Hagley Historical and Field Society

Members and friends of the Society have had another busy month, with a meeting, walk and two visits.  The June meeting saw the welcome return of Mike Miles with a presentation on “The Canalboat Women”.  Using archive photographs, Mike started with a history of the narrow boat operations on the canals between Birmingham and London, explaining how the coming of the railways led to wages being cut and causing the men to take their wives and families on the boats. Our speaker went on to look at the work of the women on the canals – largely cooking, cleaning and washing – and how family life went on.  By the early 1960s, the advent of lorries had ended long-distance canal traffic and a way of life had disappeared.  This was a fascinating presentation on an unusual subject, made more poignant by Mike knowing many of the women’s names, and was much appreciated by a large audience.

24 members and friends visited Witley Court and church, followed by Abberley Hall and Clock Tower (with its 166 steps!).  A second group will visit in July to cater for demand.  We eventually had three trips to Hartlebury Castle to allow for numbers and illness – June saw the last one, with participants greatly enjoying their access to the treasures of the Hurd Library.