Research Trip

Black Country Living Museum
I visited the museum and photographed various relevant details. I talked to the actors running 'shops' including the bakery, confectioners, pub and homes. This was useful to find out about traditional cakes and bread that we can make for our cafe and to find out how life might have been in the Charlemont area 100 years ago. (see photos).

I also met with the Education Officer who was really keen to be involved in some way and was going to check budgets and timings and get back to me.

Sandwell Farm Museum
I visited the museum and spoke with John Stokes, who is an archivist and historian there, and also responsible for natural history of the area. He was very interested in hearing about the project and in finding out more about the history of Charlemont. He also said he could do a talk as part of the shop programme. He has since been in touch with further information about the history of the area.

Karen James
I had a meeting with Karen James from SMBC to discuss how the council can support the project and what specific issues we should be aware of and could address in the community/area. She said that due to the disappointment over the regeneration scheme not going ahead, the area needed morale-boosting projects which built a sense of community. We discussed other council officers who may be able to help and advise. She also said she would write a letter of support that we could use to ask local furniture recycling schemes for assistance in loaning furniture. And in addition offered to promote the project through the council press office.

Community Meeting
Due to some confusion, we had changed venues at the last minute, which could have contributed to a very low attendance but more likely that we needed to have direct conversations with people to get them interested and involved. Therefore I just met with Peter the vicar and a woman named Pasqueline who has offered hair-braiding at the cafe. Peter reiterated his offer of holding a service and of loaning us equipment including tables, chairs, a tea urn, crockery and games which was really helpful.

Overall Summary
I found everyone I spoke to to be very supportive and keen to be involved; however, I think the key problem is that without being located in the area it is difficult to build up word of mouth contacts.