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.