The months certainly seem to fly by – it will soon be time to write the Christmas newsletter – Liam will tell you how many days to go, if Godfrey doesn’t beat him to it!!
The ‘already described’ items include a couple of fliers, and photographs and three Hornby models.
Also we had a bottle from Lockett & Sons of Cannock, complete with marble in the neck.
We still get so many visitors who, when they are finally in the museum, say ‘I didn’t know this was here’ so Godfrey decided to print a poster to put up in the stattion to tell visitors where we are hiding!!
A most important addition to the Museum’s archives is this programme of the evening’s event, held in the Heritage Centre on Friday evening, 23-9-2016
The award was presented to the Railway by Her Majesty’s Lord-Llieutenent for Staffordshire, Mr. Ian Dudson CBE Cst.
After the presentation there followed a train ride to Chasewater Heaths for the presentation of a replica crystal and scroll to the staff from the station.
On return to Brownhills West, an excellent buffet was on offer, which was enjoyed by everyone. Congratulations to the catering staff.
Following a tour of the buildings, including the Museum, the Lord-Lieutenant departed.
At the conclusion of the evening, Mark Sealey, Chairman of the Railway, presented all working volunteers with a commemorative QAVS badge.
Posted in Museum Exhibits, News
Tagged Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Burntwood, Cannock, Cannock Wood, Chasewater Railway, Chasewater Railway Museum, Chasewater Railway Museum August Newsletter, Great Wyrley, Hazel Slade, Heath Hayes, Hednesford, Lichfield, Mining Heritage, Norton Canes, Steam Trains, Walsall, Walsall Wood
Posted in Museum Exhibits, News, Uncategorized
Tagged Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Cannock, Cannock Chase, Cannock Wood, Chasewater Railway, Chasewater Railway Museum, Cheslyn Hay, Great Wyrley, Heath Hayes, Hednesford, Lichfield, Museum Collection, Norton Canes, Pelsall, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Wood
Main cover photo from the Chasewater Railway Museum collection.
The main cover illustration of the recently published book from ‘Pen and Sword’ on the Royal Arsenal Railways depicts the 1917-built Peckett 0-4-0ST locomotive works number 1491, named ‘Vanguard’. At first thought this might seem an odd choice to show, but it must, of course, be realised that photographs at this important military establishment during its period of operation are not easy to source.
The reason, however, for going back to the original thought of it being an odd choice is that ‘Vanguard’ with its crew stands in front of coaches of the Brereton ‘Paddy Train’ having been disposed of a mere three years after arrival at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. Following its sale to Brereton Collieries, ‘Vanguard’ soldiered on and indeed hauled the final train of coal from the pit on 1st July 1960. Moving via Cannock Wood Colliery to Hamstead Colliery, ‘Vanguard’ finally went to the scrapyard during November 1962.
Page 145 in the book shows the same photograph as on the cover, credited to the Chasewater Railway Museum, the caption suggests that the view is towards the end of the life of ‘Vanguard’, however, it is more likely that the photo dates from the 1930s.
The Author, Mark Smithers, has produced a fine work, well-illustrated, on the railways of an establishment that contributed a great deal during both World Wars until finally run down and closed in 1967.
‘Pen and Sword’ website: http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
Barry Bull
Posted in News
Tagged 1491-1917 Peckett, Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brereton Collieries, Brownhills, Burntwood, Cannock, Cannock Wood, Chasewater Railway Museum, Cheslyn Hay, Great Wyrley, Hamstead Colliery, Hazel Slade, Heath Hayes, Hednesford, Lichfield, Museum Collection, Norton Canes, Peckett, Pelsall, Royal Arsenal Railways, Steam Trains, Vanguard, Walsall, Walsall Wood
Tagged Aldridge, Aston Manor Road Transport Museum, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Burntwood, Cannock, Cannock Chase, Cannock Wood, Chasewater Railway Museum, Cheslyn Hay, Great Wyrley, Hazel Slade, Heath Hayes, Hednesford, Lichfield, Museum of Cannock Chase, Museums at Night, Norton Canes, Pelsall, Walsall, Walsall Wood, Wolverhampton
Another good increase in visitor numbers, now that the Museum is open on Saturdays, manned by Marion and Godfrey, as well as Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Posted in Museum Exhibits, News
Tagged Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Burntwood, Cannock, Cannock Wood, Chasewater Railway, Chasewater Railway Museum, Cheslyn Hay, Great Wyrley, Hazel Slade, Heath Hayes, Hednesford, Lichfield, Museum Collection, Museum Newsletter, Norton Canes, Pelsall, Walsall, Walsall Wood
Posted in Museum Exhibits, News
Tagged Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brereton Brick, Brownhills, Burntwood, Cannock, Cannock Wood, Chasewater Railway, Chasewater Railway Museum, Cheslyn Hay, Great Wyrley, Hazel Slade, Heath Hayes, Hednesford, Lichfield, Model Railway, Norton Canes, Pelsall, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Wood, Wolverhampton
Chasewater Railway Museum 