MEMORIES OF WASHWOOD HEATH 1962-1972

My family moved to Common Lane, Washwood Heath circa 1962. I remember the haberdashery next door to Creaney's groceries (Mrs Creaney and her two children Paul and Norma), the chipshop and Wright's the newsagents with Mr and Wright and their son. At the bottom of Common Lane was what we children affectionately called the 'monkey run' which led to a predominently freight railway track. There was also a car factory. Half way up Common Lane was Metro Cammel who manufactured "state of the art" railway carriages. Further up from them across the road was Washwood Heath Church hall, which led to the main church situated on Washwood Heath road next to a couple of houses and a second hand shop. Across from the church was The Swan public house. Some of the families living on Common Lane were Brown, Aston, McKewan, Williams, Griffiths, Kerr, McKenzies, 'Irish John', Edith and her elderly father, Mrs Robinson, Mr & Mrs Levante, Mrs Carter, Mr & Mrs Churchill (I think), whose house was right next to the 5th entry leading off Common Lane to the back of the houses.