There are two public talks at Langley Library during the course of the 'Within Walking Distance' project. The first is by acclaimed local historian and author, Dr. Terry Daniels.
Terry is Chair of the Langley Local History Society and he delivers a fascinating talk on a series of well-known local landmarks.
There's an excellent turn-out, including two members of the local community policing team.
Another highlight of the 'Within Walking Distance' project is the Poetry Workshop run by the fabulous Emma Purshouse.
Wolverhampton born Emma is a hugely gifted performance poet, comedienne and author. She's also a highly talented teacher, as I experience first hand during her Workshop. Photos taken, I put down my camera, join in and compose a mawkish haiku about my recent visit to the community centre in Langley Park.
Here it is in all its perfunctory glory ...
iron gates shutter
the sun lit grey haired smiles
parked memories
Passing on quickly, I thoroughly recommend a listen to this poem written by Emma to celebrate the WWD project.
My second shoot for 'Within Walking Distance' takes place at the community centre in Langley Park, just round the corner from the library.
The centre is run by Sandwell Irish Community Assocation and plays host to The Golden Years Club once a week on a Tuesday.
I arrive early and help set out the tables. Leda, the lovely cook, is already hard at work peeling a mountain of potatoes. Previously a catering manager with the Council she now works at the centre. The menu she's chosen is one of the Club favourites - gammon followed by apple crumble and custard.
I wander round chatting to members as they arrive and take their seats. Meanwhile at the top end of the hall, Graham, the bingo-caller makes preparations for his session.
We've come to explore memories of Langley past so books, newspaper cuttings and old photos are passed round. So many stories are shared. The lady from Cork planning her holiday, the wife of a Minister who's spent forty years working in the Church Assemblies of God, a mother and daughter who chat about time past at the old Grammar School.
Conversations are brought to a temporary halt as the prize draw is called, the winners helping themselves from a trolley of sweets and canned food.
Many of the members of the Club nurse disabilities and chronic illnesses, some sadly terminal, but there's an immense warmth to be found here. Fellowship, memories and laughter at the heart of a Black Country community.
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 ...
