hope that everyone who wanted to has booked all their excursions from the wonderfully varied Summer Programme so ably organised and arranged by our Hon. Secretary Freda, and her colleagues.
This issue contains the usual fascinating miscellany of articles, including an interesting reminiscence by Arthur Truby of a railway excursion to the Peak District in the days when the trains did actually run on time (or at all, for that matter). Norman Robins, who has a keen interest in cinema history and films, has written a wonderful account of the cinematic scene in Stourbridge in the late 1920s, whilst Ray Jones has submitted an evocative article about growing up in the Black Country during World War II.
With regard to growing up, I would be most grateful for any written suggestions on how the Society in general, and The Blackcountryman in particular, could involve the younger generation in the history and heritage of the Black Country. I am conscious that the magazine, although primarily written for and by adults, could perhaps do more to appeal to children or younger students interested in their local area - there must be some out there! If anyone does have any suggestions, please write to me at the Editor's address (please do not telephone with your suggestions, as I am usually out researching!)
I am gratified to have received a considerable number of letters from members and other correspondents this quarter, and this is reflected in the lengthy Correspondence section of this issue. The 'reach' of the magazine and Society never ceases to amaze me - letters from Canada, Somerset and Devon! One of the recurring comments that I receive is that "there's too little in the magazine about [insert Black Country location]". Whilst I try to use articles about all areas and aspects of the Black Country. I am obviously dependent on contributors' choice of subject for their articles - if anyone wants to see a particular area represented, please submit an article for consideration. I also feel that the magazine should not become too parochial in nature - it should reflect the relationship between the Black Country and the surrounding area. Consequently, there will be occasional articles about areas or people outside the Black Country, usually with some sort of a Black Country connection.
The Annual General Meeting of the Black Country Society took place on 27th of March, when Stan Hill, my predecessor and indefatigable colleague, was sworn in as President of the Society. Ray Weston, past President and lifelong friend of Stan, paid the new President a fulsome and wholly justified tribute in his speech before handing over the insignia of office (see feature on pages 41-43).
There have been other changes within the Society: I would like to welcome Linda Button as our new Membership Secretary and Mick Pearson as our new Website Administrator. Linda will be happy to deal with your renewals or membership enquiries, as she takes over the reigns from Ron Julian, who has done such a wonderful job for the Society, whilst Mick is another welcome addition to the Committee, bringing with him much appreciated Information Technology skills. Ann Growcott has also been co-opted to the Committee. The future of the Society depends on the continuing support of both existing and new members and volunteers, and such injections of 'new blood' are welcomed.
