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West Bromwich at War Book Launch

Wednesday 23rd November, 2016 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Wednesday 23 November sees the launch of a book produced by West Bromwich Local History Society. The launch takes place at the Arts Cafe, Central Sixth, New Square, West Bromwich at 2pm with the Mayor of Sandwell, Cllr Julie Webb.

With support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, for the past 12 months the Society have been collating original research and oral testimonies to create a book with the support of a professional designer, Rich Franks. The book looks at the impact of the Second World War on the town and the surrounding area from the perspective of local people. With contributions from some 80 individuals, it contains over 60,000 words, remarkable stories illustrated by many personal photographs.

The book is dedicated to the former President and founding member of the Society Stan Wilkins (1922 – 2013), who first conceived of the book and left a bequest to the Society to develop it.

Moreen Wilkes, Chair of the Society, said: “Many previous histories of areas have focused on a single particular individual, one of the ‘great and the good’ and their role in the area. Reuben Farley, ‘Man of West Bromwich’, being a fine example. West Bromwich At War is a record of an ordinary men and women living, sometimes dying, in the difficult time of war. The reaction and effect on family life, children being evacuated, women going to work in factories and men being conscripted into the forces are all recorded.This book aims to give a voice to many who had no voice but we hope it gives a real sense of pride to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the bravery and effort of all who lived in West Bromwich and helped to win the war.”

Details

Date:
Wednesday 23rd November, 2016
Time:
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Venue

Arts Cafe
West Bromwich,