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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. |
| 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. |
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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. |
| 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 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. |
 | Sandra Aston and Margaret Bowdler look on enviously at Kath Kiely's tray of chips. Margaret insists the pint of ale was not hers |
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.