Residents keen to learn about their local history can join new free afternoon talks about the Black Country thanks to Sandwell's Central Library. Staff at the library, in High Street, West Bromwich, are hosting the Tuesday talks which all start at 2pm. Local historians can find out more about Marlene the Black Country Wench on February 21. Marlene is a grandmother from Quarry Bank who gives regular talks about Black Country women’s lives and the history of local area.
And on February 28 local actor and musician Barry Harper, who is in the forthcoming film Jawbone starring Ray Winstone, will talk about his career in the movies and on TV.
Local historian Keith Hodgkins will be taking a nostalgic illustrated tour around Old West Bromwich when he pops in on Tuesday 14 March and bare knuckle champion the Tipton Slasher is next up on Tuesday 21 March when author Chris Smith will be discussing a West Bromwich connection to the boxing champion.
Councillor Richard Marshall, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure, said: "All these talks are free and they sound fascinating. Our living heritage is just as important as that of our historic buildings, these tales need to be passed on from generation to generation so they are not lost for ever."
All the talks are at the library in West Bromwich, starting at 2pm on Tuesdays. Admission is free.
