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.

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.

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.

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.