VISIT TO THE OLD STAFFORD ASYLUM ESTATE, ST GEORGES PARK, STAFFORDSaturday 19th April 2008These important listed buildings have been in a state of decay for many years but recently planning approvals have been granted for the conversion and extension of the buildings to provide office space. Provisional works have been carried out to make the structures safe and to prevent further deterioration and now the Trust have been offered the unique opportunity to see inside these buildings prior to their conversion.
The entrance to the site is off Crooked Bridge Road in Stafford. There is a large sign advertising the scheme and drivers should enter the entrance and proceed straight up to a steel gateway where they will be met and directed where to park.
Members and guests should meet at 10.00 a.m at the main gate where they will be met and directed to the marketing suite which has been created in St. Chads, a separate part of the complex which has been re-roofed to prevent further deterioration of the structure.
There will be a short tour of the inside of St. Chad’s with the chance to examine photographs of the condition in which it was found when the Pritchard group purchased the site. After familiarisation with the layout of the estate by means of examination of the planning approval drawings we will then enter the St. Georges building and see the safe access areas. We will examine the burnt out portions, the old refectory and the chapel. A tour of the external of the building will follow if the weather allows.
Refreshments will be available at the end of the tour. Stout shoes and warm clothing are recommended. Safety helmets will be provided when required.
TALK ON JAMES FOSTER INDUSTRIALIST AND BENEFACTORMonday 21st April, 7.30pm,
Bonded Warehouse
Roy Peacock will present a fascinating talk on James Foster, who was one half of Foster and Rastrick which members will be familiar with from the work of the FARSite group. This great industrialist and benefactor was the Richard Branson of his day!
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGTuesday 20th May, 7.30pm,
Bonded WarehouseGuest speaker will be Terry Keegan who will give an illustrated talk about historic Milestones. Refreshments will be provided.
VISIT TO THE ROCK HOUSES OF KINVERMonday 23rd June 2008To compliment the talk on the Rock Houses of Kinver a visit has been arranged to allow members to see these fascinating structures for themselves. Members should meet at 7pm at Holy Austin Rock.
HERITAGE OPEN DAYSSaturday 12th and Sunday 13th September
Details to be provided nearer the time
TALK ON STOURBRIDGE IN 1850 Monday 29th September, 7.30pm,
Bonded Warehouse
The Trust will continue with its monthly programme of talks on Monday 29th September with a talk on Stourbridge in 1850 by David Hickman who is an ex-Stourbridge librarian.
