within walking distance - smethwick library

Dear Sheddists,

a few months ago my future son-in-law asks if I would like to get involved in a new project funded jointly by Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

'Within Walking Distance' is the project in question and it brings together history, poetry, photography and animation to celebrate the unique heritage and culture of Langley, in the Black Country. 
 
The project has been initiated by the Friends of Langley Library group and it focuses on twenty five famous landmarks, some old some new but all within walking distance of Langley Library.

My role will be to document the various events that bring together the local community during the course of the project.

My first assignment is at Smethwick Library where the Friends Group carry out much of their research.  I watch as they study books, maps, micro-fiche cards and on-line resources to collect invaluable information both about local sites and the people who made up the social history of Langley.

Here's the group hard at work ...