It was with great sadness yesterday that I learned of the death of local historian and author, David Vodden. David had written quite a few local history books about our area, all packed with great, unusual photos and useful, fascinating information. Walsall Local History Centre announced David’s passing on their twitter stream yesterday.
I’ve featured David’s wonderful book, ‘Around Pelsall & Brownhills in Old Photographs’ extensively here on the Brownhills Blog, and what always impressed me about the work is that, unlike many publications, it included recent history as well as older stuff. The span and eye for detail are wonderful. The book is still available locally, and I commend it to anyone interested in local history.
David and his work will be sadly missed, and my condolences go out to his family and friends.
I never met you David, but thanks, due to your patient, dedicated work, a bit more light was shed onto some unusual corners of our local history. Rest in peace.
A lovely book, which I still enjoy and refer to. Get a copy if you can.
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I had the pleasure of working with David at West Midlands College – he was a great gentleman and his death came as a shock. I would really like to know when his funeral will be
I don’t know personally, but can I suggest giving Stuart or Paul a call at Walsall Local History Centre on 01922 721305 – I’m sure they’ll be able to help. Bear in mind that they’re shut Fridays, but open Saturday mornings.
Hope this helps
Bob
A lovely man, brilliant historian and tireless defender of Walsall’s heritage – RIP David.
I hope that the town will pay him a fitting tribute somehow.
Posthumous Freeman of the Borough would be a great and fitting tribute to David – any Cllrs watching and/or listening out there ?
His Funeral is at St. Mathews (where else?) on Friday 30th at 2.15
Thank you Kipping (Mr.?) – sorry, that sounds impolite for some reason.
Good to hear it’s at St. Matthews.
Cheers for the information
Bob
David was a wonderful author and I very much enjoyed working on his books. He was such a positive person, and very knowledgeable about the Black Country. This is very sad news. Michelle (The History Press)
Very sad news. Condolences to David’s family. David was one of Sutton Publishing’s/History Press’s star authors, making a massive contribution to their hugely successful Black Country in Old Photographs series. He was terrific to work with, a true professional, and he’ll be much missed.
A great great man and I have just spoken to his wife sending my deepest condolensces to her and his family.
I had the pleasure in briefly liasing with him when I was researching John Stonehouse’s life many years ago. Some of my articles went into one of his books. He was a kind man indeed.
A great loss to Walsall, its heritage and its people. May he RIP !!!!