Hello,

Welcome to our unique website and the 'Home Page' which we hope will 'wet your appetite' to become a member. 

The Black Country Society provides you with a great opportunity to develop a real interest in the History, People, Places and Lifestyles of our ancestors and those currently making a difference in the area.

As you will find through this website the Society covers all these aspects plus a quarterly Magazine, Talks & Walks programme (when the pandemic eases).

If you are not a member yet, please consider joining today (£12.50). Join online in minutes or print and post the Membership Form. 

We keep the website up-to-date with topical items and news. There should be something for everyone and if you want to contribute - email us through the 'Contact' Page.

​

YOUR GUIDE - MENU BAR BUTTONS & DROP-DOWN LINKS

​

HOME PAGE - Society History / News / Magazine (digital copy) / Dialect A-Z.

MEMBERSHIP PAGE  - Join the Society online / Application Form to print & post.

MESSAGE BOARD PAGE - Members Messages / Other Societies / Quizzes.

MAGAZINE PAGE - All issues of the magazine are listed in a searchable index.

  MEMBERS ONLY PAGE - By Autumn 2021 all editions of the Blackcountryman will be available to view in          digital format on the website. The page is password protected and all members will receive the password.

    Visitors wishing to carry out research, can buy the password or join the Society to view all editions.

EVENTS PAGE - Talks programme / Walks programme / Images.

PUBLICATIONS PAGE - A listing of all Society sponsored books with descriptions.

BOOK/GIFT SHOP PAGE - Here you can buy books and gifts from the Society.

CONTACT PAGE - Communicate with the Society Committee by email.

ADVERTISING PAGE - Communicate with the magazine Publisher & Webmaster. 

​

(You will find additional buttons to click in the right hand column and throughout the site to make your viewing and search experience more focused - Enjoy!)

​

The Society which was established in 1967 by Dr John Fletcher and Mr John Brimble at the Noahs Ark public house, Tipton. In 2017, the 50th Anniversary of the Society, a 'Blue Plaque' was unveiled above the front door of the public house. The Society and its members are extremely proud to have, for over 50 years, supported, recorded, preserved and celebrated the distinct character and nature of the West Midlands area known since 1846 as 'The Black Country'.

​

The Society publishes a select number of books each year. These books enable Stories, personalities, legends, historic and researched information to be shared with BCS members. The books are available for purchase through various Midlands outlets and in the Gift Shop/Library of this website.

​

The 'Blackcountryman' magazine is our flagship and if you prefer, you can sit in your most comfortable chair at home and be entertained and extend your knowledge by reading the published features and articles in the magazine. These features describe the extraordinary events, achievements, places and 'larger than life' characters of the Black Country. The magazine also contains the latest news about the society and its events, so you will always be up-to-date.

​

"We live in the presence of History" Winston Churchill

FOOTBALL NEWS: Black Country’s 53rd England Player

Congratulations to Jude Bellingham who has become the 53rd Black Countryman

to be selected to play for England. Jude, born in Stourbridge has become the third

full England international from Stourbridge, following Joe Bache and Pat Beasley.

He joins a talented line-up of England players from the Black Country.

Here’s the top 10 by number of caps awarded: 25 Jesse Pennington 

(Albion, 1907-20); 24 Bert Williams (Wolves, 1949-55); 23 Don Howe (Albion, 1957-59) and Steve Bloomer (Derby & Middlesbrough, 1895-1907); 19 Allan Clarke (Leeds United, 1970-75); 18 Duncan Edwards (Manchester United, 1955-57), Billy Walker (Villa, 1920-32) and Carlton Palmer (Sheffield Wednesday, 1992-93); 16 Billy Bassett (Albion, 1888-96); and 13 Steve Bull (Wolves, 1989-90).

The 52 Black Country footballers who represented England are included in White Shirt – Black Country by Pat Talbot.  Price: £12.00 incl. pp - Visit the Book/Gift Shop

NEW BOOK - Palethorpes 

(Master Sausage Makers for 115yrs)

Author John Dunn, worked for Palethorpe’s for over 30 years and through his

connection to the Palethorpe’s family wanted to put on record how they created a

World renown sausage and pie manufacturing facility in the Midlands. It also shows

the family’s ethos in caring for the workforce on a daily basis and throughout two

World Wars. A WONDERFUL RECORD OF THE TIME for just £14.00

The limited edition Book is sponsored by and only available from BCS. Visit the Book/Gift Shop page.

POST A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE!

​

 SOCIETY NEWS UPDATES 

​

Thank you Thank you!!

The Committee would like to thank all Members who have donated an additional amount to the Society with their membership renewal. It is very rewarding to know the aims of the Society are appreciated.

Thank You to all Autumn renewers!!!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

​

Ms Barbara Robinson,

Ms Fran Wainwright,

Mr Michael Hollick,

Mr Jack Price,

Ms Helen Ingram.

Mr Brian Forsbrook 

Mr James Smith

Mr Benjamin Wigley

Mr Michael Pearson

Mr Robert Rigby

Miss Janine Willetts

Ms Caroline Price

Mr Alex Lukeman

Kerrie Clarke (Ireland) 

Mr Haydon Munslow

Mr Ken Farrington

​

SOHO FOUNDRY BLITZ ZOOM PRESENTATION BY ANDREW P.B. LOUND

Thursday 10th December 7.30pm

Soho Foundry was opened in 1796 by Matthew Boulton & James watt and since that time it has seen many historic events. In 1939 the site was placed on a war footing with the owners W&T Avery Ltd being responsible for weights and measures at the war factories. Andrew Lound is the former curator of the Avery Historical Museum, curator of the George T. Cox Photographic Collection at the Lound-Avery Archive and author of four books relating to midlands’ history. Regularly heard on national and local radio he is recognized as an authority of the history of W&T Avery and the development of Soho Foundry in the 19th and 20th centuries. Website: www.andrewlound.com e-mail: enquiries@andrewlound.com

 NEW 'POTTED HISTORIES'

​

ARE YOU SELF ISOLATING?

The website has a new page called 'Potted Histories' so why not take a look at some of the featured short biographies of Black Country personalities.

1. Have a go at our online Quiz

​

2. Refresh your memory with our Black Country dialect pages

​

3. See a sample of The Gospels Book in Black Country dialect .and try translating it back. Why not order a copy from the Book Shop pages.

​

4. Visit the Book/Gift Shop to view the Society's selection of books for sale.

​

​

At this time of restricted travel, please be patient with any books ordered from the Society. Delivery may take up to 7 days. Thank You.

​

5. Read a copy of the Blackcountryman online (see below)

​

6. Take a look at the 'Potted Histories' Page where you will find a number of short biographies of people who come from the Black Country and have made a difference in their own personal way.

​

'MEMBER'S ONLY' PAGES online

Look out for your copy of the magazine next week. It will have a password for you to use to access the BCS Members Only Pages. Over the Christmas period you will find Quiz and Word Puzzles, Stories and BC Creative Links. The Members Only page under the MAGAZINE Button will let you see and read magazine issues from 1967 - 1977.

Not a Member Yet?

See what you are missing in the Magazine  

​

​

​

Click the above button to see a sample of

the Blackcountryman

Join the Society to receive further printed

or digital copies as part of your full 

Membership package.

Read about a World Champion Jumper, 

World's Best Rock & Roll Voice, 1st Woman

M.P. & Suffragette plus more ...

NEW - Do you like poetry?

Click the button to read

Johnny (Mogs) Black Country Poet

Click on the button above to read what Matt Mills thinks and how you can help!

NEW - Memories of the Dudley

'Hip' Hippodrome

THE GRAHAM BECKLEY COLLECTION

NEW Book Launch

The Black Country - A History in 100 Objects

read the review written by Dr Trevor Raybould

Click on the PDF logo

This book is available

for purchase online.

Who were the Jolly Boys in 1914?

Click the icon to see the photo!

Click the camera to see BCS

Events images by Graham Beckley

?

Do you know the date of the blessing

of the 1st motorised ambulance in

Brierley Hill?

FOOTBALL PAST & PRESENT - READ ABOUT HOW AND WHERE THE GAME STARTED AND THE 52 BLACK COUNTRYMEN WHO PLAYED FOR ENGLAND! 

DID YOU KNOW - The Black Country has produced more England International footballers than any other area of the West Midlands! Read this fascinating book by Pat Talbot which has over 50 biographies of some of the greatest players from the Black Country.

​

Sponsored:

Birmingham

County FA

BCS EXCLUSIVE

Diary entries of Bombing Raids in the Midlands during WWII

A few years ago I was given a package of loose leaf pages which are hand written and log a short daily account of German bomber raids in the Midlands. I have now upload the script and you can find the information by clicking onto the button below ...

​

               As you can see from the information on the website, the Society                 has a lot to interest all kinds of people and there is no pressure to do anything other than relax, learn, study and be amused. As a Member we can help you with any queries and don't forget that you will be part of one of the most unique 'heritage' society's in the UK. We welcome your support for the continuation of the Society into the next 50 years.

Go to the Membership Page and join something special today!

The Black Country Society has a team of volunteers to help you with your enquiries.

We are pleased to fulfil your purchases and also supply information, books and back issues to further your interests.

Some requests can take time to research and prepare, and many of contacts are pleased to make a donation to the Society. This action is very much appreciated, so if you would like to donate, please click the button.

Thank You for your valued contribution! 

LOCAL ARTIST

Robert Perry RBSA is a local artist with a unique mobile studio.

He should have been exhibiting at Himley Hall this month.

Find out more by visiting his page on the website or contact him direct - 

​

​

THE BLACK COUNTRY SOCIETY HAS VACANCIES!

JOIN THE COMMITTEE TO PLAN THE FUTURE &

PRESERVE THE PAST

The Society has a new Secretary - Andrew Homer

A familiar face if you have visited the Black Country Living Museum. If you would like to know more click on the button.

EXPRESS & STAR GOES DIGITAL - NEWSPAPER PHOTO ARCHIVE LAUNCHED

​

The Express & Star has just launched a website of its photo archive containing historical pictures of the public, architecture and events in the Black Country.

​

Did You go to HIgh Harcourt School, Hayden Hill

Nikki Higgs would like to find former pupils for a friends group.

Contact: Nikki Higgs

Email:  

Telephone: 01970822180

Dimbleby Lectures

Did you watch Sir Tim Berners-Lee talking about the world wide web?

If you are a computer user and concerned about the future, he is launching  to show how the web can be used as intended to good effect and for democracy where everyone using it is accountable.

Take a look!