News

Lightwoods Park

Sandwell MBC has set aside £1.25M for the restoration project with a further £80k p.a. being allocated for annual maintenance. Much needed refurbishment work has now begun on Lightwoods House and an enthusiastic 'Friends' group has been set up to help decide the future of the park and house. A temporary ice rink on the old bowling green is planned for the 2011 Christmas season .

The Barleycorn
We are sorry to report that, desipite objections from local residents, planning permission has finally been given to use this well known landmark as a wedding venue. Unfortunately this is likely to attract large numbers of cars which the surrounding area is unlikely to be able to absorb.

Archchaeology in Sandwell
Graham Eyre-Morgan, the Borough Archaeologist, is carrying out excavations in Smethwick and will be revealing the results at our November meeting.

The Pooley Gates
The Pooley Gates have now been returned to, which have long resided on Avery's premises, have now been returned to their rightful home in Liverpool.

New Conservation Areas in Smethwick
Sandwell MBC is planning to establish conversation areas which include:
the Waterloo Hotel and the Sampson Lloyd on Cape Hill, Smethwick Council House, Victoria Park and Sandwell College on Crocketts Lane, and Holy Trinity Church on High Street.

Visit to Kings Norton Restoration Project
Around 23 of our members enjoyed a guided tour of the old Saracen's Head, Grammar School and Church at Kings Norton this summer (see photograph, showing us admiring the Old Grammar School which was apparently first used as a library).

Change of Meeting Time and Date
Due to several local meetings now taking place on the first Wednesday of each month, the Committee felt it was necessary to propose holding meetings on the second Wednesday of each month. It was also felt that some older members would be more inclined to venture out during the afternoon, particularly during the winter months. The views of the member were sought and a vote was taken at the September meeting which indicated that the majority of members were in favour of the change. However, the Committee recognises that some members will be inconvenienced by this change and the situation will therefore be monitored and re-visited at the next Annual General Meeting, should the changes not prove to be successful in terms of attendance at meetings.

£50 Note
The new design for the £50 note will feature Matthew Boulton and James Watt.