Nostalgic memories of Harborne's local history

Share your own memories of Harborne and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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Displaying all 9 Memories

I attended St Peters from 1941 to 1951 and was school captain in my final year. The headmaster at the time was Mr.Braddock. Mrs Lewis took the top class. I also remember Mr Coulter { took sports} Mr . Clements { music } . On leaving primary to go up to " the big school " one pupil was awarded the "MANNERS CUP " for twelve months and I was presented with it , I still have a photo somewhere. I was helped to get a job on leaving and have very fond memories of my time there
We lived directly opposite the Royalty cinema so I just lifted the net curtain to see what was on. Next door was Miss Corbet and then the Co-op where we did our shopping. I loved watching them cut the cheese and weigh the sugar and send the cash on the overhead wire system to the lady in the cash box. Tuesdays and Saturdays were cinema nights and I enjoyed going to the old harborne in Serpentine Road. Queues ...see more
I went to St Peters School fron 1952 to 1957. I love my time there. I remember the toilets in the back play ground. I also remember the school dinners they were great and cooked fresh each day. We went to St Peters church for all of the main services and my favourite was Harvest festival when we had to take our offerings to the front of the church before the service. I always took tomatoes and cucumbers as my dad grew ...see more
I was born in 1939. I knew a girl who lived on Harborne Park Road next to the gully. My brother and I used to catch the bus on Harborne Park Road to go to Bournville School. My mother used to buy rabbits to make rabbit stew from the butcher on Harborne Park Road. I lived at 41 Woodleigh Avenue until I was 11 years old when we left for Australia. I remember the war years well... The air ...see more
I was born over the butchers shop in Harborne Lane, my parents Harry and Gertrude Ludlow owned the shop. My mother kept the shop open all through the war years and I can remember marking off the meat ration books when I was about 10 years old. Not quite sure when rationing finished probably about 1952. I remember all the shops down there and the folks that owned them. I worked in the shop straight from ...see more
I'm trying to locate a family from the Harborne Lane area, Selly Oak. I have very few details. The family name is Davies the father was Stan, I believe he had 2 sons. He had a sister or aunty called Betty, I think his mother was called Margaret and father Arthur. I believe they had a garage selling or repairing cars, and this was sold a few years ago. I would be extremely greatful for any details anyone may have?
From 1955 to 1961 I spent the best years of my school days with wonderful friends - it was brilliant there. My teachers were Mrs Payne, Mrs Davies and Mr Griffiths. Mrs Lewis and Mrs Bright and head teacher Mr Lloyd. There was a sports ground at the back. The only problem was the toilets - they were outside and in the winter the water froze in the toilets.
I was born in 1939, the year war started, and remember being lifted out of bed in the middle of the night and the barrage balloons looked like big elephants in the sky. I also remember the table shelter in the lounge which I was put in with my brother, and my Mickey Mouse gas mask, reddish with a tongue and green on the bottom, it smelt funny. I remember going out and picking up silver paper that had ...see more
My dad Harry Kitchener Stacey worked part time as a bar man at the Duke. I remember coming on the bus from Bartly Green in the afternoons, sometimes after finishing his shift, dad would take me to the afternoon movies just around the corner.