Icing on the cake for memories

Members of a Black Country nostalgia group celebrated its 10th anniversary by watching a video recording of their first meeting a decade ago.

The Black Country Memories Group gathered at the Holy Trinity Church hall, off Oxford Street, Bilston, to celebrate the occasion and hold its annual general meeting.

The group dates back to 1991 but it was not formalised until 2000. It now has more than 170 members, many of whom turned up to witness the club's 10th anniversary birthday cake being cut.

Chairman Alan Bickley, aged 83, of Alexandra Road, Penn, said the club's enduring success was down to like-minded members. "People come along because they enjoy sharing memories of the past and talking about their different stories," he added.

Members meet regularly, holding events where people recall times gone by. As well as welcoming visiting speakers, members give speeches on the Black Country themselves.

Mr Bickley, who was a Wolverhampton councillor for 20 years, joined the club nine years ago while seeking more information about his family name. New members are welcome to join, call him on 01902 338527.