This year (2025), Great Wyrley Wesley Methodist Church are celebrating their 100th year in the current building. In 1925, when the new building was opened, the church published a souvenir book entitled “A Short History of Wesleyan Methodism at Wyrley”, written by Mr Thomas Sambrook, a member of the church. As part of the celebrations this book has been reproduced, an introduction written and extra photographs added at the end. It is a delightful book that tells an earlier story of life in Great Wyrley, the photographs of the people involved are gloriously “old-fashioned” well worth reading. It is priced at only £5.00 per copy (possibly the bargain of the century). You can obtain a book from Great Wyrley Wesley Methodist Church on Wednesday’s between 9:30am – 3:00pm. Or contact either: Pat Jones on 01922 412094 or John Devey on 01922 412008. 

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It’s such a lovely sight to see in Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay, villagers coming together for the annual scarecrow competition. The Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay Scarecrow competition has been running for five years, starting in 2020. The event was initiated by Sally-Anne Ashford to celebrate what should have been Great Wyrley Carnival day, but it was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, the competition marked its 5th anniversary, with the theme being “Days Out”. Villages proudly displayed their weird and wonderful scarecrows, there was so many creative ideas from local schools, care homes, churches, business, pubs, groups and homeowners all getting involved. Held over two days, this years winners was ‘1st Great Wyrley Scouts’ ahead of The Swan Inn and Vogue Hairdressers.

The festival culminated on Sunday, with a fair organised by Great Wyrley Carnival Committee outside Harrisons Sports and Social Club. featuring food stalls and entertainment. Carnival Committee member Pauline Kelsey said ‘It’s been a great weekend and the weather was great, which always help for a successful event.” Around £370 was raised and will be put towards Great Wyrley carnival on Saturday 28th June 2025, which will be held on the back of The Star Inn ground, on the Walsall Road.

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Our guest speaker – Stefan Wild, has write a book called ‘Longest way up, shortest way down’ on his life as a mounted policeman. He came and gave a cracking talk about the time he spent has a mounted copper in Birmingham City Police. Copies of his book was available on the day to purchase. I have the book its a great read and surprisingly he lives in Cheslyn Hay!

Stefan Wild – ‘Longest way up, shortest way down’ Book is available to buy from Amazon.

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Tonight 8th May 2025, We marked 80 years since World War II ended, it was great to see so many people from the village and surrounding areas come together for the VE Day celebrations. On the Quinton Shopping Centre, in front of the Quinton Surgery, an area was setup with entertainment. On this day, the entire nation, along with our friends and allies around the world, came together to mark 80 years of peace. This is more than just a commemoration it’s a joyful celebration of reconciliation, unity, and the lasting peace that has brought us together. On this day 80 years ago, Winston Churchill announced the war was over.

We mark this occasion not only to celebrate the end of the war but to remember and pay tribute to the many millions that died and sacrificed so much for the freedoms we all enjoy today. VE Day 80 will be all about bringing the peoples, families and communities of our great nation together in a spirit of celebration and peace.

The evening entertain started with Councillor Kath Perry MBE giving an opening introduction, followed by The Reverend Marie Meredith relaying a message from Buckingham Palace. It was a cheer to listen to Cheslyn Hay Community Choir by musical director and founder, us they sang a collection of songs, followed by The Bevin Boys by Catherine Care. Then Councillor Kath Perry MBE entertained us with many songs from the 1940s, so many people joined in on the singing. It was great to then listen to Cannock’s Salvation Army Band ‘I Vow to thee my Country. The evening ended with the procession to Beacon and the lighting Ceremony.

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