Solihull Online would like to hear your memories of growing up in Solihull during the 60'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, November 27, 2006
Wonderful to read the memories of Solihull. I lived in Shirley and remember most of the things mentioned by some others.  However I was there in the 1930 to 1940 and it was very much the same then. I attended St James School and Sharmans Cross, Mr Jacobs was Head then and he held film shows in a shed of Charlie Chaplin films and cartoons on a small screen , all, very exciting. I later travelled every day by train to attend Kings High school. My play ground was the Bills Wood where we rode bikes and made dens. Further afield we rode bikes out to the aquaduct and the various fords in the area. It was a very happy time, I lived in Hurdis Rd Shirley and remember the Carnival which was held each year on the sports Ground off Bills Lane, held for a week, events and a fair each day, Large parade,  which assembled outside my home  and then processed though the village, we kids had a wonderful time. When war came we had a Barrage balloon  sited nearby  and Smoke Screens all along Bills Lane, I remember the smell quite clearly, it was not very nice , perhaps they did help to keep us safe. I wonder how many folk remember them? In the 60 and 70s I lived in Longmore Road near the Odeon cinema. which I remember being built  and later demolished, spent many happy times within its doors as child and adult.
Connie Smith {Eales}

Posted Monday, November 13, 2006
Hi everyone... I have been trying to find history on the old Sillhill Hall/Manor House, an old 12th century building with thatched roof standing in it's own grounds with a gate house on the Warwick road(?).
I found a site with a pre 1950's pen and ink drawing of the place but it said the building was destroyed by a storm in 1967....this is untrue...I was there when it was destroyed and it was not a storm...unless a bulldozer could be called a storm!
 My boss at the time was owner of the Hall and demolished it because the council refused permission to allow him to turn it into a multi dwelling property.
There now stands on the site several residential buildings in a circle, but as of 1986, the gate house was still there...this was the last time I went by there on my way back from Italy. I was a truck driver then for Tempo Freight, Italian Specialists Haulage, out of Bradford.  I now live in America, since '88.
Would welcome some details of the place...what I know is, that it was started by the monks who lived there in the 12th and 13th centuries...they gradually increased it's size over the next 300 years..... it had a thatched roof and in the loft, you could see huge golden oak beams of 12 inches square making up the roof members....looked like an old English Galleon upside down....all the timbers where held together with 2 inch wood dowels...downstairs the main room was large with a full walk in fire place with an old iron roasting spit driven by a chain from the corner ...standing where the fire would be, looking up, you could see the sky ...there was a tennis court in the gardens and a long gravel drive from the road....I always though we lost an interesting piece of history when it was demolished. I believe my boss was fined 600.00 pounds by the council for knocking it down...apparently, it was a 'listed' building. I have been trying to find it on Google Earth, but so far have not made a positive id of it's old location.
Anyone have any other information? Thanx
Don

Posted Tuesday, September 26, 2006
With reference to Dennis J Boswell posted Aug 4th 2006.  If you mean the night club above the ice rink..... It was called the "Cresta Club" I believe.
Les Essex

Posted Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Well it looks like at long last I may have solved the mystery of the closure date of Widney Manor signalbox!
According to the MOT report for the rail accident at Knowle & Dorridge on 15/8/1963 (www.railwaysarchive.co.uk), in paragraph 31 signalman W.E. Taylor who was at work in Bentley Heath Crossing box at the time states he received the bell code "Train approaching" from SOLIHULL box at 1.06pm. Surely IF Widney Manor box was still in use, he would have received "Train approaching from there and not Solihull as it would have been the next adjacent signalbox to Bentley Heath Crossing! I doubt very much if Widney Manor box was "switched out" as it was a Thursday lunchtime when the accident happened, so my guess is that Widney Manor box had already been taken out of service a few months before the accident at Knowle & Dorridge station (i.e. when the goods yard closed).   In paragraph 68 the head of the inquiry notes that the Up Distant signal for Bentley Heath Crossing is to replaced with a colour light signal which judging from the usual siteing of a distant signal would be about where I remember the up distant signals were to the south-east of Widney Manor station.
Thanks to Neil Varley for his comments and like him I find it somewhat ironical that for many years Widney Manor station was a deserted place and in the 1970s and early 1980s became a dire and thoroughly inhospitable place, but recently it has enjoyed a considerable "renaissance" thanks to the housing estates that have sprung up nearby.  I went through the station en route to Snow Hill about a month ago, and I felt nothing as I passed through the station as whilst it was visually appealing, it bears no resemblance to the original station I spent so many happy hours playing at in the 1960s.
About 3 years ago I did hear a rumour that the relief lines that were lifted as far as north of Acocks Green station in 1968 were to be restored as far as Dorridge station but I've heard nothing since. Besides, it's difficult to see how they can be restored without losing the station car park which sits on the trackbed of the former relief lines.
Oh! I nearly forgot! I found an excellent web site with pictures of Solihull station in days gone by! (http://www.warwickshirerailways.com/gwr/solihull.htm)
Nigel Morgan

Posted Tuesday, September 5, 2006
I lived in Knowle for many years from the mid fifties til mid sixties. We lived at 17 Kenilworth Road when it was the police station. My father was Sergeant Jones. The house was incredibly haunted and I would like to hear from anyone who has lived in it since and had weird happenings! Reading some of the emails has given me so much pleasure as I have come across Sunday Club and have been reminded of Ron Edge, a name I had forgotten. We should have attended church before the club, but some of us rebels went to The Boot Inn at Lapworth instead!! Remember Johnny Cunningham, he was a boyfriend at one time. Wonder if he is still around Solihull. I live in Derbyshire now, but still come and have a look at Knowle and Solihull now and again. Went to Malvern Hall and would love to hear of anyone who was there from 1957 to 1962.
Patricia Morley, nee Jones

Posted Monday, September 4, 2006
Well you guys have certainly brought the memories flooding back.  I lived in Meriden Drive opposite the good old Punch Bowl.  Attended Kingshurst High School for Girls and graduated (somewhat) in 1968.  After that I bounced between London and Brum, left for the island of Jersey in 1975, finally ended up here in the "dry" heat of Arizona.  It's been a long time since I have been home, the last time I got lost around Solihull!!!!  I would love to hear from anyone else who attended Kingshurst High School from 1963 - 1968. Back in the day (as our kids say) my name was Linda Watson (Lyn).
Lyn Borst-Smith

Posted Thursday, August 31, 2006
I lived in Wellsford Avenue with my parents and three sisters.  We used to keep our pony named Lightening in fields behind Olton Tavern.  This was before the housing estate was built on the land.  Does anyone remember the lido at the rear of the Greswolde Hotel in Knowle? It was always freezing cold but great fun?
Jackie Tookey

Posted Thursday, August 24, 2006
Born 1951, lived in Brook Close, then Colebrook Rd, went to Burman Road School, Haslucks Green (I too remember Mr Fox - scary man, and also Mr Underhill who gave me a love for animals.  Went on to Sharmans Cross where I learnt very little but had a good time. Memories - playing in Bells Woods, cycling around Earlswood, picnicking by Earlswood Lakes, playing at Shirley Park, catching 'tiddlers' in the brook, playing at the aqueduct and by the canal, walking home so that I could spend the 4d on sweets, making and playing on 'go carts', blowing my bugle in Girls Brigade, the new baths being built at Tudor Grange, jumping off the top diving board before I could swim properly, rowing a boat with my sister at Trittiford Park, going to the library on Saturdays and to Shirley odean on Saturday mornings (6d) climbing trees in the park and getting told off for riding my bike through the park by the park keeper.  Happy day!!
Joy Swift (Gough)

Posted Monday, August 21, 2006
Just stumbled across this site, brings back happy memories.  With ref. to Garry Knox posted Oct 2005. I can remember those bonfires very well had great fun collecting the fire wood & building the bonfires. I can also remember playing on the building site next to Procter & Gamble. By the way Garry your name sounds familiar !!!!
Les Essex

Posted Monday, August 21, 2006
Nigel Morgan (June 29,2006) asks if there was a signal box at Widney Manor. Yes, of course there was. I failed to find proof in a book but finally tracked it down on the Transport Commission's film, 'Birmingham Pullman-London to Birmingham in 5 minutes.'
And there's the signal box. It was about 150 metres north of the bridge over the road, opposite the goods shed. It was in the middle of the four tracks and occupied the same position as the pre 1933 box when there were two tracks. I haven't photos to compare, but I'm sure the box would have been rebuilt in the 1932-1934 widening even though, unlike Solihull, the box's position was to remain the same.
Around 1960 Tudor Grange pupils would go on cross-country runs, unwillingly for the most part, and we would skirt the field below the station. It was uncared for and rarely used, and the service was reduced to peak times. But there were few people around to use it. Four tracks became two, the buildings were cleared away and all that was left was what looked like a bus shelter.
What happened next I find ironical. The housing estates spread and reached the station. It became a 'transport interchange 'site and a dedicated bus turning circle was put in. Where the extra tracks once ran commuters' cars wait under the gaze of CCTV and a new station building appeared, looking as though it might have originated in Switzerland. It even has EEC funded poetry engraved on the windows. And Chiltern Trains run on the route of the GWR and they pause at Widney Manor.
Neil Varley

Posted Friday, August 4, 2006
Can anyone remember what the nightclub was called in Solihull that used to do chicken in the baskey and have acts like Norman Wisdom . please let me know.
Dennis J Boswell

Posted Monday, July 24, 2006
I lived in Links Drive (No. 30) from the age of 10. Went to Greswold Junior School and then to Harold Cartwright School for Girls until I was 15. Also living in Links Drive at the time were Jacqui Rance, Anita Harris, Susan Fukes and the Hunt family. Has anyone kept in touch with them, or have they visited this site? I was Janet Gregory in those days.
At Harold Cartwright I remember Janet Heaton and Jean Gosling - we were in he same form.
Jan Gray

Posted Monday, July 24, 2006
Reading this website was like stepping into a time capsule.
I was Sandra Blackmore, Highwood Avenue went to Holy Souls infant & junior, Harold Cartwright then Archbishop Ilsley.  So many names, so many memories. The Ice Rink, Hobs Moat Woods, falling off the tree trunks into the moat full of water.  Elmdon Park, out all day walking as far as the airport and back again to the back of the Rover Factory, scrumping in the grounds of the little church next to Olton Hall.  Does anyone out there remember me?
Sandra Blackmore

Posted Thursday, June 29, 2006
Ah! My childhood memories of Solihull! Where to begin?  I moved to Rose Hall Close (off Dingle Lane) with my parents in December 1960 when I was the tender age of four.  My parents enrolled me at Cedarhurst School which I attended until November 1966.  So many teachers' names I remember: Miss Watt class teacher of 2B; Mrs Cook (2A) Mr Bulmer (lower sixth form? A.K.A. the lethal blackboard rubber) Mrs. Watts (3A) Mrs Eyre (4th form) and the dreaded Miss Hinks (5A)! And we all knew when Mr Callaghan was about... the cigar smoke used to waft along every corridor! Oh, and who remembers the coach trips to the school playing field in Hillfield Road?
I have SO MANY happy memories of playing at the "dell" in Whitefields Road (it was almost opposite Dingle Lane and an old WW2 bomb crater I suspect) where Richard Shelton and I would ride our bikes up and down the sheer faces, sometimes falling off and gouging lumps out of various parts of our anatomy: the miracle was, neither of us ever broke any bones! And who remembers the hollow tree nearby?
Then there was the stream at the bottom of Brick Kiln Lane: many a happy sunny day was spent there.  Tudor Grange Park of course, where we enjoyed many rounds of golf at the miniature golf course... and we also got ourselves thoroughly wet and filthy playing in the stream that fed the lake there. The bottom of that stream was lethally slippery!  Oh, and of course, frequent visits to Tudor Grange swimming baths which I think opened in 1965.
But my all-time favourite place was the (then) deserted Widney Manor railway station!  I discovered this "sanctuary" in the autumn of 1965 where I used to see the VERY occasional steam-hauled train rumble through along with the ground-breaking "Blue Pullman" train sets.  I'm sure it was this place that awakened my love of railways which has stayed with me ever since.  We used to play all around the station, and when we became more adventurous, we used to walk alongside the track (it was four-track in those days - until 1968) down to the River Blyth and push rows of ballast stones into the river from the railway bridge.
In relation to the station, can someone help to clear up something that's been bugging me for over two years now.  In 2004 I bought the Middleton Press railway book "Banbury to Birmingham" which has photos, track layouts and brief histories of all the railway stations from Banbury to Birmingham Snow Hill (ah, what a wonderful station THAT was!) and the authors claim that the signal box at Widney Manor (according to the photos just the other side of the road bridge over Widney Lane) closed in September 1969. Well I never saw ANY signalbox at Widney Manor let alone any semaphore signals there from when I first played there in 1965.  All I remember were two 3-aspect colour light signals about 1/4 mile north of the station and two sets of these approx. the same distance south of the station.  These were DEFINITELY distant signals as they had the GWR ATC ramp in the middle of the track situated approx. 200-400 yards in front of the signal posts.  I reckon the entire signalling "block" was removed when all the sidings north of the station were lifted; and the colour light signals were used as distant signals for Solihull and Dorridge (known as "Knowle & Dorridge in those days). If someone could shed any light on this, I'd be very grateful!
I moved away from Solihull to High Wycombe (coincidentally on the same railway line!) in 1982 to pursue a career in computers. I have returned only once in 1990 when I was devastated to see that many of the places mentioned above are now massive housing estates. Very sad: still that's progress I suppose!
Nigel Morgan

Posted Monday, May 29, 2006
Just catching up on the site again, great reading. Changed email address
Dawn Hatcliffe

Posted Monday, March 20, 2006
I am a Silhillian who has travelled the world since 1966,now returned and would love to hear from anyone who knew me from 1950on. Anyone with memories of Solihull Rugby Club 1950-52, especially of the A team.
Margot Hollyer (nee Cassidy)

Posted Thursday, March 2, 2006
I recall camping in the "woods" behind this big house at the end of Bill's Lane in Shirley.  Can anyone else tell me about this place ?
I also remember "bill" the famous three wheeler guy. I had completely forgotten him. But he was a regular fixture parked by the bus-stop at the bottom of Lode Lane near the Wheatsheaf pub. I was a Midland Red bus conductor for a while and chatted with him all the time.
Oh, yes. I also remember the playing fields in Olton a few doors away from the picture house. We used to bus there every week when I used to go to Sparkhill Commercial School. Won many a race there.
 Trevor C Poole

Posted Thursday, March 2, 2006
I lived at 7 Arundel Crescent during my childhood and before we came to Canada. I remember little bits of Solihull.  I remember the walk along the cobblestone pavement to the stores. In particular I remember the Knitting Shop my mother would drag us into.  I remember the bubble car parked on the angel parking. I remember the sweet shop.  I remember ice skating and thinking I was very good and compared to nowadays I was very good!  I remember a canal not far from my house and a shop.  I remember walking through the Lickey Hills and looking for acorns because I was a Sprite!  I went to a boarding school called Cropwood Open Air School. Whatever happened to that school.  My best friends were a girl named Colleen and Dehlia harwood who won the Tinker and Tucker show.  The Head Mistress was named Miss Urquart and was Scottish.  I have forgotten all the Welsh I learned.  It feels like a life time ago but in reality it is still this lifetime!  Anyone can email me if you remember anything about the Cropwood school. It would be great to touch base again. Blessings to All.
Susan Mary Jones

Posted Thursday, February 2, 2006
The guy on the three wheeler bike who used to tour the bus routes of lode lane through to Olton was definitely called Bill. We knew him well, and as someone already said, he would tell the drivers off if they were not on time! My father was a midland red bus driver, a gentleman. Those were the days! The 60s were the best years to live.
Gill Ward

Posted Monday, January 16, 2006
I lived in Whitley Avenue, Solihull and went to St. Augustine's primary school from 1963-'64 and then (aged 6) we moved to Surrey. I do not remember much about the area though.
Liz Groves

Posted Thursday, November 17, 2005
Further to my e mail offering about my Castle Bromwich childhood, I'm aware that this is a Solihull site, but, well, some of the people who grew up in my old area could indeed be living in Solihull these days. All the best to all contributors.  
Keith Gray
You should check out our Focus On Castle Bromwich page Keith - Ed

Posted Thursday, November 17, 2005
I just came across this site by accident, such fantastic memories, I was born and bred (and buttered) in Birmingham, the Castle Bromwich end ! I lived in Selworthy Road and then the family moved to West Avenue in '64. Does anyone remember the 'Double L' Club (look and learn) which was held at Arden Hall every Saturday morning from about '66 I think. It was designed to occupy the local children for a couple of hours or so, showing films, having sing songs, games etc.  I was on the junior committee, wandering around the hall - keeping an eye on loads of youngsters watching the films. If the film feature was good they all sat quietly, if it was a bit boring and lost their interest, it was bedlam !! Fabulous memories though, and playing lots of football on the park at the back of Arden Hall, meeting a gorgeous girl from my school, Park Hall, called Barbara.. it rained and we sheltered by the entrance to the hall. This was 1968, We could buy 3 single records for exactly £1, they were 6s 8p each. Trainspotting for hours and hours on end at Water Orton, where I still go up to visit family occasionally. I now live in Newquay, Cornwall. If anyone remembers me or the memories herein, please get in touch. I'll be watching this site regularly from now on. keep up the good work. any memories of Castle Brom in the 60's would be great.
Keith Gray

Posted Monday, November 14, 2005
If you read this Linda-my emails keep bouncing back-wrong address. Please check the Solihull pages and send me you right add. Regards,
Jacky Jaatinen (nee Gray)

Posted Monday, November 14, 2005
Like Dawn Stace (my younger sister), I grew up in Highwood Avenue (not the posh end) and went to Ulverley School where the memory still haunts me today of Mr Cooper standing over me in the dining hall trying to force me to eat cabbage (there was cooked caterpillars in it!) – I was sick in the end.  My best friend was Karen Bragg who lived a few doors away from me and we had a wonderful time pedalling our large three wheel tricycles around the little lanes of the prefabs which stretched from Highwood Avenue, Castle Lane to Lode Lane.  Does anyone remember the prefab shops? There was a chip shop, chemist, cake shop, fruit shop, cobblers, barbers and wool shop – some of whom moved to Hobs Moat when the shops were built. Karen and I used to go to the Olton cinema matinee on Saturday afternoons or catch the 176 to Birmingham and go ice skating (before Hobs Moat Ice Rink was built). When her mother left the house to go off to work in the school holidays we would ambush the baker’s boy with water pistols and turn her kitchen into a roller skating rink.  We both went on to Lyndon High School (girls only in those days) with the boys school next door.  My class mates were Gillian King, Christine Barnes and Mavis Hewson.  I remember Mavis helping us to make bikinis when they first appeared in the 60’s, as she listened to Miss Collins’ sewing instructions better than I did!  When we went to Ken Street Baths to try them out much to our embarrassment the colour ran out! Karen Bragg and I used to go to the ‘hops’ at Lyndon School spending hours starching our net petticoats on opened umbrellas in the garden with sugar water, which we also used on our hair before hair lacquer was widely available! We used to go to the nearest phone box to apply make-up as our parents wouldn’t have approved in those days and would  probably have stopped us going out – how times have changed.
Jill Bayliss (nee Stace)

Posted Wednesday, November 2, 2005
After reading the memories from Eslbet French I used to live a few doors down from her & yes they have built behind what was the cresta club, the waste ground now has  retirement homes on it, Sheldon picture house has long gone to be replaced by various supermarkets Tescos being the latest, Solihull centre has now changed beyond recognition - no more cars going round Mell Square looking for a parking space!!! I didn't go to Lyndon as i passed my 11+ and received my own brand new bike as a reward -coming from a family of four new bikes were very rare & I also remember shopping at Wrensons in Hobs Moat  before the family supermarket Colins was built at the top of the shopping parade there & Francis Ray the toy shop was at the other end & i went to school with Yvonne Ray - the shop belonged to her parents.
Angela Colson (Knight)

Posted Monday, October 31, 2005
I came across an old printed advert for Proctor and Lavender. I remember we used to play on some waste ground opposite their depot in Thornhill Road opposite Henley Crescent. Every year we used to do door to door collections to collect wood to build the bonfire. It got very large one year as we arranged for a large load of tree trimmings to be delivered, the landowner wasn't too happy as they were trying to clear the area to make way for new building. There was always a quantity of coloured mosaics scattered around the roadway and I quickly acquired a collection to be proud of. Does anyone know if P&L supplied the mosaic tiles for Tudor Grange swimming pool as I seem to remember I had collected quite a few aqua coloured mosaics by about 1965.
Garry Knox

Posted Saturday, October 8, 2005
Could anyone help with photos or information about a shop called Solihull Stores (also know as Rensons) in Mill Lane Solihull now Argos from the early 60's?  Thanks
Gary Cox

Posted Tuesday, September 27, 2005
I lived in Chamberlain Crescent and attended Hasluck Green School around 1940 and Sharmans Cross around 1950. I was deputy carnival queen about 1951-1952 I had a dear friend Pauline Goodall who lived in Hurdis Road.  So many memories of both schools and of Shirley as it used to be.  Saturday mornings at the Odeon Cinema. The memories of Solihull and the BON-BON SWEET SHOP. I married John Bates of Skeltcher Road who was friendly with Brian Latham of Shirley.  Earlswood Lakes was a great favourite to many of us.  The happy times cycling there with a picnic lunch, laughter and just being young and enjoying life.  Christine Mackay of Delrene Road was also one of my dear friends. Micheal Boucher and too many to recall off hand. Happy times..... SHIRLEY now living in Minehead.
Shirley Bates nee Bowen

Posted Friday, September 23, 2005
Really enjoyed reading about the old times (nearly 40 years ago) some of them on this site.  I also remember my first boyfriend Ian Sill.  I used to take him off on bike rides for hours at a time when he was supposed to back for his tea.  His mother was always round at my house to see my Mom cause I'd taken him off on some adventure.  I wonder if he remembers my cowboy hat? 
Dawn Eades (ne Stace)

Posted  Friday, September 16, 2005
Came to Solihull village in '52 and lived in Thornby Ave - still live in the borough. So many memories over the years but in 50's and 60's remember playing with my 2 year sister in the corn fields at the end of the road. Going to "town" with my mother. The Bonbon sweetshop in the village and the huge 1d gobstoppers. Going to school at Eversfield. The Sports Shop (Ray Hitchcock's) in Poplar Road. Playing in Coldlands Woods and the blue coat it wore when the Bluebells came out. Fishing for minnows at Ravenshaw. The 155 Midland Red bus to Knowle and the lido there. Helping in my Dad's shop (Merithew's) in Hobs Moat Road selling electrical goods and records, where some members of the Applejacks would come to listen to the latest records upstairs with the headphones on. My father's field behind his house where he bred Dalmatians. Planted five small poplar trees in the field that are now very big and can been seen on the Seven Star Road by-pass, on the right, going to Knowle.
Paul Wertheim

Posted Tuesday, September 6, 2005
I remember on one sunny day at school my friend(brittany Frost) pushed me off the flying fox and she thought that i was laughing so she laughed with me but i actuelly crying and i broke my arm from that. so, how would you feel getting pushed off something so what would you do would you go and tell the teacher that it happened or rather keep it to your self as a personal thing.
Dee-Anna Edwards

Posted Monday, August 29, 2005
The guy on the three wheeler was definitely called Bill. my father was a midland red bus driver and knew him well!
Gill

Posted Monday, August 1, 2005
Lived at 43 daylesford rd solihull until 1962 when we came to australia. at time of leaving was 13 years old. if anyone remembers the white family three boys and girl please get in touch. i now have a son working at b'ham uni who has gone full circle ,we left b'ham and he has returned.
Roger White

Posted Thursday, July 28, 2005
Sweets from the parade of shops called The Hermitage. Brown wooden trays, each containing a variety of sweets for a ha'penny, a penny or tuppence. Asking, 'What can I get for thruppence?' Penny Arrows were a favourite. And sherbet dabs, of course.  My first cigarette with Kenneth Lunn. Buying a jar of raspberry jam as well as the cigarettes, to pretend they weren't for us.  Scalextric - never had my own and still haven't got over that!  Andrew Vickerman coming top of the class when my parents thought I might. I'm over that...  Playing tennis in the street (Links Drive) and pretending to be Maria Bueno. My friend Kevin was Billy Jean King.  The people opposite had a Ford Popular - very smart.   Miss Askew at Greswolde School. Very frightening. Miss Brazier, lovely. Mr Kerr who told me to stop whistling in school when I'd just learned how to.  Endless days in Coldlands Woods, cycling and climbing trees until it was dark. 
Jonathan James

Posted Friday, July 22, 2005
I had a holiday friend called Stephen fox in the 60s from Ashleigh Road, Solihull. He came on holiday to the scilly isles and I would love to contact him just to say "Hi" if anyone knows him please let me know.
Richard Pearce

Posted Friday, July 22, 2005
What memories this site has brought back as my family and I moved to Aberdeenshire in the mid seventies.  We lived in the prefabs in Highwood Avenue until 1966, then we were rehoused to Colesbourne Road. Went to school at Ulverley, remember Mrs Vickerman (lovely lady), Mr Green & Mr Foster and secondary was Lyndon High. I used to go skating at the rink on a Saturday morning and also remember having to get off the ice for the speed skaters.  Mum and Dad saw Feddie Starr at the Cresta club on one of his first gigs. There was a piece of waste ground in front of our house behind the Cresta club, can anyone tell me if that was developed?. I also went to the Sheldon picture house, they would show two films one was always of a hooded man (bit scary) don't know what it was called.  I haven't been back to Solihull for around 20 years but would love to visit & see the old haunts again.
Elspet Grieve (French)

Posted Monday, July 11, 2005
Anyone know of a woman named Amanda Wilson of Heath Gardens. She attended Ruckleigh School oposite the Hospital on Lode Lane around 1968 & had a sister by the name of Francis, possibly a brother named David and a Dad named Reg. I would like very much for someone to pass on a massive massive thank you to her from a little boy who would have had his brain scrambled to pieces if she had not been there for him - I remember the Lido outdoor baths 1968.....thank you.
hgdl24003@blueyonder.co.uk

Posted Thursday, April 21, 2005
A couple more memories.... cycling home from school on a hot summer's afternoon, stopping at a little shop on a side street opposite the "Manor House" - I think the owner was Harry Cotton - he used to sell all flavours of Corona pop, and he'd pour you a cupful for (I think) two pence. That ride seemed very long on some days (Tudor Grange to Summerfield Road Olton) - then to Jim Beck's paper shop by Olton Station, to do my paper round!  Just to clarify one of my previous posts - my observation about being in the "first year's intake" of Tudor Grange has been misinterpreted, and I apologise for any confusion - I meant the first year in the newly-built premises on Dingle Lane !!!  Watching the "big boys" daring the slopes of Hobs Moat on their bikes.... I never could work out how they managed to scale those heights - I was certainly not prepared to risk body and sit-up-and-beg bike !!!!  Very best wishes to all.
Peter Lakin

Posted Friday, April 15, 2005
I worked at Foster Brothers in the High street 1962to 1967.I made good friends with people at Masons, The Ark, Mason web and so on, I saw Jasper Carrot in early folk days and went to Shirley green lane disco to see Denny Lane and the diplomats. I proposed to my wife in Brueton park in 1967 and we are still together.. there are many other inside stories but we all know  what fun working on the block was. Solihull what summers were made for...?
Mike Baker

Posted Thursday, April 7, 2005
Went back home for the first time in 25 years. I couldn't believe how the town had changed, the town centre i will say is magnificent! the villa  park had gone and something new was there. spaghetti junction was still a trip as was the bull ring (rag centre). so glad i made it back to see wonderful faces that have gotten wrinkles but never lost their smiles. miss you Brum............
Gary Morris

Posted Monday, March 21, 2005
What a fantastic site, the messages from those "children" who went the Daylesford, Chapel fields, Lyndon high in the 60's, have bought it all back to me. I fell in love for the first time at Chapelfield with a girl named Lyndsy Bygraves, who I think emigrated to South Africa, though I may be wrong. I too remember the Sheldon Cinema, sat matinees and 176 bus trip to Solihull baths on Saturday & Sunday morning, swim for 2 hours then into the Cafe for a hot Horlicks and a packet of Potato puffs to watch the nutters trying to kill themselves off the top board!! Building dens in the trees by the Church in Elmdon park. Tracking & Tuff wayfinder shoes (animal tracks on the sole and a compass in the heel) I'm 50 now with a son of my own. I doubt he will have the freedom we had to go where we pleased, but I will try to show him there is still wonder in the world and relive some of those mad things I did when I was younger. If anyone remembers me please get in touch
Chris Gill

Posted Monday, January 31, 2005
Taking that daily trip to Nittie's in the summer for groceries. Mom would tow along the foldable grocery cart on wheels while me and my sisters would race up the street. Often we would stop next door for a Lady Lock from the "bakershop" or if mom sent me to buy bread or something on my own I would stop at the "candyshop" for lipsticks or candy necklaces. 
Diane Zatt

Posted Friday, November 12, 2004
I remember going to play football in Brueton Park when I was at Cedarhurst in the early 60's. We also used to go to our school playing fields by coach, unless you got lucky and went with the headmaster, Mr Callaghan, in his E-type Jag. Mr Callaghan used to shout at the top of his voice if we ever dare run out of the school gates at the end of the day. We would also be in big trouble if someone reported us for not raising our caps if a driver stopped for us to cross on a zebra crossing. Does anyone remember Miss Hinks and Mr Bulmer? He used to be a dead shot with the blackboard rubber!
Steve Tombs

Posted Wednesday, July 28, 2004
I lived in Barrington Road, Olton, with my parents William and Gwen Black, and my brother John, from 1945 to 1965, when we moved to Sheringham in Norfolk on the retirement of my father in August 1965. There I met a Norfolk man, Ashley, and we were married in St Alphege church, Solihull, on 12 August 1967.  I went to St Margaret's Church of England Primary School in Richmond Road and, yes, I too can recall Miss Gopsill's car and Mr 'Batty' Bates!  I then went to Lode Heath Grammar School and after that to Birmingham College of Catering and Domestic Arts, to pursue a career in housekeeping and catering. This was eventually to lead to an appointment as Catering Supervisor in School Meals in various places in Norfolk. Yes, I can remember Olton Cinema in the Hollow and going to the pictures there.  I also used to go to a hairdressers in Castle Lane, next to Frank Kirby's Iron mongers, I think. Does anyone remember the hairdressers salon and the name? This would have been in the late-50s/early-60s.  I seem to recall two of the girls who worked at the hairdressers; one was called Linda Cherrington and the other I just knew as Carol. Can anyone remember them? If so, where are they now?  I'd love to hear from them, or anyone who can remember me, Aileen Black, as I was in those days. But it seems such a long time ago now!
Aileen Black

Posted Sunday, February 22, 2004
I lived opposite Meagan Davis from The Applejacks, remember them rehearsing.
my mom was a dress maker and made summer dresses and some wedding dresses for the local ladies for many years.
Jackie Burbidge nee Rawlins
Posted Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Just a note of thanks for having your site on the internet. I have been trying to find Rawlins relatives from the Birmingham area for a long time. I had bits and pieces and some family names. I saw a note someone left on your site: nee Rawlins. I emailed her and in a couple of days we knew the Link to her family. What a Thrill!
Regards from Massachusetts
Carol

Posted Saturday, February 21, 2004
I grew up in Castle Lane from 1950, went to Ulverly Infants and Primary, remember Mr Green and Mr Cooper. When it rained I caught the 174 bus up Summerfield Rd, cost 1d. I remember Elizabeth Osborne and have recently been in touch with Jennifer Glover. Went to Lyndon High about 1957 to 62.Miss Wright was headmistress, I still love Peter and the Wolf Miss Steadman if you are out there. Have lived in Western Australia since 1973, love to hear from anyone who remembers me or my family.
Jackie Burbidge nee Rawlins

Posted Saturday, February 21, 2004
Spent many a night in and around the ice rink, the rink always had a pool of water down the bottom end, oh the times we went for a purler. I made lots of friends some I have not seen for a long time, some I have not seen since but never forgotten. Anyone know the whereabouts of: Jimmy Bennett, Sandra Blackmore, Alan Rowledge, Bronwen Conway?  If anyone knows them give my regards or better still get them to contact me.
Walter Savin

Posted Friday, January 2, 2004
I lived at Marston Green during my teen years and well remember cycling past the entrance to the "Isolation Hospital" as we knew it. The gates were, it seemed, permanently closed and adorned with a large hand painted notice, "Danger, Smallpox". This would have been around the mid 60's if memory serves.
Ian Whitaker

I was born in Solihull Hospital in March 1953. My family moved, that year, from Hobs Moat Road to Burford Close. Ulleries Road ran behind our house. It was just a cart track with gas lights. Later, it was tarred, and lit by electric lights. The newly tarred roads were smooth and we roller-skated on them, until they were gritted by the council. I went to Daylesford Infants School, Chapel Fields Junior School, and Lyndon High School. I used to go to Saturday Matinees at the Sheldon Cinema, buy sweets from the Bon Bon. I went swimming at Solihull Lido and skating at Solihull Ice Rink. I remember the bloke on the trike, and riding on the 176 bus to Solihull. Usually, I would walk home from Solihull, having spent my bus fare. I remember walking home past The Mill Pond, by Lode Heath School, and over the Grand Union Canal, by the Rover Factory. I played in the grounds of the Olton Hall and went train spotting at Olton Station, saw films at the Olton Cinema. With my friends, we would cycle to the local farms for potato picking, to earn a few bob. When I was in my pre-school years, my mother took my brother and I with her when she went potato picking. We used to walk across the test track at the Rover Factory. I can still remember misty autumn mornings, seeing the Land Rovers with their headlights on, being tested. When we were older, we used to play in "The Rover Jungle". It was said that they used to test the Land Rovers in "The Rover Jungle". Sometimes, we saw go-kart racing on the test track. In the school summer holidays, we were a little braver, and we cycled to Kenilworth Castle. We played in Hobs Moat Woods, rode our track bikes up and down the hills in there; and during the autumn times, we built our bonfires on the field opposite to the Viking Pub, on Colesbourne Road and Ulleries Road, by the Assembly Rooms. I saw the building of Hobs Moat Shops, Solihull Ice Rink and The Cresta Club, The Viking Pub, the Old Peoples` Home (next door !
to the Viking Pub on Ulleries Road). I used to play in Jubilee Park and Elmdon Park. I used to go sledging in Elmdon Park; and I have walked upon it s frozen pond in winter. I, too, have been chased by the park keeper at Elmdon, played in its streams during long, hot summer days. I think the park keeper's name was Mr Spragg, for, if I remember correctly, his son went to Lyndon. He was a year older than me.
Glenn Pledger

When I was a boy, I lived in Dorridge in Oakfield House behind the old shopping precinct. I can clearly remember a circus visiting the village which pitched tent in Groves's Field. I know it sounds like an ancient event but it was about 1962/3.
I recall the most appalling rail crash at Dorridge involving the blue Pullman Express. I think it took 3 lives.
Dorridge Park was called "Arden Fields" and the railway station was manned by a guy called "Whacker Delaney".
Chris Colling

Summer days and lying in the wheat fields behind our house in Shakespeare Drive while anvil clouds wheeled overhead. The rain that came later smelt of dry dust and tropical skies. Winter carol singing in Bills lane and people shouting from behind doors 'bugger off I'm not religious" Soccer on the Lighthall soccer pitch in the snow and riding my motor bike like a sledge up and down church road Shirley. The huge conker tree in the primary school grounds that went the way of all flesh, and harvest Sunday in St James church in church road Shirley. Certain flower perfumes still take me back. There used to be a tobacco shop on the corner of Stratford Road and Church Road in Shirley that sold every kind of cigarette and tobacco you could name. Across the way a sweet shop that sold every coloured sherbert you could name did they all taste the same? I remember that the red one did taste like raspberry or was that strawberry? I remember when the first Indian restaurant appeared, Vindaloo was a food taken after beer at the three maypoles. And what about the first hot chocolate machine that appeared in the self service petrol station on Stratford road Shirley. And the poplars opposite Shirley Timber Company that glistened mother of pearl shell and deep green on a summers day. Are they both still there, the trees and the building company, and what of the Tysels, the two brothers and the Uncle, and Arthur who ran the do it yourself section of the shop. Robert the darts expert who could hit dead centre of the board every time you asked him. Finally where did Emlyn Hughs go to or John Greenfield.
Michael Woodcock

Names, names, names, my father owned the Tuck shop, I went to school at St James Primary, Lighthall high and then worked at the Shirley Timber company. Beers at the Saracens Head, the Three Maypoles and cider at the Bluebell. I have no idea if anything exists there any more, 30 years later my cells have changed at least four times, am I the same - of course. My fondest regards to you all.
Michael Woodcock

What a great web site. Brought back lots of memories of living in and around Solihull from 1960-1972. Lived in Sheldon, just over from the Rover works and used to spend many a happy time building dens in the hedges along the path at the back of the test track. I'm sure one of the "Applejacks" used to live opposite our house...Remember walking to Elmdon park and paddling in the stream . Fell in the pond one year after our sledge refused to stop. Went to Ulverley School and then onto Harold Cartwrights. If there are any people who remember me from there I would love an e-mail. Used to go to the ice rink every Saturday morning for lessons and then again later on for the disco's, having to get off the ice for the speed skaters every 5 minutes (it seemed at the time !) Saturday mornings at the pictures. Great fun..
I'm living in New Zealand now but went back for a visit in 2000 and couldn't believe the house I used to live in, in George Street had now gone for a supermarket car park.. Still a great place to have grown up in and will always hold great memories for me.
Julie Flanders (nee Hambley)

Having started my first job as a Telegram boy in April 1961,one extremely hot day in that summer I decided to call in at The Olton Hall pub for a shandy. I ordered a half at the outdoor and this voice boomed from within send that boy here. I was shown into the snug bar to be confronted by Aurther Lunnon who said your too young to buy beer, I will get it and he promptly paid for my beer and chatted while I drank it back in the outdoor. His parting remark don't let me see you in here again. What a terrific chap he was.
Brian Stokes ( Arthur Lunnon was Headmaster of Lode Heath 1939 - 1970)

I remember the Fair coming to town and Carnival through the High Street.
The Bon Bon sweetshop was a favourite. Does anyone remember the cuckoo in the window competition?
Ivan Nimmo

River Blythe on a hot summers day after crossing the railway line. The dances at the Wayfarer Pub then long creepy walks from Stratford Road to Bentley Heath past the Drum and Monkey. Even better dances at Chesford Grange. The "Beak", headmaster of Arden High.
Pauline Lewis

I remember the dances at the Convention Centre.
The Youth Club in Shirley opposite to St. James Church. Going to Tudor Grange every day by bus for about two and a halfpenny. The dancing lessons at Shirley Institute...
Christine Spencer (nee Hutton)

I have great memories of Kingstanding, Aston and Solihull. My fathers name is Barry Morris, he still goes to a lot of Raymond Frogatts gigs. he used to (maybe still does), pal around with the O'Grady's (god bless them). I live in the States now but god do I miss the 'trees, the old horns, and swimming in the lido at Sutton Park.  I used to love sitting outside the pub with my dad with crisps and lemonade (which really sucks over here). I remember going to a Villa game with my dad and Ernie O'Grady and getting stuck under the turnstile between them both trying to sneak in. Twenty two years later and I can still smell the chocolate.
Jolly old England, majestic Brum....Gordon Bennett do I miss the old days and ways (and I'm only 43).
Gary Morris

Journeys from Hell: The 176 Midland red bus from Solihull to Birmingham struggling through the manual gear box (Any one from six!) trying to make it up the Coventry Road towards the Camp Hill flyover. Opening the flap doors on the upper deck and turning the crank handles to change the number and destination of the bus to read something more interesting. Things I really wanted: A pair of Wayfinders shoes with a compass in the heel and animal tracks on the soles, the tracks lasted about two weeks before wearing off. A Spacehopper when they first came out - and waiting outside WH Smith in Mell Square at 8am to buy one, for £2.50. Hanging around in Brueton Park shelter.. and being totally in love with a girl called Karen Parkes.
Garry Knox

I remember also Ice Skating at the Rink, Sheldon Cinemas on Saturday matinees. Bags of scratchings from the Fish & Chip Shop at Hatchford Brook, and the record store at Hobs Moat Shops.. I worked there for a while. Now living in Adelaide South Australia, would love to find some lost friends.. Sue Duke who lived on Brackleys Way, I went to Lyndon High till 1973, so if any one remembers me please email... I would love to hear from you.
Keep it up, I love reading the old memories.
Dawn Hatcliffe

The "bloke" on the trike was Bob and he wore a Midland Red Inspector's hat. He used to "tour" the whole area and I believe was of great help to the police on occasions. He was often seen on Warwick Road near Dovehouse Parade shops, on Lode Lane. I wonder how many miles he covered in his lifetime?
Kathy Armstrong (nee Keight)

That chap riding a tricycle was at the time an almost a daily occurrence - to us kids then - Much loved - Is he still alive???
Ian Tew

I am trying to find the name of a School that I attended in the 60's it was in Shirley and was a infants and junior school it was near to the Coke-a cola factory in Shirley it was as I remember about a mile from it , is there any one who knows it's name or could help .
Ivor Green

Does anyone else remember playing in the grounds of Olton Hall before it was demolished? I remember the lake and the conservatory best of all, I used to go there with a girl called Marina who had a little dog called Bingo. We stopped going in when my brother told me that an old man lived there with a shotgun.
Lesley Baldwin

I lived in Bentley Heath, on Slater Road, from 1954 to 1963. I took the bus into Solihull every day for school at Cedarhurst. I went there from 1960 to 1963, when my family emigrated to Canada. I was eight then, so my memories are rather fragmentary. We went into Dorridge frequently for the post office and the chemist's shop. My best friend before I left England was Robert Day, who I think also went to Cedarhurst. I remember a few things about Solihull: The park at the foot of the road on which Cedarhurst was; it had a roundabout-type thing for children to sit and be pushed on. I also remember my "Uncle Pete" Hill had a chicken farm on Widney Road. I went back for a visit in 1977 and the school had been knocked down. Anybody else out there remember Cedarhurst?
Robert Howard

Haslucks Green School , late 1950's . Mr Fox , headmaster , seem to remember his office was always full of cigarette smoke! Teachers: Miss Ladd 1A , Mr Baker 2A, Mr Morris 3A ( a big thank you to him , I owe my times table instant recall to him! ) and finally "Fanny" Allcott who taught 4A . She stood on a stool and harangued us all , but I learnt all my basics at this marvellous school .
Saturday morning flicks at Shirley Odeon, walking through the stile on Haslucks Green Road. Shirley Park, used to sit on butter paper on the big slide & went shooting off the end!! They even had a water tap there to quench our thirst.
Bob Wilson's funfair at the corner of Haslucks Green Road/Stratford Road now the site of the empty CEGB building.  Fond memories of long sunny summer days .......
Roy Baker

Do I remember Lode Heath School? You bet I do - I lived in Lighthorne Road, about half a mile from the school. I failed my 11 plus to the disappointment of everyone, re-took it 6 months later only to be told that I would be better off at Lode Heath than going to Harold Malley or Tudor Grange. My two best palls at the time were Tim Whetton and Mike Laycock. They both went on to Tudor Grange and our friendship understandably waned, Hey, if you two read this then contact me. I remember doing ok at school. I remember having to drink ice cold milk in the playground. I remember some of the teachers like Mrs Schenkel, Mrs Johnson, Mr Jones, Mr Fitter, and of course Mrs Cresic the music teacher. I remember how hard she tried to make us listen to the classics, and how she bought her sausage dog into the classroom, and how it yelped every so often as it wandered between our legs. I remember her being totally exasperated when I wrote as an answer to the William Tell overture re ' The Lone Ranger Song'.
I remember Mr Blakemore and Mr Gibbs, and I remember fellow student Graham Lacey imitating in a loud voice one of the teachers in the rectangle corridors, and us all jumping to attention. I remember one of the yearly play productions organised by Mr Onslow and Miss Shepherd, I know I played Jerry Winterton one year and had a passionate screen kiss with someone whose name escapes me. I remember having a crush on Ann Clayton when we stayed after hours for the ballroom dancing class. I also remember having a crush on Judith Ward. I remember having to do the cross country through the 'swamps'. Ialso remember how Roger Clench made it look so easy. I remember being joint head boy with Keith Mason, alongside head girl Susan Skidmore.I remember getting the 'whack' once from our geography master when I was head boy and the dust from my trousers drifted up for all to see in the bright afternoon sunshine. I remember the groundsman's shed and listening to the makings of a skiffle group with Clive Pitt and Mo. I remember 'the field'  where we all met after school with Bob Stanton, Mick Mills, John Lawson, and others. Given time I can probably think of a lot more. I now live in Florida USA.
Peter Nicholls

Living next to Elmdon Park in the 60's and 70's was just like having one big play ground there was all those trees to climb, knocking conkers down, jumping the brook, watching them take those new Rover 2000's round the test track.We were always getting chased by the park keepers for one thing or another. Remember when they used to have a fete on the park, donkey rides an all then there was the cricket in the summer. I remember when they were building the flats at bottom of Tanhouse farm road and the company went bust or something and we had this huge building site to play on, what dens we made. Then when we got a bit older and braver we would walk up to the airport and have a pint in the Buccaneer but when we hit sixteen that was it we went out and bought a Yamaha FS1E yes a fizzy we had become "men".     
Trevor Gardiner

This is a terrific site, brings back lots of memories reading through the letters. The guy with the blonde hair on the three wheeler was definitely Bill, I passed him every day. I have lived in Canada for the past 20 years, it was my brother that sent me this site link, It really made me smile seeing some familiar names mentioned. Keep up the good work and thanks.
Janet Shelley (nee Thatcher)

I have very fond memories of St James School in Shirley. Mr Davis was the head when I was there (1961-65) and I always remember him reading 'Winnie the Pooooooh' to us. It was sad when the school moved from School Road to the new building. Shopping was different then - no supermarkets. We used to get our main groceries from Masons (they delivered our weekly order). Mom used to prefer Wrensons for bacon and coffee and she would send me up the road for "Half a pound of smoked streaky bacon cut on number 6 and half a pound of coffee BEANS" (Dad used to grind his own beans). Masons had those big tins of loose biscuits and I remember I used to stand near to the chocolate ones hoping that I'd be lucky and get given one.  I used to love spending my pocket money at the Tuck shop or Jones' (4 black jacks for a penny!). I didn't often go across the Stratford Road to Williams' but, when I did, I used to love to buy jewel drops.
Kate

The Phantoms
In 1964 I was one of the four Phantoms, a local 'pop group' that rubbed shoulders with names that made it like The Applejacks and Denny Laine (Wings) and The Diplomats, but didn't go professional. The other three Phantoms were: Bob Griffin (bass) who used to live in New Road and whose father ran Griffin Radio in Bristol Street in Birmingham; Mick Kelly (drums) who lived in Marston Green and went on in show business I think; and Mick Lawrence (lead and vocals) who lived near the Rover works. As well as many local gigs, including the Civic Hall (now no longer, I hear) and a regular spot at The George Hotel Saturday dance, we also cut some demo discs at a Handsworth recording studio, including Mick Lawrence's arrangement of Nina Simone's 'You're no good', which mysteriously emerged some months after it went to a record company as a Swinging Blue Jeans Number One. All I have to remind me is a copy of our photo in The Solihull News of 12 September 1964 with the headline
" Fans mobbed them, ripped their suits" Having been away from Solihull some 33 years and now in Hertfordshire, I would dearly love to get in touch with Bob and the two Micks, and if they've still got them, hear our old demo discs one more time. Is anybody out there.....?
Peter Binns

Anyone remember Wagon Lane Infants School in the 1950's?
With Mrs Grey and Mrs Ruffell? And Chapel Fields Junior School, with Mr Neville as Headmaster and Mr Collins taking the top class? I moved on to Malvern Hall in 1960, which was quite a journey from our side of Sheldon by bus!
Christine Horn (née Ross)

I remember the guy on the 3 wheeler - I lived opposite him in Rowlands Crescent. His name was definitely Bill - he had 2 younger brothers - I think one was called Harry and they both went to Solihull School. I went to Malvern Hall from 1958 -1965 and have good memories of dances at the track and sitting in Frestans on Saturday afternoon with one drink between all of us!
Jacqui Timbrell (nee Flavell)

In 1962 I was 16 and worked during the school holidays for the company demolishing the old town centre - Mill and Drury Lanes. Drury Lane was largely Victorian council houses of no great historical value. The exception being Touchwood Hall. I am not sure how old this was but it had some beautiful features. The staircase was solid oak and much of the downstairs was oak panelled. The story goes that the last occupant was an elderly lady who never locked the front door. She was waiting for her son to return from the WW1 battlefields.
He never returned. Looking from Warwick Rd to Drury Lane. There was an old Victorian house to the left. It was 3 storeys and obviously a quality residence. I remember the boss coming in in a panic. It had been our practice to smash any glass out of the windows to prevent injury from unexpected breakage. However, in the front room of this house were 5 skylight windows with hand painted landscape scenes. He told us that they were worth around 200 pounds at that time! There was a great deal of salvage from the buildings.
Mill Lane was all very old cottages. We dismantled these rather than demolished. The roof tiles were hand made as were most of the bricks. There were lots of old oak beams and interior fittings such as doors and architrave. The most interesting event and, in hind sight now the most distressing, was a detached house on the right about 50 yards looking down from High St. As we removed the roof tiles we found the remains of a thatch underneath. This was a bit of a puzzle but we kept going. As we stripped the bricks away from the outer walls, we found another building underneath. This was a Daub & Wattle hut type of structure. I guess the house could have been several hundred years old. Arguably the oldest in the area.
We also demolished the Royal Oak pub. I found loads of treasures there. Old menus and tariff cards. Unfortunately after 40 years and several moves around the world, I don't have anything left. Unless an old menu from the Barn Restaurant at Hockley Heath is of interest. My wife's grandfather was A.D Wimbush and I think we have some old documents from the 50's.
Mike Beamish

I have just read the letter from Mike Beamish regarding the demolition of Drury Lane and Mill Lane. He mentioned an old lady who lived at Touchwood Hall. That would have been Mrs Martineau who's son was in fact killed during WW1 and who's name is on the War Memorial in Solihull along with my own Grandfather and his two brothers. From my recollection of her she was far too intelligent to have hoped for her son to return and I think that the story is in fact a myth. (sorry Mike). She must have moved out early in the 2nd World War as Touchwood Hall was for some time a Home Guard base. My own Grandmother lived in Drury Lane and I have almost a photographic mind picture of that whole area. I also remember the Royal Oak Hotel and the Italian Landlord, a Mr Bussi. It was a thriving hostelry even during the war years and although I never had the pleasure of lunching there, I understand it was quite the place to eat. I have a very large collection of notes about Solihull and particularly St Alphege Church during the 1940's and 50's. If anyone would care to see them or communicate with me I would be happy to pass them on.
Michael Britt
Mike Britt - are you related to the Britts that lived in Orchard Avenue in the 50's?
From: Trevor Jonese tdjones@golden.net

I live with my son just one road away from where I was born and grew up. I'm not 'old' but the difference between my childhood and his is incredible. I can still remember a time before supermarkets, when my mother shopped at the local grocers....in our case 'Olton stores' where Mr Goodall (?) would get me to sing for a free lollipop. A treat would be to the Olton Cinema or, when I was old enough, Saturday matinee at the Sheldon Cinema. We wandered free, catching newts and sticklebacks on the canal.
We 'played out' with all the neighbourhood kids, everyone seemed to know each other.
I also remember that ladies had to get their 'monthly necessary's' from the wool shop or ladies clothes shop, a task I had to carry out with a folded up note 'to be handed to the lady at the counter' where she would give me the said necessary's wrapped in a discreet brown paper bag! washing line (with a couple of foot extra for skipping rope) was bought at the hardware store on Richmond Road. As I type this I can still recall the smell of each shop.
The park was an essential part of your day not a treat. My son has none of the freedoms of my youth, a sad reminder of the way the world has changed. worst still I still don't know the names of my next door neighbours and I've lived here for 17 years!
Dawn

I remember being the first pupils when Daylesford School opened.  Before that we spent a few weeks at Chapel Fields Infants School - no longer there.  Does anybody remember the sweet shop next door to the Sheldon picture house called 'The Bon Bon'.

Also the brook that ran at the back of the picture house, where we used to spend many hours fishing! I was at the ice rink the first night it opened - such excitement. I had a Saturday job there in the cafe (I was still at school) but I didn't get paid, I instead was given a free pass to use the ice rink any time I liked. Does anybody remember Walter the manager there at the time.  He used to take a lot of stick from us youngsters. Frances Davis

In reply to Garry Knox, Walter was an older man, quite portly, going bald with glasses (quite a hunk really!!!) I also recall the toy shop at Hobs Moat shops called Ray Francis.  We used to go there at Xmas and choose our Xmas present (it was only one in those days) and it was like walking into a wonderland. I remember The Seagull fish and chip shop. Every Saturday lunchtime we would have fish & chips.  It was a real treat. My brother and I would go to fetch them with the instructions to ask for '3 sixes of chips and a piece of fish'.
Frances Davis

Frances Davies mentioned 'The Bon Bon' sweet shop next to the Sheldon Cinema.  I remember we used to buy candy whistles which we would blow in the cinema and annoy everybody.
I remember seeing Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in the upper circle - the ideal place to drop bits of your Lyons Maid tub ice cream onto the kids below. Wasn't Walter the thin wiry guy who helped run the 'disco' at the rink. I seem to remember there was a loft above where the Hammond Organ was where he would disappear to get the equipment. I think he would have been about 24 at the time I remember, 1970.
Garry Knox

The man on the 3 wheeler tricycle was named Bill
and was still seen until a few years ago, but I'm not sure where he is now. He would give the bus drivers a telling off for running late.
Pete
Comments: Yep I am reasonably sure the guy on the 3 wheeler was Kevin.
He had blonde curly hair. - Mike Beamish

Endless summer holidays with friends. I remember Mr. Fox at Haslucks Green school with his  cigarette constantly hanging from his lip, the full containers of cigarette butts in his stock room. Making raffia work in art, the cold winters in the wooden classroom with its large stove, the Christmas food we would bring in, the country dancing (gay gordons) that made me realise that there was the opposite sex (Pauline Lewis was always my partner) The school trip to Bristol Zoo (or was that at Lighthall) Michael Baggot!  I am lost for names.  I am now 49 and living in Canada. After Haslucks Green came Lighthall with a short stint at Sharmans Cross.  Lighthall has memories of the coke bottle machine, the old woodworking teacher, Mr Ecclestone, being cained by Mr. Greenfield, sports, swimming at Tudor Grange, cross country running, Shinner Evans, Neil Merrick, Steven Brooks and many others.
Tony Corrie

Who remembers the party hat making competitions that were held at Hatchford Brook schools Christmas parties . Did your parents have to spend hours making you a hat that was novel and eye catching ? We were supposed to make them ourselves but I wonder just how many were made by the children , I know mine were and I never won in the 4 years I was there !
Alison Cooney (nee Walters)

I recall the many times I spent ages in the Masons store choosing the Cayli/Sherbet mix to go into my cone. I recall the different tastes that accompanied the different colours and I still believe that they really all tasted the same and I was kidding myself. Neil

Walking down Damson Lane of a Sunday afternoon to feed the horses. Also, picking bluebells in the woods at Gallagher Farm - where Damson Parkway now stands!
Katrina

Ulverly School. I remember my first girl friend - her name was Dawn Stace, the oak trees with benches built around them in the playing fields, warm milk in 1/4 pint bottles, milk monitors school sports days and the painted stained glass windows in the hall.
Ian

Mr Greenfield Head Master at St James School, Sports days, Garath, Bedavier, Lancelot and the Red One? I remember Mr Todman playing his guitar, collecting for sunny smiles and Vanassa Brown and Johanna Brown the girls in my year. after that we all went off to Solihull School, Lighthall, Sharmans or Tudor Grange. I especially remember the sports days trying to beat Tony Derby, Roy Pollard, and David Bird, I usually came second.....ah well back to reality and profit and loss
Tony Simpson

I remember being sent to the Headmasters office at Hatchford Brook School, (Mr Lane, I think) and being swatted with a cricket bat, because my mates and I made darts from a pin, the straw, and the silver foil cap, from our free milk. "its only fun 'till someone loses an eye" he said.
Mark Green

After seeing the comments from Stuart a few entries back, they could only have come from my brother. I to went to Lode Heath from 1969 till 1973 then I joined the Merchant Navy.  Now living in the Sydney I still have the fondest memories of Solihull and Elmdon Heath (yes Noel it does exist). I had a paper round from Deaners Newsagents. On my bike I delivered papers over the years to Damson, Wherrettswell, Lugtrout, Yewtree Lanes, also Hampton Lane and the Damsonwood estate. I remember walks along the canal to Catherine de Barnes and down Damson Lane to the airport. I use to walk from home to St Alphege school in all weather and on they way home would buy sweets half way down New Rd at the little Post Office. When Mell Sq was built there were new shops to explore as mentioned by Stuart. I can't remember nicking dog biscuits from Solihull Seeds, however I do remember nicking sweets from the shop at the top of Redlands Rd on the way home from Lode Heath.
To Gary Knox I remember your name and all your memories of Lode Heath. This is a great site keep up the good work everyone.
Keith

As he seems to be in a lot of peoples memories, the man who was the Bus spotter on the 3 wheeler was called Bill and he "unofficially" worked for the Bus company "keeping them on Time"
Ron Brown

I lived on the corner of Dovehouse Lane and Highwood Ave until 1958.
I remember rolling Easter eggs down the hill at Elmdon and tobogganing down it in the winter. Track biking in Hobbs Moat.
How about later. Early 60's just about every kid in the town would meet on Saturday afternoon at Frestans in Station Rd. What was the name of the record shop next door where we spent hours listening to records and buying very few. Coffee mornings at the 'Track in Tudor Grange Park What about the Battle of the Bands at the Track in 1961? I met my wife there. We have been married for 33 years now. I know of at least 3 other couples that met and there and later got married. Then there were dances at the "Tech" in Blossomfield Rd. on Saturday nights and at the Civic Centre on Monday nights. Great times, good days, long gone, often remembered
Mike Beamish

Although I have only just left the area to go to university, I remember seeing the bus spotter on his 3 wheeler until fairly recently (the last 5 years - anyway) I also remember going to Hatchford Brook Youth Club and the crisps with salt in!!! It is amazing hearing all of the memories from Solihull, in particularly the Elmdon Park area!
Julie

I went to Haslucks Green Junior School. I remember Mr Fox and his tin of Quality Street sweets, bible readings! and the milk bottle top Christmas decorations. Bottles of warm milk and kiss chase in the playground.
Julee


Yes I remember the man who rode on the three wheeled bike. I also remember
the old hut classrooms at Hatchford Brook junior school, they were heated by a stove. I can also remember the bomb crater in Elmdon Park and paddling in the stream in the park. Saturday mornings skating at the ice rink, the music was played by an organist. The Christmas parties at Hatchford Brook, there was always a hat competition, some of the parents must have worked for weeks to make a fancy hat so their child could win !!!
Alison Cooney (nee Walters) - Now living in Sunderland. [ Reunions ]

Does anybody remember 'Troach Sweets' and Raymond Froggatt, who used to play at Elmdon Airport some Saturday nights. I now live in Ibiza, and my friends here say this is all in my imagination!
Denise Allen

Yes I remember Troach Drops and Raymond Froggat at the airport lounge on Thursday nights, beforehand we used to go to the pub just past the airport entrance, (forget the name) perhaps you could remind me. Incidentally Raymond Froggat is still performing even after illness and other problems, he has a cult following.
Walter Savin

Saturday morning at Sheldon Pictures when Reg the projectionist would throw Bluebird toffees over the balcony and chips from the Seagull Fish Shop after. Broken biscuits from the Co-op and Dandelion and Burdock pop from the outdoor at the Viking......now living in oz (see letters)
Ron Brown

Late 50's early 60's
I remember the black duffel coat that I had to wear to school, It used to be my cousins, It made me itch and was so 'un-cool'. A lot of our games involved digging holes and throwing stones, dressing up as army men and lobbing hand grenades (stones!) at the enemy. I grew out of that when my friend from up the road had to have six stitches in his head! - No helmet that day.
Go Cart's were all the rage and old pram wheels were highly sort after, big ones on the back and small ones on the front. Much effort went into the steering (usually consisted of the middle bit of mums washing line) and the brakes ( a wooden lever that was prone to fall off when you needed it most. )
For the very brave and stupid the ultimate test of boy and machine was a perilous ride down one of the bigger slopes at Hobs Moat, this usually resulted in either damage to the cart, its driver or both!
Can anyone remember the disabled chap that for many years rode a three wheel bike and collected the bus registration numbers ( a bus spotter ) he wore a drivers cap and was often seen around Solihull?
Robert
Robert  -  I remember the disabled guy on the three wheeler bike. His name was Reg, and he used to wait at the corner of Lode Lane and Lighthorne Road where the bus to Solihull used to wait, most days after school. I remember the cost of that bus ride to Solihull was one and one half old pennies. -  Peter Nicholls

I remember the bags of crisps we got at Hatchford Brook, they had small blue bags of salt inside, you had to open the salt and mix it with the crisps! Mark

I remember Saturday mornings at the Sheldon Picture House.
Stamping our feet during the chase scenes and then spilling outside into the bright sunshine.
Church on Sunday followed by a family walk and my favourite sweets.
Mum supervising the coal delivery so we didn't get any 'slack'.
Running away from home on my maroon three wheeler bike - its boot packed with dolls and toy bricks.
Barbara

Early 60's, just about every kid in the town would meet on Saturday afternoon at Frestans in Station Rd. What was the name of the record shop next door where we spent hours listening to records and buying very few. Coffee mornings at the 'Track in Tudor Grange Park What about the Battle of the Bands at the Track in 1961? I met my wife there. We have been married for 33 years now. I know of at least 3 other couples that met and there and later got married.
Then there were dances at the "Tech" in Blossomfield Rd. on Saturday nights and at the Civic Centre on Monday nights. Great times, good days, long gone, often remembered
Mike Beamish

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.

WANTED copyright free pictures of Solihull in the 60's
Click Here to post a photograph on this page

Get in touch with lost friends or family. Would you like to make contact with Old School Friends, Work Colleagues or Family from the Solihull area? Maybe even arrange a Reunion.

Solihull's Applejacks became big stars when 'Tell Me When' hit the charts in 1964. Visit Garry Knox's page and find out

Do you have any old photographs of Solihull?
Why not display some of them on this website.
Thanks to Tony Aitken
for his pictures, & Dilly Forth for her photos of Earlswood

A Ghost Story from Catherine de Barnes. Read Dave Cuby's strange encounter