Nostalgic memories of Walsall's local history

Share your own memories of Walsall 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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It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 22 in total

My girlfiend (now my wife) introduced me to the Femina disco at the George. It was the first club I ever went to. Loved the music. The DJ played a mixture of chart records, Motown and something called Northern Soul, which I thought were simply little-known American labels. Didn't realise how popular it would become. The atmosphere was exciting and, for me, quite exotic at the time. We danced our feet ...see more
Does anyone recall the pole squatter who spent nights/ days in a barrel perched high overlooking the Arbouritum. It was around 1955. How long and what was his name. Was it the same man that did the same outside the Spring Cottage in Shelfield??
i have many happy thoughts of walsall the old gaumont where i won a free ticket and meal witghthe manager for a cayoning and we watched the alamo wonder what happened to the others who won i think there was three off us,the savoy cinema,the old college where i studied to be a mechanic working for reginald tildesley in wolverhampton st.great memories.
Used to play in the ladies dart team, went in there most days.... great atmosphere. Roy and Ann kept it then, before it was changed to the new one.
Yes I remember Sandy. My mother was the Manager of the Co-op decorating shop opposite the Town Hall. It was called 'The Colour Centre'. One of her frequent visitors was Sandy, he would call in for a cup of tea whilst on his beat. As he was a tall man, so as not to be seen by any passers by, he would open the door to the stockroom, remove his helmet, and stand behind the door enjoying his tea. Fortunately, the crime rate was low in Walsall in this era, a real character was Sandy.
I read the letter from someone who remembers the policeman in the top floor of a shop overlooking the Bridge at Christmas. Well that policeman was Gordon (Sandy) Lewis - a cheeky chappie, who gave everyone a smile when they crossed the road. Sandy died a few years ago. I was a policewoman at this time in Walsall Borough Police, and many times I did 5 ways point duty on the Bridge, at the bottom of Park ...see more
My parents first pub when they moved up to Walsall. A brilliant pub with lovely set of locals.
My friend and I, still best buddies to this day, used to go to The Mayfair every Saturday night. We loved Motown and Northern soul and still do. Then we progressed to The Femina, at the back of The George. The name implied to my Mother that it was for girls only! Oh no. We had some good times there. Then, outgrowing Walsall, we were avid visitors to Top of the World, Stafford. We used to book our ...see more
Great memories of seeing Slade or Ambrose Slade as they were known then (noted for being the Skinhead group) about 1969/1970. Also downstairs (entrance was at the side in the market) in the George a GoGo bar where you could pay a little extra in the juke box and get a film on a screen hanging on the wall to go with your choice of record. Another funny thing was the funny flourescent lighting that showed every speck of dust on your clothing bright white. Anyone remember this ?
Fond memories of the George, Saturday night meeting place when we would frequent the Palm Court Lounge with mirrored walls and a Grand piano at the end of the room with a man named 'Tinkler' ... believe it or not!!!! playing tunes of the day. As you entered the hotel there were glass cases displaying jewellery and fashion items. The basement was a 'men only' bar that us ladies always wondered what they did down ...see more