Archive - Friday, 18 May 2007


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Hagley Historical & Field Society

AT our May meeting on Tuesday 1st Mr Alan T. Smith MBE talked to us about ' New Uses For Old Buildings''.

Mr Smith is a member of the West Midland Historic Building Trust. He described how after the end of the war the re-building of our towns often resulted in the destruction of buildings of historic interest.

In 1945 the Civic Trust was established to help preserve them. Local trusts were formed and suitable buildings were given listed status, which meant they could not be pulled down. These buildings cover a wide variety of types including Tudor houses, Victorian factories, redundant chapels and churches etc.

The aim of the trusts is to preserve these buildings and if possible to renovate them for re-use. The necessary funds are raised from various sources including local councils and the National Lottery.

Mr Smith showed us examples of the Trust's local work, these included the renovated half-timbered cottages in Kinver High Street and the Harris and Pearson building in Brettel Lane, Brierley Hill, now in use as modern offices. The Trust's present on going project is Corngreaves Hall in Cradley Heath.

The June meeting of the Society is on Tuesday 5th at which DR C Upton will talk about 'Joseph Chamberlain- Birmingham Benefactor''. All are welcome at St Saviour's Church Hall 8pm.

Visitors £1.50 including refreshments. The June ramble is on Sunday 10th, starting from the village car park at 2pm.