Express & Star

Tay party with a distinctly Black Country feel

A huge tay party with plenty of caerks, particularly the traditional bread pudding, was laid on as part of the Black Country Day celebrations.

Published

Age UK Dudley's Springboard project at the Waterfront near Merry Hill put on the spread for the folk who use its service, with silver service from waitresses.

As well as the traditional Black Country fare, there was also ballroom dancing, crochet demonstrations, a tombola, book sale and other events.

Everyone dressed in red and black, to represent the colours on the Black Country flag.

Visitors also enjoyed entertainment from the comedy group Fizzogs, while Black Country Gaz, one of those involved in organising the festivities, Miss Black Country and the band The Empty Can popped along for the fun, at Springboard's newly-opened centre.

Charlotte Dean, Springboard co-ordinator, said: "We wanted to join in the Black Country Day celebrations, as well as celebrate the opening of the centre.

"We got the facility in March, and we wanted to advertise the new venue and get people into the centre.

"And it has been a great way to join in the celebrations."

Maureen Murray, aged 70, and Rona Woodall, 67, both from Ashenhurst Road in Russells Hall, were two of those enjoying the atmosphere yesterday.

Mrs Woodall said: "We didn't really know what to expect, and when we came the tables were laid out, we had cake and tea, and we had a natter until the Fizzogs came on.

"It has been a lovely community morning."

Mrs Murray added: "It's a really good idea, it gets people out, it's good that we've got our own flags, which I didn't realise until this weekend.

"We are on the map now as Black Country people - everyone associates us with Birmingham, and we are not, we are not Brummies."

Janice Crewe, from Dudley, was also there to celebrate everything Black Country.

She said: "It's lovely, it's nice, I really enjoyed the Fizzogs - they are hilarious wherever they go.

"I think they will carry on with Black Country Day now because it has really worked, it should become an event every year."

Her thoughts were echoed by Ninder Johal, president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, who also visited the Age UK Dudley centre.

He said: "For too long the region has never really shouted about what a brilliant brand it is, what a brilliant region it is and what brilliant people it has.

"For the first time people have something to cling onto, and say what's so special about us.

"The PR we have had shows that actually it's not just a flimsy little celebration, it's got some cogency."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.