Chance Day Out

29 Jan 2020 by Libby Mahoney

The Chance Heritage Trust intend to regenerate the Chance Glassworks site, an industrial heritage asset of national and international importance. The Chance Brothers Glassworks was one of the most important industrial employers in the Midlands for more than 150 years, playing a significant role in shaping Smethwick and the wider area. While the firm supplied glass for the construction of the Crystal Palace, its work in the design, production and installation of some 2,300 lighthouse lanterns around the world was arguably the company’s most significant contribution.

Chance Heritage Trust and Smethwick Heritage Centre are holding the Chance Day Out on Saturday 29th February 2020 from 11am at Smethwick Library, High Street, Smethwick, B66 3AP. Activities on the day include:

  • Bring along your Chance Glass along to one of their Chance ‘experts’ for a guide valuation.
  • Share your memories and stories with others
  • They will be launching their shares offer.
  • Chance ‘experts’ will be on hand to talk about your Chance memorabilia.
  • There will be lots of opportunities to talk about your association with Chances and if you would like to record your story, you can do that too!
  • Talk to Chance Heritage Trust about your vision for the glassworks.

The Trust want to create a vibrant urban community generating employment, housing, learning, training and leisure for the benefit of the community through the creation of hundreds of jobs bringing new businesses, new homes and new visitors to the site. This will be one of the most iconic sites in the Midlands and will once again take its place in history as the home of innovation, enterprise and community.

We know there are many people in the locality who have a keen interest in the glassworks, its amazing industrial heritage, and the important role it played in supporting the local community. The event on the 29th February is the start of a new page in the glassworks history and it provides a rare opportunity for local people to play a part in saving for the nation this important piece of our history and to have an important role in shaping its future.

For more information go to www.chanceht.org