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Through the years: 28 pictures of community spirit in focus across Staffordshire and the Black Country

Social clubs and community groups have long been at the heart of towns and neighbourhoods across the region, along with the buildings that brought people together.

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By Tania Taylor
Published

From social occasions and local events to vital fundraising efforts, these gatherings show how communities supported one another through good times and bad.

In this feature, we look back through the Express & Star picture archive at some of these memorable moments and locations — plus the remarkable people who made them happen.

The Church Fabric Fund to save St Peter's Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton, launched by the Mander family., c.1937
The Church Fabric Fund to save St Peter's Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton, launched by the Mander family., c.1937
Gas masks were worn by the players at the Spring Hill Inn, Penn, and the local ARP post in a darts match for the Express and Star Comfots Fund. Date stamp 21 April 1942
Gas masks were worn by the players at the Spring Hill Inn, Penn, and the local ARP post in a darts match for the Express and Star Comforts Fund. April 21, 1942
Fischer Bearings Sports and Social Club, Wolverhampton. Billiards being played with the visitors from Tilburg. George Dallow is being watched by (left to right): Piet Roovers, Robert Cox and Piet van Noort
Fischer Bearings Sports and Social Club, Wolverhampton. Billiards being played with the visitors from Tilburg. George Dallow is being watched by (left to right): Piet Roovers, Robert Cox and Piet van Noort. August 13, 1948
Darts match with the Wolverhampton Tilburg Committee. The photograph shows Mary-Jes-Van Ierlant with Mr S C Bailey. Date stamp 7 August 1948
Darts match with the Wolverhampton Tilburg Committee. The photograph shows Mary-Jes-Van Ierlant with Mr S C Bailey. August 7, 1948
Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co, Stafford Road, Bushbury. An interior view the new sports and social club pavilion that had been officially opened on August 30, 1963, by Mr A. H. Pendree, replacing premises that were destroyed by fire in April 1961
Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co, Stafford Road, Bushbury. An interior view the new sports and social club pavilion that had been officially opened on August 30, 1963, by Mr A. H. Pendree, replacing premises that were destroyed by fire in April 1961
The Staffordshire Territorial Force Association headquarters building in Wednesfield, had became a local community centre, but there were plans to sell it off and Wednesfield Socialists were campaigning to save it in October 1971
The Staffordshire Territorial Force Association headquarters building in Wednesfield, had became a local community centre, but there were plans to sell it off and Wednesfield Socialists were campaigning to save it in October 1971
Star Bingo, Bilston Street, Wolverhampton. November 2, 1971: Formerly the Clifton Cinema, the Star Associated company was due to be taken over by British Lion. The photograph shows the front of the building with signs for "Bingo" and "Social Club."
Star Bingo, Bilston Street, Wolverhampton. November 2, 1971: Formerly the Clifton Cinema, the Star Associated company was due to be taken over by British Lion. The photograph shows the front of the building with signs for "Bingo" and "Social Club."
Ladies' Woodwork Classes in Cannock. Cissie Watkins concentrating on a sawing operation, helped by Gillian Loftus, at the town's community centre. January 13, 1973
Ladies' Woodwork Classes in Cannock. Cissie Watkins concentrating on a sawing operation, helped by Gillian Loftus, at the town's community centre. January 13, 1973