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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.

Welcome Liz. As Pedrocut says https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk is an excellent source and you will be able to reference the accounts properly. Check that your library subscribes, if not then get your supervisor to recommend it. Contact the Canal and River Trust? I have stayed in Lock...

The Prefab Museum website has photographs and stories of the Wake Green Road Prefabs. https://www.prefabmuseum.uk/search?st[]=Wake+Green+Road&css_searchfield[]=text&fq= Birmingham Mail published a heart-warming experience of a woman tenant who has returned to her home after the refurbishment...

The prefab at Avoncroft was manufactured in April 1946 and was originally sited at 85 Moat Lane, Yardley, Birmingham. It is the Arcon MK. V prefab, produced by Taylor Woodrow. https://avoncroft.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Prefab-information-1.pdf

A very happy birthday, Frothblower!

They certainly gleam in the sunshine now. I think they are made in bronze with a gold finish? Perhaps they were dulled with dust and polluted air in the 60s and 70s?

John, the BBC are moving to the rebuilt site of the old Typhoo Tea building, so Bordesley Street/ Typhoo Basin on the Digbeth Branch Canal. I'm glad that they are building and intending to stay in Birmingham. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-62407714

Currently Ancestry won't accept raw DNA data uploads from other company's tests, so anyone with 23 and Me could download their data and keep it for possible future use before deletion. Back up DNA data may belong to the individuals rather than being a company asset. Such data would be covered by...

Yes Eric, see MWS's post #73 above. I think they are trying to sell the company.

Thanks, Lady Penelope. My wife who is a radiographer had an operation for this on one of her hands. I didn't know the Viking connection. She isn't inclined to test her DNA. At present Ancestry don't have health traits, but they have started to offer a survey which might develop in this...

The British Library suffered a cyber attack in Oct 2023 which was massively disruptive. The databases are being rebuilt on a new computer system.https://www.bl.uk/cyber-incident/

Welcome to BHF, Woodcarver! Splendid photos and your personal connection. My Mom lived close, but was a non-swimmer and regaled me with stories of drownings there! Your grandfather and his friends look a fine body of men. Open water swimming is popular, but I don't think any is allowed at...

The ethnic origins are said to be the most open to interpretation in these tests and vary historically. The last upgrade said I'm 2% Icelandic, perhaps this means that a very distant ancestor was a Viking?? The Vikings came to Britain 800 to 1150 AD. I did have a red beard...

Fred Sirieix is of course French and DNA testing remains illegal there. So they won't find many French matches. I'll be interested to see how they establish his ancestry. https://www.myfrenchroots.com/dna-testing-in-france/