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Thanks, I've never been there either. Some of these little museums are well worth seeking out.

Lyn, It's on the corner of Sandon Rd and Poplar Avenue. I think it is on the Birmingham side of the border with Bearwood, Smethwick. But that's got to be the building. Derek

The Smethwick Local History site continues: 'Smethwick’s identity became blurred by local authority re-organisations. In 1966 it was removed from its historical county of Staffordshire to join Oldbury and Rowley Regis in the new borough of Warley in Worcestershire, and at the same time it lost...

Warren, I am so sorry to read your news and send my condolences to you and your family. Derek

As Wellesbourne was a training establishment then there would be time for leave perhaps for a weekend. They could stay at the YMCA hostel. https://wellesbourneairfield.com/history.htm

As your Dad's base for a time was Wellesbourne, this is a short drive from Birmingham. 'Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield is located ... 3.9 miles east of Stratford-upon-Avon. The airfield was formerly the Royal Air Force station RAF Wellesbourne Mountford... best known for its role in the Second...

Just to clarify Gus Pimms No. 1 Cup isn't a place, but a summer drink still popular in England. The bottle of Pimm's is a gin-based fruit cup and generally mixed with lemonade, slices of cucumber, orange and a sprig of mint.

Happy Birthday!

The supposed 'plague pit' at Thimblemill Baths / Smethwick Baths seems to be an urban myth of internet origin. There are only recent references.

There's still a bar, Mike. With beer under £5 a pint. But the money comes from food and cocktails. They have a website. At busy times in the evening it will be rammed. I've not been in myself, but Brindley Place and Gas Street are very lively in the evenings. There's Sunday lunch and live music...

But my photo of June 2023 is out of date - the pub is now The Botanist - its parent brand. Things move quickly in this part of Birmingham!

After being closed for years, The James Brindley has been refurbished as The Canal House.

I agree Lyn, we took our children when small to the baths and both learned to swim. We had moved within yards of a canal. My daughter jumped in twice when she was out with a schoolfriend. As you say, being able to swim won't always save you in open cold water. But it can't hurt. Amongst the...

Posted on another thread by me but deserves its place here. Happy Memories! Sailed my model boat here too.

BETTER DROWNED THAN DUFFERS IF NOT DUFFERS WON'T DROWN Telegram in Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons (1930) I am naturally very sorry for those who lost children in drowning incidents. In the 1960s and 70s we were allowed to roam and explore before the growth of health and safety culture.

Lightwood's Park in Bearwood used to belong to Birmingham Corporation (though it is just outside the city boundary in Smethwick, Staffs.) It had a children's paddling pool which was drained to become a skateboard park.

I've seldom been in Moseley Park, but there is mention of a game keeper's cottage hidden behind Park Hill. Last para on right. https://moseley-society.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/HoD-2015-Moseley-Hall-leaflet.pdf

We are used to walking or cycling on the towing path, but until 1948, I think, there was generally no access unless one was permitted to buy a permit. I think most city centre access points had a locked gate? Good thread on here...

Rotton Park Reservoir which is now called Edgbaston Reservoir has been the site of many drownings. The water is cold and deep. Many people live locally and are drawn to the water as it is a delightful place to relax and has unrestricted access.