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Kingstanding

  • Thread starter Thread starter margaret
  • Start date Start date
Eric Gibson said:
There seems to be some damage/smudge to the photo, in the middle of the H pathways and that's where the brook was.
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Yep, I remember it well during the 50's and 60's. But that pic was taken in 1939. I thought the brook was routed there during construction of the estate. Of course, now it's all culverted along there. Maybe the channel was opened up after the estate was built. ????
 
Morturn said:
BCHD were in my opinion quite a good employer in those days. They took on around 90 apprentices every year and kept the housing stock in fairly good condition. The apprenticeships meant that people, once qualified could always find work and a lot of other opportunity’s.

They had a number of decent tradesmen on the books, what years did you work for them?
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Does anyone remember "The rooftop singer" during the 1960s..He was often seen around Kingstanding repairing chimneys. A big, stout chap, wore brown overalls and a flat cap and glasses.
Us lads aged about 12 would see him on our way to King's Rise school. We would egg him on to sing..He had a wonderful loud voice, operatic in style. He usually obliged. I often wonder what happened to him. I hope he didn't fall off a roof.
 
daimlerman said:
Does anyone remember "The rooftop singer" during the 1960s..He was often seen around Kingstanding repairing chimneys. A big, stout chap, wore brown overalls and a flat cap and glasses.
Us lads aged about 12 would see him on our way to King's Rise school. We would egg him on to sing..He had a wonderful loud voice, operatic in style. He usually obliged. I often wonder what happened to him. I hope he didn't fall off a roof.
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His name was Keny Ross, a giant of a man who lived on Dovedale Road. He was a labourer for the Birmingham Housing Management Department and spent many years working with a bricklayer called Arthur Willis.

Arthur was quite a small man, ex-army I believe. Wore gaters, used to wax his moustache and would salute the man who gave him his pay-packet. He lived on Collage Road, opposite the cemetery in a bungalow that was filled to the brim with garden gnomes.

Ken was an incredibly kindly man, who loved and walked his dog over Witton Lakes and Brookvale Park. I knew both of them quite well and did like Ken.

Ken suffered with is mental heath and in would have some quite black days. This is when he would often sing. He was also extremely strong and would carry two 3x2 slabs, one under each arm.

PS
Arthur did fall of the roof on six occasions and just bounced and got back up the ladder. It was more luck thank anything did did not get injured.



.
 
Morturn said:
His name was Keny Ross, a giant of a man who lived on Dovedale Road. He was a labourer for the Birmingham Housing Management Department and spent many years working with a bricklayer called Arthur Willis.

Arthur was quite a small man, ex-army I believe. Wore gaters, used to wax his moustache and would salute the man who gave him his pay-packet. He lived on Collage Road, opposite the cemetery in a bungalow that was filled to the brim with garden gnomes.

Ken was an incredibly kindly man, who loved and walked his dog over Witton Lakes and Brookvale Park. I knew both of them quite well and did like Ken.

Ken suffered with is mental heath and in would have some quite black days. This is when he would often sing. He was also extremely strong and would carry two 3x2 slabs, one under each arm.

PS
Arthur did fall of the roof on six occasions and just bounced and got back up the ladder. It was more luck thank anything did did not get injured.



.
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I remember them Garden Gnomes
 
Donbogen said:
I remember them Garden Gnomes
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My mom would point out the the gnomes when we were on the 5 or 5A bus. Thanks for letting me know about Kenny Ross.

Other characters I.remember was Sid, the road sweeper. He always wore a scarf or a gag around his mouth. He lived on King's Road. I used to talk to him. He gave me an old push bike which I managed to get going. Another road sweeper was a bloke us kids nicknamed "BELCHER". He wore a black berret and would throw his head back and belch every few yards.

During school holidays we would follow the big green road drain cleaner. Two old boys would lift the grids and suck up all sorts of stuff. Balls, toys, dolls, they would throw them to us for more games.

One more character I remember was a strange chap. We called him "Earnie Strider" due to his huge strides when he walked. The older kids would shout his name and he would come after us. I was terrified of him so kept quiet. I think he worked as a cellar man at The Hare and Hounds pub and would "stride" along Cranbourne and Firbeck roads.
 
daimlerman said:
My mom would point out the the gnomes when we were on the 5 or 5A bus. Thanks for letting me know about Kenny Ross.

Other characters I.remember was Sid, the road sweeper. He always wore a scarf or a gag around his mouth. He lived on King's Road. I used to talk to him. He gave me an old push bike which I managed to get going. Another road sweeper was a bloke us kids nicknamed "BELCHER". He wore a black berret and would throw his head back and belch every few yards.

During school holidays we would follow the big green road drain cleaner. Two old boys would lift the grids and suck up all sorts of stuff. Balls, toys, dolls, they would throw them to us for more games.

One more character I remember was a strange chap. We called him "Earnie Strider" due to his huge strides when he walked. The older kids would shout his name and he would come after us. I was terrified of him so kept quiet. I think he worked as a cellar man at The Hare and Hounds pub and would "stride" along Cranbourne and Firbeck roads.
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Thanks for reminding me of Sid met him alot on the 28 Bus
he was in Montys 8th Army he had a bad time of it
he had his medals and badges in a tin
Sid was well known in Kingstanding
 
Vivienne14 said:
I don't remember the #25 bus going to Kingstanding, This is dated 1962. The photo looks like it was maybe in town ? To go via Heathfield Road, I thought was the #29 route
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The 25, following the 29 route in rush hour, turned into Warren Farm Road onto the 33 route. The service often used the really old Daimlers with GOE registration, operated from Birchfield Road garage until 1966 when they were finally scrapped. I often used the 25 in the mornings.
 
Donbogen said:
Thanks for reminding me of Sid met him alot on the 28 Bus
he was in Montys 8th Army he had a bad time of it
he had his medals and badges in a tin
Sid was well known in Kingstanding
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Thanks Don,
Just shows, never judge a book by its cover. Unfortunately, a lot of folk looked upon him as a tramp. Little did they know how he must a fought some terrible battles in WW2 under Monty. I dare say, in the 8th army, he fought in Italy, fighting for the freedom for those who looked down on him. I found him to be a very helpful bloke as a lad. He should have his own memorial placed.
His medals you speak of. Well, I really hope they are in the hands of someone who appreciates them.
 
daimlerman said:
Thanks Don,
Just shows, never judge a book by its cover. Unfortunately, a lot of folk looked upon him as a tramp. Little did they know how he must a fought some terrible battles in WW2 under Monty. I dare say, in the 8th army, he fought in Italy, fighting for the freedom for those who looked down on him. I found him to be a very helpful bloke as a lad. He should have his own memorial placed.
His medals you speak of. Well, I really hope they are in the hands of someone who appreciates them.
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I knew him from early 70s
he may be long gone
but here we are talking about him
he like many others will not be forgotten
 
Morturn said:
Oscott College Estate is anew one for me. They do look like Birmingham Council housing for the elderly. These at Cossington Rd, Erdington look simular but not renderd https://maps.app.goo.gl/pDjM5bzXdfyTuNUk6
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I remember Oscott college had farm land that backed onto the prefabs where my Nan and Grandad lived. I think it was Hurstwood road, or nearby. Cows would look over into their garden.
Last time I was around that part of the world lots of new houses had been, or were being built, during the 1980's/ 1990's. I do remember bungalows along College road not far from The Crossways pub. So much had been built around St Mary's RC college.
In the late 50's Nan and Grandad moved to Cossington Road. All i remember from there was walking from there to Chipstead Road, and into Witton Lodge Road to the 5 and 5A bus terminus. There was a spinney of trees at the end of the road.
 
daimlerman said:
I remember Oscott college had farm land that backed onto the prefabs where my Nan and Grandad lived. I think it was Hurstwood road, or nearby. Cows would look over into their garden.
Last time I was around that part of the world lots of new houses had been, or were being built, during the 1980's/ 1990's. I do remember bungalows along College road not far from The Crossways pub. So much had been built around St Mary's RC college.
In the late 50's Nan and Grandad moved to Cossington Road. All i remember from there was walking from there to Chipstead Road, and into Witton Lodge Road to the 5 and 5A bus terminus. There was a spinney of trees at the end of the road.
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Was this known as ‘The Spinney ?
 
Pedrocut said:
Was this known as ‘The Spinney ?
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Yes, my Nan always referred to it as "The Spinney". She would joke it was called that because it's where the buses spin round and go back to town and beyond.
To be honest, even as a little boy I was more interested in the old Leyland and Crossley buses parked there. I would wander around there from my nans house to watch the buses. On quiet afternoons I could hear the engines clicking and ticking as they cooled off from the long climb up Witton Lodge Road. Little did I know then, I'd spend my early days at work learning how to fix them. Happy days.
As kids we were intrigued with Oscott College as it could be seen from the top of Warren Farm Road. We thought it was an old castle so one day a small gang of us made a bee line for it. We had no idea where it was and ended up scratched and dirty from clambering over fences, a brook, and privet hedges. It took ages to get there.
When I was about 17/18, a friend and I went there one evening to have a look around. This time we took a proper route and went through the gate house on Chester road. While looking around the grounds a priest asked us why we were there. We told him we were interested in the building from small children.
He took the trouble to show around and explained that it was built in 1836 to replace an older building. There were a few student priests wandering around too.
My lasting memory of that visit was looking up and seeing socks hanging out to dry on a hanger from a dormitory window on the top floor.
Funny how certain images stick in the mind from all those years ago
 
daimlerman said:
The 25, following the 29 route in rush hour, turned into Warren Farm Road onto the 33 route. The service often used the really old Daimlers with GOE registration, operated from Birchfield Road garage until 1966 when they were finally scrapped. I often used the 25 in the mornings.
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Not all the GOE Daimlers were scrapped. Fortunately one was saved and is at Wythall Museum. GOE 486.
 
Radiorails said:
Not all the GOE Daimlers were scrapped. Fortunately one was saved and is at Wythall Museum. GOE 486.
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Yes, the very first one of a batch of 75. AEC engined 7.7 litre, Wilson pre select gears. They made a lovely sound. I once wrote to the fella who rescued it, Barry Ware, he told me all about it.
 
MAJOR ACCIDENT 1969
Does anyone remember a terrible road accident, late 1969.
A 33 bus travelling down Warren Farm Road collided broadside with a single decker emerging from Dulwich Road.
The single decker was carrying disabled children. As far as I recall only the children's attendant was killed, although there were others injured.

I was an apprentice fitter at BCT Miller Street garage and the alarm was raised for the AEC Matador recovery truck, and the fitter I was assigned to get to the scene. I wasn’t allowed to go being too young to face the carnage, and no doubt wouldn't be much use. An older apprentice, Mick Day, went along.
On his return he looked shocked and relayed what he had seen. A scene of carnage.
I never found any historical news paper reports, although I remember it was big news at the time.
 
I'm sure this has come up before but I can't find it.
THE PIMPLE, KINGSTANDING BEACON, BRUNSTON HILL.

A lot of us knew the pimple and spent hours up there playing in the long grass during the early 1960s. There was also an official circular sign, Kingstanding Beacon. On quiet summer afternoons Skylarks could be heard twittering up high but we never did find a ground nest.

On the summit, there was a large oval area fenced off with iron railings and locked gates. I seem to recall large concrete slabs in the long grass. I always wondered what the fenced off area was all about.
Some parents said it was where anti aircraft guns and a searchlight was placed during WW2. Others said it was consecrated ground belonging to Oscott College. One pals dad told us Martians had landed there and the ground was radio active.
I'd love to know for real what was inside those "forbidden railings".

Of course, it's all gone now. We moved into a new bungalow in 1971 on Landswood close.
 
daimlerman said:
MAJOR ACCIDENT 1969
Does anyone remember a terrible road accident, late 1969.
A 33 bus travelling down Warren Farm Road collided broadside with a single decker emerging from Dulwich Road.
The single decker was carrying disabled children. As far as I recall only the children's attendant was killed, although there were others injured.

I was an apprentice fitter at BCT Miller Street garage and the alarm was raised for the AEC Matador recovery truck, and the fitter I was assigned to get to the scene. I wasn’t allowed to go being too young to face the carnage, and no doubt wouldn't be much use. An older apprentice, Mick Day, went along.
On his return he looked shocked and relayed what he had seen. A scene of carnage.
I never found any historical news paper reports, although I remember it was big news at the time.
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Here you are

Birm post.3.10.1969.jpg
 
daimlerman said:
Does anyone remember "The rooftop singer" during the 1960s..He was often seen around Kingstanding repairing chimneys. A big, stout chap, wore brown overalls and a flat cap and glasses.
Us lads aged about 12 would see him on our way to King's Rise school. We would egg him on to sing..He had a wonderful loud voice, operatic in style. He usually obliged. I often wonder what happened to him. I hope he didn't fall off a roof.
Click to expand...
Remember him very well the opera singer .His roofing mate was a small guy who lived on college road with a lot of gnomes in his front garden
 
daimlerman said:
My mom would point out the the gnomes when we were on the 5 or 5A bus. Thanks for letting me know about Kenny Ross.

Other characters I.remember was Sid, the road sweeper. He always wore a scarf or a gag around his mouth. He lived on King's Road. I used to talk to him. He gave me an old push bike which I managed to get going. Another road sweeper was a bloke us kids nicknamed "BELCHER". He wore a black berret and would throw his head back and belch every few yards.

During school holidays we would follow the big green road drain cleaner. Two old boys would lift the grids and suck up all sorts of stuff. Balls, toys, dolls, they would throw them to us for more games.

One more character I remember was a strange chap. We called him "Earnie Strider" due to his huge strides when he walked. The older kids would shout his name and he would come after us. I was terrified of him so kept quiet. I think he worked as a cellar man at The Hare and Hounds pub and would "stride" along Cranbourne and Firbeck roads.
Click to expand...
Was talking to my hubby the other week about the road sweeper. Do you know why he wore the gag. My mom's elderly neighbour back in the 80s told her that he was jilted on his wedding day and took to wearing that. Not sure if it was just idle gossip. which it probably was.
 
Apparently, he was in Montys 8th army during WW2 and had a bad time. Maybe it was something to do with that bad experience.
However, He gave me an old pushbike and I went to his house on King's Road to collect it. He wasn't wearing his gag there. So, he probably wore it at work to keep the road dust out.
 
SamJ said:
Was talking to my hubby the other week about the road sweeper. Do you know why he wore the gag. My mom's elderly neighbour back in the 80s told her that he was jilted on his wedding day and took to wearing that. Not sure if it was just idle gossip. which it probably was.
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I love this, so well described, almost as if I was there. I can visualize these characters, excellent piece, thanks. Funny how us kids had these characters in our lives. I lived in Calshot Road, and behind our house was a field, then beyond that they were building Cramlington Avenue, and all the builders were busy every day getting the houses up; but on a weekend, it was OUR play area. But there was always The OLD BOWLER to keep an eye out for, he carried a stick and was always on the look out for us......The Old Bowler, because he always wore a bowler hat. Thanks.
 
Talking about characters, before the influx of W Indians when all locals were white we had two coloured gents an Indian GP and a door to door salesman a Sikh I think, he wore a turban, he sold silk neckties out of a suitcase, the lads used to call him Sidi Ali ben Woolworth.
 
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