Recent content by willey

Big Gee, The toy shop was “Watts- most important in the 1940’s. Regards. Willey

Mohawk many thanks! Regards willey

For the life of me, I cannot remember where I had to go for my National Service medical in 1957 when it was decided that the R.A.F. could no longer do without me. Can anyone enlighten me where it was that I would have to go. I would appreciate your help. Regards. willey

Perry Barr Library - when I was a small lad (early '40's) I can remember the very strong smell in there which was a combination of furniture polish, musty books and other unidentified substances - all very distinctive. A true library smell! Any one else recall that aroma? willey

Big Gee. Graham Gomm is virtually retired now but still goes into the office about once a week. Your mention of the general store opposite the Church brought back a memory for me. On my way to cubs I would go into the shop and buy a penny Oxo cube which I would proceed to eat on my way from...

Big Gee - For your information, Graham and Sheila Gomm are still going strong - still not slowing down! Another name, that of Fred Durrant. I had the pleasure of playing cricket for All Souls under his captaincy. He was a great man! I remember his daughter Liz as a very small baby: she...

enzothebaker, I too remember the whale in Perry Barr. I think you are right with it being 1952/3. I went to see it and it was parked up on the cinder forecourt of the old greyhound track - the site now of the "One Stop" development. The smell of the Formaldehyde was very strong indeed...

oldMowhawk - re your post No.223, 14 March and the GKN Beechcraft. I had the "pleasure" of a round trip to Edinburgh in that plane in 1981. We took off in a howling gale and landed like a fluttering leaf at Turnhouse. They closed the airport to further flights after that. Our return...

Astoness, yes I have seen these photos on the Forum before. It is amazing how such a small beginning became a world-wide respected company employing many Birmingham families over the years. Yet another example of how important Birmingham once was as a manufacturing and creative city...

Hi Bob! I remember all the names except that of Alf Hickman. I left Cannings in 1963 so perhaps he started after that date. Did you join the Order Office during Arthur Evans reign? I have just realised that I was doing my National Service from November 1957 until 1959 so our work...

Hi Bob! I do remember you as well as Arthur Knight and Harry Eacock. I worked in the D.O. along with names such as Ron Davies, Les Dickinson, Alan Jolly, Roland Shead, "Dutch" Holland, Norman Thurston and many more. Lots of memories about those times back in a very different, more...

Onceabrummie - Did you have any dealings with the Drawing Office? Your name has a familiar ring to it. Regards. willey

oldMohawk, Your posting No.509 shows G.H. Watts toyshop in the background - that was an important shop in our childhood during the war years when toys and books were in short supply. We could never pass their window without stopping to peer in and marvel at the display of scarce goods...

Sorry Lyn, the road on the left is Bragg Road. The road extreme right is The Broadway. Regards. willey