Langley Local History Society

Langley Local History Society was started at Langley Library in February 1996 to provide a forum for members to exchange and record their reminiscences. These were published as 'Langley and Langley Green Recalled' in 1996 and 'Langley and Round About' in 1997.

The society grew in membership, now numbering about 75, until it could no longer fit into the space available at the library and the society moved to the Church Hall at Warley Institutional Church.

We are currently producing a series of books on life in Langley, Langley Green, Causeway Green and Rood End. We have completed research on transport and industries in Langley, published as 'Making and Moving in Langley' in 1999, and sport and leisure in the area, published as 'Playing and Performing in Langley' in 2004. Our ongoing project is a study of the shops and trades of Langley.

With the closure of Langley's parish church, St Michael and All Angels, in 2007, the society published a survey and history of the church and parish in 2006.

We have just completed research on the men of Oldbury who died in the First World War, and launched a book in November 2007 as 'The Fallen of Oldbury, Langley & Warley 1914 - 1918'. This includes a 40-page full colour section and details of over 550 men with an Oldbury connection who gave their lives. Its production has been supported by grants from the Lottery Fund and Oldbury Town Committee, and well as local firms and individuals.

The society arranges a programme of monthly talks and visits to local historical sites.

There is no charge for membership, but a charge of £1 for members and non-members is made at each monthly meeting, plus 20p for refreshments. Monthly Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 10.45 at Warley Institutional Church Hall, Pound Road, Oldbury. All are welcome.

Forthcoming Programme:

July 9 - "Dudley Castle" by Adrian Durkin

August 13 - "Life on the Canal Boats" by Sandra Avery. [Sandra lived on a Clayton's canal boat until she was seven years old. This talk covers life on the boats and the transition to 'the land']

September 10 - "Food through the ages" by Pat Green

October 8 - "Developments in Sandwell's Archaeology" by Graham Eyre-Morgan, Sandwell Borough Archaeologist

November 12 - "The Chain Shop at Mushroom Green" by Ron Moss [subject to be confirmed]

December 10 - Christmas Social

Contact: via this website or Langley Library, Barrs Street, Langley