Recent content by Hurricaneplanes

I have just had a very sad phone call this morning,Tuesday 7th May, to say that Clive passed away in the early hours of this morning. On behalf of all who knew Clive I would like to pass on our condolences and deepest sympathy to Clive's family at this very difficult time.

I remember your grandfather Clive James very well indeed during my time at Birmetals from 1952-1959 when I was an apprentice there and spent the last four years in the Laboratories. Clive worked in the Physical Testing Lab and all ways had a smile on his face, added to a very warm and friendly...

My father joined the RAF in 1939 and due to his age,38, was posted to a Balloon Barage Site opposite the WBA Football Ground behind Hawleys Bakery and Webley and Scott where there was a small park. I visited him there many times before he was moved to a site in Highgate Bham. Hope that this...

I can confirm the visit of Sir Michael Balcon to GD in 1947/1948 as I was in the Form Room in the corridoor wing, Lower 1 or 2C, when he was introduced to my Form. The story then came out that he used the name George Dixon in the film and TV series Dixon of Dock Green. A few years ago there was...

I have still got my GD tie and it must be 70 years old. When are they going to have another open day?

I have not been on this forum for some time, but I did attend George Dixons from 1947 -1952. Many memories, some good some bad. I did attend a reunion some years ago and was wondering if there might be another one coming up this year. I am trying to recall the full name of the woodworking...

Sorry but the correct name for The Mews is The Stumps on account of stumps in the ground stopping traffic . A memory lapse.

Sara's Kebab House is very close by the Vine Inn. Murrays Fish and Chip Shop and also the Grocers was adjacent to Serpentine Rd and opposite the burnt out Kings Arms Pub.

The Old House at Home was of course on Lordswood Rd half way to Bearwood..There were all ways less shops at the top end of the High St. above the Royalty Cinema (Which is still there) than at the lower end of the High St. below the Old Police Station. The top end of the village has seen more of...

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the passing of John Kent and Dave Kind. I was talking to Dave Kind by phone just one hour before he had a major heart attack. Our sympathies are extended to both families on their great loss. We will raise a toast to both of our colleagues on...

I used to take my fathers radio accumulator to Dingleys the cycle shop for recgarging until Durrants the radio shop provided the same service. There was a cycle shop adjacent on the right of the Vine pub. Clearly seen in the Vine photo.

I can remember at Birmetals in the late fifties there was an Indian gentleman who came to work on the big hot rolling mill. I cannot recall his name but he got onto the pay role twice by reversing his first and last name in addition to his normal name. He managed to be employed on the day shift...

I think that you are right over his surname being Picken and not Pickering. See you all soon I hope. Jim

Hi Mick, I remember Dennis Whyley very well, quite a character. Was it Dick Pickering that you were thinking of? Nearer to the first week in December when we have our get together, any other ex Apprentices that you can get in touch with, then please let me have their email addresses to add to...

Hello Mick. When were you at Birmetals, I was there from 1952-1959. Your reminising brings back so many memories. At our reunions we get up to 9 ex apprentices attending but this year I am hoping for a few more. Any who you are in touch with please let me know with an email address and I will...