The Family History Show Online
After three extremely successful virtual events held in the last year, The Family History Show. Find out more by clicking on the link below
About The Family History Show, Online

What Happened This Week 50/100 years ago…by Mike Belcher
Due to Covid Restrictions we have been unable to continue our research of the newspapers at the local libraries, to avoid disappointment  we are including reports from previous years where possible.
The Cannock Chase Courier   24th April 1953  The monthly meeting of Cheslyn Hay Parish Council was delayed because of the Sunday school scholars practising their anniversary hymns.

Eisteddfod  Entries at Cheslyn Hay and district third annual eisteddfod at Salem schools were slightly smaller than last year, but the quality of the exhibits in the handicraft section, and the performances in the music and elocution sections was well maintained.  Full story with all the Prize Winners named in the Solo Singing, Under 9 years, 9-12 Years, 13-16 Years & 17-21 Years and likewise for the Bible Reading, Pianoforte, Embroidery, Knitting, Woodwork, Metalwork and Photography.
Cannock Adverister and Courier  23rd April 1921  Births to Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Devereux, of “Sherford”, Cheslyn Hay, a son.
Cheslyn Hay Bowling Green opened.  Full story.
Cheslyn Hay Parish Council  The annual meeting of the Cheslyn Hay Parish Council was held.  Full details including Election of Officials and discussions re the Library, Allotment Rents and the War Savings Committee.
23rd April 1921  A meeting of the school managers and Parish Councillors was held at the Council Schools to consider what should be done for the children with reference to providing food for them and the coal shortage problem.
Mr James Kingston was appointed captain of the Cheslyn Hay Fire Brigade in succession to Mr. Fred J. Altree.  Full story.  

suewashington.cheslynhayhistory@btinternet.com

The Bygone Days of Cheslyn Hay
We have several copies of this book available at the unbeatable price of  £4.00 plus £3.20 local postage or collection from one of the History Society committee  can be arranged.  This book which was written by Roland Ridgeway is one of the best reference works on Cheslyn Hay you can have on your book shelf.
Down the pit shortly after leaving school at fourteen, a longstanding connection with Salem Church and a lifelong passion for his beloved  Village were all the experiences Roland Ridgway called upon to write “The Begone Days of Cheslyn Hay” He died in 1993 leaving us with a kaleidoscope of memories to share of those sunny, carefree days. Available from   suewashington.cheslynhayhistory@btinternet.com

What Happened This Week 50/100 years ago…by Mike Belcher
Due to Covid Restrictions we have been unable to continue our research of the newspapers at the local libraries, to avoid disappointment  we are including reports from previous years where possible.

Cannock  Courier and Advertiser  16th April 1921   Full story of a well-known resident of Cheslyn Hay, Mr. John Farnell, of 27, Low Street, has suffered another tragic bereavement by the death of his son Thomas Farnell including details of his life and funeral.

Cannock Advertiser  17th April 1954   Details of the congregations at the Mount Zion Methodist Church, Cheslyn Hay, for the Sunday school anniversary listing all the soloists.

suewashington.cheslynhayhistory@btinternet.com

What Happened This Week 50/100 years ago…by Mike Belcher  Due to Covid Restrictions we have been unable to continue our research of the newspapers at the local libraries, to avoid disappointment  we are including reports from previous years where possible.

The Cannock Chase Courier  10th April 1953   Story of the volunteer work performed by Mrs. L. G. Perks of 115 Station Street, since she became secretary of Cheslyn Hay W.V.S. Savings Group.

10th April 1953  Details of the 18th Annual Dinner of Cheslyn Hay branch of The Royal British Legion at Cheslyn Hay Working Men’s Club.

10th April 1953 Story of the Good Friday Cantata at Cheslyn Hay given by the choir of Salem Methodist Church.

Cannock Advertiser and Courier 1921  9th April 1921 Cheslyn Hay and Great Wyrley
Full details of the weekly meeting of the Debating and Literary Society, on Monday evening.

A meeting of the Talbot Bowling Club was held on Tuesday evening, with full details.

The local Cricket Club is at present uncertain about its playing ground for the coming season.   The “Dell” (last years ground) was not yet fit for playing upon, but the committee had got their eye upon another field.
Owing to the prevailing industrial situation the local miners are utilizing their spare time to advantage on their allotments.
Coal picking has commenced on the mounds, and men and women can daily be seen working in getting coal from the mounds, for their own consumption. 

Part One of THE ANCIENT KINGDOM OF CENTRAL ENGLAND by Peter Cadman

suewashington.cheslynhayhistory@btinternet.com

Free online Lectures

Great Tudor and Stuart Houses, by Simon Thurley, and other free online Gresham lectures
Lucia Graves, Head of PR & Media, Gresham College has invited our members to view these free lectures
“I thought you and your members might be interested in Gresham College’s History lectures which you can watch both at the scheduled time and afterwards (online). You can read more about Gresham College’s free public lectures since 1597 here. 
Of general topical interest, as well as the straight history lectures coming up this year, we have a lecture by Professor Chris Whitty on the history of Vaccination, and how it has transformed healthcare, and an old series on epidemics by the historian Professor Richard J Evans, that you may be interested in.
You can register for any lectures using an email address, and will get a reminder 10 minutes before the lecture is due to start.”

History One-Off lectures in 2021
Napoleon: Shadows & Gardens by Ruth Scurr, 1pm, Thurs 6 May 2021
Theatres of War: Crusade, Colonialism and Chivalry in the Middle Ages by Nicholas Paul, 1pm, Thurs 3 June 2021

History Series with lectures still to go in 2021 (you can watch the earlier ones online now)
A series on Great Tudor and Stuart Houses by the superb Simon Thurley – next one is Private Palaces: Mansions of the Marlboroughs, 6pm, Tues 15 June 2021
Alec Ryrie on England’s Reformations  – this excellent series has been our top-rated lecture series so far this year (by views), next one England’s Anglican Reformation 6pm, Weds 21 Apr 2021.
A series on Darwin by Jim Endersby (all complete now).
Joanna Bourke on Evil Women (cultural history – next one is on Myra Hindley, 6pm, Thurs 13 May 2021
The Politics of the Courtroom by the writer and QC Thomas Grant looks at things like the state appointment of judges, and the ‘political lawyer’ from Apartheid South Africa to contemporary Britain. Next lecture is on the Politics of Judging, 6pm, Mon 29 Mar 2021.
A series on Great Thinkers by Classicist Edith Hall (one of our best lecturers)  – next one is on Cynics, Stoics, and Epicureans, 1pm, Thurs 27 May
You can see everything History-related here.
What Happened This Week 50/100 years ago…by Mike Belcher

Due to Covid Restrictions we have been unable to continue our research of the newspapers at the local libraries, to avoid disappointment  we are including reports from previous years where possible.
Cannock  Courier & Advertiser  2nd April 1921
Cheslyn Hay and Great Wyrley  Details of all the Easter festivities around the township including the Good Friday football carnival on the Barn Flat Ground with the Cheslyn Hay boys playing first against Landywood Council School followed by the Old Social and the Old Institute clubs naming the players and the results.
2nd April 1921   Ernest Roberts, 44, Station Street, Cheslyn Hay, Thomas Boon, Low Street, and Frank Roe, Rosemary Road, Cheslyn Hay, all appearing in court.
Cannock Advertiser  4th April 1953   Cheslyn Hay Community association started their new financial year by giving a concert last Friday at Cheslyn Hay Working Men’s Club. Details of all the artists.

Story of the Parish Cinema Search Goes On Attempts by rural councillors to provide a cinema serving Cheslyn Hay and Great Wyrley have so far proved unsuccessful.

Anniversary at Cheslyn Hay Collections at Mount Zion Church, Cheslyn Hay, on Sunday when the church anniversary was celebrated totalled £82. Special hymns were sung by the choir and children with all the soloists named.

Memories 

Following on from Roger Betts memories two weeks ago we have received an email from Jenni Bond in Austriala emailed her memories as well.
and
Bill Thomason emailed

My children went to a Lledr Hall ,in the 90s, with their school, St.Mary`s, Cadishead, I wonder if that is the same place,seems likely.”

suewashington.cheslynhayhistory@btinternet.com    

Memberships  As you are all aware we are unable at the moment to offer our normal events on Tuesdays at the Salem, or our Chat N Char and Speakers Evenings, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all  our members for their continuing support during these  exceptional times.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Annual Membership of £5.00 (per household) and £12 (members receiving newsletters by post)  for the coming year 2021 -22 is now due from 1 April 2021.
Please send a cheque (made out to CH&DLHS) or cash to Rob at:
Membership Secretary CH&DLHS,
C/O – 9 Coltsfoot View, Cheslyn Hay,Staffordshire.WS6 7BG
If  normally pay via PayPal – you do not need to do anything – as your membership will renew automatically. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding and look forward to returning to normal operations as soon as the epidemic is over.

What Happened This Week 50/100 years ago…by Mike Belcher

Due to Covid Restrictions we have been unable to continue our research of the newspapers at the local libraries, to avoid disappointment  we are including reports from previous years where possible.
The Cannock Chase Courier   March 1953  Members of Cheslyn Hay Parish Council listened in shocked surprise on Wednesday while one of their rural councillors, Mr. W. Wesley, explained that because of the lack of suitable sites and an inadequate sewerage system no houses would be built in the parish this year.   Full story.
27th March 1953
Details of the visit to Cheslyn Hay over 60 club by Mr. Bert Kingston.
27th March 1953  Details of the Cheslyn Hay Church Ladies Day at the Salem.
27th March 1953  Officers Appointments made at the annual meeting of Hawkins Colliery Cricket Club are all listed.
Cannock Adverister and Courier  26th March 1921  Details of items for sale by J. Rogers, Woodman Inn, Cheslyn Hay.
26th March 1921  Full story of the friends of the Primitive Methodist Church on the occasion of the Sunday School Anniversary.
26th March 1921  Details of the occasion of a visit by Miss Lillian Lewis, Secretary to the Wolverhampton Women’s Hospital.
Trevor’s Trivia    A walk around our village outlining how much of our history still remains today and some of it literally under our feet namimg the histories and dates of buildings, together with items of general interest and names including the Hawkins families, Thomas Thacker, L A Barker, William Hosegood, Reggie and Aggie Tomkinson, Louis and Eileen Malone.
News  Janet Smith has sent me the sad news that her mother Ruby Leach, who was well known to many of our members, has passed away in New Zealand.

Announcement in Express & Star   Cliff Titley Passed away peacefully on March 18, at New Cross Hospital.  The Funeral will be held at Stafford Crematorium at 3pm on Thursday, April 8. All welcome
suewashington.cheslynhayhistory@btinternet.com

Research 
Whilst the local Archives are closed due to covid restrictions we can offer an exclusive online research service for our members.

The History Society has a huge amount of resources, some of which have been sourced from Local Record Offices over the past 26 years. Copies of the following can be supplied for £1 each if emailed or we can post for an extra charge according to the destination. . Records include the following including:-

CENSUSES           All the available Cheslyn Hay Census returns from 1841 to 1911.
1939 REGISTER
CHURCH RECORDS – from St. Mark’s, St. Luke’s, Salem & Mount Zion, plus selections from Essington & Shareshill.
SCHOOL REGISTERS
RATES BOOKS – 1902-1942
ELECTORAL ROLLS – 1918 -1990
WHITES DIRECTORIES – 1834-1940
INTERVIEWS MEMORIES & BIOGRAPHIES-
CEMETERY PLANS – Cheslyn Hay & Gt. Wyrley

What Happened This Week 50/100 years ago…by Mike Belcher
Due to Covid Restrictions we have been unable to continue our research of the newspapers at the local libraries, to avoid disappointment  we are including reports from previous years where possible.

Cannock Advertiser   20th March 1954  Story of an international dancing award for thirteen year old Pat Hawkins only daughter of 44 Station Street.

Cannock Advertiser and Courier  19th March 1921  The Cheslyn Hay Parish Council were informed that the Rural Council proposed to erect 15 houses at Cheslyn Hay but a complaint was made at the delay calling attention to a case of very bad overcrowding in the village with 17 persons living in one house. 

Memories by Roger Betts  of the summer of 1952 when 25 boys led by Mr. Reg Hollins of Great Wyrley Primary School and Mr. Bob Pointon of Great Wyrley Secondary School went on a week’s holiday to North Wales.
If any of our members have memories of this school trip we would love to hear from you. We will pass your emails on to Roger .

News    We are sad to report that a lifelong bonker Cliff Titley has recently passed away aged 98 years. 

suewashington.cheslynhayhistory@btinternet.com

Memberships As you are all aware we are unable at the moment to offer our normal events on Tuesdays at the Salem, or our Chat N Char and Speakers Evenings, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all  our members for their continuing support during these  exceptional times.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Annual Membership of £5.00 (per household) and £12 (members receiving newsletters by post)  for the coming year 2021 -22 is now due from 1 April 2021.
Please send a cheque (made out to CH&DLHS) or cash to Rob at:
Membership Secretary CH&DLHS,
C/O – 9 Coltsfoot View, Cheslyn Hay,Staffordshire.WS6 7BG
If  normally pay via PayPal – you do not need to do anything – as your membership will renew automatically. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding and look forward to returning to normal operations as soon as the epidemic is over.

What Happened This Week 50/100 years ago…by Mike Belcher
Cannock Advertiser   11th March 1971  Full details of children and teachers of Cheslyn Hay Primary School spending their Easter holidays in Newquay, Cornwall, this year.
11th March 1971 Details of the funeral of Mrs. Alice Bodey, of 66, Mitre Road, Cheslyn Hay.

11th March 1971  Details of Cheslyn Hay Wesley Guild’s entertainment at their meeting last week.

Cannock Chase Courier and Advertiser  12th March 1921  Full voting results for the officials in connection with Cheslyn Hay Working Men’s Club.

12th March 1921  Six paragraphs on the centenary celebrations in connection with Salem United Methodist Church, Cheslyn Hay, that was inaugurated on Sunday.

12th March 1921  Annual Meeting of the Cheslyn Hay Working Men’s Club with full details.

suewashington.cheslynhayhistory@btinternet.com