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 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,

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.

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.