18 - Book launch is a marker in history

Mrs Garratt-Johnson, who is the great great granddaughter of former mayor Joe Garratt takes a look at the book with her son Peter Garratt-Johnson, Mayoress of Dudley Debbie Burston and the Mayor of Dudley Councillor Ray Burston.

  

 

The Mayor of Dudley Councillor Ray Burston officially launched Dudley’s little book of big history in the council house on Wednesday (16 July).

 

Former mayors, councillors and archivists attended the event as well as relatives of the former mayor Joe Garrett who was in office back in 1882. 

 

Crammed full of photographs, maps and digestible information, the book includes details of the area’s Saxon beginnings and its mention in the Domesday Book. The symbolism behind the civic coat of arms and the role of the Mayor also feature in the booklet.

 

Copies of the book have been given to schools across the borough to encourage children to take an active interest in how the council became what it is today. Dudley Council’s archive in Coseley will be giving out copies of the booklet, which are also available for hire from any Dudley library.

 

 

“Dudley’s little book of history is simply a great read. With so many beautiful photographs and such fascinating facts I’m sure it will appeal to everyone living in or visiting the borough.

 

“I have enjoyed discussing the book with former mayors and our archives team, who work hard to look after so much of Dudley’s history. It was also a great honour to meet relatives from Australia of Joe Garrett, who was Mayor of Dudley in 1882.”

 

Pupils from Bishop Milner School, Dudley, got a sneak preview of the new booklet on a recent tour of the council house. They got to meet the Deputy Mayor of Dudley Councillor Pat Martin and learn about how the council works and the important role of the mayor in the borough.

 

For more information or to request a copy of the booklet call 01384 815260.