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We met at the Springvale Social Club. There
was a great turn out but this did not include our usual reporter
of these events, who had gone to Cambodia. So this report
was written by Reg Aston, who also took all the photos. |
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We had a later than normal start at 1.00pm but
soon after the members and guests started to arrive.
Our Treasurer,Barbara, watches as members,
including Sheila Skitt, sign in. |
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Members pose at the reception desk, including
Muriel Lines and her sister Joyce Briscoe
The first hour was taken up with groups of people
chatting away, members holding reunions and generally creating a
wonderful friendly and jovial occasion. |
| Reg had put up a display of photographs taken at our
previous exhibitions. Many of these photographs had been taken by
Frank Sharman but nicked off the Club's web site in his absence.
Here our Chairman, Alan Bickley, and our member Brenda
Wainwright, pose for to have their photos taken in front of the
photgprahic display.
Reg also bought with him three large photo albums that
contained family photographs donated by members, along with
various older views of Bilston’s town, industry and life. |
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Members look at Reg Aston's albums.
Left to right, Agnes Fox, Muriel Lines, Joyce
Briscoe, Brenda Wainwright and another regular supporter.
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Two marvelous supporters of the Black Country
Memories club, Mary King and her sister Shiela Skitt, grab a table
at the start of the festivities. |
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A group of members and guests relax in the bar
including, from left to right, Harold Pearson (Blast Furnace Manager
at the former Bilston Steel Works), Mr & Mrs Roy France
and Mrs & Mrs Hammond. Mrs Hammond (Olga) is the sister of Roy
France and their parents had a butcher's shop in Oxford Street for
many years. |
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A smiling group pose in front of the sadly
shuttered lounge bar (however the other was open for business). L
to R: Ken Presland, Sandra Aston, Barbara Presland, Alma Darby,
Reg Aston. |
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A number of members had taken notice of Jim Speakman’s announcement
in the local press regarding a paper chain competition by bringing with
them a whole collection of very colourful and artistic creations.
Kath, Alma, Sandra, Sylvia and Megan carefully and artistically arranged
them around the smaller lounge to provide a wonderful Christmas
effect. Unfortunately because of Jim’s absence, and lack of time,
it was not possible for the entries to be judged. However they were
most welcome and helped make an extremely colourful display. Sincere
thanks to all who took part.
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A group pose after decorating the lounge with
paper chains supplied by members. Donors included Kath Kiely, Alma
Darby, Sandra Aston, Sylvia Horton, Megan Fitgerald-Plummer. They
all help add a flovour of Xmas to the festivities. |
click here to continue this report
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