NEWSFLASH: JULY 2020

THE Black Country has officially been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark.

The region is renowned for being at the centre of the industrial revolution and this UN status recognises the importance of its geology which coupled with the working population, contributed to meeting the demands of industrialisation.

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The UNESCO Global Geopark status puts the area known since 1846 as the Black Country, on the world map and creates the opportunity to celebrate the unique character of the area and its varied population.

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The Society are delighted to receive the news and look forward to being a part of the bigger picture in preserving the valuable heritage and promoting its culture, both past and present.

40 Geosites including Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve in Dudley and Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley will be some of the first to be developed.

If you want to know more as plans develop or would like to join us in celebrating the past 50+ years of research, visit the Membership Page.

 SOCIETY NEWS UPDATES 

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Dear Visitor,

At this time of health concerns, we want you to know that you are not alone and can make contact through this website with the committee and other members.

If you are self isolating, then scroll down the page for some ideas to entertain you and look through our books for inspiration and to read something special about the Black Country!

You are not alone!

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All good wishes - BCS Committee

 NEW 'POTTED HISTORIES'

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Read about Joseph Darby the Netherton Jumper & World Champion

NEW - POTTED HISTORIES (SEE LINK OPPOSITE)

Like many places the Black Country has always had very colourful characters in all walks of life and our new website series called 'Potted Histories' will highlight some of these individuals. Another good reason to join and get the full stories in our quarterley magazine features.

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

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2. Refresh your memory with our Black Country dialect pages

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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.

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

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

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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.

Want to see a copy of the BCS magazine?   

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to see a sample of the Blackcountryman magazine in digital format - then join the Society to receive further printed or

digital copies as part of your full Membership package.

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.

BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR LOCAL HISTORY

AWARDS RESULTS

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THE GRAHAM BECKLEY COLLECTION

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?

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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 ...

Brian Ridout

               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!

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 - www.robertperry-artist.co.uk

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ARE YOU MISSING FOOTBALL?

Sponsored:

Birmingham

County FA

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.

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THE BLACK COUNTRY SOCIETY HAS A VACANCY

EXPRESS & STAR GOES DIGITAL - NEWSPAPER PHOTO ARCHIVE LAUNCHED

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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.

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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:  nikki_higgs@hotmail.com

Telephone: 01970822180

 15th Black Country 

 HISTORY DAY 2020  

DATE: Saturday 7th November 

VENUE: Large Lecture Theatre, Arts Building, University of Birmingham,

TIME: 10:00am-4:00pm.

Organised in partnership with the Centre for West Midlands History, University of Birmingham.

This Event will be confirmed later in the year.

                   WW1 Midlands               

                    Soldiers & Memorials

A book and website sponsored by the Black Country Society. Visit it by clicking on the arrow.

www.menandmemorialsofdudley.co.uk

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 www.contractfortheweb.org 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!