Monday, 8th April - Helen Barlow - 'The Dog's Trust'
Thank you, Helen for a lovely talk about the workings of the Dog's Trust. An invitation to take a tour of the base was welcomed and may be a visit for the future.
Monday, 11th March - A.G.M. and Scone Tea
I know a lot of people avoid AGM's because they consider them 'boring'. You can change all that by following it with a delicious, fresh Scone Tea. People listen, intently, just in case they hear the wonderful words - 'And now for a scone tea!'. We had a good meeting and it is interesting to hear a review of the previous year's talks and visits. Thank you to our Committees and others who make our small Association a relaxed and friendly group who would welcome more into their midst. Don't forget to ask friends if they want to join.
Monday, 12th February - Kay Starkey - 'Saving Lives'
- Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
Kay and a new member to the Staffordshire Air Ambulance, joined us today. Kay gave a comprehensive talk about her work and the work of the Air Ambulance crew. It covered the cost of each flight and the cost per year of keeping the Charity in operation - some 13 billion - what sort of calls they cover etc. Thank you Kay, for an informative afternoon. We made an Association donation and members made individual donations.
Monday, 8th January. - Andrew Campbell 'The Owl Man'
Unfortunately Covid hit and this talk did not happen. Instead, we had an hour of fun quizzes with brains being tested. Small chocolate bars were given as prizes to the lucky winners.
Chris Rea - 'Sing- a- Long with a touch of Comedy'
We had a lovely afternoon with Chris, singing songs from the 50's forward. His humour was appreciated by all. Thank you Chris. .............................
Monday, 13th Nov.
Geoff Tristram
'Watching Paint Dry'
A one you must not miss, such a treat! Yes, it was a treat. Full of humour and wonderful paintings, stories and parts of our everyday lives that were Geoff designs etc. Terry's chocolate orange wrappings, Thornton's chocolate info sheet inside the boxes, jam labels etc. etc. We also found out that stamps are printed in Walsall. So interesting and as I have said - funny! Thank you Geoff for a wonderful 80 minutes.
Monday 9th October - John Pittwood
'The Real 'Allo 'Allo'
Unfortunately, John has the 12th in his diary instead of the 9th, so he didn't turn up. What a shame!
Instead Pam talked to us about 'The joys of being a Speaker' and Mario fetched his guitar from home and then same some very heartfelt songs. Both of these were greeted with grateful thanks and with pleasure at how good they both were.
Pam made us laugh with her tales of talks given by herself and her husband.
Mario entertained us with such lovely guitar playing and a beautiful voice.
Thank you, Gill, for a talk which made us talk about valuing the chosen items. A first hand experience of a programme that many of us watched. We had no idea until the end about the success of each pair of contestants.
Tim is the great grandson of William Coltman the most decorated soldier of the First World War. He was awarded gallantry medals twice and won the Victoria Cross. Yet he was the most humble of men. He did not seek the limelight and did not glory in it. He had God as his guide and was happy to return from the War to tend his gardens. It was a well delivered talk with slides and kept every interested throughout. The applause was a genuine thank you to Tim.
An interesting talk on a topic that some would avoid. Ian knows his topic and does a lot of research born out by the fact he has written 14 books - a variety of topics. Thank you, Ian.
Monday, 17th April (one week late because of Easter) - Keith Farr - 'The Guitar' - Keith played three different guitars with different sounds - ranging from traditional Spanish to Electric. He was so proficient in all of these that he had us mesmerised with his talent. He played a variety of music styles and many songs we could join in with. Thank you Keith for a lovely afternoon. ............................................................................................................................................
Monday, 13th March - AGM and Scone Tea
We had the business side of the meeting with some laughter. The 2022 Exec. Committee members were voted in en bloc for 2023. Reports were made by all the officers and were well received by members. Minutes of this meeting will be on this site next year near to the AGM 2024. It was followed by the Scone tea. We have to say a big thank you to Essington Farm, Essington. They supply us with the freshly baked scones - both Fruit and cheese ones - both delicious.
We have a lovely group of people in this Association and we should be thankful for such people.
Monday, 13th February 2023 -"Growing up in the 60's and 70's" - John Ullah John's talk got everyone involved because it reminded us of the things of our youth even things we had forgotten. He made us laugh amid some history of the times. Starting with the Back to backs in Birmingham reminding us of the deprivations of life in those days. Which some of us could remember......... outside loo's and the 'wonderful' toilet paper - 'Izal'..... a shiver runs down my spine! Thank you, John.
Monday, 9th January 2023
Cas Bailey 'If you can't stand the Heat What an afternoon of laughter! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the talk about life in the Police Force in the 70's for a woman. Cas is a natural entertainer with reminisces about her time in training and then in Walsall Police. Thank you, Cas. ............................................................................................
Monday 12th December 2022
PETER GILL - 'THE WIT AND SONGS OF NOEL COWARD' - We decided weather too icy/snowy/cold to travel from Ross on Wye - too long a journey in uncertain weather conditions.
Our members - Jonathan and Linda Chappell entertained us with Christmas songs which we could join in with.
not forgetting it was our Christmas Buffet...........................
🎼‘The weather outside was frightful but the atmosphere so delightful.’🎤
It was our last meeting of the year on a cold day with a dusting of snow on the ground. A wonderful afternoon with an impromptu Christmas singsong with the Chapells.How good of them! (Ed. Here! Here!).
A big thank you to the committee for the wonderful food they provided for us .They all worked so hard not only preparing the food but clearing up afterwards.
Let’s hope we all have a lovely Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2023.
Jan Farrow
Monday, 14th November 2022 with WENDY BOARDMAN
'SEATED EXCERCISE'
(anyone can do it, really!)
Something different for everyone! We had a wonderful afternoon - gentle exercise that anyone could do - sitting in a chair. Wendy was so clear and kind. She explained everything really well. Everyone enjoyed the change of pace and learned how to exercise, safely without straining themselves. Thank you, Wendy.
10th October 2022 - MEGAN PITTWOOD - 'KILL OR CURE' A very interesting talk about old fashioned remedies for all sorts of ailments - with examples of these treatments. Not to be missed! Thank you Megan for a really interesting talk. You told us things we didn't know and reminded us of the things we had forgotten as well as making us laugh. Your interest in Cadfael and his ministrations with potions etc. was not lost on us.
13th June 2022 - PENNY WHEAT - 'LIFE AS A SILVERSMITH'
Her silver, handmade, varying objects that she had produced over the years were truly lovely.
9th May 2022 -ALAN TUMBER - RHYME NOR REASON - No. 2
Another time for laughter and memories. Alan used animals as a linking theme. Some old favourites - 'Albert and the Lion' - and some new - 'An embarrassing experience with a Parrot'. All good fun! Thank you, Alan.
11th April 2022 - CAS BAILEY 'HANDCUFFS TO HOT GLASS'
Always a treat! As well as being informative, she is a good laugh as well! From Police to a new hobby.... She took us through her journey from newspaper ad to joining a class and then on to Btec. in Glass work - all aspects of it. Very enjoyable afternoon.
14th March 2o22 - AGM and Scone tea! - This was really tasty! No, not the AGM, just the scones!
14th February 2022 - June Crunden - "Nursery Rhymes and their meanings" - MARY BODFISH - 'THE KING'S LOOSE BOX' ROYAL SCANDALS. This did not happen as Mary could not get her car to start. However, June Crunden was able to step into the breach. She talked about the 'dark' side of the favourite Nursery Rhymes we have all taught to children. No one could think of a Nursery Rhyme that ended happily. Can you! Let us know. Well done June and thank you.
13th December 2021 - 'Dandy' and the Christmas Buffet - what more could make a wonderful introduction to Christmas. Everyone enjoyed the laughter, that Dandy brought to the event, and said it was just what they needed. The food, supplied by the Committee, was appreciated and enjoyed. Thank you all. Merry Christmas.
8th November 2021 - JUNE CRUNDEN - 'EIGHTEENTH CENTURY COFFEE HOUSES'. - June's talk was welcomed by the membership and was informative and enjoyable. It encouraged members to talk about their own memories (not from the Eighteenth Century, though) and invited many questions. Thank you June.
11th October 2021 - Our meetings began again with Kathy Norman - 'Memories'. It is my own report - I enjoyed it and looking around, no one was asleep. Many smiles and just as many laughs. KN.
Monday, 9th MARCH 2020 - AGM and SCONE TEA
Delicious! That is the only word for it and I don't mean the AGM. It was a well attended meeting with the 'business' being conducted fairly quickly. Then on to the tea! Delicious! It needed saying again. !
Monday 10th February - Marlene Watson - 'Black Country Humour'
What a fun filled afternoon. Marlene made us laugh until our faces hurt! She took ordinary situations and saw the humour in them - that only Black Country folk could find! Thank you Marlene for brightening this wet, windy, cold Monday.
Monday 9th December 2019
'Christmas Entertainment and Buffet'
Alan Tumber
Alan's presentation on powerpoint was really good. He entertained us with a selection of Christmas themed songs and poems. This was followed by a brilliant buffet. Thanks to the Committee for providing this treat for our members.
Monday 11th November
'Voices Entwined', My singing groups
Louise Blackburn
(you will love this lady, I promise!). - I promised you would and your did. Louise is a rare gem - she livens any gathering with her enthusiasm for singing and singing as a group, as well as a sharing a joy for life. Even our members who thought 'Oh, no - we have to sing', found themselves joining in and having a good time. Thank you so much, Louise for a brilliant afternoon!
Monday 14th October - 'Africa - Continent of Superlatives' - David Keith Jones
This presentation takes you across the length and breadth of Africa to experience the earth’s largest desert, longest river, biggest inland delta, tallest sand dunes, largest alkaline lake, biggest waterfall, greatest geological feature, biggest primate, largest bird, heaviest, fastest and tallest land mammals and the last surviving ‘Wonder of the ancient world’! The most beautiful slides. A very clear presentation.
Monday 9th September - 'Lost Mansion Houses'- Ian Bott - Monday, 10th June
Once again, Ian, took us on a tour of the West Midlands - looking at the Mansion Houses that no longer stand.
Mansions, we were informed, were of two types, either belonging to the landed gentry or created by newly rich members of the industrial revolution. Mr Bott showed us the rise and fall of many of these mansions whose remains are now only memories, lingering on in street names, parks and occasional building remnants. Locally, Wollaston Hall, once belonging to the Foley family was demolished in the 1920‘s, but the interiors were bought by the son of Henry Ford for his home in Detroit which now a museum. Lea Castle was pulled down in 1945 but the North Lodge remains in use at Cookley, whilst the South Lodge lies in ruins. Prestwood Hall was burnt down during conversion work to the county sanatorium in 1922. We were left with a feeling of regret that so many beautiful buildings have been lost for ever. (Report made in the Stourbridge News)
Cas Bailey
"If you can't stand the Heat get out of the Kitchen"
An excellent afternoon. Cas, a retired Policewoman, made us laugh at a number of her memories of being in the force. She told of her time as a Police Cadet in Walsall when she wasn’t allowed to do the College course as she was already over qualified for the job and when being the only female Cadet made PT sessions something of a trial! When she became a Police Officer in Walsall she was the only woman on the shift, the same was almost true when she became Sergeant and was moved to Wolverhampton. Her tales of life at this time were akin to the TV programme “Life on Mars” and had her audience roaring with laughter. 45 years ago, life was very different to now – remarks and actions we would now consider sexist, ageist, racist were the norm – Cas told her stories with a light hearted humour and a knowledge that mostly, no harm was ever meant by the things that were said or done.
13th May - Kath Reynolds - 'Gymslips and Chalkboards'
Monday, 8th April Ken Knowles - 'Town Crier'
Ken is a retired Teacher (Headteacher) so is more than able to hold people's attentions. He did this with great skill. He is amusing as well as being very informative. It was good to hear of Lichfield's history alongside the Town Crier history. We thoroughly enjoyed his talk and could recommend him to any other group.
Monday, 11th March AGM (and don't forget the scone tea!!)
As President of W.R.T.A. I can honestly say how relieved I am that this afternoon ‘s A.G.M. went so well. What a jolly, friendly crowd we are, everyone happy to meet up, chat, vote, share concerns about absent members and then enjoy our cream tea. Delicious scones and all the trimmings, thanks to Essington Fruit Farm. Do come and join us at our next meeting on 8th April. ...........................................................................................................................................
Monday, 11th February - John Billingham. - 'Events of 1950's'
John was a very interesting speaker (without notes) and interesting acetate sheets on an old overhead projector (in keeping with his talk). Events, covered the King's death, our Queen's coronation, Margaret's 'love life', Churchill's fall from power, conquering of Everest..... etc. All very relaxed and easy listening. John also tested our memories for names, places etc.
14th January 2019 - Ian Bott - 'Haunted Black Country' Ian took us on a journey through the many 'eerie' incidents recorded by newspapers of the time. Wednesbury was particularly represented. The Delves Common and the Ghostly Stagecoach story was interesting and could make people walk the area late at night hoping to see it. The hour's talk passed quickly and the 'thank you' was made by Sue-President.
Monday, 12th November - 'Neither Rythm nor Reason' - Alan Tumber. An enjoyable afternoon's entertainment provided by Alan Tumber. Alan regaled us with comical poems, songs and music borrowed from poets and folk musicians from times past. Our hour flew by in no time at all and Alan could have continued his excellent performance for longer but time was limited. We were encouraged to participate in with the chorus lines to some of his ditties, which many of us duly did with gusto. All in all we had a jolly good time. Thanks Alan.
Melvyn
Monday, 8th October - 'The Pilgrim Fathers' - J Keith Cheetham
Tuesday, 10th September 2018 - 'Love Spoons' - Keith Llewellyn An interesting, lovely talk by a lovely man! He not only talked about the origin of love spoon, the wood used and his beginning of his interest but he included stories of his life. He made the time go quickly and we were sorry when we had to move on to the rest of the meeting. Thank you Keith.
Mon. 14th May 2018 - Molly Murray - 'Little Black Dress' Another enjoyable afternoon. Molly took us through her life as a silver service waitress and beyond. Everyone seemed to enjoy her memories and her sense of humour.
Mon. 9th April 2018 - 'LIFE AND TIMES OF A BUSKER' - ERIC NEWTON What a wonderful, unbelievable afternoon. Eric shared his early life difficulties with us - which later re-surfaced in his adult life. He then told us about his work choices - which were many! - he often saw someone doing a job and thought 'that's a good idea!' and followed suit. His talents were many and varied. What a full life! 'What have we done with our lives?' - many of us asked. His amazing connection and continuing friendship with a family in Australia, for well over 34 years, had us shaking our heads with disbelief! Threaded through all of this was his love of Jazz. His playing on his clarinet - whether in a band or busking - he is a delight. Running 38 marathons playing 'Oh, when the Saints Come Marching In' 648 times - taking breaths in between phrases - he is an inspiration to us all. A real joy! (Editor)
Mon. 12th March 2018- AGM and Scone Tea! WRTA AGM Monday March 12th 2018 This was held in the hall of the URC Gillity Ave. Walsall. A full agenda was followed and officers were re elected enblock.The President thanked everyone for their reports. This was followed by the traditional tea of scones with butter jam and cream ordered by our treasurer Kathy Norman from Essington Fruit Farm. The pretty decor was as usual by Doris Lee. Members enjoyed the afternoon. Margaret Jones
A new constitution was agreed and will be given out with your Programmes for 2018/19 in May 2018. It allows for a wider membership. Open to all those qualified and employed in the profession of education (teachers, lecturers, nursery nurses and others deemed qualified for membership by the Executive Committee). The AGM, which saw the re-election of all the officers currently on the Committee. Jan offered her services to the Committee and was quickly 'grabbed' and not let go! A volunteer - what a miracle! Another surprise took place after the AGM had concluded. Devi Morgan offered to see what the job of Assistant Treasurer would be like and may take up the role in the near future! What a treasure!
Mon. 12th February - Alan Tumber - 'Picture This'
A retired Headteacher with power point presentation - of famous art by famous painters - and guitar! He kept our attention throughout. The slides were well chosen and the accompanying music and songs were really lovely. A really enjoyable afternoon.
Mon. 9th October - 'STORIES OF THE ENGLISH COINAGE' - PHIL GRIFFITHS
Phil gave us an hour of the history and stories connected to coinage from the very beginning! It was truly an interesting, informing and amazing time. Dry subject? No, far from it. Phil has a lovely delivery and kept our attention for the whole time. Thank you Phil.
Monday 11th September - 'CRIME DOESN'T PAY' - JILL SLY
Jill Sly was a retired, female lawyer, and told us how in her time how very few lawyers were women, and none of them wore trousers. She told us a few funny anecdotes that happened during her career mainly in Midlands law courts, telling us all the towns and cities which had a law courts and those who lost them. What I found strange is that she told us how to shop (illegally) in a supermarket for free (although she did say not to!). What she told us was interesting and kept us awake, and at the end she accepted questions from us. Overall a good and interesting speaker, we have never had a lawyer before.
Antonio Longhi
Mon. 9th JUNE - 'Picture This' (Songs and Paintings) - Alan Tumber
This talk had to be cancelled because of the illness of the Speaker's wife. We send our best wishes to them both and hope to see him in the future.
Our very own Alan Crunden stepped in with a slide and talk presentation of the artworks of J M Turner. The choice of painting and sketches were wonderful - showing his skill of creating paintings with the light shining through on to the landscapes and seascapes. Such a prolific artist and such talent!
Mon. 8th MAY – 'History of Jabez Cliff and the Leather Industry' – Cliff Kirby-Tibbits
What a wonderful afternoon! Those who weren't there missed a treat!
We tried a different venue and were made very welcome. It was quite a large gathering of 56 members and friends. The food and service were excellent and the staff were friendly and helpful. After the meal we were entertained by Derek Poulson who gave a very interesting and amusing presentation on the history of British dialects. What a brilliant speaker! A most enjoyable afternoon! Doris Lee
Mon. 10th APRIL – 'End of the end of the Pier' – Neil Roberts
Neil gave us a humorous look at the development of the End of the Pier Show and it's demise. He reminded us of the wonderful acts and showmen that made the era so special. He gave us some laugh out loud moments when he treated us to a few of the comedy routines that were the stock in trade of the performers of the time.
50 members attended. Kathy Norman
Mon. 13th MARCH – AGM and Scone Tea! - no speaker today - just lovely scones!
Our A.G.M. was held at the usual time of 2 p.m. and it all went really well. In fact so many members were present that we ran out of chairs! Our traditional cream teas were as delicious as ever and the business part of the meeting ran very smoothly. The afternoon was completed with the presentation of a well deserved gift to our secretary, retiring after 17 years of dedicated service, a hard act to follow. We gave her a rose bush, aptly named "The Lady Gardener". Not all A.G.M.s are such fun, I'm sure.
Sue Oates - President Scones supplied by Essington Fruit Farm - freshly made that day. Delicious!