Express & Star

Iron Age coins display as 20 years of exhibitions marked by history society

The Claverley Memories Local History Society is celebrating 20 years of exhibitions this year and its latest display is called People, Events, and Anniversaries.

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Claverley Village Hall

This year's exhibition runs from July 7 to 10 in Claverley Village Hall, with the last entry on the last day at 2pm, and will be describing some of the events it has organised to raise money for local charities.

John Burns of the society said: "We will also be celebrating a number of anniversaries at this year's history exhibition. At the forefront will be the centenary of the end of the First World War with the stories of the fortunate ones who returned and recognising the sacrifices of those who did not.

"We will also be highlighting the contribution to the war effort of the women of the village and the many roles they fulfilled while their husbands, sons and boyfriends were away.

"Many women were at that time fighting and campaigning to improve their position in our society and this was the time of the suffragettes' militancy.

"We have not yet found any local women who were suffragettes but we believe that many were probably suffragists who believed they deserved more influence in the decisions of the day but strove for change through peaceful means. Some say that this struggle continues today.

"Claverley weddings through the ages will also be featured and we have been fortunate enough to have been loaned many photographs for our displays. We are also hoping to have some wedding dresses on display."

The story of the Claverley Hoard, a find of Iron Age coins which received national publicity, will be told in one of the displays, and researchers will be on hand to help with history or family history questions.

John added: "The exhibition raises funds for Claverley Memories. The other events over the years have been coffee mornings with mini exhibitions, carol singing, Halloween collections, and an antiques evening, for which the charities benefitting were West Midlands Air Ambulance, Compton Hospice, Claverley Church Fabric Fund and Claverley Village Hall - an eclectic mix over 20 years."

The history exhibition runs in virtual tandem with Claverley Flower Festival, which is from July 7 to 9.