1968 - A Year of Great Change

05 Oct 08

On Radio 4 over the last months there have been snapshots of 1968 as it was such a momentous year around the world.

Here in Ansley there were events that had am impact on the lives of those who lived and worked in the parish.

It was announced that Arley pit was to close and it did so, which was nine years after Ansley Hall closed, many of the workers at Arley pit had moved there from Ansley Hall and also lived in Ansley. The closure was to have a marked impact on the lives of many.

It was in 1968 that the first real talks were taking place that Ansley C of E School should close, although it was some time before it did so. This again had a big change on the life of the parish especially in Ansley Village and the Church.

In Ansley Common it was the leaving of Captain Armstead the Church Army Captain which was to have an impact as he was the last Captain to live and work in the area. It was at that time with no captain that the decision was taken to run transport to St. Laurence for the evening service. In those days it was a bus but today we still run a taxi. If anyone in the parish who wishes to attend the evening service and has transport difficulties please do contact one of the wardens and the taxi will be organised.

In the Churchyard the old evergreen trees near the church were removed as they were becoming dangerous and it was at this time that the new evergreen and flowering trees were planted.

First talks were taking place to have a church car park at Church End.

In 1968 we had the last Flower Festival with the girders in the church and the theme that year was Mission to coincide with the Mission being run by the then bishop Cuthbert Bardsley. The total raised was £230.