Historic arts group relocates to a new home

An arts and education group has held its final meeting at its home of more than 125 years – but its future has been secured.

The West Bromwich Institute has been forced to find new premises after Sandwell College, in Lodge Road, relocated to a £77 million new campus in Spon Lane.

Members of the institute have been meeting in the former Lodge Road Grammar School since 1885.

But now Hill Top Methodist Church will host the group's weekly lectures, which explore literature, the arts and culture, until the end of August, before the group moves to a more permanent base of Central Library.

The last meeting was held this week. For Audrey Clewlow, an 81-year-old former nursery nurse at St Martin's school in Tipton, it took her back to first joining in the 1970s.

"I remember picking up the leaflet when I was still working and not looking back since then," said Mrs Clewlow, of Great Barr.

Stephen Weddle, agd 62 and a former BBC producer at Pebble Mill has been a member for nine years. He said: "It's the end of an era really. I came here with a heavy heart to think that we're moving." The group is being uprooted as Sandwell College pupils move to a new £77 million campus in Spon Lane.

The building was recently handed over to the Government's Homes and Communities Agency, with the understanding West Bromwich Institute still has the right to use it. But members were then asked to leave building, as it is set to be demolished.

At Central Library, members will facedouble fees as they will also have to cover room hire. Member of 20 years Freda Courtnell, 71, of the Yew Tree Estate, said: "We fell we've been left out on a limb and after more than 125 years, it seems hard lines."

Her 78-year-old husband Ron, a retired design engineer, added: "We've enjoyed so many talks over the years, the wildlife talks, and history and geography. We're just crossing fingers the library move works out."

Councillor Steve Trow said it was important to preserve the institute. He added: "It just shows the tremendous commitment of the community they've continued this long. Hopefully they can keep going for another 100 years."

Relative newcomer Alan Hamilton, 69, from Meadow Avenue, West Bromwich, said the building would always hold good memories for him.

He said: "It's a great pity we're moving but I found so many of the talks interesting, covering anything from history to travel, and met some lovely people."

Secretary of the group Charles Sproston, aged 83, hoped the institute's 70-some members could oneday return to the building if it avoided the bulldozer.