BROOKFIELDS STREETS and ROADS

THAT ARE or WERE INCLUDED IN BROOKFIELDS

Your Street Stories

MAP OF BROKFIELDS

Thanks to Bob Johnson 24/04/04

ALL SAINTS ROAD (and about)

As a kid I was a tatter, a firewood supplier and errand runner, I would do anything to get a few bob. I lived in All Saints Rd from 1950 till 1968. I think there was a printing factory in our road. When you turned 1st left down the hill there was a place calle Twist's which was a provision store ie cheese etc, the cheeese came in big barrells and we would make ski's from them. On the left hand side of The Flat was a Butchers (1 of 4) I think they used to kill their own meat, we hated to see the cattle truck unloading the frightened animals going to their death.

H V Smith was the cake shop along on the right and is still there.There were two cart selling veg, I think Mr Groombridge was one of the blokes who ran the one on the corner of Heaton St and the flat by the chemist on the corner, was there a Co Op Butchers on other corner?

The two Reeves sisters were spinsters I think, they ran the Pentecostal Church, compassion was their middle name. We would go to Sunday School there while Mom and Dad had a kip? I realise that what I thought was the Co-Op was probably Marsh and Baxters. At the end of The Flat directly in front of you on Icknield Street was the Bulls Head pub. To the right of the pub was a garage where we would get our accumulator for the radio charged. There was also a pet food shop on the right hand side just past Griffins Greengrocers where we would get orange boxes for our mokes and Woolworths, later on there was a state of the art bagwash down that end. I remember taking our pet chicken to Clements to be killed for Christmas dinner. She kept popping her head out of the imitation leather bag. We had Speckles off the rag man. Mom served up a lovely Christmas dinner but nobody eat it we all just burst out crying. from Bryan W Drew Email: home@brywell.co.uk

MORE from Bryan

One of the Aston's mention Kevin Flynn. Kevin was my best mate, I still see him today.

Unfortunately Mrs Flynn ( Glady's ) has passed away but Alf Kevs dad is still alive. Kevin went to Switzerland with the Give a Girl Health fund he came back a new man, he has hardly lost a days work and is now a proud Grandad. Any way back to All Saints. Ted I actually lived in All Saints Rd opposite the Goods Yard. At the top of the Rd on the right was Matty and Margetts shop turn right to the corner was the Hydraulic pub ( Atkinson's I think ) across the Rd on the corner up toward Lodge Rd was Collins' paper shop, to the left was an electrical repair shop, the owners daughter had a hole in the heart operation so mom told me. Standing outside the newsagents turning left up Lodge Rd I think was a cobblers next to there was George's the Barbers, hope I'm in order, then there was a chip shop and then Lindleys Grocery shop. Over the road was the Crown and Anchor pub nicknamed the Fireman, why? (anyone know) Carrying on back down LODGE RD towards the Flat' past Scribbans where they had a lighting conductor on the dome you came to Dares House pub. in later years it was run by John Pratt who's car I used to clean, another bob. Then there was a hardware shop called Hinks I thinks, then a wool shop run by Terence Thorp's mom, a bit further down was the Post Office and then another pub. We are now at Park Rd facing the Flat. I feel I must mention Reggies Fish and Chip shop just in Park Rd. Reg and his wife Blanche had a little booth for about four where you could sit and have chips and mushy peas with a glass of red pop if you were lucky. Reg was bad on his legs but his service was first class.

I was in the Choir at All Saints Church and remember Louis Jinks, He was a brilliant footballer along with Jimmy Spencer ( spanner ) from Heaton St I think. Where do we go next? Maybe the Goods yard? Bryan Drew. 29/09/02

This is a story that might interest you.

About 35 years ago on a Sunday night ???? My Dad came home from the pub [ probably the Hydraulic ] He had had too much to drink. Being a conscientious person not wanting to let his Boss down he asked my Mom who had not got a licence to drive his lorry fully loaded to Liverpool, Being a good sport she agreed. Off they went down All Saints Rd turning left along Park Rd and then left all the way up Lodge Rd then left into Winson Green Rd, they then arrived at the Junction with Heath St. Dad told her to turn right into Heath St. Mom let her foot off the clutch accelerating to pull away. By now her arms were tired, [ no power steering in those days ] struggling with the steering she shot across the road and knocked the Church wall down. For years after you could see where the wall was rebuilt. Bryan W Drew 08/10/02

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ALL SAINTS STREET 16/01/09

I was fascinated by the photo of the tram turning into All Saints Street from Lodge Road. I lived in All Saints Street from 1945 until 1957-ish. The pub on the corner opposite Scribbans was called the Hydraulic I think. On the corner diagonally opposite to Scibbans Bakery was Collis's Newsagen

ts. A little further round the corner into AllSaints Street on the same side as Collis's was a radio repair shop (Lainchbury's) and a bit further up Lodge Road from where the photo was taken was a row of shops. I remember a barbers, Shrimptons the Cobblers and the Chippy which my folks ran for a couple of years.

From birth (1945) until we moved to the chippy I lived in All Saints Street down an entry just a little to the right of the edge of the picture at 1, Back of 8 All Saints Street and on the next corner was a sweet shop run by an old lady whose name I forget. My dad's family lived at the bottom of Goode Street.

1/8 All Saints Street was down an entry which led to a large square. When I lived there, it was roughly grassed over and there was a fair bit of brick rubble as if there had been a building there once. There was a derelict factory building on one side of the square, between us and the entry. We were in the bottom right corner. There were houses all around the square except for the bottom wall. In a wooden workshop accessible up some steps and running along the wall was a polishers shop. The bottom left hand corner led to a large double gateway with a wicket gate set in which opened onto Lodge Road. It's just visible a bit further down from the Hydraulic and was the way we used to go down to the Flat.

Dad used to work at Chancellors Garage, a bit up and round the corner from where the photo was taken and my mom worked as a wages clerk at Scribbans. I went to Camden County Primary School.

One of the shops I remember on the Flat was Woolies where I bought the first Airfix kits.

I remember watching them pulling up the tramlines with my mom.

Well, I seem to have written an essay, but your picture brought back so many memories.........!

If you have any information regarding the derelict workshop, I'd love to know. I've always thought it was a small foundry, maybe for brass castings hence the polishing shop which may have survived, but they may of course be entirely unconnected.Thanks for any information.

Very best regards DAVID ALLISON david.j.allison@btinternet.com

PART TWO 17/01/09

Have to say a big thank-you for the photos Ted. The second picture is absolutely brilliant and one I have never seen before.

The corner shop is Matty's. My dad used to send me there to buy his cigarettes when I was little. Completely illegal of course, but the old lady who kept the shop knew my parents and me and my younger brother Pete and we were trusted to do this errand. Dad usually had five Woodbines or occasionally Players.

The street running down to the right is All Saints Road. There were houses all the way down on Matty's side of the road and a tall wall bordering the railway yard on the other side with a big gateway part of the way down the hill where you could watch the engines shunting wagons down the sidings.

The double windows at the far end of the picture are the side windows of the "Hydraulic" pub. These are visible in the photo with the tram. Lodge Road crosses from left to right of the Hydraulic and if you walked into the picture and crossed Lodge Road, you would enter Goode Street.

The tall building in the background and on the opposite corner to the Hydraulic is Scribbans Bakery. You can just see it above the roofs. The offices were on a high floor running down Lodge Road and the loading bays were down Goode Street. I think the lower floor was the production area with the dough machines, provers and ovens.

Just between the two arched doorways you can just see a narrow entry. Our house was down there. I think the house with the light coloured door was No.8, hence we were 1, back of 8. I think the lady who lived in 8 was named Mary. She was Irish and a good friend to my mom. Can't remember her surname. Don't know the number of the house to the left of the entry with the darker door, or the names of the people who lived there, but do remember that they invited all the kids in the square to a film show one Christmas. The son of the folks who lived there had a movie projector and in some sort of outbuilding, treated us to a cartoon show. It was a really nice thing to do and although I was only around 7 or 8 at the time and a bit shy, we had a good time.

I'll have a dig through my mom and dad's old photos and forward some scans if I may.

My dad was Joe Allison and my mom was Doris Allison. Dad died 10 years ago and mom16 years back. 1/8 was originally the home of Alfred and Rose Parsons, my mom's parents.

Thanks for a brilliant site. Best regards. Dave.

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ALL SAINTS CHURCH IN THE 50’s.

On the same site as the school, was All Saints Church. Two of my three sisters were married here. Audrey (Whitworth) was married in 1955, followed in 1961 by Pauline (Baynes) .Details of the church are listed elsewhere on this website, but I do recall that on special occasions, the church was used by the school for services. In fact I was roped in as a choirboy during my time at the school. The vicar was a Mr Johnson. The pay was pretty good as I recall, but the solo voice and of course the money that went with it, were the preserve of the senior boys. Mr Woods was the choirmaster. He was a very dedicated man to his music, and as is so often the case, completely unsuited to teaching. The older boys walked all over him. Letting off bangers in the vestry, bullying we younger kids – Oh Happy Day! I will never forget my mother’s face when I arrived home with news that I was in the choir. Her joy soon turned to dismay however, when I bought the surplice home for her to repair. Mr Johnson says it needs a bit of stitching I nonchalantly informed her. She took it out of the bag and replied, A bit of stitching, It needs throwing out, that’s what it needs – it was threadbare! Nonetheless she set to, and on the Sunday following, there I was proudly wearing it, and singing my heart out! Fred, the senior choirboy, gave me a hefty dig in the ribs, as I went at it with gusto. What he knew, and I didn’t, was that a prospective wedding couple were in the congregation, and were going to choose the soloist for their wedding. Fred was determined that no one, but he would be that soloist. Any opposition to this notion was dealt with by swift and vicious retribution. Of course, had I have known then what I know now, I would have just waited for his voice to break! And they talk about angelic choirboys! Another boy in the choir at the same time as me was, Louis Jinks. He had a twin sister, and they lived in Hingestion Street. In about 1958, the front area of the church was declared out of bounds to we pupils, as two of the church steeples were in a dangerous state. They were eventually partly demolished and capped. This was some years before the final demise of All Saints. I recall that even in those days, the congregation was pathetically small. Clearly, even as far back as the late ‘50’s the writing was on the wall for All Saints Church.

For my fifth birthday, I was given a MOBO trike. Tommy Morris, who lived on the opposite side to us at Highfield Terrace Brookfield Road, was about three years older than me. We would go off on a Saturday afternoon, unbeknown to his mother or mine, and would pedal down Crabtree Road, along All Saints Street, left into Lodge Road, all the way along Lodge Road, along Winson Green Road – does anyone remember the name of the bike shop in Winson Green Road – Dikes? Turning left into Peel Street then Aberdeen Street, we would come out on Dudley Road near St Patrick’s Church and Dudley Road Hospital. Turning left into Western Road, would bring us back where we started. I have no idea how long it took to make this journey on a kids trike, but I do remember that it was a regular feature of Saturday afternoon’s for Tommy and me. We thought of it as an adventure.

As we got a little older, we discovered the delights and freedoms of the 96 bus service, and realized you could get on the bus without an adult. We would go ‘up town’ visiting the Science Museum or Art Gallery. I recall being impressed by the size and architecture of the buildings, as much as the exhibits. I would have been 5 or 6 years old at the time, and for those of you who wonder how I was allowed to make these trips without Mom or Dad’s permission, the answer is simple, I didn’t tell them! Tommy and I worked out a ruse where he would tell his Mom he was coming to play at my house, and I would do the same, substituting his house for mine! It also has to be said that whether or not the risk was real, the perception of the risk of being abducted was less then than it is now. Certainly that is my perception. It is a shame that kids seem to have far less freedom than I remember having. By Ken Aston

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The Astons

Alan Aston

A picture of my cousin Alan Aston, in a cowboy outfit, bought back from the USA in about 1953 or 1954, after his mother, my Aunt Gert made a visit to her brother who had emigrated there. The outfit is typical of the sort play garment popular with young boys at the time. No Star Wars here!

Jane Aston

A portrait of my Gran, Jane Aston born Hipkiss/Hipkins? One of her grandchildren is Alan Aston. I was always told by my parents, that this picture was taken when my Gran was 17, which dates it to 1899. The fox fur stole around her neck was a popular fashion accessory for many years afterwards. I can only assume my Gran had dressed for the portarait, as the clothes she is wearing, are not typical of everday dress of the period. There is an inscription at the bottom of the original photo that reads: C. Norris 139 Dudley Road BIRMINGHAM, and 24 High St BRIDGxxxx (Bridgnorth?)

Frances at Highfield

A picture of my mom, Frances Elizabeth Aston (Giles) in the back yard of 2 Highfield Terrace, Brookfield Road. The 'pinnie' - pinafore, she is wearing, is a typical garment of the time, worn over a dress or similar, to protect the dress whilst doing household chores. This photo was taken in about 1952. My mother, like most women of the period, was a housewife at the time.

Keith and Tommy

Tommy Morris and myself, who lived in Highfield Terrace Brookfield Road. Although about three years older than me, Tommy and I were best mates up until the time my family left the area in 1963. The 'Beatnik' duffle coat I am wearing dates this photo to about 1956 or 1957. We are in the garden of 13 - now 15 - Brookfield Road. The garden now forms part of a communal car park. For details of one of the many escapades that Tommy and I got up to, please have a look at the article, Brookfield Road, life in the 1950's

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BROOKFIELD ROAD 21/04/05

If any body rembers me from Brookfields Road please contact me Graham Sutton formely of 10 back of 15 Brookfields Terrace

[Found at last What a super site.You have helped me find a long lost friend thanks. ]

Graham Sutton Email: graham457@btinternet.com

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BROOKFIELD ROAD 14/06/02

LIFE in the 1950s

What a pleasant surprise to find, whilst browsing the web, a site specifically for Brookfields, and a similar one for Winson Green. Both districts of Birmingham that figured largely in my formative years. My immediate family and I lived in Brookfeld Road. We had a large extended family who lived around us, and on my mother's side, in and around Peel Street, and latterly Barford Road, both of which are in Winson Green.

I was christened Keith Aston, although since secondary schooldays, everyone has called me Ken. I was born at 2 Highfield Terrace Brookfield Road, in 1950, where I lived with Mom and Dad plus three older sisters - Jean Audrey and Pauline. We moved into number 13 from the terrace, a 'front' house in about 1954. The house is still standing, along with most of the other houses in Brookfield Road, but it has been re numbered 15. The end house of each of the original front terraces, was demolished during a 1980’s refurbishment, to make way for a car park for each enclave of properties. The result is that the terraces are much more open nowadays than they were in the 50’s. Another big difference is the quietness of the area. The factories, with the exception of most of the ones in Great Western Road, are gone and of course, the kids don't play on the street as once they did. There are also fewer kids than there were in the 50’s. so the atmosphere of Brookfield and adjacent roads, is much quieter than I recall. So much for the hectic pace of modern life! We stayed at number 13 until 1963, a time when a lot of the so called 'old' Birmingham communities were being rehoused. I remember the surname of the family who exchanged houses with us was Mariner. They came from Monument Road Ladywood. We were rehoused by the city council to a High rise flat in Highgate. Not a good move, in my opinion, as all the attractions of the old community were gone, to be replaced by the concrete jungle.

Brookfield Road is a cul de sac. Our nearest shops were just at the open end of Brookfield Road in Crabtree Road. The shops that I recall were, in a right to left direction starting from the junction with New Spring Street were:

Ansells outdoor on the corner of New Spring Street and Crabtree/Western Road. Run by Mrs Flynn, from about 1958. I don't recall who ran it before that time. Mrs Flynn’s son Kevin was a mate of mine. He had to spend some time in Switzerland, as he had terrible asthma, which gets me thinking. The air around Brookfields was not good in the 50's. Like most of the other kids of the time, I suffered terrible catarrh, but how come that more people are diagnosed with asthma today, despite the undoubted improved quality of air. Strange!

Mr Podmore the butcher. Ran the shop with his wife for the whole period I lived in Brookfield Road. I was his butcher boy for a few months from my 13th birthday - 1963, until we left the area. Wages for two afternoons and a Saturday were £1.50. This compared handsomely with the paper kids wages of 37.5 pence per week. I was lucky to land that job, and sorry to have to give it up. Derek Wilson took over from me when I left. Mr Podmore had worked for Marsh & Baxter (of Brierley Hill) before he went out on his own.

Garbutts the greengrocer. Again, they were there all my time in the area. They had as I recall 2 sons, both older than me. The younger boy was named Roger. I can't for the life of me remember the older boy's name.

Mr Crutchley. He ran a cobblers shop until a few months before we left in 1963, when he retired. I remember my dad saying at the time that Mr Crutchley had run the same shop since the twenties, so he must have been in his seventies when he packed it in. Strangely, I don't recall Mr Crutchley ageing one bit over the years. He always wore a flat cap, leather apron, and could usually be found humming or whistling a tune to himself.

Greenfields chippie. Janet Greenfield was best mates with my youngest sister Pauline. The Greenfields left the area about 1958, after which the chippie was taken over and run by Greeks.

Wilkes paper shop. I remember that Mr Wilkes' first name was John. He was bald on top, and had a moustache. For Mrs. Wilkes character, think a younger Annie Walker from Coronation Street!

Coopers grocers. I only remember a Mrs Cooper, who ran the shop. There was a son John. In the late 50's, early sixties, the Coopers sold out to a Mr LLoyd, a small man with a moustache. He was running the shop at the time we left.

Brookfield Pressed Steel and Metal Works. A converted Victorian chapel next to Lloyds. Like a lot of industry in Birmingham at the time, it was right amongst the living area of Brookfield Road.

Mrs. Evans Grocers. Across the road from Coopers, and coming back toward Brookfield Road itself, was Mrs Evans. She ran the shop while Mr Evans, kept the books and ran the house. It worked well for them, as they were still running the same shop when we left the area. My mom used to mind the shop for Mrs Evans when herself, Mr Evans and their only child Mary Mira, went on holiday for a couple of weeks each year. They always went to Portsmouth!

Straying slightly along Crabtree Road, we come to Mrs Atkins, who ran a Drapery shop in the area at the time. She was a Tall lady who used a walking Street. If Mrs Atkins didn't ‘have it in’ she could certainly get it for you ‘from the Warehouse’

Moving swiftly along, back in the direction of Brookfield Road, and opposite New Spring Street, stood Gucks. Mr Guck sold hardware, and in 1959 supplied me via my Dad, with a Runwell two wheeler bike, made as I recall in Tyseley. Mr and Mrs Guck had a son Roger. They like some of the other shopkeepers, did not live above the shop, which was left empty.

Moving further along into Western Road, were two other shops each, like Gucks on the right hand side. They were not used the whole time we lived in Brookfields, but I remember that a large family, the Tierneys, lived opposite. For a while, one of the sons ran the shop, as a decorators merchants. I also vaguely recall that the other shop was something like a drapers or needlework shop for a while. To close this section, and speaking of the Tierney’s, does any one recall Pete Tierney and the Nighthawks. Pete, I think was the eldest son.

Finally on entering Brookfield Road itself, on the right hand side about two thirds of the way along, was Stanton's. This was a shop converted from someone’s front room, and closed during the late ‘50’s, when Mrs Stanton retired. I can just remember going in there for bits and bobs. My eldest sister Jean spent a lot of time with my Gran during the ‘30’s. Gran Aston lived at 7 Claremont Place until she died aged 92, in 1964. Sister Jean tells me that she remembers as a kid in the 30’s, seeing the Oxo wagon delivering to Stantons. Apparently it was literally a covered wagon, pulled by a large Bullock! My mom and dad lived across the wall from my Gran at number 7 Landsdowne Place. Next door to them was mom’s sister – Aunt Nell and Uncle Herbert (Mogford), whilst on the front at number 36 Brookfield Road, lived Aunty Maud and Uncle Edgar (Powell). With various cousins , uncles aunts etc coming and going, this is what I mean when I refer to a large extended family living in the area at the time!

Opposite number 36 was a warehouse for HJ Heinz & Co. of 57 varieties fame. The warehouse was just that, a storage facility. It was busy five and a half days a week, with deliveries etc. The old building was demolished in the late ‘50’s, and replaced by a modern structure. I recall Heinz moved out after 1963, and I think there was an engineering firm who occupied the site before it was demolished. It lay derelict for some years, before being developed for housing. With an arm of the Soho loop Canal adjacent, I can quite imagine how these houses are considered nowadays as ‘waterside residences,’ whereas we would have thought of them as being next to the Cut!

I hope to contribute further to the site, and would love to see some of the old photo’s in and around Brookfields.

by Ken Aston

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BROOKFIELD ROAD 09/02/04

It was so nice to read about Brookfields Road, but I noticed an error, my grandmother was Mrs Atkins who owned the drapery shop. Nan did live in Crabtree Road and the drapery shop was also a book exchange, Granddad used to go round on his bike exchanging books and taking orders, Nan only had one leg as the other was lost when she was 2 when she was run over by a horse and cart.

Nans husbands name was Charles, they had 2 children John and Muriel known as Jane who was my mother, she married John Wiggins one of 7 children by Jack and Lois Wiggins from 12/13 Brookfields Rd. John Atkins now lives in Wigan but John and Jane Wiggins both passed away in South Africa a couple of years ago, there are still a lot of the Wiggins clan around with plenty of stories about Brookfields to tell I bet.

Ann Whittall Email: ann@shoptalk.co.uk

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BROOKFIELD ROAD 12/02/04

Does anyone remember the Wiggins family, we lived at No 11 Highfield Terrace from 1930 until the late 60s There were 6 children, First Harold, then John who married Jane Atkins from the Drapers shop, next was Lewis who now lives in Shard End, he told me about your web site, next was myself Margaret still very much around, then came Alan who has been living in South Africa for 26 years, and is also going to contact you with his memories, last was Marjorie, who lives in Bickenhill,, we all attended All Saints school, and remember Miss Cole very well, I have not seen anyone mention a teacher called Mr J. Roberts, everyone was terrified of him and my brother John taught me a song does anyone recall it. JONNY ROBERTS WAS A VERY GOOD MAN, HE WENT TO CHURCH ON SUNDAYS HE PRAYED TO GOD TO GIVE HIM STRENGTH TO TAN THE KIDS ON MONDAY'S

I would love to hear from anyone who remembers us Wiggins, there are stll four of us around.

Margaret Yeates Email: myeates@blueyonder.co.uk

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31/01/04

My Grandmother Minnie Loyns was born at 3 Highfield Terrace Brookfield Road on 28/11/1888 Mother was Louisa Elizabeth Loyns Father Thomas Loyns a Police Constable

Rod Lees Email: rodlees@blueyonder.co.uk

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BROOKFIELD ROAD

My Memories by Alan Wiggins 13/02/04

At the time I was born - in Dudley Road Hospital, on 20th July 1935, my parents John and Louisa Wiggins were living at 11, Highfield Terrace, Brookfield Road. We always said our address as 11, Highfield Terrace, because it sounded so much posher than "11 backa 13". Mom, Dad, Harold, John, Lewis, Margaret and me, (Marjorie came later) were all crammed into a 2 up 2 down (+ kitchen), but we did have front and back gardens and our own loo. Our entry consisted of 13 houses and at that time from No. 1 to 13 the occupents were :- No.1 the Nicholls, 2 the Andrews/Astons, 3 the Hawkes/Butlins, 4 the Vaughans. 5 the Barnes/Davis, 6 the Pike/West/Smiths, 7 the Griffiths, 8 the Shiners, 9 the Badgers, 10 the Poutneys, 11 the Wiggins, 12 the Suttons, 13 the Lanes/Taylors.

Just over the wall at our back gate, was a small Chapel, where Spiritualist meetings were held every Sunday morning. You could go and have your fortune told for a small fee. The singing however, was awful!!!

Life in the late 30's was pretty hard, but we never went hungry. Dad worked at Bellis & Morcamb in their foundry and Mom was a charlady for our Doctor - Doctor McKernan. However I often ran errands for 1d for the gas meter.

When the war started in 1939 I was four and started School at All Saints. The Headmistress was Miss Cole and my first teacher was Miss Orme. The highlight of my time there was taking the Lead part in the School Play about a court jester named Merryheart. Having to sing solo in front of all the parents was a terrifying business. I was in the Church choir for a time, but I fell foul of the Vicar, the Reverend Jackson. He caught me ringing the Church bells and reported me to my Mom, who promptly told him to "bugger off". Then hit me round the ear with a wet floor cloth!!

The war was to me pretty exciting. When the bombs started falling, we all retired to our cellar which Dad had reinforced and fitted out with bunk beds. The closest bombs dropped to our house, were in Prescott Street. One outside the Prince George and the other close to Watty Green the Bookmaker's house. I do remember watching the glow in the sky when Bulpits was hit and going out looking for pieces of shrapnel.

After All Saints, I went to Handsworth Grammar School, from 1946 to 1951 and was a member of Edge House. The Headmaster was the Rev.J.J. Walton, who loved to use his cane at every opportunity. I was caned four of the best on my backside twice, once for running in the corridor, (mind you, I did run into him!) and once for not doing my homework.

During this time I didn't get much time for mates, but my particular friends were Gordon Parsons from No. 5 Brookfields Road and his sister Margaret, George Palin who lived at about No. 8 Brookfield Terrace, Albert Day and Graham Sutton, who taught me how to smoke!

As I remember, the surrounding shops, the ones in Crabtree Road opposite Brookfield Road were from right to left :- The Off License, C.V Bull the Butcher, managed by a Mr George Bell, then Wilkes the Greengrocer. Then the Chip Shop, then Crutchley the Cobbler. Then there was a Drapers with a Hairdressers in the back room, then Boyles the News Agent, then Coopers the Grocer, who used to have Wimbush's cream cakes!

From Brookfield Road down Crabtree Road were - Evans the Grocer, Atkins the Draper (My brother John married Muriel (Jane) their daughter) Blackhams the Confectioner, Weavers who sold sweets and cigarettes, Parker the Tobaconist. Coming up Crabtree Road, there was a Cafe' then Miss Gazey who sold candles and paraffin, Keedwells Furniture, a Drapery Shop, then the Prince George on the corner.

With all those shops on our doorstep, I could never understand why my Mom always shopped on "The Flat"? The trudge back home with bags of spuds and cabbage etc. was an absolute killer!

Going to School was an adventure in itself, as often the magnificent Clydesdales which pulled the railway carts, were returning to their stables, which were situated on the corner of Crabtree Road and All Saints Street. The roadway was cobbled and the horses' shoes struck sparks as they scrabbled for grip on the slippery surface. Often they slipped and it was an enormous effort for the handlers to get them to their feet.

The horses which pulled the Scribbans Bakery cart however, were entirely different, they were like Hunters and very sedate. Our biggest "dare" was to run under a Scribbans horse!

I remember watching those horses being shoed at the Blacksmith in Clissold Passage at the side of the canal and wondering how they managed to do it without hurting the horse.

The canal system was our major playground. We rode our bikes along the sloping banks and towpaths for hours on end. We made slides when they froze over and even swam in them in the summer, yuk!! We often "borrowed" coal boats from the boat dock at the end of Brookfield Road and went for joy rides!

We were one of the few families who had a car in those days - a Wolsely 9 No. XG 2484. My Dad and my brothers spent more time fixing it, than driving it, but it made a splendid place to act out our imaginary journeys to the seaside and beyond.

It was garaged in a lock up, sandwiched between the School and the railway lines. This was the ideal place to trainspot the GWR Engines, even though it was a good distance from the lines. Many a happy hour was spent here trainspotting, as I was the chief bottle of tea fetcher for my Dad and brothers, as they dismantelled the old Wolsely and put it back together every weekend.

In my late teens, I played for Brookfields cricket team in the Birmingham Parks League. Our Captain and Manager was Doug Constable, who, with his younger brother Don, were the leading lights in the team. I was the fast bowler, but at 5' 2" I was a bit disadvantaged. I got a lot of wickets though!

I stayed in Highfield Terrace until March 1960, when I left home to marry Val (nee' Morris) my wife of nearly 44 years. We left the U.K. with our children Ian, Andrew and Jenny in 1976 and now live in Edenvale in sunny South Africa. Our Daughter Jenny lives with her husband and three children in San Ramon in California. A long way from Brookfields, but the experiences and values learned living there, will never be forgotten.

Coincidentally, Val's Grandmother - Constance Maria Bird, a direct Decendant of the famous Bird Family of Barton House, Warwickshire and India, was born at No. 20 Brookfield Road in 1891.........

Alan Wiggins Email - valandal@worldonline.co.za

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BROOKFIELD ROAD 13/07/05

What a find. Names come rolling back.I was born at 2 Brookfields Road in 1940.Went to Ellen Street Primary and then Barford Road Secondary.

Left in 1959 for Australia. I live in country Victoria. Hope to write more later. Does anybody remember the great street party we had for Queen's Coronation? Money was collected for weeks and although I was only twelve I remember it as a great day.

John Flint Email: flinties@wideband.net.au

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CAMDEN DRIVE 29/11/06

Just come across your site and found it very interesting. My Moms childhood was in Camden drive Off Camden Street along with 5 sisters and 2 brothers, only one sister is still alive. The family name was Orton, most of the sisters married local men in and around Camden Street / Drive / Grove. I have many names to put forward to see if any memories can be forthcoming.

I have a few photo's, one of a group of men outside the George and Dragon, Albion Street circa 1930's, nearly all are named. Also a classroom photo in St Paul's School for girls circa 1937. most with names. If any of this is helpful I would be pleased to post it on your site (Photos now on the Schools and Pub pages).

My Aunt who is the only survivor from the family and is now 83 has many memories of the area and remembers the night very vividly as she calls it 'when we were bombed out' in 1942.

So if any of this information is of use please write back and I can obtain all the details for adding to your site.

Kind Regards Jack Slade E-mail jackslade@blueyonder.co.uk

Orton Family group photo taken about 1937 in Camden Drive.

L-R Back row Lillian, Charles, Mary Jane, Gertrude, William.

Middle row, William Ambrose, Kate,

Front row. Rose and Kate(Kitty).

From Jack Slade (05/11/07)

May I just thank you and your great site.

Last year I posted some pictures and comments on the Brookfield site, regarding the family of Orton's of Camden D

rive. In July of this year I was contacted by Cynthia Hobson. She enquired if I knew anything of her family named Chapman. Well I can tell you that came as a shock. The photo I have attached is of my Mom Lillian Orton and her best friend Clare Chapman. It is one of the very few photographs I have of my Mom. Fooling around in Camden Drive, dressed as men circa 1928.

I sent it to Cynthia and I quote her reply

Well.....you just have to imagine how excited I was when I got your email - and the photo just blew me away!!!!!!!

I was hopping up and down and jumping around like a demented being.

Like myself, Cynthia has very few photographs of her Mom, and none of her as a young lady. So to cut a long story short, we met up and went down to Camden drive and reproduced the photo 80 years later. Somewhat different to those two young ladies who had there lives yet to live. I just hope they had a little glance down at us two in the 21st century, still remembering our Moms. They died in 1976 (Clare) and 1981(Lillian) not knowing what either of them achieved, I hope they do now.

This was only possible through your web site, again from myself and Cynthia thank you very much. Kind regards Jack Slade

On the right Clare Chapman.

With Lillian Orton on the left.

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CAMDEN STREET " THE GROTTO" 1927

JOSIE please contact Karen Butler kbb01@yahoo.co.uk family research.

Back row L-R ?,?,?,?,Joseph Homer (Licensee)?,?,?,

Middle row Ada Green nee Martin, Joseph Green, ?, ?, ?,

Magdaline Homer, Marjorie Homer.

Front row Stanley Homer, ?,?.

Photographs from Josie George nee Homer

"The Grotto" was demolished around 1969

ADA GREEN (NEE) MARTIN HAD A SHOP IN INGLEBY STREET LADYWOOD WHERE THEY SOLD ACCUMALATORS FOR RADIO'S.

ERIKA PHILLIPS ERIKA_MURPHY07@YAHOO.CO.UK

CAMDEN STREET 21/01/08

Awsome. My great grand parents lived at 150 Camden Street Birmingham England between 1916 and 1919 while my great grandfather Served with the 117th Overseas battalion. Their names were Samuel Ash and Nellie Ellen Wheeler Ash.

Heather Harrington EMAIL: rubyred5714@yahoo.com

CAMDEN STREET 18/12/07

I Lived In Camden St At Number 150 Can Some One Remember Barbers Shop On The Corner Of Camden St And Icknield St I Think It Was Called Prudunce Thanks

Derek Lee EMAIL : Derekandrene@blueyonder.co.uk

PRUDENCE was the name of the barber they were on the same side as Bullpits. Their son is still in buisness today in Shirley. (Ted)

CAMDEN STREET 27/12/05 POSTERS SUPPLIED BY MAC JOSEPH

CAMDEN STREET

I moved from 258 Camden St in 1953 to "The Baths Cafe" - opposite the Monument Road Baths. I married Maurice King (who was the proprietor in 1953). His father was 'Wal' King famous for his boiled ham & 1 penny pieces of jam for the kids after they had been swimming, we stayed there until it was demolished.

You could add to the list of Spring Hill Shops 'Peggy Shaw's Hair Salon' were I worked for a number of years before I was married. We will look for any things we have on the old area and let you have them.

Keep up the good work - we will be contacting other people we know from the area and try to get them involved. by June King (nee Millichamp)

Peggy Shaw's Salon now added to Spring Hill shops.Thanks

CAMDEN STREET 1967 CAMDEN STREET 1969 photos from mac Joseph

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CAMDEN STREET 17/06/05 and 20/06/05

I used to live at 7/356 Camden Street in the sixties I have fond memories of Brookfields and remember names like Pauline Harris,, Stephen and Peter Kavanagh we all used to go to the youth club at the church in George St West great times..Also there was Trevor Jones he lived in Roseberry Street (i think that is how you spell it) Johnny Groombridge (Newspring Street) Pat Hamil (Newspring Street) Russel Adams (Prescott Street) Yvone Gregory (Ellen st). I also remember Ian Colston and his brother Maurice they used to go to the youth club at St Peters church in George Street West.

I am still in regular contact with Trevor he is my oldest friend

I would love to know what everyone done with their lives,

Great site.

Anne Gallagher Email: annegallagher@hotmail.co.uk

In my message on Camden Street I mentioned Trevor Jones my oldest friend sadly Trev died earlier this year

Anne Gallagher Email: annegallagher@hotmail.co.uk 29/05/06

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CARVER STREET (not Brookfields by very near) 05/11/06

My mother was born in the Brookfields area in 1910.

Most of her family prior to that can be found in Pope St and Carver Street.

I am about to collect her memories of that area until she left in 1935.

Any questions about that area during that period you would like me ask her please free too do so.

Chris Busby Worcester Email: chrisbusbyoutbase@lineone.net

CARVER STREET (not Brookfields by very near) 29/11/06

I stumbled over your website last night and found it quite fascinating. In particular the photograph and history of The Vine at the corner of Carver Street and Tenby Street.

My grandfather, Frank Arch, was licensee of the Vine from roughly 1920 to 1930. He has been a jewel polisher by training, but when the First World War broke out the business more or less collapsed.

He had three young daughters to support (plus wife and elderly mother), so he switched career into the licensed trade - a family member was already in the business, which no doubt helped.

After he left the Vine he ran a couple of other pubs in the area and eventually retired about 1940 or so. He died aged 80 in 1958 - we lived in Liverpool then and I ca

n just remember him from family visits when I was quite small.

I've lifted a copy of the photograph from your website, but if you are able to put me in touch with the picture's owner so that I can get a scan at higher resolution I'd be grateful. I'd like to send a copy to my aunt, Frank's last surviving daughter who is blessed with excellent health and a good recall at the age of 95. I'm sure she doesn't have a picture of her childhood home.

I've attach ed a couple of pictures which may be of interest. One is of "The Vine site today "- last year to be accurate - and the other is of Frank and his family in about 1910. My mother is the younger child on the picture - the older girl is in fact a cousin.

Regards, William Leece, Liverpool. E-mail wjleece@blueyonder.co.uk

CARVER STREET (not Brookfields by very near) 01/09/05

I am looking for a photograph members of the public may have of The Vine Inn, Carver Street.

During the War the Pub took a direct hit on 12th December 1940 .

My relative Alfred WAKELING the Landlord was killed during the raid. He was aged 56.

It appeared that his 2nd Wife Mabel WAKELING ( Maiden name unknown ) Died along side him.

However she was found in the cellar , possible after her own funeral had taken place.

This does appear to be true as It seems there are two Grave number entries for her, at Key Hill Cemetery .

Both Alfred & Mabel were Remembered with honour from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

To assist My family History I am looking for any memories from anyone who may recall that fatal night.

The Large Wakeling Family , all lived and worked in the Brookfields & Hockley area.

Regards Jacqui Fielding

"THE VINE" PUB

CARVER STREET corner of

TENBY STREET NORTH

Taken 1935 aprox.

Photo thanks to Helen & George Tubb

In responce to Jacqui Fielding's request above 31/10/05

When i was a child my father & my nan told me a story about the bombing of "The Vine Inn, (corner of Carver Street & Tenby St North)". This is how the story went.

When my nan (Elsie May Price), was (about) 18 years old, (she was born in 1904), she came to Birmingham to work "in service" at the Vine Inn. She came from Great Wyrley, Canock.

While my nan was working at the Vine Inn she met my grand father (Thomas Evans), eventually, they got married & lived with my grand fathers family at an address only a few doors away from the Vine Inn. (I don't remember the address but it was a back house, up an entry in Tenby St North).

My father, Kenneth Thomas Evans & his brother Jeffery, were born in 1927 & 1932.

My father told me that during the air raids they used to go to the catacoombs in Warstone Lane cemetery. He said the catacoombs were used as an air raid shelter.

On the night that the Vine Inn was bombed, my fathers house was also hit, leaving them homeless. Sometime later, but i don't know when, my grandparents were offered a house at 105 George St West.

I was told that when the Landlords wife was found, at the bottom of the cellar steps, she was sitting in a chair still holding her knitting.

Only last year (2004) my cousin (Keith Jeffery Evans, born 1956), asked me if i remembered being told the very same story. Apparently, his father had told him about it many years ago.

When my father was 15 years old, he lied about his age so he could join the merchant navy. His date of birth was 11/9/1927 but he changed it to 11/5/1926 so he was old enough to enlist.

A strange footnote to this is that from 1969 to the early 1980's, my mother worked at a factory named E.Camelinat & Co Ltd. This factory was situated on the land between Albion St, Carver St, Tenby St North, & Tenby St.

E.Camelinat's was sold off to a firm in Coventry named CovRad in the early 1980's. My mother used to travel to work there until she retired in 1989, at the age of 60.

Sadly, both my parents passed away some years ago so, I can't ask them for any furher information about the past. I don't have any photographs of Tenby St North, though i do have a few taken inthe 1950's at George St West, where i was born.

Kevin Evans. E-mail ke012e3985@blueyonder.co.uk

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CLISSOLD STREET AND HINGESTON STREET

CLISSOLD STREET 21/12/07

I LIVED AT 84 CLISSOLD STREET MY WIFE LIVED AT 78 CLISSOLD STREET WITH HER FAMILY AS A YOUNG CHILD.

We lived in Brookfields, as a family till we had to get out, for redevelpment,of the area.

we now live in yardley wood, but we search the web for other people we might know.

JOHN & ROSE POYNER NEE WAKEFIELD email jrpoyner@aol.com

08/03/07

Ted do you know where I could get any photos of old Clissold Street? I would love to have some.

Also while writing, in 2002, I attended a "Brookfields" do, that you put on at the council house. Are there any plans for another one in the near future? Francis Whelan Email: frank_whelan@hotmail.com

It was not me who organized the reunion at the Council House but I was there.

Sorry no other reunion planned at the moment.

CLISSOLD STREET29/11/05 PHOTOS REQUIRED can you help??

Hello Ted,I lived at No.1 Clissold Street, from 1948 to 1967, and like so many other people, never thought to take any photographs of "Our street" before leaving.

If you could put out an appeal for anybody who has photos of Clissold Street and adjacent streets, I wouild be very grateful.

Incedentally, from 1951 to 1959, I attended St Patricks RC school, on Dudley Road, which although just outside the Brookfield boundary, was non the less, the Catholic school which served our area.

Regards, Frank (Francis),Whelan E: Mail frank_whelan@hotmail.com

CLISSOLD STREET 05/09/05

Hi Ted May I start by congratulating you on a great site. For the past year or so I have been researching a ww1 soldier who was in the 3rd Birmingham Battalion, (pals) Royal Warwicks, I have letters that he sent from the front to his sweetheart, a Miss Ethel Hill of 9 Clissold Street Hockley, unfortunatly he was killed on the Somme in 1916. Ethel married a Cycil Cox at All Saints church in Jan 1920, I believe she then went to live in Coventry.

I know this is a long shot but I was wondering if

anyone who lived in that area remembers the Hill family or their decendants.

I looked for All Saints Church some time ago and was so disapointed to find it gone, but thanks to your site I have been able to see a photo of it and have copied it just for my own collection, hope you dont mind. Sorry to go on for so long but if anyone can help I would be glad of an e-mail. Keep up the good work.

Regards: Charlie Smith Email villaman57@yahoo.co.uk

CLISSOLD STREET 17/05/03

I lived at 82 Clissold Street until I married in 1964 when we moved to my grandmothers house at number 100 where we lived until 1970.

No one has yet mentioned "The Lamb Tavern" which was on the corner of Clissold Street and New Spring Street. I remember as as young girl going on many fishing trips with my father who was a member of the Lamb Fishing Club.

Reading one of the e mails that someone sent they made reference to "Wally Green" bookmakers on spring hill, just as a matter of interest my father- Ernie Johnson was a bookmakers clerk who worked at Wally Greens for over 25 years in fact until the premises were demolished.My Father was born in Steward Street, Spring Hill.

from Wendy Pettitt nee Johnson Email: Bedders38@aol.com

CLISSOLD STREET 31/03/03

I was born at 1/33 Clissold Street.

I would love to see some good pictures or the old street,if anybody knows where I can find them, please do get in touch by e-mail. Thanks Mark Docker Email: markatbushbury-road@blueyonder.co.uk

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COLLEGE STREET 04/03/07

Browsing through the area I spent my childhood brought back memories. One in particular was a Barford Road school picture. the class photo was after I had left but the I was taught by the two teachers shown. I lived in College St. until 1964. I will go through my archives and see whats left, I lost a lot when my father was moved for re-development.

Bill Hewitt Email: hewitt235@btinternet.co.uk

COLLEGE STREET 01/11/06

Photo left is my grandad, Fred Wakeling, outside his green-grocers shop

in College Street circa 1917.

The other same shop, only accompanied by his son, also Fred Wakeling.

They moved from this shop in College Street to another green-grocers shop at 185 Spring Hill in 1930, where my nan (Violet Wakeling), my mom (Joan Billings nee Wakeling), my dad (George Billings and myself remained until 1971. The Spring Hill shop, along with all the others were demolished for the so called 're-development'.

Jennie Billings Email: jennie-georgina@hotmail.com

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CORALIE STREET 01/04/08

I thought I had so many memories of my childhood in Brookfields, then I read this wonderful site. So much detail, its fantastic, but I have to confess I cant remember most of the places on the pictures in spite of thinking I knew the area so well.

I moved To 5 Highfield Terrace, Coralie Street in January 1957, and we moved out during the slum clearance in 1970, to Acorn Grove Ladywood. I went to Camden Street Primary school which was at the end of our street. On this site there is a gentleman looking for his friend whose mothers name was Armatrading. She is the mother of Joan Armatrading the famous singer, I used to play with her twin brother and sister Jackie and Anthony. I vaguely remember her mother having a nervous breakdown and running amok with a large carving knife, before being taken into the house and the doctor being sent for. I have very happy memories of living there. I hope more people find this site and can give more pictures and information I will be reading it avidly from now on. Frances Vince (Monk) froggiegirl55@hotmail.com

My Life in CORALIE STREET, Brookfields(1930-1952) 23/08/05

My name was, Jessica Green I lived in Capstone Terrace,Coralie Street Brookfields,

With my mother and father, John and Sarah Green plus sister Phyliss.

It was a difficult life for everyone in those days, but looking back it brings memories that will always be with me.

Friends I had were:-, Margret Taylor, Margret Morris, Lillie Cooper, Sheila Phipps and Hazel Plume also Beryl and Barbera Davis.

Times spent playing in the street seem like only yesterday, but money was scarce and there were non of the home comforts we now take for granted. Our parents sent us out to school clean and as well dressed as possible, although being children we did not stop that way. Playing hide and seek up the entries was one of our favourite games, as well as hopscotch and of course skipping with the rope stretched across the road.

We were not angels of course , one trick we played was tying cotton to some ones door knocker, hiding in the entry and running away when the door opened,

Of course the trips out entailed a bottle of tea and a walk with our parents up to Somerfield Park, and if we were very lucky, a tram ride to the Lickey Hills.

CORALIE STREET

I now live in Perth,Western Australia. My mom & Dad (Doris&Dave) my two sisters Maureen & Carol and I used to live at 12 bk 4 Coralie Street, Brookfields, Birmingham18. I lived there in the 50s until 1968 when I got married.

I was born in 1946, went to Brookfields School and from 1957 -1961 Icknield Street boys School. I was also a member of The Stonehouse Gang which met at Camden Street School.My best frend was Glen Read he used to live at 79 Hingeston Street, his mom & dad helped out at the school with the Stonehouse Gang.

If any one wants to Email me please do. David Roberts robbo822001@yahoo.com.au

CORALIE STREET 29/08/03

I was astonished to find, not only the Suburb, but also the Street,I have been looking for. Everyone I have approached said they hadn't even heard of Brookfield!!

I have looking for an old friend who lived at 22 Coralie Street, Brookfield,Bham,in the 1960s, his name is EVERETT BENSON HARRIS. Born Aug 1948.(55 now) I heard from Royal Mail that the house was demolished in 1985? His Mother's Surname was ARMATRADING originally from ST. KITTS.

EVERETT was in the Army and Stationed in WARMINSTER WILTSHIRE.1966/67 and this is when we were friends. Can anyone enlighten me as to his whereabouts?? I would love to find out how life has been for him. I live in Australia now so it is not easy to search from here! I am new to the Internet, but this site is the closest I've gotten.

Thanks SO MUCH ROSAMUNDE (EVERS) Email: dumbledorg@hotmail.com

can you help????

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CRABTREE ROAD (Brookfield Memories) 06/05/08

Reading all these great comments has really set me thinking. I remember my first day at All Saints school as being very overwhelming. Thrown in at the deep end really. At lunchtime I decided not to go back again! My first friend was Sandra Shellis who lived in a terrace on Lodge road. I wonder if anyone remembers her or her family? They lived opposite Dr Mackinnons ? Friends are so important. Others I recall were;June Wilkes from the newsagents opposite our shop, I remember Ken Aston (I knew him as Keith), all the children from Western terrace, Highfield terrace and Brookfield Road. Some of the names do escape me and I agree with Ken we had far more freedom as children then. Does anyone remember the Lyric cinema? We used to go on a Saturday morning. What an invasion that was! We use to save some of our money for a bread roll on the way home. The other place we played was by the cut at the top of Brookfield road. I was always told never to go there. And of course we played in the street. A huge skipping rope across Brookfield road, bouncing balls up the wall etc etc and going miles on our scooters! My parents ran the shop at 75 Crabtree Road for about 20 years and I have vivid memories of that time. More now, thanks to this fab site.Best wishes to all who may remember me.

Mary Free nee Evans stevenfree@btinternet.com

All Saint's School Christmas play; late 1950's Back L to R ? ? ?,Linda Dodson,June Wilkes, Len?, Robert Jones, David Gibson,? ? ?, Jean Cassidy, Maureen Kemp,? ,Susan Evans, Janice Flowers, Mary Evans Middle two boys; Stuart Relton, Gary? Sitting ;5th from left Derek Wilson, 3rd from right David Norton?	Me (Mary Evans) and the Stilges family who lived at the top of Western Terrace 1953 - from left to right; myself, Michael, Terry, Maureen, Mary.
My mother Mrs Ida Evans, outside our shop 75 Crabtreee Road, 1961.	Me Mary Evans outside our shop 1956.

The site is really good and I (Suzanne Rose nee Stilges) re visit regulary. My brothers and sisters have been mentioned[See photo 2 above] Mary,Maureen,Terry,Michael Stilges and can be contacted via my e mail suzanne.rose1954@hotmail.co.uk

CRABTREE ROAD 24/04/08

What a fantastic site! I can't believe I've just read about my parents and my life at 75,Crabtree Road,the grocers and drapers shop. It has brought back so many memories. It's just fabulous.I shall visit again.

Mary Free nee Evans stevenfree@btinternet.com

CRABTREE ROAD 24/04/08

What a fascinating site!

I loved the mention of Mary Myra Evans from Crabtree Road, as she is my oldest friend!

Does anyone have any information about Key Hill Tavern and the licensee who was my grandfather, John Inshaw. He would have been there in the 1920s, I think. Janice Andrews nee Inshaw janice.1@live.co.uk

CRABTREE ROAD 17/09/07

My father Ivor Moore was born in Crabtree Road in 1923 (I think the number of the house was 23). His mother lived in the house for most of her life, so there must have been Moore's in the street from around 1900 until well into the late 1960s I remember visiting my Grandmother in Crabtree Road in 1964 shortly before my parents and I left for New Zealand. I recall too that we had many Auntes living in the area. My father is still alive and I have seen photographs of the area from when he was a child and yound man. I'll folow up with Dad and see if I can get a bit of a history and some of thse photographs for your web site.

Regards, Nigel Moore Email: nigelivormoore@hotmail.com

CRABTREE ROAD 23/09/07

Very emotional to look at your site but my life in Crabtree Road was from 1934 to the age of 13 my father was the butcher in Crabtree Road as you can imagine i lived all through the the war years their.

Brian G Bell Email: dingdongbelly05@yahoo.co.uk

CRABTREE ROAD 14/09/07

I was amazed and delighted to read about my grandfather Leonard Crutchley, who made and repaired shoes and boots for so many years at 92 Crabtree Road.

Ken Aston was spot on with his description of him. He owned the shop since the 20's and only retired at 73 because he was persuaded to. He was always happy and when children were sent to collect and pay for repaired shoes, he normally gave them back a penny for sweets. Many however did not realise what a colourful life Leonard had led. He was born in Brerton, Rugeley in 1899 and had many occupations including a pit pony boy, half of a comedy/ contortionist duo act 'the knockabouts' , a perriot artist, and I understand his wife's uncle taught h

im the shoe repair trade. My grandmother Cissie Crutchley was somewhat of a recluse. Rarely leaving the house. My father Raymond Crutchley was also born above the shop. I myself remember spending many happy hours banging nails into old shoes and watching my grandfather sharpen his knife to carve the leather to sole shoes. I can still smell that leather now! I still have one piece my grandfather gave me which still had the cow hide on it. I myself was born in Dudley Road Hospital, lived in Wood Green Road and attended City Road Primary School. When I mentioned Ken Aston's article to my mum Lilian Crutchley, she said 'Oh I remember the Astons. I think one was sweet on your dad'. Oh happy days. Anne Davies Email: makemineadouble@msn.com

05/07/09

I've previously sent you some info and photos of my grandfather Leonard (Leon) Crutchley, who ran the shoe repair shop at 92 Crabtree Road, which you kindly posted on your site. I've now come across a further photo which you might like. It was taken looking down Crabtree Road, outside my grandfathers shop. It's of my grandfather in his leather apron and cap with an unknown young man, not sure if the younger guy is a local but if he is, someone may recognise him.

Anne Davies (Nee Crutchley) makemineadouble@msn.com

CRABTREE ROAD 25/07/07

I think your site is fantastic it brings back such nice memories for me and I am only 47. I lived at

8 Crabtree Road and went to All Saints School. Keep up the good work.

Jeanette Doyle Email: netty_doyle@homail.co.uk

CRABTREE ROAD 08/02/04

Albert Victor Mason Dairyman

Born 1888 Lived at 85 Crabtree Road in 1913 married to Minnie Loyns.

Rod Lees Email: rodlees@blueyonder.co.uk

CRABTREE ROAD 09/10/03

The MITCHELL family were living at 28 Crabtree Road from at least 1881 until the 1890's. Is anyone related to any one of the MITCHELLS? please contact me if you are. Someone must be related. PLEASE get in touch Pauline Roberts Email: secserve@wilnecote.fsbusiness.co.uk

CRABTREE ROAD 01/07/03

I have been trying for some time to trace Jeanette Daniels who used to live in one of the terraces off Crabtree Road. I think her father was called Walter. She was an only child and left HNR school in 1958. The family left Brookfields in the early sixties and went to live in a high rise flat in Ladywood. I would welcome any information about the family.

Pam Willis - July 2003 Email: pamela.willis@whsmithnet.co.uk

CRABTREE ROAD

I was born at number 8 Crabtree Road, when I was three my family moved to number 48. Next door was Mr Giles the boot mender, at the back of our yard lived Mr styles our landlord and next door lived Mr & Mrs Cornwell. I also can recall Mrs Higgins greengrocers, Mrs Young's grocery shop, Granny Weaver and her daughter Lizzie; there shop was right opposite our house.

I went to All Saints School (1947 - 1958) and the headmistress was Miss Cole, she really was a tyrant. One of my teachers was Mr Collins; one day he bought his little son to the school and to keep him quiet he sat him in the waste paper basket. When I was eleven I went to Camden Street School and left at fifteen. I have three brothers Alan, Robert and Stephen. If anyone remembers our family it would be nice to hear from you.

From Pauline Joyce nee Busby See Pauline's All Saints School Photos on the School page.

Pauline please contact Nick & Rona Burroughs on nicyrona@hotmail.com they have tried to contact you on your old email address.

CRABTREE ROAD Etc.

I was born at 38 Crabtree Rd moved to 5/29 Park Rd got bombed then moved to Winson Green.

First to James Turner St. then moved to no.1 Bryant st. on to 6/18 Tudor st.on again 45 to74,Eva Rd.the last five houses in five years.by Tony Warrington.

Crabtree Road in the 50’s 20/06/02

Frequent visitors to this site, will no doubt have read the feature on Brookfield Road shops, which

were in fact on Crabtree Road, where it met Western Road. There were however, other shops in Crabtree Road in the direction of All Saints Street. I mentioned Mrs Atkins the draper in a previous article. Her shop was on the left hand side of Crabtree Road, in the direction of All Saints Street. She had a husband John, a dapper little man with a pencil moustache, but it was Mrs Atkins who ran the shop.

On the left of Atkins shop stood a terrace of two bedroomed houses. The houses faced each other across a central path. Each house had a small front garden. At the end of the terrace was a tiny Victorian chapel. It had, what I now know to be cast iron mullioned windows, and it had painted double doors – very typical of that style of chapel building at the time. I have often thought that it was a peculiar place to site a chapel, tucked away as it was, at the end of a terrace. Even in the 1950’s it was disused, and by the 60’s had fallen into a state of disrepair. I particularly recall a large lilac tree that stood at the front of it. As the tree became more overgrown, you can imagine that we kids were not slow to colonise the boughs of the tree as a den. Out of the way of adults, but well within the earshot of parents, should the call go up! As a sad footnote to the demise of this part of Crabtree Road, I visited the area in the late ‘70s, just as the terrace was about to be demolished, to find the lilac tree, still standing amongst a scene of urban destruction.

Scaling the wall to the left of the chapel, would bring you to the upper part of Highfield Terrace, where I was born, but we’ll meet the folks who lived there another time. Some of the occupants I recall from the terrace next to Atkins Drapers were The Stilges family, in particular three of the kids Terry, Michael and Maureen. On the opposite side of the terrace were Billy and Irene Thomas. Irene’s sister named Jean, was a good friend of my sister Jean. If you recall other people who lived in this terrace, please click on the ‘contact’ button of this website.

Granny Brooks lived near the entrance to the terrace, and was friends with my grandmother. I am sure like my Gran, she was in her nineties when she died. A couple of doors away, lived Granny Newton. I should point out to clear up any confusion, that neither of Granny Brooks or Newton were related to me in any way whatsoever, but all of the kids in the area referred to them as ‘Granny’

Moving further along Crabtree Road, was another terrace. In the first house on the left, a double fronted house, lived the Dolmans. They moved there in the late ’50,s . To the right of the terrace stood another grocers shop. I think there name was Wheeler. Certainly, they had a son called Lawrence.

John Shelley, was another friend from that time wholived in the terrace. If you can recall the names of these terraces please contact the site.

Blackwells bakery, was closed during the time I lived in Brookfields. It was a corner shop, with two steps up from street level. It was quite a large building as I recall, and had a yard on the right hand side. A little further along was Miss Weaver’s. Like Mr Crutchley, the cobbler please see my article on Brookfield Road - Miss Weaver never aged in my eyes. She would always be humming, whenever you entered the shop

At the bottom of Crabtree Road where it joins All Saints Street was Keedwell and Cottrell. They were a firm of jobbing builders and had a yard there. Among other properties, they maintained the houses we lived in. I recall that the properties weren’t well maintained by today’s standards, but in fairness, it must be said that the rents paid were not great – I think our rent was 7/6 (37.5p) per week in the ‘50’s. Also a lot of modern techniques such as damp proofing etc’ simply did not exist at that time. As a result I remember two recurring problems regarding our house in Brookfield Road, which I know affected all other houses in the area. The first was rising damp. Although they have been filled in now, each house in the area at that time had a coal cellar. Access for the coal was through a rectangular hole at street level, covered by a pierced cast iron grille. The cellar was at basement level and - I assume because of the lack of efficient damp proofing – was constantly damp. Another writer on this site, has mentioned the origin of Brookfields as being just that ie brooks and fields. To my certain knowledge, the cellar of number 14 Brookfield Road, occupied by the Mc Hails, used to regularly flood. To the best of my recollection, our house , opposite number 14 only flooded once, to a depth of a couple of feet.

Back to Crabtree Road. On the adjacent corner to Keedwells builders yard, at the junction of Crabtree Road and Clissold Street, stood a café. Like Blackwells the bakers, access was gained by a couple of steps up from street level. Starting on the way back up Crabtree Road towards Prescott St – now gone and grassed over. Backing on to the yard of the corner café, was a shop that was unused for a long time, but I vaguely remember that it replaced the corner café for a short period.

Further along on the same side stood Miss Taylor’s shop. A little bay windowed place, like some of the other shops in the area, it had previously been someone’s ‘front room’ I’m pretty sure Miss Taylor was a florist, and even as a youngster, I would occasionally run errands for her. She was a smashing lady, very well spoken. She later looked after a boy called Frank Stacey, a friend of mine from All Saints School. I recall her business card – very swanky! – to this day. It read Leah G Taylor.

Keedwells electrical goods was the next shop along. Another bay windowed emporium, I recall my first record was purchased here. In 1959 at a cost of 6/8 I bought Bobby Darin’s Multiplication. I considered myself at the grand old age of 9 years, to be the epitomy of cool.

Finally, at the junction of Crabtree Road and Prescott Street, stood The George. Like the ’outdoor’ at the junction Of New Spring Street referred to in my article on Brookfields Road, The George was an Ansells house, and served mainly regulars. I remember one frequent visitor, was Granny Brooks, mentioned earlier in this article. In conclusion, I am sure there will be gaps in this story, as I myself lived in Brookfields Road. If you are an ex resident of Crabtree Road, or have any knowledge of it before it was demolished and rebuilt, please get in touch with this website. Equally if you have or know the whereabouts of any photo’s please let us know.

by Ken Aston

03/06/04

Insert photograph came from the grand daughter of Mr and Mrs Atkins - 72 Crabtree Road - drapers shop as was - lovely to see them mentioned on your site - I recall trips to the warehouses with them to get stock in for their customers - the shop was a dream playground for us as children. Attached is a copy of their wedding photograph - about 1920's I think - hope this reminds people of what they looked like.

Cheers Joy Atkins E-mail joy@atkins-pc.fsnet.co.uk

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DUDLEY ROAD 17/07/04

I am looking for anyone who can remember Harry & Cis Nichols (great uncle & aunt of mine) who used to run the Windmill Pub (OLD WINDMILL?). Any information would be gratefully received. I believe they had 2 children, Peter and Freda.

Thank you Sandra Britton Email: sandieb@ntlworld.com

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ELLEN STREET 14/07/09 "HELP REQUIRED"

Seven pictures taken in 1958/59 by John Doidge when he visited Brookfields from Australia

John would appreciate any information regarding Brookfields in general, and Ellen Street in particular, both before and after the time when their family departed for Australia.

"My father, Albert ('Bert') Doidge, his mother Elizabeth (nee Steadman), and siblings James ('Jim'), May, and John ('Jack') lived at 48 Ellen Street, Brookfields until late 1920 when they emigrated to Melbourne, Australia. Their father, and Elizabeth's husband, James Doidge, was killed in action in France 25/03/1918.

John Doidge (Brisbane, Australia) jdoidge@iprimus.com.au

48 Ellen Street (to right of the entry)	Cnr of Ellen Street & New Spring Street
Wall above 48 Ellen Street	Cnr Ellen Street & ? Street
Camden Street School	Brookfields

ELLEN STREET 25/10/08

I ATTACH PHOTOGRAPHS OF MY FATHER ARTHUR FLETCHER WHO WAS BORN AT 1/119 ELLEN ST. IN 1910 WHICH HIS FAMILY HAD LIVED SINCE ABOUT 1902. I AM HIS SON BORN AT 123 ELLEN ST. IN 1937. ALL OF OUR FAMILYS MY MOTHERS SIDE AND FATHERS SIDE OF THE FAMILY SURVIVED THE LANDMINE THAT DESTROYED ELLEN ST SCHOOL HOPE THESE PHOTOGRAPHS MAY BE OF SOME USE TO YOU. Gordon Fletcher Gordonafletcher@aol.com

My Father extreme right back row

My Father 3rd from left back row

ELLEN STREET 28/03/03

My wife had a Ladies clothes shop on the corner of Ellen Street / Camden Street called "Pats Fashions" for a few years before moving to Waterloo Road, Cape hill smethwick.

Our first house was also in Ellen street on the opposite side of the road where the church stands.

My father was BOY EDGE, ARTHUR EDGE Birmingham box of tricks midlands area champion 1930's.

Arthur and Pat Edge Email:

Would Pat or Arthur Edge who once owned PATS FASHIONS in ELLEN STREET please contact Jacqui Fielding email jacquishalom@hotmail.com

about the family tree. Ted 19/06/08

ELLEN STREET 21/02/03

I was born at I/25 Ellen Street. My Dad Syd Houston played darts at the Weston Pub. I now live in Sydney Australia.

Lawence Houston Email: lozza005b@hotmail.com

ELLEN STREET

My local infant school was in Ellen St. Untill in 1940/1 a land mine dropped and blew it up. We lived in little Park Road where an old lady teacher took over our education using her front room as a classroom because all the other schools were full up.

Anyone remember the night the goodsyard in Park Rd.was hit by incendiary bombs whilst a train load of farm produce was being unloaded the crackling was beautiful. (Tony Warrington)

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GEORGE STREET WEST 15/07/09

NOTE. Number one on the programme J CARTWRIGHT Brookfields Council School

I would love to know how he got on that day.Ted

GEORGE STREET WEST

George Street West on the left and right,

Prescott Street going off to the left with

Hingeston Street going straight up.

Ray Begley Email: rayb@rayb.net

Thanks Ray for naming the roads

GEORGE STREET WEST 10/04/06

Can you help the terrible Smith sisters from George St West?

We are Barbara and Kathleen (Smith) and were born in George Street West in the early 1950's and have just caught the genealogy bug!

We are collecting information about our family, have started a family tree and having found this great website are hoping someone can fill in some gaps in our knowledge.

If you lived in the Brookfields area in the 1940's 1950's and can remember any members of our family or neighbours we would love to hear from you..

We are the youngest daughters of 6 children living at No. 2 back of 123 George Street West, Brookfields, Birmingham.

The back-to-back houses where we lived, faced onto a small square where the children played. We moved to Balsall Heath in 1960 but we remember some of the families who lived on the square: The Allsops who had an older daughter Pamela and a son about 8 when we left. The Bodfish's lived next door and had an older daughter called Iris who was friendly with our older sister Jean. I would love to hear from anyone who lived there at this time.

Our parents were Doris (nee Bradbury) and Charles (Charlie) Smith.

Our older siblings were: (in age order) Edward, David, Lawrence (Larry) + Jean (twins), and us Kathleen and Barbara.

Our dad, Charlie, was in the Army (Dorset Regiment) and spent time in Burma + India during the 2nd WW. His normal trade, like many men in our part of Birmingham, was a `non-ferrous metal caster'.

Doris, our mother, had worked as a riveter in a local factory and as a cleaner, but became ill with Breast Cancer and died in 1962.

Our eldest brother, Edward (Teddy), died in a tragic accident at the age of 12, at a local builders yard whilst playing with his friends.

Both David & Larry enlisted in the Army as teenagers.

During our research for our maternal grandmother's name we have come up with Jane Allsop as a possibility. As there were Allsops as neighbours we were hoping there might be some connection.

We would love to hear from anyone who remembers any of our family or neighbours

and from anyone who lived in the area.

Kind regards

Barbara babs.smith2@btinternet.com

& Kathleen kathiburrell@yahoo.co.uk

GEORGE STREET WEST 16/10/07

I moved to 1/135 George Street West with my parents and younger sister and brother when I was three years old in 1961 and left in 1968 when the area was being demolished. Reading other peoples stories has brought back so many memories. I vividly remember the great snow of 63 or 64 where great paths of snow where cleared into what seemed to me to be tunnels as high as houses so that we could still go to the shops and make our way back to our houses. On the corner of the street was a bookies and over Hingestion street the paper and comic shop and next door to this a grocery shop. In was in this shop that I took back a HP sauce bottle hoping to get a penny as the label said a penny off it was only when the lady told me it was a penny of the price not the bottle that I realized that the idea of going round all the houses asking for their empty sauce bottles was a mistake. Over the road was a chemists shop near Ellen road where, when it was shut down, all the kids played and rolled down the cloth awning at the front and I cut my eye brow and had seven stitches at Dudley road Hospital. The Laurels pub always, still to this day, sticks in my mind as it was where a murder was committed and great hoards of people, adults and children gathered round reporters from the Sunday Mercury trying to tell them how they knew the assailant and the victim. Even as a young boy I thought of the kids who would not now have a dad. I remember the coal yard in Hingestion street where I earned a penny taking prams up for the slack. the streets of Brookfields was my and other kids playground. We played in the rec further up George St. West near the Church in the rail yard, canals, bomb pecks the 'Flat' where I would take the neighbors bag wash full of nappies and the graveyard next to the mint. I attended St. Pauls school in the jewelry quarter and the cold mornings walking up to the school are still very fond memories. The graveyard was exciting as it was a shortcut home and six or seven of us would scramble down the sand bank and climb trees before being chased out. We lived in one room with three more additions to the family two sisters and one brother all born at Dudley road Hospital. The house had one room downstairs with a small kitchen one large bedroom and two small attic rooms but it was so cold in the winter we all slept in the one big middle bedroom. The toilets were shared, with four at the top of the 'yard' but always kept clean and always locked by my mother. I remember ferocious cats being brought up the yard and dropped down the cellar opening to kill the rats. I found out later that these cats were hired out to deal with this problem. I remember the scout bands marching of a Sunday down Hingestion Street what a sight, fantastic. I hated attending Sunday school in Ellen road as I always had to pay attention as my dad always asked what I had learned. Monument road baths was a treat given to me by my dad if he thought I had earned it I loved it. I could go on and on talking about this great area Spring Hill Library the cafes the shops the pubs the streets and of course the people but my wife is taking me for lunch as it is my birthday. I truly had a fantastic childhood thank you Brookfields

Larry Email laurencefoley@blueyonder.co.uk

GEORGE STREET WEST 13/03/06

I was searching under Bulpitts and strayed on to your site!

In 1973-4 I was resident at the Vicarage in George Street West, with Revd Mark Dalby, as one of the ordinands/potential ordinands on the 'Spring Hill Scheme'. This gave young men some experience of the world before university and the priesthood; in my case time at Bulpitts as a labourer and storesman, then at Adie and Nephew putting the chromium plate on bicycle bells. The name Rudge comes back to me, with a couple who were active at St Peter's, with their daughter June Anne.

I went back there last weekend, and had a wander around St Peter's (as was), the Library, Bulpitts (now gone and replaced by a call centre or some awful modern building) and the George and Dragon (derelict) where, once a week, the vicarage's residents went for 'Parish Night'. Brought back loads of very happy memories.

Best wishes, David Gurney

GEORGE STREET WEST 24/02/04

Has anyone got any photos of George St West in the 60s I remember a guy who had albums full of photos he was either the landlord or barman at the 'Lamb' public house on Stewart Street off Spring Hill but that was around 1990 Fay. Email: fbjingx@yahoo.co.uk

26/11/03

I am looking for an image of George Street West, I have found three images so far.

The only one I cannot find is the one I would dearly like to locate.

Looking down George Street West towards the Pitsford Street with the Eagle Strores on the left, and Wilkes the chemist on the right hand side, Brookfields school would also be onthe right hand side.

Kind Regards. Ray Begley. Email: rayb@rayb.net

ARE YOU ABLE TO HELP Ray (if you do, can we have a copy for the site please)

GEORGE STREET WEST

My father originated in Brookfields? Rosebery Passage/Avenue? Off George St West.

His name was Alfred Tarplee, and it seems there were many Tarplees who were raised in that area. The family seem to originate in Cropthorne in the county of Worcestershire.

Do you have any information on migration of families into Brookfields and surrounding areas.

(Brenda Birch brenda.birch@ntlworld.com )

Can any body help Brenda with the query

13/12/04

I remember living in George St West,the Pitsford St end in the 60s, going to Brookfields school, then on to Camden St, Does anyone remember Mrs Mountford, she was my favourite teacher at Camden St

Maureen Email: pushkins@eircom.net

George Street West from Hingestion Street 1956

Outdoor, Hingestion Street

George Street West 1961

Hingeston Street and George Street West 1958

Wilkes Chemist Prescott Street/George Street West

(Swains corner) Hingeston Street1956

Photos courtesy of Ray Begley, E-mail : rayb@rayb.net

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GOODE STREET 20/09/08

I lived at 9 Victoria Terrace, Goode Street (sometimes known as 9/28 Goode Street) Hockley, opposite Scribbans'. I have enjoyed reading all the stories on your site regarding The Flat etc. as it brings back many great memories. Many thanks, Loraine Birtles nee Harris lorainebirtles@aol.com

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HINGESTON STREET 22/09/09

Just a note to ask you if you know anything about the Hingeston Street murders, these occured

in about 1948-49and took place at the TOP end of Hingeston coming on to Pitsford street, there were

two murders, the second of which was Mrs Aston ( If I remember riht ) and he got in through the coal

grating on the pavement, went upstairs and killed her in bed, she was an old woman, the man who did it lived a bit further up the road and suffered mental problems, but at his trial it was revealed he had killed another

old lady in the same way previously. (see entries below )

Chris rovinoxid@hotmail.com

HINGESTON STREET 04/02/09 TWO MORE ANOTHER MURDERS

I often visit your site recalling events etc in Brookfields and although I have seen a reference to a Murder at The Laurels public house I wondered if anyone remembers the murders of two old ladies both living alone in Hingeston Street just above "The Laurels". I think one was a Mrs Aston and the was referred to as little Harriet she used to drink in "The Gate" public house in Icknield Street it happened sometime at the end of 1940/1950. I think the man convicted was named Whitehill or Whitehouse he also lived in Hingeston Street he was sent to Broadmoor and his mother used to come into the post office in Icknield Street ( where I worked) opposite Hingeston Street to post parcels to him I was living in Hingeston Street at the time but its so long ago it's difficult to recall all the facts correctly but I can clearly remember both little Harriet and the convicted mans mother I would be interested to know if anyone else remembers !!!

Margaret Yeates myeates@blueyonder.co.uk

MURDER AT "THE LAURELS" 02/11/07

The murder happened in 1965? after an argument between the landlord and a customer. What I remember being told by my Father, who drank in the Laurels, was the customer pulled a knife and stabbed the landlord and then just ran from the pub being chased by the regulars. My father did say that the man who died was extremely well liked and the perpetrator received a good hiding before the police caught up with him. Sadly my father is no longer alive so I could not elaborate on the incident. I know that the mother of the Wyatt family who was a barmaid at the Laurels and who lived in the first house after the bookies on George St. West, which was not a back to back house, as they had two big rooms downstairs where you could go into the front and come out the back into the yard, was a witness to the incident. I am sure she had a pub or worked in a pub up by the police station adjacent to Summerfield park in Winson Green sometime after the area was demolished. The murder was reported in the "Birmingham Evening Mail", "The Gazette" and the "Sunday Mercury". Keep up the good works a fantastic site!!! Regards Larry Foley E-mail : laurencefoley@blueyonder.co.uk

I REMEMBER THE DAY IT HAPPENED 01/04/08

I enjoyed the piece about the Laurels Pub on the corner of Prescott Street and Hingestion Street. It was on a Saturday afternoon when it happened. I was at my Grandparents house (just of Lodge Road, in Harmer Street), when the murder happened. My Mother fetched me and told me about it. When we got home (we lived at 113 Prescott Street, just up from the Laurels), the place was swarming with police. We were told it was an argument about closing time. Supposedly the Publican said it was time to close for the afternoon, and the other person argued - I suppose a fight broke out It seems awful, but nobody bothered much. It seemed to be a case of 'oh well, another days excitement'. Not sure why but that's the way some people were then. We had some fun in those days. The only thing I didn't like was the thick fog. You couldn't see anything. It would be nice if I could find anyone else who remembers me and my friends - Christine Robinson and Pamela Holmes. The three of us were always together. Ingrid Waldron-Webb iggywebb@yahoo.com

ANOTHER MURDER 01/05/08

Reading about the MURDER at "THE LAURELS" pub in Hingeston Street I rememered another MURDER that took place at 131 Hingeston Street around 50 years ago (mid to late 50's).

The blokes name was Hanlon ! he killed his wife with a hammer because he thought she was having an affair, I remember the police swarming all over the back part of the house as I used to live in the same yard (back house) 8/125, I wonder if anyone else remembers it ??. Ken Grinnell kgbg03800@blueyonder.co.uk

HINGESTON STREET 23/02/09

First off all I would like to say what a wonderful site you have created, which is fascinating insight into the social history of the Brookfields district of Birmingham

I used to live in a pub from about 62 to 66 run by my Dad - John Reeves, called the Brookfields Tavern which used to be on the corner of Pitsford Street and Hingestion Street. We moved to Rugby when I was about 7, and I now live in Sheffield (aged 47).

I was visiting my friend in Bristol earlier this week and on the way back I had this sudden urge to stop off and visit the brookfields area. I went to visit all saints school where I went to briefly- which is now a youth offenders centre. It felt very strange, and needless to say it seemed very different to how I remembered it, apart from the pointed arched shaped oak door to the main building which is still there.

Anyway hope you don't mind me contacting you, but i was feeling all nostalgic after my visit, which is why I found my way onto your website.

Incidentally my Dad was friend of the lanlord who was murdered at the Laurels and I'm going to get in touch with him to find out his name.

If anyone rembers my Dad it would be lovely to hear from them. I know the brookfields tavern had an awsome darts team around 1964 to 66. Bert Tanner was one of the names i recall from the team.

Peter Reeves peter_r_reeves@hotmail.com

HINGESTON STREET 10/08/08

I'm fascinated by your site. I was born and lived in Hingestion Street Brookfields I and my two younger brothers one of which was born in the house.. lived there with my mum and dad David and Betty Smith . I think we moved in 1969 when I was just 4yrs old, we were given a maisonette in Great Barr, I think because Hingestion Street was being demolished?

I was wondering if you know of any pictures of the street as I only came across one on the site?.. some of my earliest memories are of living on that road, and as I was only 4yrs when I left you can imagine just how early they were?I would love some more info and pictures about the street and indeed if anyone remembers our family? although I realise we weren't there for long.Lovely site thank you Sue Sutherland nee Smith susanjsutherland@hotmail.com

HINGESTON STREET remember us 02/07/08

Does anyone remember the Nichols family of 61 Hingeston Road between about 1910 and 1930. Doris, Horace, Marian, Stanley, Joan, Joyce and Betty all went to Brookfields School. I would love to hear anout the school and see pictures of it. Colin Nichols cbn7k5bw@googlemail.com

HINGESTON STREET 07/03/0

Love this site. Pop in and out of it at regularly. I was born in Hingeston Street 1949, one of 4 girls, went to All Saints School and Camden Street. Left the area in 1966. Enjoy all the comments and often recognise the names on the comments board. Keep up the good work. Denise Martin (nee Winn) denisejmartin@sky.com

HINGESTON STREET 29/12/07

I was born 16th August 1940. Schooled at All Saints C of E church school from 1945 - 1951 before going to George Dixon grammar school. We lived in Hingeston Street until 1951 and then moved to Rubery.

Lovely memories returned when seeing the old photographs I will look through my mother's album to see if there are any appropriate for your site

Regards Alfred Gorge Rogers Email: alfred.g.rogers@btinternet.com

HINGESTON STREET 11/09/07

I was born at 137 Hingeston Street in 1950 which was directly opposite the "Rose and Crown" pub further up on the same side as the pub was Mrs Keedwells grocery shop does any body remember these? I also went to All Saints infants schol. brian lawrence Email: brianlawrence01@btinternet.com

HINGESTON STREET 07/11/06

I have been reading the letters and stories on your site about Hockley, Brookfields and Ladywood. I lived in Stewart Street and I went to infant and junior school there.The only people I can remember from Stewart St are John Mellows and Stewart Dyson, I can also remember my dad taking me for ice cream up Spring Hill, and my dad having a drink in the pub next to the ice cream parlor, the man who ran the pub was called Spring Hill Bill, does anyone remember him? My mother worked for Louie Greene at the Cross Keys pub in Stewart Street until we left. We then moved to 44 Hingeston Street because of my dads work, my mother then got a job at Smiths on the corner of Hingeston St and Ellen st. I left Stewart St school and went to Barford Rd school for boys until 1961, I can remember David Kempton, David Harper, Danny Lynch, Johnny Giles, Ronnie Chadwick and Dougie Westwood and having school dinners in Summerfield Park because the school didn't have a kitchen, playing on the Old Boner. The people I can remember from around Hingeston St are Pat Fleming, Pat Slaney, Norman Harrison,Terry Deaney and my good friend Kenny Deeprose his mother worked at Cashes cooked meats. I can also remember the film crew for Cathy come home, wanting to use our back yard because my dad kept pigeons, he had to say no because he was racing them, I had to take them to my dads mate John Bevan were they filmed the pigeon loft scene, I was stood on the corner putting birds in to the air until they filmed one landing.I also remember girlfriend and good friend Geroldine Moon. My dads mother lived in Frankfort St of Summer lane, I have memories of playing with my cousin Brian Fox and his friends in Kirbys Rag Yard we were allowed to because our granddad Blackie Raven was a rag and bone man. Does anyone remember Blackie selling his perry winkles off his horse and cart on a Sunday afternoon.

Robert Cowley E:mail v.ferguson80@ntlworld.com

HINGESTON STREET 24/03/06

I have recently started a search into my family tree and through looking at old census records discovered my family lived in the Ladywood, Hockley & Brookfields areas since the early 1800's. Doing the search inspired me to look up the areas and came accross this site. Fantastic to see the old images.

I grew up in Hingestion Street and went to Brookfields School, leaving the district in the late 60's when the houses were being demolished Does anyone remember a school production of Peter Pan in the late 60's. I was one of the 'lost boys'and my brother Robert was Captain Hook. Sadly I don't remember many names of the people from school except Mr Hutchings, Miss Lemon, Miss Steel.

I was one of 8 children and we lived at 1/27 Hingestion Street and remember other family names of Roberts, Bills, Evans.

Does anyone remember the Bartlett Family? Regards Bonnie Janiak

Please contact bonniejaniak@blueyonder.co.uk

01/12/05

I was born in Hingeston Street in the very early 50s I remember "Cathy come Home" being filmed in our yard and both my sisters are in the crowd as well as our house

I attended both Brookfields and Camden Street schools and in my teens hung about at the canal it was our playground you could go out freely then and enjoy being a child no real pressures

Gillian Robinson/ne Hutton Email: gillian robinson@banf.org.uk

10/11/04

I lived at 3/37 HINGESTON STREET, and we had a small garden terrace flanked by palings with a tin bath on

the wall. When I was five I ran errands to Icknield Street as far as The Gate. I used to hang outside the Royal Mint pub for my gran and would get a glass of fizzy lemonade. Then we would go home climb the dark creaky stairs with a bit of candle across the bare floorboards and then into bed dusting our feet before putting them down under the threadbare sheets. Mostly old coats on top and a zinc bucket

in the room and a night light.

Life was very staid in those days, just the world service on the wireless. Before school a flannel wash at the flat sink and then down to Prescott Street rolling a couple of marbles on route...

Michael Green Email: xhemmingsx@hotmail.com

HINGESTON STREET 01/12/05

I was born in Hingeston Street in the very early 50s I remember "Cathy come Home" being filmed in our yard and both my sisters are in the crowd as well as our house I attended both Brookfields and Camden Street schools and in my teens hung about at the canal it was our playground you could go out freely then and enjoy being a child no real pressures Gillian Robinson (nee) Hutton Email: gillian robinson@banf.org.uk

HINGESTON STREET 24/01/06

We used to live down Hingestion St opposite Lily's shop, think it was 73. The families I remember were the Williams, Moore's, Cannings the Foxhalls.

When we heard about "Cathy" being filmed we were up there like a shot and in one scene as the camera pans round I am in it with my long neck and big ears, also my eldest brother, who has sadly passed away, is there also.

So if anyone knows of us or remember the mob that used to hang on the corner please get in touch.

Dave Brown Email: throstles54@hotmail.com

HINGESTON STREET 05/11/05

A photo of my grandfathers shop in Hingeston street.

His name was Albert Taylor.

I think that it was taken around 1934.

Regards Wendy McLean

HINGESTON STREET 22/01/05

The attached picture is of my great-grandfather, Tom Swain, outside his newsagents and tobacconist shop on the corner of Hingeston Street and George Street West.

I believe the picture was taken in about 1914. The young man is his youngest son Horace. When he died in 1916 the shop was run by his daughter, Lily, and then by my grandfather, Arthur and his daughter Brenda, from the mid 1940s until the shop was demolished in the 1960s. I remember sitting on the counter 'helping' to serve during the 1940s and 50s. The shop appears to have changed little over the years. I know very little of my great-grandfather's family except that he had 10 children and that only 2 of his 6 sons survived WW1 - my grandfather and Horace. If any one has any information please get in touch.

Gill Jones

Email ramsfan@kgjones.karoo.co.uk

HINGESTON STREET 16/01/05

This is a photo of my father's van outside of 15 Hingeston Street taken about 1950.

Brian Gough Email: bri.gough@ntlworld.com

HINGESTON STREET 07/07/04

I was born at 3/37 Hingeston Sreet in the Green family, Henry, Alan, Reggie plus mom Gertie nee Hemming. father, Gough family 6/219 Icknield Street.

My mom died in the Dudley Road Infirmary 1951,I went to Brookfields School 1953 Coronation, I lost touch with folk after that.

Does anyone know what happened to those families?

Michael Green Email: tigerlily44@onetel.com

11/11/04

On my birth certificate it says born 3/37 Hingestion st in the sub district of All Saints, father Reg Henry Green

mother Gertrude Dorothy Hemmings..

I went to Brookfields school and was pictured in the 1953 Coronation photo. All the streets in red white and blue flags, shields and bunting, we had a street party, fishpaste sandwiches and cup cakes and newspaper hats on.

I lived at 3/37 Hingestion st, and we had a small garden terrace flanked by palings with a tin bath on the wall. When I was five I ran errands to Icknield Street as far as The Gate. I used to hang outside the Royal Mint pub for my gran and would get a glass of fizzy lemonade. Then we would go home climb the dark creaky stairs with a bit of candle across the bare floorboards and then into bed dusting our feet before putting them down under the threadbare sheets. Mostly old coats on top and a zinc bucket in the room and a night light.

Life was very staid in those days, just the world service on the wireless before school a flannel wash at the flat sink and then down to Prescott street rolling a couple of marbles on route.

The winters seemed very long as a child in Brookfields during the early 50s. School was basic and I was glad to be free to wander when the bell finally rang. There always seemed to be a buzz in the damp air. Small industries at night sang in harmony with the Birmingham Mint along Icknield St, goods trains roaring over the bridge at Pittford St; I used to go down to the Flat on an errand and it was always dark and wet under there, echoes of cars and thundering carriages with the cemetry a constant reminder I didn't have a mother and that she might be in there somewhere watching me. The inner circle bus on its way to Hockley would race through the large puddle and I would be drenched from head to foot.

When we had no coal I would take a buckled pushchair up Prescott Street to get some coal from the yard and for that errand I would get an extra slice of bread and dripping. I would sometimes play in the rec' in New Spring Street or go up Warstone Lane, looking for junk of some kind

michael green Email: xhemmingsx@hotmail.com

HINGES

TON STREET

This site brings back a lot of memories as I was actually born in HINGESTON STREET (No 8 back of 125), I have attached a picture of me (right) and my best pal Allan Williams (left) sitting on the door step of No 8/125.

I also used to be a member of the 253rd Birmingham, 1st Brookfield's scout group which held meetings in the church hall back of the Methodist church in New Spring Street, I was also a member of the band (bugle / trumpet) that was county band champions for 5-6 years running and also used to march around the streets of Brookfield's (ANY ONE REMEMBER ??), I'll try and sort out some pictures of the band marching round the streets of Brookfield's.

Ken Grinnell

HINGESTON STREET 21/11/03

I lived at 2 back of 43 Hingeston Street does any one remember Mrs Corrigan who kept the tobbaconists and Wrensons on the corner of Ellen Street and Hingeston Street? Tony Tombes Email: tombes2@hotmail.com

HINGESTON STREET

I lived at 1/161 HINGESTION STREET over the road was Maylins coalyard. Behind our back yard was the railway as kids we had great fun there. At the top of our road was where they kept horses, I think they had

coal as well.

I went to All Saints School. Then to Handworth New Road School. I remember the flat and the Hockley Church.

from Jackie Howell

HINGESTON STREET 09/10/03

The JEFCOATE family of Hingestion Street, from 1898 until early 1900's.Is anyone related to any one of the JEFCOATE'S ? please contact me if you are. Someone must be related. PLEASE get in touch

Pauline Roberts Email: secserve@wilnecote.fsbusiness.co.uk

HINGESTON STREET 27/02/03

Formely of 2 (back of)124 Hingeston Street which was on the back of Worral's shop. Friend of Terry Daly, Jahnny Daly, Reggie Maylin, Johny Pratt, Sonny Crisp and Bille Semore. Dad was Bill (William) Mothers maiden name was Doreen Vyse, her brothers were Frank, Tommy, and Bill, sister was Muriel.

Any body remember them?

from Barry Ridgway Email: roosterspeckle@ntlworld.com

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POSTCARD OF KEY HILL CEMETERY DATE ? THANKS TO MacJoseph

ICKNIELD STREET (Bulpits) 29/02/08

Looking through some of my old photos I found some of Bulpits & Sons (were l worked) works outing at Blackpool 1960. We arrived by train and would be bused to the plesure beach restaurant were we had a meal. After the meal young Billy Bulpit would get up and give a speech, then we would have the rest of the day to do what we wanted to do, we had some good times, hope there are some persons out there who might remember some of the faces.

Taken at Bulpits & Sons outing (BLACKPOOL) 1960

1st photo Me Graham Taylor on the top of the picture my head by the curtain

2nd photo my wife then Margaret Berry 2nd is on the left and on her right is Barbara Fellows

Regards Graham Taylor (Ex Bulpits & sons employe) MARGRAYPOODLES@aol.com

ICKNIELD STREET 12/11/07

First two are Post Cards sent to us from from Mac Joseph the top one is dated1915 and the other 1900? both show the Royal Mint with horse trough in Icknield Street near Warstone Lane (before the public toilets were built)

And below a photo of the horse trough taken in 1960 o/s the Public Lavatory (toilet)

in the background is Rees and Felix store New Spring Street

ICKNIELD STREET 30/07/07

What a brilliant site, my mom and dad lived in Icknield St in the 1930's their name was Bill and Elizabeth Glynn if any one remembers them i would love to here from them.

Terry Glynn Email: daddywarbuck@hotmail.co.uk

ICKNIELD STREET 22/08/06

I Have just found your fantastic site which brought back many memories. My father was born at the greengrocers in Bacchus Road in 1916 and when her parents died he was adopted by his aunt and uncle Lily and Harry Blocksidge who had the newsagents and fishing tackle shop in Icknield Street. After they died in the early 1950s we lived there for a while with Uncle Percy Dawes. He wasn't a real uncle but came to live there during the war and stayed thereafter! I remember playing with the girl next door Christine Hands who I believe now lives in Great Barr. The shop was demolished in the 1960s and Dad moved his business to the Soho Road until 1977 when he retired due to ill health. Judy nee Blocksidge Email: bab90@hotmail.co.uk

ICKNIELD STREET 08/03/05

The houses opposite the Mint were dark and dreary in the winter months. I lived in a back house on Icknield Street in the early 50s. We had foul weather and I recall all the sash windows shaking. People were passing our window at night in the dark carrying a bike lamp or a torch and we only had a dim light bulb. the house always had shadows. We would hear the people go into the draughty cold lavs which were joined to our wall

and every time the long chain was yanked the big cistern would rumble and gush, sometimes the yanking would go on for minutes. Then the hissing as the cistern filled up with water, feet shuffles, then the hand light would drop in and then out of our window as the person scurried down the yard. In a little while, someone else came. I recall one night when we had a storm. The clothes lines were being whipped up against the wet brick of the house.The windows rattled and the brick strained as water ran along the gutters and down the drainpipes to the yard. The wind picked up a dustbin lid and tossed it into the air and then the lid rolled and rolled outside the front door, before going into a spin and a final deafening clatter. As the clothes lines smacked the house and as the wind shook the sash windows I clung onto the small warm patch in the bed. Then as the flicking candle went out I fell asleep. When I woke I could see a stream of flecked sunlight coming into the bare room from the threadbare curains. The sound of milkbottles going down onto the backyard steps.... You wouldn't know how many families had lived there in the early 50s, how large the community, if you had just stumbled upon that area of Icknield street in recent times. We kids would drive the Inner Circle bus from upstairs and at the terminal clock by the Royal Mint pub we would hang around for the driver to turn the key and then press the time on our hands in ink.

Michael Green Email: xhemmingsx@hotmail.com.

ICKNIELD STREET 29/01/05

Hello, I was so very pleased to see wonderful photos from my childhood. I have left comments on the web-page, however I am feeling very emotional and home-sick right now! I emigrated to Canada Vancouver in 1967 (now living in Penticton) 400 miles in the interior of British Columbia.

My name is now Julianne Hayes nee Grout I was Born in Icknield Street. in 1943, father was Bill Grout and my mother Emily (Viennese) they married around 1941..can you imagine the problems! she a new Jewish immigrant nurse speaking very "broken" English, German at that... and my dad an "Ambulance Man" with St. John's. She left us when I was 4 or 5,

I went to All Saints School (is it still there?) and then lived at 366 Lodge Road with my Aunt, Kate Fisher (Nr. Scribban's Bakery) then afterwards Hingeston St. They used to go for a Sunday drink at Dare's pub and my Dad was a member of "The Buffs". We moved away to Small Heath when I was 10 years old, however I always visited my Aunt..and I have another family friend working in the Jewellery Quarter in his own business at this time

Right now I am trying to find out whether or not I was christened/baptized at All Saints (thats the local church). I have looked up B'ham archives and am working on that. In the meantime thanks for taking me down "Memory Lane". My childhood was traumatic,

I have lived in Canada for 37 years yet my "roots" still go back to my birthplace and always will.

Thank you again.... God Bless. Julianne Hayes nee Grout Email: juliannehayes@shaw.ca

RECORDS FROM ALL SAINTS CHURCH anyone know where they are kept?????

ICKNIELD STREET 20/09/04

Seeing the old bridge on your site brought back memories for me.

We walked under that bridge many many times to go to the flat, shopping.

When the war was on mom and all us children used to go under those big gates to shelter under neath the graves. We where also evacuated from that station.

What memories it brought back for me,.some happy, some sad. thank you ted for that picture.

Poppy Email: poppy_jim@blueyonder.co.uk

The cemetery and bridge Poppy refers to

ICKNIELD STREET 29/02/04

Wimbushes cake/bread shop was on the Icknield St side of Spring Hill opposite Bulpitts corner if i remember correctly, FAY Email: fbjingx@yahoo.co.uk

ICKNIELD STREET 21/01/04

Until 1968 I lived with my mom at 163 Icknield Street which was a wine and spirits shop called the "Wine Barrel". It was about 5 or 6 shops down from the Spring Hill library. I believe there was a butcher shop next door. There was a bus stop for the inner circle 8 right outside the door. Wimbush's was further down Icknield Street at the intersection of Camden Street I think it was, anyway it was the first road on the left going down Icknield Street from Spring Hill library. One of my friends formerly of Icknield Boys School was killed outside of Wimbush's when he fell into the road whilst making a delivery to the shop.

Kenneth Burke Email: allezkb@webtv.net

ICKNIELD STREET 17/12/03

I remember the chip shop in Icknield Street by the "OldGate" pub her name was Mrs Morgan and her daughter was Gladys she was in a play at CamdenSt school. called "Quality Street" .and thats how she got spotted . and became famous, she went to America and made a film. called "Man in the Attic". her name changed to Elizabeth Kearns. every time we went into the shop her mother told us all the news .the chip shop was coverd in pictures of her, My sister used to go around with her,. her mother was a realy nice lady. and so proud of her daughter. Poppy Email: poppy_jim@blueyonder.co.uk

Does anyone have a photo of Gladys Morgan / Elizabeth Kearns ??

ICKNIELD STREET 09/12/02

My mother was also born in the Brookfield area in 1901 at 195 Icknield St, which I understand was a bakery and confectionery shop. Her father William Henry Mason was a master baker who had inherited it from his father Robert Mason. I remember my mother saying that people would bring the larger turkeys to the bakery at Christmas and her father would cook them in the bread ovens for a few pence each.

My mother went to Ellen St School which she left aged 14 and went to work in the jewellery quarter.

My parents left the Brookfield area in 1938 and moved to Selly Oak. Mike Prigg

ICKNIELD STREET (The Royal Mint) 03/04/03

We managed "The Royal Mint" Pub in Icknield Street, Brookfields, from 1960 to 1962.

Does anyone remember us Dot and Bill, we had one little son in those days - Stephen, and then we had Michael just before we left.

Photo thanks to Andrew Maxam

The Royal Mint was opposite the Birmingham Mint Ltd (where they made coins of the Realm). Every lunchtime (we called it dinner time in those days) we had the employees dash over for their sandwiches and a pint. We also had a good clientele spend their lunch break from the Jewellery quarter.

I remember that the No 8 Inner Circle Bus used to stop outside our pub to clock in, it was door to door transport.

The Bradford's 'bread man' would call each day, with a tray of cobs, which we filled with cheese or ham, and put a dish of Spanish onion on the counter (they had to pay for the cobs) but we never seemed to have enough - if we prepared 36 we would need 48, so next day it would be 48, then we could have sold 60.

Bill my husband, was very fussy about his beer and kept the pumps clean, consequently we upped the takings from when we took over. I remember the first Christmas that we were there, and we were not allowed staff during the daytime, well we prepared a counter-full of pints, (don't think that would be allowed these days) knowing that all our regulars would be dashing in It was ab-sol-ute-ly chaotic . We had the bar, the snug and the smoke room to keep happy, just me and Bill...

I remember the dray men, they always had a pint when they called, they were real comedians, one day the one - Fred, as he was eating one of my ham or cheese cobs, said: -

"Listen Missus this cafe's menu - 6 rashers of bacon, 3 eggs, 2 fried bread, sausage, a pot of tea and as much toast as yo can eat - 2 bob"

- Me - " Crikey Fred - where's that?" - He burst out laughing - and said "Don't know luv but ifya find out will ya let me know?

We used to have guy come in who played the spoons, consequently we were always short of spoons.

Our weekend pianist was named Stan, he was amazing, I think we paid him, about £2 for the weekend. Can't remember what his surname was though. " Happy days"

We were only there 2 years. It was hard work but I wouldn't have missed those years for the world.

Our reason for giving up? Stephen was diagnosed with Perthes disease - this meant that he would be in plaster ofparis for 3 years, and then we had the second baby, our kids came first. So Bill went back to his old boss, who had been visiting us nearly every week for the duration of our management. His parting shot was always - "Don't forget Bill whenever you want to come back to plumbing - the jobs yours"

Cheers Dot Email: Dotavon@yahoo.co.uk

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NEW SPRING STREET 29/02/08

AUNTIE, ME & EDNA

Please find this photo taken in 1939.

I believe it was taken just before the war started when I was six years.

My name is HENRY ROBERTS and it was taken outside number

56 NEW SPRING STREET.

ALL THE BEST, HR. Abbaroberts@aol.com

NEW SPRING STREET 31/01/08

I have been looking on this site and told my mom about it as she is allways on about her childhood.Well my moms name was Judith Bailey she had a sister called Flo and a brother called Colin. My granddads name was Albert Bailey but cant remember my nans name as she died when my mom was only 16. She went to Camden Street School and lived in New Spring Street and tells me about what it was like for growing up. I am not sure if you or anyone else would remember my mom. I am unable to send photos but if anyone else has got any they could send to me on my email address then I would be greatfull as then I could show my mom.

Thank you for taking the time to read my email Debbie Email: dyatestt@btinternet.com

NEW SPRING STREET 17/03/07

Does any remember Clarkson's button factory on the corner of New Spring Street and Clissold Street.I worked there in 1960/61 but never see it mentioned anywhere.I used to look after about a dozen automatic button making machines by myself.I was only 16. Bob Shale Email: rwshale@hotmail.co.uk

NEW SPRING STREET 17/12/06

What a great site came across it by accident.My Gr grandad Arthur Beresford and Gr nan Elizabeth Line lived at 3 back of 36 New Spring St with there daughter Florence.He was a butcher and he died in France in 1918 in the war.Flo ,my nan,married my grandad Albert Claybrook and lived in the same house with Elizabeth.They had 2 children Alan ,my dad, and Eric.Flo worked at Bullpits i think and albert(speedy) was a runner for Watty Green,does anyone remember them. Alan Claybrook Email: snowie123@hotmail.co.uk

NEW SPRING STREET 05/01/05

This is an up to date picture (taken 03/01/2005)of the Methodist church (that used to be) in New Spring Street, the 253rd Birmingham, 1st Brookfields Scout Band used to practice in hall at rear of church every Friday night (prior to 1967), after that moved to Scout Hut in Clissold Street (Hut was built by scouts themselves).

We also had church parade from here every 2nd Sunday in the month, I still got band uniform and bugle

Ken Grinnell

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NEW SPRING STREET 17/06/04

I'm really pleased that i've discovered this site. I was born in 1949 at 1/60 New spring Street and lived with my mom and dad Bill & Rose& my brother & sister Roy And Jean. Our neighbours were Dave & Jean Williams, Terry & Sheila Eades & The Kavanaghs (a family Of 14)too many to mention.I left in 1968 and have very fond memories of the street, if anyone remembers me or my family I would like to hear from them.

I've remembered some shops that used to be on Spring Hill, they were Jeffs (Gents Outfitters), The Launderette (nexy door to the cake shop),The Star (Toy Shop),Coach And Horses Pub, The Queens Pub (corner of Spring Hill & Ingleby Street),Featherstones ButchersAnd The Home & Colonial. Such a great shame, all those shops now theres nothing. Robert Clarke Email: rlclarke@blueyonder.co.uk

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NEW SPRING STREET 15/02/04

I came across this site purely by chance whilst starting to research my family history. We used to live at 169 New Spring Street. I look forward to contributing further comments. It would be great if anyone had a map of Brookfields that could be sent to the website.

Ian Colston Email: ic004e0222@blueyonder.co.uk

12/03/04

Does anyone have or know where to get a street map of Brookfields, around 1950 up until they knocked the houses down. I want one as a memory jogger. All these names that I remember but can,t place their exact location.

Wendy Petit nee Johnson mentioned the Lamb pub. My Aunt Rose and Uncle Alf Hems either owned or managed it. I would imagine it was towards the of the 50's. As a matter of interest they had 2 children. Diane, who died tragically in her 30's and Martin who can be seen in the photograph of Camden Street Football Team.

Ian Colston Email: ic004e0222@blueyonder.co.uk

NEW SPRING STREET 09/04/04

I was born in 1953 and I lived at No. 169 with my parents Joe and Taffy and my brothers Stephen and Maurice. and up to 1960 my Granny Rose. Next door at 167 lived my Aunt Rose and Uncle Alf Hems. They had 2 children Diane the eldest and Martin. Martin can be seen in the football team photograph at Camden st. school on this site. Aunt and Uncle either owned or managed the Lamb Tavern on the corner of Clissold Street and New Spring Street. On the other side of the road lived my Aunt Joan and Uncle Fred Raybould. Their 2 children were Paul and Carl. On the other side of our house at 171 lived the Wooleys and their children Allan Janet,and Roy. A couple of doors further up lived the Hardings and their daughter Wendy. I went to Camden Street School (New Spring Street Entrance) with my best friend Paul Evans who lived in Hingestion Street His Grandparents lived up the next entry to me in Rosalie Street. Nobody that I have noticed has mentioned GREENS sweet shop opposite

.Ian Colston Email: ic004e0222@blueyonder.co.uk

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NEW SPRING STREET 26/11/03

I REMEMBER BROOKFIELDS IT WAS A NICE PLACE TO LIVE. WE LIVED IN NEW SPRING ST UP A TERRACE (TEN OF US IN A TWO BED HOUSE) WE HAD NO WATER IN THERE, NO ELECTRIC. JUST GAS LIGHT. AND A TAP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE YARD FOR EVERY ONE TO USE AND OF COURSE THE OLD BRUAS WHERE MOM USE TO WASH ONCE A WEEK.

WE LIVED ALL THROUGH THE WAR UP THAT TERRACE. WE SAW BULPITS HIT AND WE WHERE IN

REES AN FELIX WHEN IT GOT BOMBED

I WENT TO CAMDEN ST SCHOOL AND ALL MY SISTERS. THEN WHEN THE WAR ENDED WE MOVED TO HINGESTON ST NOT FAR FROM OUR OTHER HOUSE. BUT IT DID HAVE ONE MORE BEDROOM THANK GOD. I DONT KNOW HOW MOM MANAGED WITH NINE OF US. WE USED TO GO TO CAMDEN ST DANCE AND THE MINT ON A MONDAY 1/6 THEY WHERE THE DAYS WE DID ENJOY OURSELFS.

SATURDAY WE GO DOWN THE FLAT TO DO MOMS SHOPPING AND ON THE NIGHT GO TO THE TOWER BALL ROOM. THOSE WHERE THE DAYS.

WE WENT DOWN MEMORY LANE A FEW WEEKS AGO AND WAS VERY DISAPIONTED IN FACT I THINK I SPIOLED IT. BUT IL ALWAYS REMEMBER IT THE WAY IT WAS WHEN I LIVED THERE IN 1940.

NAME: P0PPY.Email: POPPY_JIM@BLUEYONDER.CO.UK

06/08/05

STANDING ARE POPPY AND JIM (POPPIES HUSBAND) AT THE

TOWER BALLROOM

DOES ANYONE RECALL THE NAMES OF THE TWO COUPLES SEATED??

THE EVACUESE, I REMEMBER JUNE MILLICHAMP AND THE LAURELS PUB WE LIVED ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THERE IN HINGESTON ST. BEFORE THAT WE LIVED IN NEW SPRING ST.THE GARAGE BELONG TO EVENSES THEY HAD A DAUGHTER DOROTHY. BEFORE THE GARAGE WAS MR POTS TOBACCO SHOPAND WE ALSO HAD OUR ACCUMULATERS CHARGED UP AND THEN THERE WAS DOLLYS SHOP ACROSS THE ROAD SOLD SWEETSAND ICECREAM AND AT THE TOP OF THE ROAD WAS REES AND FEELIX. AT THE TOP OF THE ROAD WAS THE HORSE TROUGH PUBLIC TIOLETS. THANKS AGAIN P0PPY.Email: POPPY_JIM@BLUEYONDER.CO.UK

28/11/04

I REMEMBER WHEN WE LIVED IN A BACK TO BACK IN BROOKFIELDS.

THE OLD TIN BATH CAME OUT EVERY SATERDAY NIGHT.IN FRONT OF A ROARING FIRE. BOILING BUCKETS OF WATER ON THE GAS STOVE.

WE ONLY HAD ONE BEDROOM AND ATTIC, ONE ROOM DOWN STAIRS TO DO EVERTHING. AND A PANTRY TO DO COOKING AND WASH YOURSELF, .MOM HAD EIGHT CHILDREN .I OFTEN WONDER HOW SHE MANAGED, BUT SHE DID. WE ONLY HAD GAS LIGHT DOWN STAIRS WE TOOK A CANDLE WHEN WE WENT TO BED, .WE HAD TO SHARE TOILETS AT THE TOP OF YARD MOM

HAD MONDAY AS HER WASH DAY.IN THE BRUWUS THERE WAS ALWAYS HELP FROM ONE OF THE OTHER RESIDENTS TO TURN THE MANGLE FOR HER

TED EVERYONE HELPED EACH OTHER IN THOSETIMES.THEY WHERE HARD TIMES IN THE BACK TO BACKBUT WE NEVER LET ANYTHING GET US DOWN JUST GOT ON WITH IT.

POPPY E-mail : poppy_jim@blueyonder.co.uk

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NEW SPRING STREET

I was born at (2 / 213) beter known as no2 back of 213 New Spring Street, Brookfields, Birmingham 18 it was the usual back to back house,originally they were Police Houses a block of seven three at the front and four at the back. New Spring Street stretched from Icknield Street all the way up to the junction of Western Road and Crabtree Road. We were surrounded by factories and as one would start to walk up the walkway to our houses at the back there was a factory on the right called the "Lamp Factory". This stretched along the side of the walkway, down New Spring Street to Clissold Street along there to Prescott Street and up to the walkway opposite ours. Coming back to our walkway, up New Spring Street and after the front three houses there was another factory called the "Belmont Chandelier Works". This went on for about two hundred yards and then there were more houses until they met at the top of the Street with Crabtree Road, coming back down on the other side, again more houses and then another factory called "Bolt, Nut and Rivet Works". After that would be a high wall which would be the beginning of Coopers Coal Wharf, beyond this wall would be a canal basin from which they would unload the barges of coal. In between this first wall and the second wall would be a pair of very large slatted wooden gates. This was the entrance where people would fetch their coal from either in an old pram or in one of the barrows that Coopers would let on loan for a small deposit.

Continuing down from the gates would be the second wall and again on the inside would be another canal basin from which more coal would be unloaded. At the bottom of this second wall, the corner went into a large half circular shape and in between would be similar set of large wooden gates. Beyond these would be a small building, outside this building would be a "weigh" bridge upon which we kids would spread our legs and rock it. This "weigh" bridge was a very large metal plate upon which lorries or horse and carts could be weighed after they had been loaded up with coal. I think Coopers were a distribution Center for coal and the little building was where the weighing equipment was held. Inside the large gates would be a house where the "Carless" family would be living and one of their jobs was to keep an eye on the whole of the wharf and the barges making sure that no kids were playing around there.by Norman Bailey

Adapted from Norman's book "Childhood Days in Brookfields". (see BOOKS page)

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NEW SPRING STREET

My family lived at 40 New Spring Street. We lived at the front of a back-to-back house. There was my mom, dad, eldest brother Brian, June, Terry, myself and Tony. Auntie Doris (Scott) lived in Coralie Street. The Dolman's lived almost opposite - there was Alf, Alice and their daughter Maureen. They were related to the Elliots also of New Spring Street -children Pauline and Stephen. There was also the Woolley family that lived at the top of the 'yard' They had one daughter named Gillian. I went to the reunion on July 12th 2002 but unfortunately I didn't know anyone from my childhood days there. Perhaps as the word spreads about the reunions then maybe I will meet up again with friends I had there when I was a child.

Valerie Cooper nee Fleetwood valerieacooper@yahoo.co.uk

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NEW SPRING STREET 28/12/04

I have just been on the Brookfields site on the internet and saw your message about living at 40 New Spring Street. Well I remember you all well. My grandparents Flos and Jack Robinson lived at number 2/40 New Spring Street, in the back to back house right behind you, also my nan's sister Gert lived with them. We lived opposite at No. 43 next to the Cotters. The Neweys were on the other side of the entry, at the front, next door to you and had one daughter. I remember when I was little we had no TV and Mrs Newey very kindly let us watch the Railway Children on her set on a Sunday afternoon.

I remember Brian was a little older than me and very handsome. I had a bit of a crush on him at the time. I believe he had a problem with his heart? And June was a bit older than me and Terry about my brother John's age. If I remember right June married and had twins.

I remember the brewhouses up the yard and the outside toilets which everyone shared, the lines of washing on Mondays and Mr Neway talking to himself in the toilet!

Seeing your memory of New Spring Street brought back a lot of good memories for me too.

Thanks. RITA ROBINSON rita@erbiegray.freeserve.co.uk

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NEW SPRING STREET

I remember Val Fleetwood of New Spring Street (I had heard she had become a dietician) I went to school with her, her brother Terry who I last saw working as a butcher in the Bull Ring some years ago was my childhood hero being I think about 3 years older than me, which seemed like an age. I also remember Pauline Elliot and brother Stephen (i think) and from the bottom of the yard Maureen Doleman. Whatever happened to Christine Taylor another of our school friends from "up the road".I used to live at 3/25 New Spring Street which was almost opposite the New Spring Street Garage.We lived there until 1962 with my older sister Christine and younger but now looking older brother Graham. I had a paper round covering the Jewellery Quarter at "Constables Paper Shop" in Icknield Street next to the Post Office opposite Rees & Felix I think I only got the job because Ernie Constable used to drink in the Gate pub with my Dad. 23/10/02

From John Solomon Email: johnsolomon6@aol.com

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NEW SPRING STREET (Re Brookfields shops) 02/11/02

I was born in New Spring St. Memories came flooding back after reading some of the other comments.

On the corners of New Spring St and Ellen St there was Mrs Elsie who ran a greengrocers, this closed down in the early sixties if I remember and shortly afterwards Mrs Elsie died. Mrs Elsie used to drive a Jaguar car whose rear part of the roof could be folded down, the roof section had two chrome arms that folded down just like baby's prams that were fashionable at the time.

On the other corners there was an off licence, opposite there was 'Florries' a general store run by Florrie and Dennis Ayre. On the fourth corner was Mr Whites or 'The Dairy' as it was sometimes called. Further up New Spring St towards Iknield st next to the garage was Mr Potts the newsagent, it was here that you took your accumulator for charging, something I had to do on a regular basis so my dad could listen to the boxing on the radio. Around in Iknield Street opposite the No8 bus stop and the public toilets was Gays toy shop.

Bob Johnson Email: bob.johnson@blueyonder.co.uk

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NEW SPRING STREET

Just round the corner from New Spring St almost opposite Baines Bakery, was a Furniture Shop I think called Reeves & Felix. Also in New Spring St was a small grocery shop,where my Father used to help with the icecream on Sunday Mornings. My two Aunts worked at Baines.

Raymond Prigg 08/12/02

Email: Gadney2002@aol.com

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NEW SPRIN

G STREET 04/05/03

I was born at 234 New Spring St Brookfields went to Brookfields School also Camden Street School. I had two brothers Trevor & Roger Thomason. I got married in 1960 to Brian Savery (from 206 Lodge Road) at St Peters church Spring Hill & we are still together 43yrs later. I remember all the shops in different articles on the site, Leah Taylor from Crabtree Road shop & Mrs Garbett both died in the old peoples home where I worked in Quinton . I remember Barry Ridgeway, Reggie Maylin, Killer Bates, Iris Aston, Barbara Ellis, Anne Culley, Ken Aston, Kevin from the outdoor, the Flints, Peter Tierney, Terry Tierney, Kathie & Jean Tierney, Patty Gregory [ she was murdered ] Ronny Froggat, Maureen Stilges, Johnny Duroes, Bill Walters, Teddy Humphries, Jimmy Hewitt, Judith Bailey and Jonny & Margaret Morton. Tony Orton married the girl from the outdoor on the corner of Crabtree Rd & New Spring St . I also went to a youth club at All Saints School run by Betty & Eric Marsh we had to go to church 3 sundays out of 4 in order to go to club. Lots of other kids went as well from Hingeston Street , Clissold Street and Abbey Street ,etc'. Sheila Savery nee Thomason Email: sheilasavery@hotmail.com

Photo is of mom's milkman & a boy named Tony Ralph in cowboy hats in the garden of 234 NewSpring Street the milkman worked for Wacaden he was always up for a laugh his name was george.Sheila Savery 02/10/03

This is a photo of my hubby's lorry (he worked for the danish bacon company then) when he was my boyfriend in 1958 its parked in Newspring Street outside of 234

next door was Sutton & Ash & across the road was Russells

Sheila Savery 05/11/04

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NEW SPRING STREET16/04/04

This is for Sheila on her article NewSpring St, you mentioned that Tony Orton married a girl from the pub on the corner of Crabtree Rd. I am wondering if this girl was my cousin Christine or pat as my uncle had an outdoor called the Crabtree Arms.he had two daughters as I have mentioned.

Well this is a great site keep up the good workEmail:Kathy fanknackers@hotmail.com

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PAXTON ROAD 06/06/05

I was driving down Lodge Road for the first time in years. so I had to look it up on the web when I come home.

I used to live in Paxton Road between 62-67 and attended

All Saint School.. I was only 8 years old when we left but can still remember the old street in my mind.

The only name I can remember is a lad called Johnny Tatum the local bully.lol.

My parents Ken and Cathy Smith.are still about

Anyone remember us?

Keith Smith

Email: ksmith23359@yahoo.co.uk

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PITSFORD STREET 27/09/06

I have just discovered your excellent site it as brought back a few fading memories.

I used to live in Pitsford St, I have vauge recollections of walking to Ickniel St school under the railway bridge,with my old mates John Weckler(?) and Barry Pumphries(?).

My father Fred used to work as a part time barman in the Brookfields Inn.

We left to live in Pype Hayes in 1960ish. Keep up the good work.

Brian Keen Email: keenbrnk@aol.com

AMALGAMATED SOCIETY

RAILWAY SERVANTS,

Hockely Branch

sometime pre 1913

Photo thanks to Mc Joseph

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PRESCOTT STREET 01/09/09

89 is the first house on the right.

I'm tracing my family tree (like most people!) and cannot get very far back. My name is Lesley Hampton and my relatives lived for many years at 89 Prescott Street they seemed to be there from 1891 and were still there in 1925.

My great great grandfather was George William Hampton and he lived there with his wife Sarah. She seems to have died before 1891. They had several children - in 1901 there was William who was a pebble grinder, Walter (my g grandfather) who was a cabinet maker, his wife Jane. Then Oliver and Arthur who were wood sawyers and Sarah who was 14. I know that my grandfather Walter William and my grandmother Ethel Louisa Guest were married from that house in 1925.

Any info/stories - good or bad! would be gratefully received. George seemed to have been a printing Pressman all his life. Before Prescott Street the family lived in Icknield Street, and Ingleby Street.

I enjoyed reading the site very much - took me back to when I was young

Lesley Hampton lesley.hampton1@btinternet.com

PRESCOTT STREET 05/03/08

Great site!!

I used to live in Prescott Street with my mom (Irene) surname Butler, dad (Jack). brother (Johnny) and sister (Patty). We moved 40 years ago to Bangham Pitt to a Maisonette, which apparently was luxurious and with mod-cons compared to "the old house" this was when I was 3years old so I don't remember much at all about it. My mom and sister recall it fondly and have told me quite a few tales about the street and the neighbours

so I was pleased to find this site, makes interesting reading, does anyone remember my family being there?? I'd be interested to hear from you. Thanks for reading. Debbie Hall debski2222@hotmail.co.uk

PRESCOTT STREET 04/03/08

Love your pictures & comments. I lived at 113 Prescott Street until 1968 (Camden St. School partially burnt down - by the Caretaker). My Father was Ron Waldron, he was an artist of sailing ships and steam trains.

I used to hang round with Chris Robinson & Pam Holmes both of New Spring Street. I also used to go to All Saints Junior School. Miss Cole was the Headmistress. My Father said she used to be his Headmistress as well. My teacher was Miss Jaffa. In Camden Street School, Miss Lewis was my English Teacher, Miss Mountford (French), Mr.Holton (Maths), Miss Morris (Music). When I first started Miss Edmunds was the Head. She retired, then there was Miss Warren. I remember the neighbours. Mr. & Mrs. Gardiner, Mr & Mrs OBrien, The 2 corner shops, one on Coralie Street & one on Rosalie Street. I also remember the little shop on the one corner - they used to sell tights & stockings - one night when I was coming home from work (about 1968 ish) the road was blocked off. The shop burnt down & the owners cat was killed.

Ingrid Waldron-Webb iggywebb@yahoo.com

PRESCOTT STREET 16/12/06

MEMORIES OF BROOKFIELDS

I was born on the 5th June 1914 at 2 back of 43 Prescott Street, Brookfields, and started school, aged 4 years, at the end of the war. I can remember an army officer visiting Ellen Street School and giving each child a medal. We had a party with cakes, ice cream etc.

Periodically, nurses came to look for nits in our hair and check our teeth, if our teeth needed attention we were taken to the Clinic in Great Charles Street. The person in charge was a bully and was there for years. When we stayed away from school an inspector called at our home to see what was wrong. If we were ill we were taken to the Dispensary in Monument Road, or the surgery in Hockley Hill of Doctors Burgess and Duane. Mother paid a shilling a week to cover costs at these times. Other doctors in the area were Dr. Macsherry, an uncle of Mr. Wilkes the Chemist, and the black doctor on Spring Hill, Dr. Lewis. The midwife for Brookfields was Nurse Gravat.

Ellen Street School boys visited Icknield Street School once a week for science, and half a day at Camden Street School for practical woodwork and mechanical drawing, the Head Instructor was E. W. Izon. There was a house in George Street, facing the recreation ground, used by all the local schools to teach the girls housewifery and cooking, I was pretty good at t

his as I had to help my mother at home. The girls had a netball team and looked very smart in green gymslips and cream blouses. Our Headmistress was Miss Norman. We were taken to London by Harrison Barrow to visit the Houses of Parliament, Tower of London and see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. My school friend was Rose Jones who lived in Prescott Street. My brother William took what was known as a labour exam, which he passed and was able to leave school at 13 years. ( PHOTO shows Nellie Foster fourth in from right with ink on face at Ellen Street school 1920s)

We attended Sunday School at the Baptist Chapel in

Ellen Street, between Prescott Street and Hingeston Street. The Superintendent was Mr. Woodward. I loved Anniversary because I always had a new dress. Once a year we went on an outing to Manor Farm, Bournville, owned by Cadburys. We were taken in a Pickfords removal van , drawn by horses. When we arrived we were given a bag containing cake, apple and an orange, and a glass of lemonade which was made with powder. Afterwards we had games. Mothers went too to help and they always ended up in the 'Black Horse' at Northfield!

We all had jobs to do. My brothers used to collect coal from the Wharf on the side of the canal in Western Road. They hired the barrow, for which there was a charge, and this money was given back upon its return. Every lunchtime I had to take my fathers dinner, in a basin covered with a cloth, and placed in a basket, to Ledsam Street in Ladywood, on foot, and then through Archdales factory to fathers office. I left school at 12 o'clock and had to be there for 12.30. I then had to return home to have my dinner before going back to school at 2 o'clock. My mother made gold chains at home for Coles of Vyse Street and also did all the Laundry for this family. When the chains were completed I had the job of taking them, on foot, to the Assay Office in Livery Street to be hallmarked. My mother learned her trade at Rookers in Tenby Street, starting there when she left school but, as was the practise in those days, she had to leave work when she married.

Every summer holiday I used to have all the local children in our yard to play school and I was the teacher. Their mothers were always happy to do this to keep their children occupied. They brought one halfpenny and I used to take this money to the homemade cake shop Mountfords in Hingeston Street and get each child a cake. My brothers, not being allowed to play in the street, used to go to either Summerfield or Handsworth parks to play football or cricket. A pigs bladder was used as a football.

Most days there would be something going on, starting with the lamplighter each morning turning off the gas lamps only to return each evening to turn them on again. Sunday afternoons were usually busy with men selling pikelets, muffins, penny winkles and comics. Scottish folk would come around playing bagpipes and dancing, the local children usually sat on the curb at the roadside watching, and we were allowed to put one halfpenny in the collection. From time to time the organ grinder would come, complete with monkey, rag and bone men collecting, in exchange for a balloon or goldfish, gypsies with props for the washing, the knife sharpener, and a cart with a roundabout giving rides for jam jars. When washing tubs started to leak a man came round to fit new steel bands.

Every two families shared a toilet and it was taken in turns to clean them. Washing was carried out in the brew house and each family had a special day, my mother's was a Wednesday. Each housewife had a special place for their own washtub and wringer. The fife was lit a couple of hours before starting the washing so that the water was hot, there was no hot water laid on in those days. Each housewife in the yard had their own day for drying. Baths were taken in front of the fire until the washing baths opened next door to the Dispensary in Monument Road, and then once a week you would go complete with your own soap and towel.

About twice a week, before going to school, I had to go to Burbury the butcher, in Icknield Street, just as he opened, to get cheap bits for stew. I can stilI remember that it was 4d per pound and I was told to bring all that they had. Our groceries were mainly ftom Mrs MilIs shop on the corner of EJlen Street and Prescott Street. Suttons the sweet shop was facing. Other shops in the area at that time were Rees and Felix drapers on the corner of New Spring Street and Icknield Street, Stoddards pork butchers and grocers on the corner of Carver Street and Icknield Street, Baines bread shop in Icknield Street, Carmichaels faggots and peas, Hingeston Street, my aunt Lily Eurell's hucksters shop, George Street, WiIliams drapers, Icknield Street, Burns grocers corner of Icknield Street and New Spring Street, Birminghams greengrocers, Icknield Street, Mrs Bateman's second hand shop in Icknield Street facing the Mint, and the piano teacher, Miss Brindley, in ElIen Street between New Spring Street and Hingeston Street. My grandmother, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Akers was a tailoress in Hingeston Street. There were occasions when visiting granny that we were told not to open the door to the stairs as there was a man sitting there whilst granny repaired his trousers! She very often sent us on an errand to Wilkes Chemist for' Fullers Earth' powder to use for powdering her nose!

Grandmother, in all her finery, used to visit The Palace Cinema on Spring Hill every time they changed the film, which was usually twice a week. She always sat in the ftont row. The flfst two rows were 4d and there was usually a long queue waiting to go in. I saw the first talking film there. My brothers were allowed to go on a Saturday morning to the Metropole Cinema (known as the Met) at the junction of Constitution Hill and Gt. Hampton Street. The seats were Id or 2d.

It was always busy around Hockley Station and the arches. One of the first jobs a boy was given when starting with the railway was looking after the 'stand by' horses at the bottom of Pits ford Street. These were used as 'helpers' to the horses pulling the loads up the hill At six o'clock each weekday Hockley Station was full of workers from Lucas's going back home to the black country. During weekdays men dressed in grey, from the workhouse, came down Prescott Street on their way to work and returned at 6 o'clock each evening.

In the early days my father worked as a carter, with horses, for Turners home made sweet shop on Spring Hill and Profits and Westwood's in Gt. Hampton Street. I used to help him clean out the stables on Sunday mornings. Later on he drove steam lorries for R.Whites the 'pop' people and Mitchells and Butlers, Cape Hill. During evenings and weekends he worked as a barman and cellar man at the 'Bird in Hand' in Gt. King Street and also delivered furniture for Gilbert's in Gt. King Street. In later years he worked in the office at Archdales in Ledsam Street.

Although times were hard, neighbours helped each other along, there was a lot of sickness, my own family lost four members in five years with TB, which included my brother Albert, aged 20. He was an active member of the West Birmingham Divisional Labour Party, Labour Party League of Youth and the National Co-op Mens Guild. His aim in life was to become an MP.

Memories of the old days have stayed in my mind and the best I can do in the West Country is to

name my bungalow 'Brookfields' NeIlie Hawkins (Nee Foster) 2.12.2006

PRESCOTT STREET 05/11/06

My mother was born in Prescott Street in 1914 and lived there until her marriage in 1934. I have a number of photographs of classes at Ellen Street School around the early 1920's. Mother had three brothers who also attended this school.

My grandparents were friends of Mr. and Mrs Wilkes the Chemist, my grandmother cleaned at the shop and my uncle, Thomas Foster, helped serve there until he started his apprenticeship with Reynolds and Bradwell

Electrical Engineers in 1933.

All mothers family lived in Brookfields and Carver Street/Camden Street areas. My Father lived in Stour Street and attended Steward Street School.

Also seeing the item on 'The Vine' Carver Street, my paternal grandfather Alfred Hawkins had just left the 'pub' minutes before the direct hit. He had ulcerated legs and needed to 'slip out' to his home in Carver Street to

dress them.

Mother is now in her 93rd year and still has memories of the area. We now live in the West Country.

Regards Rosemary Noakes (nee Hawkins} Email: noakes311@btinternet.com

Does anyone remember the tv drama 'Cathy come Home'being filmed in and around the Prescott St area, I do, it was great we all hoped we would be filmed all us kids, it bought great exitement to the area at the time I recently bought the dvd and you can see clips of Prescott Street and families that took part in the filming Fay. Email: fbjingx@yahoo.co.uk 24/04/04

PRESCOTT STREET 11/08/03

Both my family, and my late husband's family have their roots in Brookfields.

Joseph Morris my dad had a barbers shop in Hingeston St near the `Laurels' public house and Violet my mother (nee Davidson came from Pope Street) they lived in Prescott Street all their married life and only left when the area was demolished in the early 1970's.

My brother David and I were born and brought up in Prescott Street until leaving home to get married. My husband Donald Read lived nearby in Coralie Street and was involved from a boy to an officer with the 36th coy Birmingham Boys Brigade headquarters at the Methodist Church Monument Road Ladywood. As a girl I shopped with my Mother on the 'Flat', Spring Hill, Icknield St., Dudley Road and Handsworth Main Road and went to All Saints Church and the New Spring Street Methodist Chapel.

I have always felt disappointed that Brookfields gets little or no mention. Even when living there people were unsure about the area when you said you lived 'on the Brookfields'. I see very few school photographs - I never had a class photograph taken (perhaps it was because it was war-time) even though I went through Camden Street School from infants to Senior Girls (1939-1949) and David to Icknield Street boys 1940-1944.

I would like to think that our families have a mention on the records of Brookfields, and as I do not have access to a Personal Computer I would be grateful if a little of the information given on the attached could be included on your website.

Many thanks. Margaret Read (nee Morris)

Margaret does not have access to our site anyone wishing to make contact please

Email: ted.rudge@btinternet.com and I will forward your mail.

PRESCOTT STREET

I lived at 177, Prescott Street and went to All Saints School and then Handsworth New Road Secondry Modern School. I intend to communicate further when I have got my info together.

Regards Gloria Biddle now McCormick

Email: McCormg@heartsol.wmids.nhs.uk

PRESCOTT STREET

Here is a Post Card to Brookfields from France.

Sent to my wife's Grandmother Ellenor King by her Brother, dated 22nd August 1915. it reads...

Dear Sister..

Still in the Pink Hoping this will find you the same Trenches again tomorrow Kind regards Brother Alf.

Colin Aston

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ROSBERRY STREET 13/07/08

Just been looking on the web about Brookfields and it brought back a lot of memories as my Grandparents lived in Rosebery St but were both killed in the War. My auntie Daisy and uncle Jim also lived in Rosebery Street. My auntie Dora and uncle Jack used to live in Clissold Street but they were bombed out and my cousin Allen killed so they moved to Prescott Street. My Uncle Jack used to be a tram driver from Rosebery Street garage and then when he came out the army he drove the 96 bus till he retired. I will ask my cousins if they have got any photos and if so will let you have some.

Barbara Johnson barb@bromford.eclipse.co.uk

ROSBERRY STREET07/08/08

Just to let you know how much I'm enjoying your website its great as I told you about my Grandparents Who lived in Roseberry Street but were killed there also. My Dad was born in Stewart Street at 55 his name was Charlie Haden he had 2 sisters Alice and Lillian my Grandads name was Thomas and had his own business in the Sandpits and is in the Kellys Directory he was a Packing Case Maker also my parents got married at St Peters Church on 17th March 1928 but ive always been interested in Brookfields for that reason. Keep up the good work Regards Barbara Johnson barb@bromford.eclipse.co.uk

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ROSEBERRY PASSAGE 20/10/06

What a fantastic site. I was raised at 24 Roseberry Passage opp St Peters church from 1948 till we left in the 60s. My name is Doug Westwood and I had a sister called Sandra, my parents (both have now passed away) where Ernie Westwood and Floss Westwood (nee Jenkins ). Mum worked at a class company called Winters at the bottom of Camden Street opp the old Lyric picture house. Dad worked at G-K-N in Heath Street. Does any one remember the shop on the corner of Roseberry Street and Camden Street run by Fred Strain? I would love to hear from any guys and girls who knew any of my family. You can give my email addresse to any person who asks for it. Thanks DOUG WESTWOOD Email: chilli_114@msn.com.

Other readers of this great site have memories of some of the places I'm about to write about....or remember some of the many friends that we all shared from the fifty's. I shall start with the Cut at the top of Roseberry St all the local kids will have fond thoughts of many days spent playing along the cut, you could walk for miles towards Winson Green and Play along the Feeder then get into trouble by going up the old Boner railway line that ran beside Barford rd school...many times have I been caned for going home via the old Boner.....or how about the bus depot also on roseberry St, we kids would wait for the bus to stop and let off the conductor at the entrance to the depot and then jump onto the platform hold onto the bar that ran from roof of the bus to the floor, and ride the bus as far as we could until one of the staff would scream at us to CLEAR OFF. us kids ( ROGER SPOONER ) (BRIAN HARRISON ) GARY KEEDWELL) ( GEORGE DANCE ) and myself ( DOUG WESTWOOD ) spent many happy hours hanging around that bus depot..... also the Colledge pub on the corner of Colledge st and Spring Hill, there was a boxing gym above the pub that used to train all the local fighters and some went on to be champions in the sport. St Peters church in George st West was also a haunt of us kids as there was a youth club (that us kids founded ) that was in the Crypt........whenever the vicar would allow we climbed to the top of the church tower passed the bells that rang every Sunday morning and for weddings on a Saturday, there where names scratched into the stone.... these where names of A-R-P wardens who watched for fire bombs during the second world war.Does anyne remember the fire at the paint factory opp the church i think the factory was called the WALPAMAR. also the Foundry up Roseberry passage ( where i lived no 24) the nice folks next door where called the Greens there son Peter and two daughters Pauline and Teresa. also the Dance family who lived next door to the brewhouse Trever and George Dance and there mum Gladys.many hours where spent stood outside the Queens pub on Spring Hill clutching a bag of crisps and a bottle of pop with my sister Sandra. until i was eleven and then deemed old enough to baby sit at home.....also the shop on the corner of Roseberry st and opp Roseberry Passage that was owned by a famous footballer Jimmy Dudley ( well he was famous in our eyes) i think he played centre half for West Brom and England.... he always took the bus to home games (how things have changed ) carrying his boots and followed by us kids.the faggot and pea shop at the top of Spring Hill, they were served in basins on wooden tables with oilcloth tablecloths. (oh to taste them faggots now ) you always got a slice of bread to dip into the gravy. I would love to hear from any persons who i knew or new myself or any of my friends from those great days. please send me an email to thanks all DOUG WESTWOOD Email: chilli_114@msn.com.

. Doug and his mom outside the old back to back house DOUG WESTWOOD Email: chilli_114@msn.com.	Doug in the garden of his home in Roseberry Passage on Coronation Day 1953 DOUG WESTWOOD Email: chilli_114@msn.com.
Photo of Doug standing outside his back to back house, unable to recall who the other two children are. A gang of urchins (salt of the earth) outside of our house in Roseberry Passage (number 24), in the background is the school spire of Camden Street infants. I think this picture incapsulates the late 50s and early 60s. DOUG WESTWOOD Email: chilli_114@msn.com.	The menfolk of Roseberry Passage...........it was again taken on Coronation day, my Dad (Ernie Westwood) is on the far left as you look at the photo,also my uncle is in the front row middle with open shirt.....(William Watters) also known as Paddy, he was from Belfast. DOUG WESTWOOD Email: chilli_114@msn.com.

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ROSALIE STREET 15/07/09

My grandmother's family lived at No.3 Rosalie Street, they were the Evans family and my grandmother married William Foulkes/Crutchley. My grandmother had a sister May and a brother Frank besides others. I believe there were eight children in total. From an article written in the Birmingham Post in January 9 1971, (this information was given by May Grubb nee Evans) my great great great grandfather had been a tailor. My father Leonard Foulkes was born 3/3 Rosalie Street also his brothers and sisters. He went to Camden Street school and in March this year was 90 years old. He still has two sisters alive Doris and Edna. We are trying to trace the Crutchley line of the family, we believe William had a brother Horace who would have been my great uncle. Their father was Henry Crutchley and mother Phoebe Ellen Crutchley nee Foulkes.

Maureen Harding maureen130920@f2s.com

ROSALIE STREET 29/02/08

As a youngster I lived at 11/1 Rosalie Street Ihave just been told of your website by my brother Tony. I thought I would get in touch with you, I wonder how many of my old mates are out there?

all the best Cyril Taylor cstyl9@aol.com

ROSALIE STREET 01/02/08

I lived in Brookfields all my young life our address was 11/1 Rosalie Street. I was born 29/04/1942 and went to All Saints and Barford Road Schools. I was delighted to see your web site, especially the photo of the sand pit at All Saints School. It was my father George Taylor who built it and there is a great picture of him at the opening.

I have tried to contact a few of the people who's e.mail address appears on your web site, but unfortunately they no longer exist.

AT the moment I am in Clearwater in the United States, but am eager to hear of anything concerning Brookfields. Thank's a lot Anthony (Tony) James Taylor, Email: taylorinclearwater@knology.net

ROSALIE STREET 09/10/07

Does anyone remember a family who lived in 3 seymour place rosalie st brookfields named COLLOFF. Mr & Mrs Colloff had a son Sydney whos grave is in the Tyne Cot Cemetary in Belgium.

jen jakeman Email: jenisfab@hotmail.com

ROSALIE STREET 28/12/04

I Rob Shipley was born in Broad St - Ladywood but my roots are very much in Brookfields:- My great great great grandfather James Smith Shipley came from Tenby St; their son - William Shipley lived in Carver St - (married Eliza Stan(d)ley from Camden St and that's where they lived when they got married in 1851),

My great grandfather Frank was born in 1869 in Carver St, they then moved across the way to Ellen St and finally Rosalie St. My great grandmother - (Sarah Annie Taylor) came from -Taylors the fruitiers in Icknield Port Rd.

My Grandfather - Albert Shipley was also born in Brookfields in Coralie St - just down from my great great grandparents' house at Twynings Building - Rosalie St.

The family made tools for steel pen manufacturing, were involved in button burnishing and gold jewellery making. Regards Rob Shipley

Any pictures, paintings, stories etc of the area in the 1800s would be so

welcome - Email: shipley_rob@hotmail.com

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SPRING HILL PASSAGE 09/02/08

This is Ladywood I have included it because of the mention of many road in our area.

My mom and dad (frisby) 4 brother's and I plus my twin sister( born 1959) lived in Springhill Passage no23 or no26 us twins went to Steward St school then on to Camden St school then Ladywood Comp. We moved from Springhill Passage to Crabtree Road no 57.dad worked on the Rotunda. Mom worked at Summerfield Hospital Western Road (our grandad was a patient in there) mom also worked at R-WHITES Western Road we used to play at the reck and also hockley port. I remember going shopping on Springhill with mom and she used to give her co-op number I remember the elderly lady in the veg shop and the faggot and pea shop youngest brother used to go to the roller rink. Mom was born down Prescott St (1920) she also attended Camden St school dad lived in Whitmore St he was born 1916 (warwick) my grandparent,s on my moms side came from Aston. Nan also went to Camden St school so did mom's 2 sister's I wish they was alive to enjoy this site it' fantastic.

Frisby Email : rahumaavis@yahoo.co.uk

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STEWART STREET Ladywood really but we did not know boundaries 23/02/09

My first memories as a child are of living in STEWARD STREET off SPRING HILL.We lived in two houses in the street, the first was next door to the pub, the CROSS KEYS, where my mother worked as a cleaner, I used to go with her until I started school, I can remember going to the wood yard at the top of POPE STREET with the landlord BERT OVERTHROW for sawdust for the bar room floor. I would help my mother by taking the spittoons to her so she could wash them, I would put the sawdust on the bar floor ready for opening time.The second house was next to PRESTAGES, where they used to fix cars and I used to pinch the car keys and hide them in the house, but the man who work there always knocked on the door and shout to my mother Robert's got the car keys again, can I have them back. Living in STEWARD STREET was great even with the factories around there, we all played together, it was a very close community. I remember JOHN MELLOWS,TONY GREEN, STEWART DYSON and his brother GARY BUSHALL.On Sundays before the pub shut my dad would take his hat off and pass it round the bar to put money in, he would come outside and throw the money in the air, all the kids including me would be waiting for him, and we would all dive in and get some, then it was into MRS PRICES for icecream. I also remember the coalman lived and worked in the next street,his name was MR.GLAZEBROOKE,they kept a donkey,and in the summer his wife would give us a ride for 3 old pence.While playing football one winters day MR.GLAZEBROOK was delivering coal in our street,then all of a sudden the horse fell down on the ice,his front leg's were spread eagled on the road,he could not get up,so all the mum's and dad's shouted us all to get in, and a bit later I heard my mother say that they had to put the horse down, it was such a shame, it was a nice horse.We all went to STEWART STREET school and we would all get a lift to the top of our street with the British rail horse and cart, the horse was called Dolly. I can remember the baker coming round with his horse and cart selling his bread, and on good Friday he would have HOT CROSS BUNS. Also in the winter at dinner time at STEWART STREET school we would cross over to the Blacksmiths Forge,and talk to the smithies, and get nice and warm round the fire.OH TO LIVE IT ALL AGAIN.

ROBERT COWLEY V.Ferguson80@ntlworld.com

STEWART STREET Ladywood really but we did not know boundaries 13/07/08

I was reading the comments on Brookfields page and noticed the comments made by Andrew Turner , I knew his mom and his moms family in Steward Street , I lived 3 doors away , I remember Pauline Green as she was my age, we used to fight and fall out over nothing as I remember, kids eh ? I remember John joining the army at about the same time as my eldest brother Billy Humphreys, I think there was another brother or step brother named Doug, I remember him being in the army to, they all seemed to join at around about the same time, 1956/7, sorry to read Mrs Green is no longer with us but hope Pauline and the rest of her family are in good health. Roger Humphreys do1ro2@hotmail.com

STEWART STREET Ladywood really but we did not know boundaries 07/07/08

Great Site my mom nan and uncle used to live in Steward street and up in Norman Street Winson Green .

Their names were Lillian Green no longer with us, Pauline Green my mom still living in Myddleton Street and John Green.

Regards Andrew Turner

STEWART STREET Ladywood really but we did not know boundaries 11/10/04

Does anyone remember Albert Hands who lived in Steward St in the 1940's he would place bets from his home there, he was widdowed and had a son called Walter (my grandad) he also had a brother nicknamed Bodger who had a connection with boxing his photo was in the window of Wally (Watty) Greens bookmakers on Springhill. I would love to find out more about the family. Louise Hassen. Email: ljhassen@msn.com

CAN YOU HELP ???

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SUMMERHILL STREET 24/03/08 Ladywood really but we did not know boundaries.

As an 83 yr old "new " Surfer, I find the site Informative and touching too. I was born in Summerhill Street in 1924. Back of 72. I attended Nelson Street Infants but due to family break up, went into Summerhill Homes followed by Erdington Cottage Homes and Shenley Fields Cottage Homes. Later attended Hope Street School but finished up back inSummerhill Street and spent the years between 11 and 14 at Stewart Street. A great school. This was later followed by Army Service (22 years) and generally moving around the Country. Have found lots of pleasure reading other peoples comments. Well done to the Site owners.

Albert Grice (known as Sonny) albertguncleson@aol.com

SUMMERHILL STREET . 09/06./03 Ladywood really but we did not know boundaries.

When I was 15 I lived at 26 Summer Hill Street with my gran, I went to Barford rd school where I spent my last months, In the evening hung around the Birmingham ice rink (outside) so we could hear all the music coming from the inside. There was myself, Tony Brunt, Monty Morgan,Gordon packham,Colin & Billy Jordan and a few others. That was our little patch. We had some great times in those days, I am now 60 years old and still a Teddy boy wishing that I could Rock back THE CLOCK. Peter Lambert Email: rockin1959@yahoo.co.uk

SUMMERHILL STREET 07/04/06 Ladywood really but we did not know boundaries.

I lived in Summerhill Street around 1958/59 top end by the roller rink. did anyone remember my dad he drank in the Robin Hood Pub his name was Fred Hichen and his wife Doris always took his dinner to him as he was always in there.... his mates used to call her the blonde bomb shell in them days. My name was Maureen Hitchen I was only 6 years old then. It would be nice to hear from some one who new my mother and father.

Maureen Perks Email: perksmaureen@aol.co.uk

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WARSTONE LANE 11/03/04

(Just outside Brookfields but near enough)

Post Card supplied by Mac Joseph

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WESTERN ROAD

Billhead from MEREDITH AND CO

Any one remember this firm they were still there listed in the 1960 Kellys directory.

Thanks to Mac Joseph for sending the billhead