Wordsley History Society

Chairman, Brian Idoine, welcomed 60 members and 43 visitors to the meeting, and reminded them of the safety regulations. The Centre Open Day is to be combined with a Spring Fair and this Society is to man a ‘Books and Bric-a-Brac’ stall. Items for sale on that day to be brought to forthcoming meetings. Concerning the AGM, supper request forms were available – to be returned as soon as possible. He emphasised the advantages of membership – only £8 per annum, plus £2 Affiliation Fee to the Wordsley Community Centre.

Brian then introduced Graham Fisher. The title of his talk, ‘Whiskers on Kittens’, was explained in its subtitle: ‘A celebratory romp through some of our favourite pieces of glass’. By no means as destructive as it sounds, it turned out to be a freewheeling catalogue of Graham’s personal collection, with its associated memories and associations.

These included the Portland Vase, glass jewellery, Stourbridge glass past and present, the Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Mean, Graham’s Harley Davidson motorcycle and religious country and western music from many years ago. Not to mention Donald Trump!

Through this eclectic mixture, though, ran two constant and serious themes: first, Graham ‘s insistence that Stourbridge glass continues, in a different form but held in the highest regard internationally. Second, his deep affection and admiration of ‘glass people’ of yesterday and today.

Following the talk Brian thanked Graham for a most unusual ‘take’ on our local glass industry, obviously appreciated by the audience.

He also took the opportunity to thank the ladies for providing refreshments, and reminded everyone that the next meeting is on 14 April, when Ian Bott’s illustrated talk is entitled ‘Zeppelin Night of Terror’, detailing the fascinating true story of the Great War outrage of 31st January 1916 when a German Zepplin, on a mission to bomb Liverpool, got lost unleashing carnage on the Black Country instead of it's chosen target. The talk will take place at 7.30pm in the Community Centre, Wordsley Green. Visitors and new members welcome.