Our last meeting of the year was a talk on the Museum of Cannock Chase in Hednesford, given by Trish Beakley. The museum opened in 1998 and was based at the ‘Valley Colliery’ which started in 1874. When it ceased coal production, it became a training centre for Cannock Chase and Staffordshire. Training covered coal face working, electrical, mechanical and rescue, with 17000 trainees passing through its doors before closing in 1982. Coal mining in this area started in the Black Country and moved north towards Cannock as the coal seams got deeper. The museum, part of a Heritage Trail, is free to enter. It tells a fascinating story of Cannock Chase; its industrial beginnings, its military role, famous local citizens, social history, domestic life and wildlife.

Galleries include Mining, Cannock Chase, a 1940’s miner’s cottage and interactive toys & games.

Our next meeting at Hixon Memorial Hall, starting at 8.00pm. is on March 4th and is "Staffordshire Catholics after the reformation".

John Egginton