AN APPEAL is underway to chart the human history behind one of Stourbridge’s landmark buildings.

Mary Stevens Maternity Home closed more than 30 years ago, but moves are now underway to compile stories from people who had their children there.

The idea is the brainchild of Amblecote woman Pat Barnsley, who is trying to contact anyone with a connection with the home so she can produce a book.

“This is about the human stories behind the building,” she said.

“If people had their children at Mary Stevens they almost invariably have positive stories to tell as it had such an excellent reputation.

“If people were going to have an uncomplicated birth then Mary Stevens was usually the first choice for them, and there must be a wealth of stories still out there.”

The maternity home opened in 1932 and closed in 1984, with the building still playing host to a number of charity organisations.

Mrs Barnsley added: “Of course, we are appealing to an ever diminishing number of people, but it was model of good practice and deserves to be celebrated for the excellent care that it gave.”

People who have stories to share about the home are being invited to attend a fact-finding meeting on Saturday, February 7, at the Pocklington Trust Resource Centre, The Mary Stevens Centre, in Hagley Road between 2pm and 4pm.

For more information, or to pass on your story to Pat Barnsley, call her on 01384 894330 or 07894 897674, or email pbarnsley@fsmail.net