Take a walk through village history via 24 landmarks
AN exhibition celebrating the unique heritage and culture of Langley is on display at Langley Library this week.
The project brings together history, poetry, photography and animation to celebrate Langley.
Created and delivered by the Friends of Langley Library group, the exhibition is called ‘Within Walking Distance’, and it focuses on 24 famous landmarks
Rich Franks, of the Friends of Langley, told the Bugle:
“Some are old, some are just memories and some new but all share two things in common. First, they reflect the rich culture of Langley village. Secondly, they are indeed all within walking distance of Langley Library.”
A special map has been designed illustrating all 24 of the landmarks which will be available free from the library and will be distributed to local schools, libraries, community centres and shops during the coming months.
Some of the more well-known landmarks highlighted on the map are:
Uncle Ben’s Bridge; the Titford Pools, created as a balancing lake for the entire Birmingham canal system; The Barlow Theatre, Sandwell’s only theatre and home to the Oldbury Repertory Players; and Titford Pumphouse, located by the Crow flight of locks, which restored water levels in the Titford canal after boats passed through the locks. The building is now the headquarters of the Birmingham Canal Navigation Society.
The map also features a special ‘Within Walking Distance’ poem by renowned Black Country poet Emma Purshouse.
Chair of the Friends of Langley Library, Martin Prestidge, said: “We found out a lot about the history of the area and the amazing people who lived and worked here.
“The exhibition and the map will answer some of the questions, but mystery still surrounds some of the landmarks.
“Who really was Uncle Ben? And what about the Titford Pool Monster?
“I found it amazing just what is on our doorstep.”
Nina Rogers, Friend, added: also a “The Friends Group has really enjoyed working on the ‘Within Walking Distance’ project during the last year.
“It has been worthwhile re-visiting our heritage in Langley. Not only have we reminded ourselves of things forgotten but the community has brought new insights and information to us.
Knowledge
“The work undertaken with local schools encouraged us to see heritage through the eyes of younger people, for whom it really is history.
“And we’ve learnt new skills working with professionals in art, photography, recording and poetry.
“Knowing one’s own area thoroughly and passing on that knowledge to other generations and new neighbours is a way of strengthening the community.”
The project has been created by the Friends of Langley Library group and has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England.
The exhibition is open at Langley Library, Barrs Street on Wednesday 25 July and Friday 27 July from 9.30am-1pm and 2.30pm-5pm and on Saturday 28 July from 10am2pm.
You can follow the project on Facebook @ wwdlangley or Twitter @W_W_D_F_O_L_L