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I remember a visit from Roy Hattersley in 1989, and his kind words. He wished every success to those of us fighting to keep the Service in the NHS, free at the point of use, in the Spirit of The Attlee Govt. The Senior Surgeons in B'ham like Keith Porter, knew of the neccesity of having a quick...

I was reminded this weekend, of an elderly Aunt in Sparkhill in the 50s, who called the Toilet, the "OH BE JOYFUL". This came about, I believe from the Opening words of a favourite Victorian Hymn, and was inspired by the name of the Porcelain Firm, "OBEE" embossed on the Bowl Rim.

Old Boy, I think that you are right. I came into contact with Keith in many cases. He was a true gentleman, calm & steady under pressure, and put great faith and trust in even the newest of A&E Ambulance Crews. He knew that they were "out there" daily, making life or death decisions in...

My Grandfather always referred to the Toilet as 'Going to the Lar Pom' ... which may be a corruption of La Pomme (French). But where did that come from?

Good recipe for this in the 'Leasure' section of last Saturday's Daily Telegraph. Poss still on the Telegraph Website ?

Mr London. Ray Lloyd, (QAM ET) and I, (out of Monyhull AS), took him into Selly Oak Hosp some years ago from a big house in Moseley, he knew Ray's Dad who had been in the old Fire & Amb. He was elderly then, may now be dead. The elderly Nurse must be the 90 year old lady that I took into the...

HENRY's - Being poor, our one treat a year was the Bus ride to Town to see 'Uncle Holly' at the top of Lewis's. This would be followed by trips to 'The Beehive' and Henrys. I was only small, but can remember it being quite 'downmarket'. Mother wanted a Roasting Tin, we had to sort out one with...

I find it amazing that this event, the biggest ever seaborne invasion that has happened, occuring as the free world sought to stop the evils of a dictatoriall regime, is totally denied by those in charge of the British Education system. Politically Correct Propoganda is ok in Schools, History...

Some years ago, my late Mother made this. She put it into a square plastic 1 gallon container that had held Orange squash. Placing it in a kitchen cupboard, it was forgotten about. Over a year later I found it. The square container was now football shaped ! Being into Homemade Wine, I placed the...

This was the 'Porcupine' (See description). One factories answer to the All conquering Arthur Carroll designed, Norton Model 30, (Manx), and the (then) rise of the European (i.e. Italy), Multis from Gilera and the like. In practise it was disappointing, the Factory's 7R single with 3 valve heads...

Olga had an interesting family history, worked a Canal longboat and rode in trials for the major motorcycle firms post WW II. I met her once at a Greeves related 'Do'. Died recently. As you say, very interesting but almost unknown except to the Classic Era Trials Motorcycle world.

I had several Bantams. The last being the B.175 (BSAs last), which would do 75mph in basic tune, the worst being the original 125 solid frame (not even plunger!) which would hit 45mph down hill. There are HUNDREDS about, in all kinds of order. There are specialists who make high quality...

James, like so many other B'ham Motorcycle Manufacturers, stayed within the City limits, usually moving to close by buildings if at all. WW II damage was shrugged off. Unlike Triumph whose original City Centre Factory was completely destroyed, hence the move to Meriden. James were never a 'biig'...

Fairly simple, its a WLA Harley Davidson. The WW II Military Harley. Thousands of them made, most are in the European Theatre countries, Large numbers survive. Often seen with screen ans leather apron, tommy gun holster on Fork Legs. Can't tell you what make the sidecar is without details...

Re BSA Dandy, BSA Beagle, Raleigh RM's etc., these were AWFUL things! Defunct before they came off the line, they were a nightmare to sort out in the Worklshop as they were abused and built of poor quality, poorly thought out parts. These machines arose from the transitional period in the 50's...

From, what I can remember of playing with the curved sections of corrugated iron, they were heavy for an 8 year old, but a man could easily carry one. This photo looks posed, with LNER Railway lorries delivering to houses. The lady in the foreground is dressed exactly like my Grandmother did...

Hi. The simple answer to "How many surviverd ?" is Hundreds ! As a Paramedic in B'ham I've covered the greater B'ham area from Marston Green to Solihull to Woodgate to Handsworth to Sutton to Castrle Brom, and can tell you that many Anderson Shelters are still in use as Sheds, and even Garages...

Hi. I met steve.m at Bassetts Pole McDonalds last tuesday. Nice guy, just as described. A few others do go there, Bob, Mick, Ray, if & when I'll introduce them.

Hello, I'm sorry, but I've not long joined the Forum, hence the belated post !. Anyway, in the early 70's I left the farm that I'd been working on and started working for British Rail, B'ham D.C.E. Dept at Castle Bromwich (old) Station. This had been closed for about 12 to 18 months when I...

To Dave, Ginger & the others, Dave, when I worked in the Trade in B'hame in the 70's & 80's all the Dealers, big & small knew each other. The Riders certainly knew of every outlet where spares could be bought or machines repaired/serviced. Some of these shops were owned/run by famous riders of...