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Black Country history buffs descend on Tipton to enjoy memories of yesteryear

Tipton Town libraries second annual Black Country Local History Fayre at Tipton Sports Academy was a success.

By Adam Smith
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The bad weather meant people flocked to the event which showcased the best of the Black Country's fascinating local history. 

The Tipton Town libraries local history group often holds events within libraries but the Tipton Sports Academy allows the group to invite stall holders from across the region. 

Chairman Robert Hazel said: "We had a great day and I think the bad weather played in our favour because people knew they would not get wet indoors. 

Derek Nicholls with his Bean car/ transport display. He is pictured with a model of the Thunderbolt Car, built by Bean and once held the land speed record, and a model of a Zeppelin that killed a number of people in Tipton during the war.
Derek Nicholls with his Bean car/ transport display. He is pictured with a model of the Thunderbolt Car, built by Bean and once held the land speed record, and a model of a Zeppelin that killed a number of people in Tipton during the war.

"This year we had a Lee Howls reunion, Unseen Palethorpes advertising and the chance to find out more about Tipton's Transport Heritage and cars, trains and planes built in the area."

Former workers of Lee Howl Ltd enjoyed reminiscing about their days making precision components which were the envy of the world.  Lee Howl was an industrial pump factory based in Tipton. There was a design studio, a pattern making carpentry workshop, a mould making workshop, a foundry, assembly lines, testing departments, paint shops and packing departments 

He added: "The new Tipton Slasher heritage trail had a stall and visitors could purchase a number of limited edition prints.

Eric Cox, 91, from Tipton. He finds himself here on a photo from the Lee Howell factory where he used to work. He would draw on his break time and had his own little art gallery at the factory. He's left on the pic alongside Kempy.
Eric Cox, 91, from Tipton. He finds himself here on a photo from the Lee Howell factory where he used to work. He would draw on his break time and had his own little art gallery at the factory. He's left on the pic alongside Kempy.

"The Sports Academy is a great venue and we were really pleased how many history groups from across the region cane and supported the event."

Local History event at Tipton Sports Academy Sports & Social Club.. Pic of John Homer, Historian, Poet, performer, Robert Hazel and Lisa Cox (two of the event organisers).
Local History event at Tipton Sports Academy Sports & Social Club.. Pic of John Homer, Historian, Poet, performer, Robert Hazel and Lisa Cox (two of the event organisers).

Admission was free and Robert believes the success of this event will mean there will be yet more Local History Fayres at Tipton Sports Academy.

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