A Cannock Chase Odyssey is part of the 'Midland Memories Series'. This video is like an odyssey through time and the history of an area forming part of South Staffordshire in the central UK. Most of the area covered has changed almost beyond recognition but will be recalled by those of a certain age who treasure such memories. Once upon a time we were basically all rural peasants, living and working upon the land according to the rhythms and moods of Mother Nature. We look back as on a lost Elysium with small close communities shaped by the the landscape and topography.
Cannock Chase communities however, were founded mainly on the coal seams that happened to surface near by and so easy to mine. Now even that has passed by into history over the last thirty years or so. Mining was a dirty dangerous business, however the strong sense of bonding among the miners and their families facing a common danger is something rarely encountered today. Life has become easier certainly but not necessarily simpler or happier.
Cannock Chase also bears the now fading scars of two world wars. In this video we visit some of the camps that were set up to train the brave soldiers and airmen due to be sent away to a very uncertain future, this was in order to protect our future!
We can't live in the past, but that does not mean that we should not respect our past and our history. Some of us will nevertheless yearn hopelessly for what has been lost.
Enjoy this video in whatever way you can.
Music Track - The Enchanted Valley - KZread Audio Library.
Apologies for any unintended infringement of copyright. In mitigation there is no element of profit or personal gain in the making of this video and any offence caused is totally unintentional.