Solihull Online would like to hear your memories of growing up in Solihull during the 30's. If you would like to add to this page, we would love to hear from you. Click on the links below to view memories of that period 1930's | 1940's | 1950's | 1960's | 1970's | 1980's | 1990's

Posted Monday, June 29, 2009
In 1936/7 I moved down here to lode lane solihull with my parent from west-hartlepool Durham. six or seven years old, now 78 yrs of age. There were only about five or six houses in lode lane new.We had one. Fields were all around us sheer country side, I spent happy hours there, which did not last long. We moved to solihull lane, nearer to my fathers new job, the reason we moved down here. This was at the midland case company, where he worked to retirement. No work in Durham.
Richardson William

Posted Monday, June 8, 2009
Can anyone please help me find out more information on the childrens home in Lode Lane Solihull, The Hermitage. I think it was the Myton Hamlet childrens home. My mum Cynthia Margaret Rose Dixon 1932 and her sister Sylvia Maureen Dixon 1929 I think went there in in or about 1936 maybe slightly later, I know they went to the one in 23 Henry Street Nuneaton first. Any help would be fantastic. Thanks.
Catherine Johnson

Posted Thursday, May 14, 2009
I'm trying to find info on Stanley Hubert Fox and family who lived at 17 Richmond Park, Olton. in the thirties if anyone can help, thank you.
Stewart Mold

Posted Thursday, May 14, 2009
My mother's old notes about the family mention a Sarah Ann Elizabeth Pratt of Hockley Heath. I can only imagine this would be from perhaps very early 1900's. I wondered if the name rings a bell with anyone?
Julianne Gray

Posted Thursday, April 9, 2009
I am researching the history of my parents house 272 Haslucks Green Road Shirley. Known as the "Lindens" up to 30's we know it was a Doctors' in the 60's. We also believe it stood on its own in the road from 1913 when it was built up to the mid 20's when we believe houses were built around it. We would welcome any information, photo's etc. of either the house or Haslucks Green Road in the period 1913 to 1940.
David Stevens

Posted Monday, March 2, 2009
Looking for someone that knew  the Houghton Family that lived at "Greystoke " House in 1923? They had a son Percy and daughter Kath.
Elaine Preece

Posted Monday, January 26, 2009
If anyone has any information about Dovehouse farm please let me know.
Patrick Byrne

Posted Monday, January 12, 2009
I was born  1937 in Solihull  christened at St. Alphage and my maternal family was Riggs living at Ulverley Terrace Olton, and my paternal family Davis,i found this site so interesting.
Cynthea nee Davis

Posted Monday, December 8, 2008
I would love information about a Catholic Convalescent home for crippled children that I stayed at in the 30/40s I do not know the address.  I would be most grateful if anyone could help
Frances Rigby

Posted Monday, November 17, 2008
When i read this page it reminded me of how a friend had told me that her dad Harold Whitehouse had died at the age 46 on the 14th December 1968 and was buried in Robin Hood Cem her grandmother known only to her Nanny Whitehouse lived in Tilehouse Green Lane Bently Heath
Lyn Tilbury

Posted Monday, November 3, 2008
I'm trying to find more info on three schools in Solihull, which I don't think exist anymore. Does anyone remember Fowgay Hall School, Dilmeava School or a school located on Widney Lane?
I would love to hear from anyone who can tell me more.  Thanks
History Researcher

Posted Monday, October 13, 2008
I lived in Thornby Avenue from1930 to 1939 and went to Mrs Day's Kindergarten and then on to Eversfield.  Probably the happiest years of my life. I would be delighted to hear from anyone who shared those times.
Geoffrey Thomas

Posted Monday, October 13, 2008
As part of a local "History on your Doorstep" group, I am trying to put together the history of Lode Heath/Elmdon Heath.  If any of you would like to share your own memories, or those of your parents/grandparents etc., regarding these areas, I would be most grateful.  Thank you.
Christine Cluley

Posted Monday, August 25, 2008
I lived at 25 rectory road from 1933 to 1944 and would like to find out about people such as the Baldwins,etc
Tony Cope

Posted Monday, August 4, 2008
Can anybody out there help us. Looking for information on our nan who was born in Solihull around about 1912 who fell pregnant in her teens and had to make her own way in life.  Her name was Hilda Russell (rae).  She used to tell us the story of a young army man who tragically had his head decapitated in a train accident.  Possibly 1920s.  Do you know of Hilda or did you hear of this tragic accident was it reported in a local newspaper.  Any info. would be much appreciated on our lovely nan.
Christine

Posted Tuesday, July 22, 2008
I am so glad I found this site, for years I have been trying to find information for my mother who lived on Jack 0'Bean Lane across from the Country/golf Club. Her name then was Jackie Robinson and she lived with her Aunt and Uncle. Jean & Dick Robinson. My mom signed up for duty when she was 17 and was in the Women's Mechanized Transport Corp. She drove oil tankers, worked in bomb factory, drove VIPs around the airforce base. I'm looking for pictures of those areas from that time period. I can get more info regarding the house number if anyone would happen to have a picture or perhaps knew her then. She is still alive and lives in Dartmouth Nova Scotia Canada.
Louise Brooks

Posted Monday, May 5, 2008
RAWLINS, Richard Reuben. If someone out there is related to Richard Reuben Rawlins I'd love to hear from you. Thank You
Carol Kennedy

Posted Monday, May 5, 2008
My mum grew up in Alston Road, no 49 I think, with her sisters Irene, Freda and Dorothy and brother Dick (George). Irenes family are here from Canada to visit, sadly Irene died last year. Any body remember them especially anyone still living in the area ?. Frances now lives in Devon. I would love to hear from anyone
Anneliese Tranter

Posted Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Would like to trace descendents from my Great Aunt Harriet.  Uncle Harry Bliss and Harriet lived in Delrene Road, Shirley and had twin daughters Joan and Marjorie.  Information wanted please.
Pam Eves

Posted Monday, April 7, 2008
Hi Derek Finch., the local window cleaner who lived next to you was my dad, Ron West, I was usually known as young Ronnie West  I was born in 1941 at no 6,, in the late 40,s my aunty Cath [Ryan] lived at no 12, she moved to a prefab up lode lane, and my Gran and Grandad lived at no14, Mabbott.
Ronnie West

Posted Monday, March 17, 2008
Does any one have photos or know of the history of the grove on the corner of grove road from around 1910. thank you
Robert Towner

Posted Monday, March 10, 2008
Does any one have information on St Christopher's House, Olton, Solihull 1935 36 37  38.
I believe it was a children's home.
J Gallois

Posted Monday, December 3, 2007
Hello Lorraine, I too lived in Damson Lane. See my entries in the 1940s column and also photo in the 50s date 23rd May. I remember the Matthews family well and went to school with them. I lived at No 104 Damson Lane
David Collett

Posted Monday, November 26, 2007
My family lived at 59 Damson Lane, does anybody remember the Matthews family who lived either next door or a few doors away, my great aunt Lotty had the sweet shop in Damson lane can anybody give me any information this please, thanks
Lorraine

Posted Thursday, November 1, 2007
I was Anne Fairfax when I lived with my Grandparents in the 1960's in Olton --181 Ulverley Green road. They were Jack and Dorothy Pritchard and moved in in the 1920's when all was country from the hollow in between Acocks Green and Olton. I have  My mother is 89 and has a lot of memories --her name was Vera Lloyd. then she became Fairfax. I have a picture of Dove House Farm and Lane from 200 years ago. I will get a copy and send it to the Solihull History society.
Anne Marie Hitchcox

Posted Monday, September 24, 2007
Hi trying to find out any info on the Dewson family, Sandy or, more importantly a young servant girl working in the area back in the mid 1930's either Elizabeth or, Sylvia Brown? Any information would be really appreciated as we try to piece together our family history.
Sue Gaskell

Posted Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Does anyone have any recollection or information about Maud Marchant or Keen and Miss Flippance, owners or managers of The White Cat Cafe in Solihull, from 1927 onwards?
Gill MacKenzie

My grandmother lived in 1560 Coventry Rd, Yardley it was the paper shop. Her grandparents Charles & Sarah Ladbury owned the store. Does anyone remember the family? This would have been in the 1890-1950's.I know my Gran had to deliver papers when she was very young then go to school and then work in the shop when she came home.
Barb Knight

I am trying to trace descendants of the Nock family, Jane & Harry, who lived in the Solihull area. The latest address I have for them is Dove House Lane, Olton in 1926. Harry was a builder. As I am not from the area, can anyone enlighten me as to what the Dove House Lane is/was like?
Phil Summers

My father in law was born at number one Lode Lane. Can anyone tell me if it was a home for unmarried mothers in the early 1900s. Many thanks
Wendy Matthews

I have been looking for a Cunningham family 25, Arden Road, Small Heath Birmingham. Alice, Stuart (Alfred) and daughter Dorothy. They originally lived in Fentham Road. I believe they had connections with Wordsworth Road too. I have picture of it leafy splendour, quite different now. Mr Cunningham died suddenly 19131. Alice Cunningham moved back to staffs, and daughter Dorothy, b 1918? She had a sister. I wonder if there is anyone out there who has a memory, or relatives of this family? Be great to hear from you.
Ps I am so glad we have this website.
Rebecca Galilee

Does anyone remember a family called Nokes who lived in Arden Road. There were four children but the two youngest Margaret (Peggie) later Wignall and Nora (later Barugh - my mother) would probably be the ones that someone might remember. Every Monday from 1914 until 1935 my grandmother Sarah (Langley) Nokes taught wood carving to a class of boys providing all the wood and the tools and all money made from selling the finished items was sent to Medical Missions. Granny was given a Bible at a 21st party given by the children whom she had taught. The inscription reads "To Mrs. Nokes from The Kings Messenger with love and remembering all he rgoodness and loyalty during the past twenty-one years". Does anybody remember anything about these classes ? Both Mummy and Peggie went to Eastbourne House School which I believe has now been demolished. Although not a resident of Solihull, because my cousins lived in Kineton Green Road and I belonged to Knowle and Dorridge Young Conservatives, I spent a lot of time there going to the dances at the The Track and spending evenings at The Old Sils Rugby Club - this was of course in the mid-sixties. This is a great site and brings back lots of memories of one's misspent youth !!
Sally Allbrook

Does anybody remember a gentleman called Archie Langley who was in partnership as a builder with Jack Bastock in the 1930s? They were both MG Works drivers in the Three Musketeers Trials Team. Any information or contacts would be appreciated.
John Reid

Hi Derek Finch. I lived at No26 Mill Lane  My Gran & Grandad were in No4 & an Auntie in No2. In 1953 when you moved into No8 I was in the Army but if you were still there after 1955 it is possible that we would have known each other I am sorry but I cant place you I have two brothers Roy & Brian. I have a family web site with some pictures of Mill Lane that you might like to look at site name :- www.gradotti.co.uk. I hope that you find it interesting.  
Graham Roberts

In the thirties I used to visit my Aunt who lived at 8 Mill Lane. Journey was from Bordsley or Small Heath Station (Birmingham) to Solihull Station. There was always a horse drawn taxi cab at the station but my pocket money didn't run to this so I always walked to Mill Lane. Much later - in 1953 - I took over the tenancy of 8 Mill Lane for the princely weekly rent of seven shillings a week! I believe Sainsbury's now occupies the site?
Many more memories of that time: The Rima Tea Shop, Wrensons & a Jewellers shop -all in Mill lane. The local window cleaner lived next door.
Happy memories.
Derek Finch

I was interested to read about Ross Lillicrap's reference to Shirley College because I was also there, but in 1935.I think that I was the eleventh boy to join the school which, I think, had only opened in the previous year. Bert (Bertie) Jones
Albert  L Jones

Nobody from Solihull ever contacted me from my first rendition, so I guess nobody out there remembers me or the Solihull motor cycle club, my e mail has now changed & I would love to hear from someone, I am now in my 77th year. Good old Solihull.
Ross.Lillicrap

I remember this but not all that well as age has gotten to me in my years, I was born in 1915 and we didn't have much to begin with but when I was 15 years old is when it all came crashing down, I was scared and very young at the time, at least it felt like it. I had a lot of responsibilities in that day and some things became harder to do b/c There were so many people who did what we did in order to stay alive and food was hard to find   I  hope that I will be able to remember more one day.
Angel

A good friend of mine has just sent me this site, and I thought you might like to have my memories of Solihull. My late parents moved from Kings Heath, to a new house in Blossomfield Rd number 302,seventy years ago when I was aged five, I went to Sharmans Cross Junior School, my Mother used to walk me to school in the morning & come & meet me in the afternoon, I then progressed on to Shirley College in Bills Lane, Mr Jones being the Principal, I left there at 14, & had various jobs till I went into the RAF in 1945, for two & a half years. After demob; I ran my own Taxi service called Red Line Taxis for some years till petrol came off the ration & my business collapsed, in this preceding period I was a motor cyclist, & a founder member of the Solihull M/Cycle Club. meeting at the Masons Arms, Freddie Wedgebury the licensee being the then chairman of the club. I subsequently married the daughter of the licensee of the Malt Shovel, Alec Purdie at that time, but sadly she died in hospital under tragic circumstances in 1977, leaving me & our four children. Since then many changes have taken place in my life, & I am now living on the South Coast. But I have many happy memories of Dear Old Solihull. Hope you may find this of some interest.
Ross.W.Lillicrap Email qsl@g0jqj.fsnet.co.uk
I found the interesting article written by my Dad and wondered if anybody remembers him?   -  Margaret Ashworth - Now living in South Carolina, USA.

During this time my father had a 200-gallon petrol tank put in the forecourt of the shop. It was branded R.O.P. (Russian Oil Products) and was dispensed by a hand-operated pump. The petrol was first pumped into glass half gallon bottles then hand lifted into the customer’s petrol tank. The price was 10 pence a Gallon or 5½ d for half a gallon. I had three older brothers and as we became old enough we were designated tasks to assist in running the business. Turning the handle on the ice cream maker, carrying the ‘pop’ through from the store (2d bottles of R Whites minerals with a 1 d deposit on the bottle), washing mugs, filling shelves in the grocery shop and making up penny packets of biscuits etc. The cigarettes and tobacco glass fronted cabinet was never locked! The most popular brands were - five's of Woodbines, Park Drives and for the more affluent, Black cat, Gold Flake and Senior Service –(with real photos) and tins of tobacco – Oh and of course Twist.
Bill Gilbert
 

Bill Gilberts recollections of growing up on the Mount ( Now Cheswick Green ) in the 20's,30's and 40's provided the incentive to produce this website over two years ago. You can read his notes here.

Now it's your turn?
What are your fondest memories of childhood? Some will be personal to you but others will be shared by many of us.

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