We have largely reproduced (with permission) a leaflet published by the Madeley Living History Project about the Madeley Amateur Dramatic Society, 1943 – 1972, with a number of photos. If you think any of your relatives might be in the photos in the original leaflet, please contact the Living History Project on 01952 567288 to arrange to pick up a copy. You can read more on our website.

Here is an extract:

Dorothy Brian and Jo Reece

The group had enjoyed a long and varied run as part of Madeley life.  Undoubtedly the driving force behind its setting up and development was the redoubtable Dorothy Brian, a former Madeley teacher, who remained formidable to the end of her days – only learning to drive when widowed at the age of 68!  Dorothy was senior producer between 1952 and 1965 and set the standard for high quality productions.  The wonderful set design was largely the work of Jo Reece (now Mrs Withers).  Among its early players and supporters were Mr & Mrs Arnold, Mr & Mrs Cramp, Miss Ravenscroft, Dr. (John) Metcalf and Edgar Harrison.  Villiers Chilcott, John Derry, Maurice Finney, Bob Staunton and Percy Tranter played their part as did many others.  Later recruits included Martin Brookes, Ron Miles and Lenny and Daphne Roberts but many Madeley residents contributed in one way or another (not always willingly – at least one former resident of mature years has told me  how he and his friends were plucked from the Boy Scouts to perform as somewhat reluctant Roman soldiers in Caesar’s Friend!).

I have found out that my grandfather was born in Coalport Road Madeley in 1880′s and his family were miners. Does any one know how I find out more please? Some of the family moved to Nottinghamshire in 1920′s. Was there more work there in the mines? Any information will be really great.

Hello, I’m doing a little research into my family both sides of which came from Madeley during the mid to late 1800′s (Owen and Davies, which was probably half of the village at the time!), you never know I may even be related to “Spitty”. The Davies side of the family lived at 175 Sutton Road according to the 1881 census but they all seemed to disappear after that nothing in 1891/1901 as did the other inhabitants of Sutton Road. Does anyone know why this might be?

Hi

When you see the term, for example, coal house and E.C. What exactly do the letters E.C. stand for

Hi.I am looking for information on the old prisoner of war camp.I believe it opened in 1941.Any memories would be much appreciated.Would also like to know if the site has been explored at all.Perhaps some of you may be interested in having a look?Lastly,how would I find out who currently owns the land? Any and all help very much appreciated

Our website has a new section about the The Beeches Hospital – later Lincoln Grange.

This pub is now the CHEC centre in Madeley High Street

Recognise anyone?

If you have photos you would like to contribute to our website, you need to register, then wait to be made an ‘author’. Then you can upload photos here – please make clear whether we can use them on the main website, please let us have as much information as you can about them – and do make sure there are no copyright issues!