WORDSLEY History Society’s September meeting took place on the 11th.

Chairman, Brian Idoine welcomed 48 members and 56 visitors. A letter was read out from member Chris Johnson,thanking all concerned for the support received after the sad loss of her husband Roy and for her contributions totalling £900 which has been given to Mary Stevens Hospice in memory of Roy. The chairman said how good it was to see Chris back at the meeting.

The annual centre Bazaar will take place on November 22 and once again, the society would be having a ‘Pick a card’ stall.

Donations of bottles and jars were requested as prizes.

Speaker of the evening, Vic Smallshire, was then welcomed and the talk entitled, ‘History of the Baggeridge Colliery’ was well received. Mr Smallshire worked at the Colliery and progressed from an apprentice there.

He gave a background of coal mining in the Black Country, including information on land owned by the Earl of Dudley which became known as Baggeridge.

The railway lines to Pensnett, Wombourne and Round Oak were a vital part of the transportation as was the canal from Ashwood Basin to Stourport. The chairman thanked the speaker for an enthralling and informative talk.

Tea and biscuits were taken during the interval and the raffle was held.

The next meeting of the society will take place in the Community Centre, Wordsley Green at 7.30pm on Thursday October 9, when Jean Weston will give an illustrated talk entitled ‘Tragic events in Wordsley’, detailing the love triangle of 1908.

New members welcome, also visitors at a cost of £1.50, including refreshments.