Lighthouses put on the map in a celebration of all things Smethwick
Oral history can play a vital part in how we record and celebrate our lives and the world around us
THE Chance Heritage Trust is now midway through its ‘Made in Smethwick’ project, which has taken it all over the Black Country delivering workshops, guided walks, heritage visits and pop-up events for children and families.
The trust has now begun its Chance Lighthouse Mapping project, with more than 200 people from 18 countries involved. The completed project will result in an online, explorable map of every lighthouse made at Chance’s glassworks, with the locations of every one.
“This interactive mission can be done online – so anyone, anywhere can contribute,” say the organisers.
“And with 2,500 lighthouses in close to 80 countries, maybe you live closer to a Chance lighthouse than you realised.
“You can register to join this mission, and you’ll get to learn about the fascinating history of Chance lighthouses, how to uncover their information online, and put your sleuthing skills to good use.” Taking place at Smethwick Library on Saturday July 23 will be Oral History and Training Day. “Oral history can play a vital part in how we record, archive, and celebrate our lives and make sense of the world around us.,” the organisers explained. “This engaging and innovative workshop will be led by Geoff Broadway from The Living Memory Project. Geoff has over 25 years of experience in developing creative and heritage projects that put oral history and personal life stories at their centre.” On the weekend of July 16 and 17, Coronation Gardens in Tipton will host the Tipton Shine a Light Festival, where visitors can expect lighthouse painting and stained glass inspired crafts, and a chance for young people to learn all about the technology of Chances’ glassworks.
And taking place between July 27 and August 4 will be Chance Conversations – a series of online panel discussions which explore topical issues in industrial heritage, as well as highlighting the international significance of Smethwick and Sandwell’s industrial past, and raising awareness of future plans to regenerate some of Sandwell’s heritage assets.
Each online discussion will bring together a small panel of experts, including members of the #madeinsmethwick team, as well as new voices from the surrounding area.