Just over a year ago I dropped in the Cock at Rubery for a quick one after getting a bus to Gannow, and before catching another on the old 71 tram route along the Bristol Road to Town. I had special memories of that tram route as I travelled on the last 71 outwards from Navigation Street to Rubery and back to Selly Oak Depot late on Saturday 5 July 1952, arriving around midnight. I then walked a short distance townwards up the Bristol Road until a newly renumbered night bus was due, to get me to town. Then a NS5 bus back towards Perry Common and home.
I have special memories of what was then a lovely walk from Rubery tram terminus, past Gannow Green, Gannow Farm, Dayhouse Bank (since obliterated by the M5), Bell Heath and down to the dramatically scenic valley between Farley Wood and Calcot Hill, then climbing up to reach Walton Hill, and round to Woodgate bus terminus, where we got a brand new Midland Red single decker with an OHA registration back to Bearwood. We were both teenagers, but that was real romance and I shall never forget it.
Incidentally, the Cock at Rubery should not be confused with the pub and road of the same names in Bartley Green.
Peter