Free Lantern Workshop Dawley House Saturday November 29th 10am-4pm
Dawley is an old mining town which five decades ago underwent massive transformation with Telford Development Corporation being the instigators.
Promises of a new and prosperous future for the inhabitants of Dawley failed to materialise and retailers who had owned shops for generations in Dawley High Street reached retirement and made the difficult decision to sell.
The years following have been despondent and lean, new people migrated to Dawley from The Black Country and made their homes here. Some integrated easily into the community others did not and returned to their roots.
During this time of transition Dawley lost something fundamental to the locality.
The character and strength of its people seemed to disappear; those who remember will talk wistfully of the High Street bustling with shops and shoppers, a thriving market and traditional community events, which brought everyone out on to the high street.
Today Dawley is still an old mining area its distinct character embedded in centuries of toil. It is also blessed with an expanding populace, which brings a rich diversity of social and cultural benefit to the town.
The lantern procession is; a community led event without cost to local authority or resident aimed at promoting a sense of well being, inclusive of all; social, age, ability and culture. It is a joyous celebration of Christmas to inspire strong foundations of trust, unity and sharing within an established cohesive community.
During months prior to the event a working group of volunteers including Councillors and Dawley Bank Horticultural Society members organise lantern workshops in schools and with local community groups. Imagination and creativity has no boundaries amazing willow sculptures are created and illuminated by L E D lights.
The theme is The Christmas Story, characters are made from willow and wet strength tissue paper, this year there is also a relevance to The Springwell Pit Disaster 1872.
A willow sculpture pithead has been made and will be carried by eight boys each wearing a hard hat with the name of a young man who perished on that fateful day.
A willow sculpture of Holy Trinity Church the site of the most massive funeral ever held in Dawley is also nearing completion.
In Dawley Christian Centre there will be a mining exhibition by local historian Malcolm Peel.
A Celtic Piper and Drummer will lead procession through Dawley High Street.
The Salvation Army Band will be present for community Carols in the Square.
Dawley C of E school choir led by conductor Sue Wolfe will entertain visitors.
Church and local organisations are invited to have Stalls.
There will be a warm welcome, mince pies and hot soup awaiting.
For further information please contact Melanie Higginson 01952 506389
Sounds fantastic .As secretary of Dawley HistoryGroup I would like to inform you of a Memorial Service at Holy Trinity Church on Saturday December 6th at 2pm This is to remember the 6 young men who lost their lives in the Sprinwell Pit disaster 126 years ago to the day.There will be readings on the lives of each of the men who died and flowers laid on their grave .Is it possible for you to advertise this a bit for us ?
Thanks