Cannock Chase Collections

Creative Chase

Where local treasures meet local stories. The Cannock Chase Collections Podcast explores the rich heritage of Cannock Chase through the objects, people, and places that shaped the area. Each episode connects items from the Cannock Chase Collections with the voices of the community. Across the series, we uncover stories of industry, creativity, wartime life, and everyday experiences, celebrating the hard work and dedication that built Cannock Chase and the communities we know today. Whether you’re passionate about local history or simply curious about the stories behind familiar places, this podcast invites you to listen, learn, and connect with Cannock Chase’s past — one story at a time.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    Common Ground - Why We Remember

    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 from Sarah from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Sean from SCVYS about how the camp came about, what takes place during the two weeks, and why caring for these graves still matters today.

    Common Ground - Why We Remember

  2. Oct 27

    Cannock Chase After Dark - Halloween Special!

    Halloween Special: Ghost Stories, Poisonings and Local LegendsKick 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 journey through some of Cannock Chase's most intriguing local legends and historic mysteries.

    Cannock Chase After Dark - Halloween Special!

  3. Mar 8

    International Women's Day Special: Women Who Shaped Cannock Chase

    International Women’s Day Special: Women Who Shaped Cannock ChaseThis 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 photographs, letters and records that capture women in quieter moments — at work, in the home, and in the heart of the community. Lives that weren’t always written into the history books, yet shaped Cannock Chase just as profoundly. In this special episode, we bring those stories into conversation with women from our local community. Through shared reflections and personal experiences, we explore how the legacies of past women — both famous and everyday — continue to resonate, inspire, and influence the present. A celebration of resilience, contribution and community,

    International Women's Day Special: Women Who Shaped Cannock Chase

  4. Mar 4

    Coal, Community & Camaraderie: Stories from Lea Hall Colliery

    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 generations of miners and their families. At the centre of the conversation are the friendships forged in the most challenging of environments. Bonds built on trust and teamwork underground didn’t end when the shifts were over — or even when the pit closed. Many of those connections continue today, a lasting testament to the strength of mining communities. Through shared memories and personal reflections, this episode celebrates not only the industry that shaped Cannock Chase, but the enduring spirit of camaraderie that remains part of its identity.

    Coal, Community & Camaraderie: Stories from Lea Hall Colliery

  5. Feb 26

    Portrait of a Poet: Nancy Foster

    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 page. We also welcome Scarlett Ward, Staffordshire Poet Laureate, who reads selections of Nancy’s poetry and reflects on her own experiences as a female poet today. Through performance and conversation, Scarlett draws connections between past and present, considering the challenges and opportunities faced by women in poetry across generations.

    Portrait of a Poet: Nancy Foster

  6. Feb 11

    The Dinks: The Anzacs, The Autograph Book and The Great War

    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 owned by a local Cannock Chase resident. Filled with names, messages, and signatures from New Zealand soldiers, the book offers an intimate glimpse into everyday encounters between local people and troops far from home. Joined by Matt from Hednesford Town Council and Trevor from Friends of Cannock Chase, the discussion brings together personal stories, local memory, and historical context. Together, they reflect on why the New Zealand presence on the Chase still matters today, how objects like the autograph book help us connect with individual lives, and the importance of preserving and sharing these stories for future generations. Through conversation and collections, this episode highlights Cannock Chase as a place of international significance, shaped not only by war, but by human connection.

    The Dinks: The Anzacs, The Autograph Book and The Great War

  7. Feb 4

    Through the Looking Glass - Part 2

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

    Through the Looking Glass - Part 2

  8. Jan 28

    Through the Looking Glass Part 1

    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 to uncover how glassmaking shaped working lives, places of worship, and everyday life across the area.

    Through the Looking Glass Part 1

  9. Jan 21

    Cannock Chase Collections - Heritage Hunters

    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 Partnership, about how they are inspired to undertake their own research projects and ongoing efforts to keep Cannock Chase’s history alive.

    Cannock Chase Collections - Heritage Hunters

  10. Season 1 Trailer

    S1: Cannock Chase Collections Trailer

    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 connected to them. This podcast has been made possible thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, whose funding helps us share these stories and keep local heritage alive for future generations.

    S1: Cannock Chase Collections Trailer
  • 1 Trailer
    9 Episodes

Trailer

About

Where local treasures meet local stories. The Cannock Chase Collections Podcast explores the rich heritage of Cannock Chase through the objects, people, and places that shaped the area. Each episode connects items from the Cannock Chase Collections with the voices of the community. Across the series, we uncover stories of industry, creativity, wartime life, and everyday experiences, celebrating the hard work and dedication that built Cannock Chase and the communities we know today. Whether you’re passionate about local history or simply curious about the stories behind familiar places, this podcast invites you to listen, learn, and connect with Cannock Chase’s past — one story at a time.

Information