Recent content by jayf

Neil, I spent many happy evenings at the Springfield Ballroom during the late 50's. It was above the Conservative Club which, in turn, was next to the Springfield Cinema. It was small and intimate with a great band led by Basil Stutely with George Baker, Brian (forget his surname) Pete...

Thank you Phil. I feel sad that the Church of Christ building is no longer there. I was a member there for around twenty years until I moved from the area. It was a lively, thriving church during those years and also had a Friday club for young people which I loved. A formative part of...

This is a wonderful site. Please keep the memories coming everybody. Jay.

Thank you csmith, Janice and Phil. The Church of Christ is not the same as Christ Church. It was on Stratford Road near to Court Road. Would still love to hear from anyone who has memories of it, or other Churches of Christ. I was a member there and married there.

Does anyone have an ancestor who attended Emily Penzer's School in the Balsall Heath area in the late 1800s or early 1900s? I would be so grateful for even the smallest information on this school. Thank you, Jay.

Judy, I used to go to the Casino with a friend for coffee during the day. The balcony had tables where we used to sit and watch the dancers down below. The Casino did have rather a poor reputation (for 'ladies of the night' gathering there). Can't say we noticed any! The Springfield...

Happy memories of the Church of Christ Sparkhill. Does the building even exist now, and if so, what is it used for? Are there any Churches of Christ existing now? Would really like to know. Jay.

Pete Essex also played drums at the Springfield ballroom during the late fifties along with Basil Stutely (sax) Ken Hickie (double bass) Bill Bryan (sax and clarinet) who was as lean as a young Frank Sinatra and I remember him singing 'Embraceable You' In the same laid back style; Bill...

Eddie. Re previous mail. Bill Fletcher played piano at the Springfield Ballroom around the mid to late fifties. Oh happy days!

Do you remember Haydn Heard who kept an 'outdoor' on Warwick Road? HIs brother Reg. worked at the Gig Shop in Union Street. Jimmy Allso the drummer worked there too. and possibly Ron Mansell. Do you remember the piano player Bill Fletcher?