Brierley Hill memories
Here are memories of Brierley Hill and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Brierley Hill or a Brierley Hill photo.
Brierley Hill Town
The bike shop in Moor Street next to the central chip shop was Wilkinson's, also sold guns and fishing gear, got my maggots there for fishing in the nine locks, Pat Collins fair on the bank by Brierley Hill alliance football ground opposite the baths before they were built,I remember the baths being built also the flats in Hill St and New St, my younger life was spent in 54 Hill St, the Rock Tavern run by my relation Mr and Mrs Joe Murray and the sweet shop opposite on the corner of Potter St, my great gran Mrs Price used to own it, I remember the names of people from Hill St and the Delph as this was where I used to play, went to school in Mill St infants and juniors, do you remember the Spread Eagle pub at the top of Hill St with the public toilets opposite that went under ground also the underground air raid shelters in what we called Bradleys field by the school,... Read more
Time Flies
I was a young kid living on the Ketley Fields estate, on Bromley Lane, between 1963 and 1969. The estate has long been demolished. It was surrounded by a kids' paradise, consisting of building sites, disused brickworks, and semi-derelict canals and railway lines. More innocent times then meant parents just let you roam free for hours on end.
The photo of Brierley Hill High Street is just how I remember it. It was a bit of a trek from where I lived, but I went down it a couple of times each week, while my dad would drive my brother and me to the old swimming baths. I have memories of chlorine, kids shouting, vending machines, and high diving boards. I learned to swim there and spent many a rainy Saturday larking about. The drive home was back down the High Street and past the Police Station, past the recreation field and on to Bromley Lane.
A Child's Eye View of Brierley Hill
I remember as a child, the toy shop next to The Three Horse Shoes pub that stood on the corner of High Street and Moore Lane (on the Five Ways). It was like an Aladdin's Cave to a kid - full of everything! I also remember getting my first bike (a Raleigh Tomahawk in blue) from the bike shop by The Central Chippy (Moore Lane). Many a Saturday afternoon was spent in the Central, following a few hours in the 'Baths'. I recall my eyes streaming as the vinegar fumes hit my chlorine-affected eyes. It didn't stop me enjoying those chips! Then it was a stroll round to the 'Civic' to catch the 236/263 bus to 'The Bottle' (The Bottle & Glass Pub) to get home in Cooper Avenue. Happy days!
Karen Westwood.
Chattin And Horton
I remember Chattins. They had a machine powered by AIR to take the money to the office and then return the change and receipts to the customer, it went up the wall and across the ceiling and then disappeared into the back and then appeared again.
They used to have a Club where an employee came round the customers' houses to collect the money, I think the lady was named Betty. The owners were Mr Tom, Mr Edward. Mr T. D and I think there was a daughter. I remember a Miss Groves who seemed to be there forever. The family were Methodists and attended Bank Street Church.
M.D.Gittens
I remember Gittens high class grocery shop when it was in Hill Street, it then moved to 10-12 High Street, moving into Shakespears hardware shop. What I remember most was the aroma of the coffee being ground in a special machine. The staff were always friendly. The shop was taken over by Ernest George. I remember 'Minnie with the glasses' who I identified when I was about 5 years old, she had worked there for years.
The old shop in Hill Sreet was used for the Home Guard during tha war. My Uncle Tom used to deliver groceries to the villages, until he went into the R.A.F.
Coming Back Home
I came back to brierley bonk in 1966, complete with surfboard, after leaving BH in 1961 ,with my parents for Australia, to start a new life ?,well when i got back the place haden't really changed, Except me.I had left behind golden beaches and fantastic surf,But it was the revolution of the 60's, so i was going to get into that revolution. I met up with some old school mates, Howard Cooper, John cownley, and of course all my cousins,aunts and uncles, it was really fantastic visiting old haunts,wich took on a different picture now,i had experinced another life but, the old place was pumping,
Come back again for part 2 1970 visit
Chattin And Horton
I also remember Chattin and Horton shop in Brierley Hill high street yes, it was a very exciting store especially at Christmas. I was six years old and my sister who was four years older saw a lovely toy baby grand piano in the window. She said to my mother that Judith would love that piano for Christmas. That Christmas morning the piano was there waiting for me. I was over the moon, happy days!
CHATTIN AND HORTON SHOPPING STORE
IWAS FIVE IN 1964 AND IN THE HIGH STREET WAS A LARGE SHOP CALLED CHATTIN AND HORTON. IT WAS A WONDERFUL SHOP ESPECIALLY AT CHRISTMAS TIME WHEN FATHER CHRISTMAS USED TO BE THERE WITH HIS SACK OF TOYS. YOU COULDN'T HELP YOURSELF IN THE SHOP YOU HAD TO ASK ASSISTANTS BEHIND THE COUNTER TO GET THINGS FOR YOU. DOES ANYONE ELSE REMEMBER THIS SHOP?
South Street Church, Now The Brierley Hill Project
Hi, does anyone have any memories, details or photos of the church as it used to be, also the graveyard and surrounding areas? Would be most grateful for any info. Thank you
Brierley Hill Shops
Can anyone remember Alan Davidson's and Dorothy Dangerfield's shops? I also recall being facinated with the revolving doors in Woolworths. My memories of Chattin & Horton was the annual visit to see Father Christmas. My youth was spent in Brierley Hill Market, hanging out at the record stall, sifting through the 45's with my mates on a Saturday afternoon. Karen Westwood.
St Mary School
At the top of the town towards the flats is St Mary's church. I used to attend St Mary's school which was situated behind the church. One day when everyone turned up for school it had been burned to the ground, I think I was told one of the teachers left an electric fire on. I can only remember the infant class, where the teacher in winter used to put our bottles of milk around the boilers chimney, also at dinner times we used to have to go down some steps to a cellar type dining room. I wasn't keen on staying at school, but there was a lovely lady in the class, I think she was a secretary, her name was Mrs Cooper. She used to help me in class.
Memories of West Midlands
Quarry Bank
To me the first eleven years of my life, growing up in Quarry Bank, was the most enjoyable. I was born Kenneth Graham Sewell, on the 26th January 1947, at 59 Saltwells Road, now renamed White City, and the whole country was in the grip of the worst snows for years. I can remember from when I was eight months old and can recall being held in my mother's arms, watching our new council house being built. Number 3 Montgomery Crescent was to become a wonderful place for me, with my dad Joe, mom Lily, and my sister Janet. And later at number nine, a boy named Danny Priest was to become my life-long friend. One fine memory I have is of the Queen's coronation in 1953. The government doubled the sugar ration so as our mothers could bake cakes for the celebrations. Chairs and tables were lined up all down our streets and they were festooned with red white and blue. And that day was the best day... Read more
WESCO Not TESCO - The First Ever Supermarket in The UK?
I have so many wonderful memories of growing up in Quarry Bank - from moving into the brand new 'fashion houses' when I was 3; four of us on a motorbike, with me wedged between mum and dad (Wes Archer) as he negotiated the roads before they were finished (my 7 year old sister, Jenny, on the back!); the proud opening of the shop in Lawnsdown Road - it was actually called W.E.S. & Co and became the social focus of the estate - only recently did we realise that dad was way ahead of his time with the name of the grocery-cum-sweet shop that my mother, Hilda, ran cheerfully for several years. She sold just about everything Dad brought back from an Aladdin's cave beyond Dudley. And every day I was allowed 2 custard tarts and a Mars bar before I did my homework. No wonder I have so many fillings! In the early days we often played 'armies' in the 'oods behind the houses, made... Read more
Walking Home From School
I remember walking to Brierley Hill Grammar school and back home to Pensnett most days, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends. We walked up Mill Street then down the High Street, with Chattin and Hortons, Woolworths to buy gob stoppers, if we had the coupons and the cash, past the Town Hall where the Saturday Night 'hop' was held, past the Odeon and Danilo, down the hill to the end of Bent Street and then the Earl of Dudley's steel works (do you remember the wonderful red sky when the furnace was 'let out' at night?). Sharp left through the railway shunting yard and down the railway line (which ran to the Baggeridge Pits). The line ran along an embankment between the Fens and Middle pools. These were reservoirs to feed the canals. As I walked home to Chapel Street one memorable day I watched an adder give birth to its brood as it lay on the embakment in the sun. The pools and fields were a wonderful adventure playground... Read more
A Gentlmen From Amblecote
A Gentlemen from Amblecote, Staffordshire
By The Oracle | April 16, 2009
This public voice, dos not usually, print obituaries. However, three persons have signed their names to a tribute to Samuel Kinnear from Amblecote, and we feel it should be heard.Samuel Kinnear, universally, known as "SAM" was a successful business man. A veteran of the Second World War, a family man, who had two loves in life, which were His wife, family and The Royal British Legion.
He spend all his spare time working for the RBL. He was a member of his local branch, his local group and the county executive. He held most of the offices, open to all branch members. He was County President for years. He organised the sporting activities of his County for years. He was universally liked. He did, however, make a few enemies. Persons of no consequence, failures in their own lives, who resented his popularity, success and drive.
The usual character assassination associated with such persons, started in later life... Read more
Football in The Park
Behind this picture were the tennis courts and behind that were the football changing rooms and the pitches. I played in goal there for several teams over the years, the last being the Wordsley Labour Club. I had started with Stuart Crystal and over the years gained nicknames like the Crab or the Bear. There would also be some I cannot put here. Getting married and moving to Cradley put an end to the football (and other things) and I eventually moved to the Lake District (Cumbria Crystal) and then to Kings Lynn (Wedgewood Crystal) before moving to Stourport on Severn aprox 17 years ago. John Lampitt
Memorybank total
We're very pleased and excited by your response so far to our "Share your Memories" community.
You've shared 28,840 memories of 5,945 towns & villages across the UK - keep them coming!
Find Memories
Simply search for your favourite places to read others' memories and share your own.
Tips & Ideas
Not sure what to write?
It's easy - just think of an important place in your life and ask yourself:
How does it feature in your personal history?
What are your best memories of this place?
How has it changed over the years?
How does it feel, seeing these old photos of your favourite place?
Do you remember stories about the local community, its history and people?
Start now!
It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the orange "Add your Memory" icon to begin.
Places this week
Here are some of the places you've shared memories of this week:
- Blaenavon, Gwent
- Stadhampton, Oxfordshire
- Spinkhill, South Yorkshire
- Southend Airport, Essex
- Oswestry, Shropshire
- Cwmaman, Mid Glamorgan
- Draycott-In-The-Clay, Derbyshire
- Banstead, Surrey
- Smallthorne, Staffordshire
- Cononley, West Yorkshire
- Woodbridge, Suffolk
- Knaphill, Surrey
- Crook, County Durham
- Golders Green, Greater London
- Penruddock, Cumbria
- South Tidworth, Hampshire
- Stanhope, County Durham
- Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
- Thornton Heath, Surrey
- Pyrford, Surrey
- ... and lots more - Browse this week's memories now.
Your memories
To jump straight to the memories you have added already to the Community, click here
I Remember When...
This stunning compilation highlights some of the best stories selected from the thousands contributed here on the
Frith website. The result is an absorbing chronicle of British life from the Second World War to the mid 1960s.
A colourful treasure trove of memories, "I Remember When" is an
irresistible mix of personal stories and recollections that affectionately reveal the detail of everyday life in Britain.
