THE last event was held on June 10 in St Mary’s Church Hall, Kingswinford.

The chairman, Joan White welcomed members and friends to the meeting including chairman of the main society, James Morgan. Stan Hill, president, sent apologies as he is not well enough to attend and Dave Galley, president of the main society, was unable to attend. This was the last meeting of the group as we have been unable to fill the posts of chairman, treasurer and secretary.

Chairman, Joan White and treasurer Linda Button have held the offices for over 30 years and Alison Jones, secretary, wished to resign from this meeting. The chairman thanked Linda and Alison for all their hard work and loyalty. She also thanked Keith Jeavons who has been in charge of coffee and made sure that the hall has been opened for our use. Graham Beckly was thanked as stand-in coffee maker and helping in other ways. Linda thanked the chairman for her loyalty to the group and presented her with a book. The financial statement from Linda said that attendance had fallen over the last few seasons and entrance fees not covering fees for speakers. There are also many local societies using the same subjects thus reducing attendance.

It was therefore decided to close this branch. The meeting was followed by an excellent performance of the Cradley Heath Male Voice Choir with conductor Cynthia Brettell and pianist Cynthia Partridge. A varied programme with some community singing. A buffet supper with wine followed to which chair members were invited. This all helped to make the last of the Kingswinford branch a happy occasion. The society was originally Dudley Teachers Archive Study Group founded by Dr John Wait, supported by Stan Hill in 1968. Meetings were held at the Teachers Centre, Himley Hall before moving to The Portway School, Laburnum Road, Kingswinford 1984-85. Stan Hill served as chairman, secretary and later, president. As members dwindled, it was absorbed into a branch of the Black Country Society moving to St Mary’s Church Hall, Kingswinford and remaining until its closure on June 10, 2015.