Cannock Chase Collections

What can a war grave tell us about the past, and what can it teach us about the future? In this episode, we hear directly from the young people who took part in the Cannock Chase Commonwealth War Graves summer camp. Bringing together participants from Staffordshire and Germany, the camp offers a unique opportunity to explore the stories behind the graves, learn about the impact of war, and reflect...

Every summer, young people aged 16 to 18 from Germany and Staffordshire come together on Cannock Chase to care for and learn about the Commonwealth War Graves. Run by the Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Youth Services (SCVYS) in partnership with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the summer war graves camp is a chance for young people to take part in remembrance. In this episode, we hear f...

Halloween Special: Ghost Stories, Poisonings and Local Legends Kick off Series Two of the Cannock Chase Collections Podcast with a chilling Halloween special. Hear ghostly tales from Four Crosses with Lesley, explore the infamous Palmer Poisoning with playwright Pete Sedgwick, and discover the story of Kitty Dooley with local heritage enthusiast and digital content creator BazzaBilo. A fascinating...

International Women’s Day Special: Women Who Shaped Cannock Chase This International Women’s Day, we’re exploring legacy — and what it really means to leave a mark. Within the Cannock Chase Collections, some women are instantly recognisable. Figures such as Jennie Lee helped shape national conversations, and their influence continues to be felt today. But alongside these well-known names are photo...

Coal, Community & Camaraderie: Stories from Lea Hall Colliery explores the history and human story of one of Cannock Chase’s most significant collieries. Lea Hall Colliery was more than just a workplace — it was the heart of a community. In this episode, we delve into life at the pit, from the daily realities of working underground to the resilience, humour and determination that defined gener...

In this special episode, we celebrate the life and legacy of poet Nancy Foster, exploring the woman behind the words and the lasting impact of her work. We’re joined by Malcolm, Nancy’s nephew, who shares personal memories and reflections, offering a unique insight into her life, character, and creative spirit. His stories paint an intimate portrait of a writer whose voice resonated far beyond the...

The Dinks explores the story of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade and their time training on Cannock Chase during the First World War. Known locally as “the Dinks”, these soldiers left a lasting impression on the landscape and communities around the Chase, forging friendships that endured long after the war. This episode is centred around a fascinating object from the collections: an autograph book ow...

 A continuation of local stories exploring the people and places behind Cannock Chase’s glassmaking history. 

In this episode, Through the Looking Glass – Part 1 , we explore stories connected to Cannock Chase’s once-thriving glassmaking industry. Using objects from the Collections, we hear from people with different connections to glass — including a glass artist, the Lay Minister from St Luke’s Church, and a local heritage volunteer. Together, they share reflections on skill, craft, and stories, helping...

 In the first episode of Cannock Chase Collections , we explore how local people have become their own historians, uncovering and preserving the heritage of their communities.  Focusing on the Hednesford War Memorial, an expert reveals more stories behind this important local landmark. We also hear from community heritage groups, Cheslyn Hay & Bridgtown Local History Society and Hednesford in...

Discover the stories behind the places, people, and objects that shaped Cannock Chase. In this new podcast series, local voices bring heritage to life — from industry and wartime stories to creativity, community, and everyday memories. From next week, enjoy six weekly episodes , each uncovering a different part of Cannock Chase’s rich and varied heritage through the Collections and the voices conn...