Hednesford, Van c.1960

Photo ref: H267031X

I remember my Uncle Keith taking me to Saturday morning pictures at the Tivoli. I used to have a 'birthday' every 3 weeks so we would get the free sweets they gave away on your birthday. Great times. I miss him so much.

I was an apprentice jockey with master Robert Charles Ward from 1954 to 1960, then I went in the Forces, then I emigrated to Australia and now live in Victoria, in Langwarrin. With reference to Mrs Gillian Barsby, her brother, Mr Fred Griffiths, I knew him, he used to open the gates at the railway crossing just down from the stables at Hazel Slade, and he used to come down to the stables in the ...see more

The ice cream shop was near the big Catholic church at Hednesford, the church had hydraulics which were adjusted annually to keep in level from mining subsidence. The shop served the best ever ice cream soda in a tall glass with straws, my favourite was orange pop with vanilla ice cream. My Grandad Titley used to walk my cousin and I there for a Saturday treat. We walked over the fields at Chadsmoor and would watch the racing pigeons returning home.

The picture of the Van in the main street of Hednesford is I think the Co-op grocery delivery van. Just below the woman was then a Co-op grocery store. The van was driven by a man by the name of Tommy; I unfortunately can't remember his surname. I worked at the Rawnsley Co-op branch in the 60s when I was 17, the Manager was Ron Berks. It was my job to walk to all the outlying areas to collect customer’s orders namely, ...see more