Valley of Industry: Guided Heritage Walks

We’re heading to the historical heart of Smethwick to explore the history that lines its famous canals!

From the Chance Brother’s glassworks, to Soho Foundry, Smethwick boasts a rich industrial history. We’ll be exploring this history through a series of guided heritage walks.

This is an exciting chance to explore how industry, transport and architecture interacted over time and uncover the stories behind Smethwick’s famous canals with expert guest speakers from a variety of different fields.

Want to have a fun day out, while also learning about the industrial heritage of Smethwick? Come and join us as we take a whistle-stop tour through time!

These walks are designed to tie in with our Galton Valley Pumping Station visits, which can be booked separately here.

Join us for our guided heritage walks, and you’ll get the chance to:

• Walk the length of Smethwick’s canals and take in the standing history

• Hear more about the landscape around you from our friendly experts

• Learn about the industrial heritage of your local area

• Share your own knowledge of the canals, the glasswork and the town with fellow walkers

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YOUR HOSTS

Dr Simon Briercliffe (MA) is a historian (Black Country Living Museum) and Doctorial Researcher at the University of Birmingham. Simon specialises in the history of the Black Country, and has worked in museums and heritage. Alongside his research, Simon is an avid public speaker and reader, and even runs a local history blog!

Lizey Thomson is an expert on buildings conservation who has worked on the restoration of important buildings like the Birmingham Roundhouse. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in the history of Black Country brickmaking at the Black Country Living Museum.

Geoff Broadway is a UK-based artist, filmmaker, project director, mentor and coach with over 25 years of experience working in the arts, heritage and education sectors. He is the founder and the current director of the Living Memory Project CIC which works with oral historians, storytellers, photographers, artists and filmmakers to produce projects that celebrate the rich lives and experiences of ordinary people from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds.

Oliver Jessop is a Corporate Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and is a recognised expert on the survey and analysis of standing buildings and historic landscapes. He has been an independent Heritage Consultant since January 2012 when he founded The JESSOP Consultancy. He provides specialist advice to owners of Listed Buildings, including the adaptation of existing properties and unauthorised works to Listed Buildings.

Jennifer Oliver has over 15 years of experience in the heritage sector, having worked in both public and private roles. Jennifer is an experienced buildings archaeologist, having completed the MA in Buildings Archaeology from York University and regularly undertakes all levels of recording and survey for individual buildings, or complex multi-period sites. Recent projects have included providing conservation advice on Listed building alterations, Historic England Level 3 building surveys on behalf of the National Trust at Longshaw, along with historic farmsteads in North Yorkshire and the Peak District for Private Clients.

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ADDITIONAL INFO

Who can join?

Anyone aged 12+ can join the walk (children must be accompanied by an adult).

Please be aware, the walking route is 3.4km in length, and will take approximately 2 hours to complete. The walk is entirely outdoors and includes steep slopes or steps to access the canals.

When is this event happening?

There will be three walks taking place. Each walk will take place on a different date and will feature a new speaker.

Two of the sessions will also tie in with a Museum Visit to Galton Valley Pumping Station, which can be booked separately here.

Where is this event happening?

We’ll meet outside Sandwell & Dudley station.

Once everyone has arrived, we’ll then head out on the walk, which will finish at Smethwick Rolfe Street station.

How do I join the optional Galton Valley Pumping Station visit?

If you’d like to join the optional visit to the Pumping Station, you’ll need to book a separate ticket here. Remember to book the corresponding time slot!

Do I need to bring anything?

Please bring any food or refreshments you may need for the duration of the walk. This session will be outdoors, so please dress appropriately and wear sturdy footwear. There may not be facilities during some parts of the walk, so please be prepared for a few hours outside.

• Any snacks or refreshments

• Sturdy footwear (such as boots)

• Weather appropriate clothing (waterproofs/hats/suncream)

What happens if it rains?

This event will go ahead rain or shine. We strongly suggest you check the forecast ahead of time, and prepare for rain if necessary – don’t forget waterproofs and a brolly!

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ABOUT MADE IN SMETHWICK

Made in Smethwick is an exciting season of events and activities taking place in and around Smethwick, highlighting the rich global history of local area.

Focusing on stories relating to two former industrial sites – Chance Brothers Glassworks and Soho Foundry and Mint – the events are a chance for people to explore the town’s industrial heritage, discover the history of their neighbourhood, and share their own ideas about what it’s like to live, work, and grow up in the area.

VIEW THE FULL PROGRAMME

This isn’t the only event! Check out the full programme here.

THANKS TO…

This project has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.

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HAVE YOUR SAY: HOW SHOULD OUR OLD INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS BE USED?

Chance Heritage Trust is on a mission to raise the cultural profile of Smethwick’s industrial heritage, and bring former industrial buildings – like the iconic Chance Glassworks – back into use within the community.

Now, with help from the Community Renewal Fund, Chance Heritage Trust is starting to develop plans for the Chance Glassworks site.

This survey is part of a wider programme of community consultation, which will help to shape these plans.

How would you like to see these buildings used? And, apart from living and working spaces, what kind of opportunities and facilities should they contain for community use?

Fill out this short survey to have your say.