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The YMCA took over the premises of the Grand Sultan Divan in Needless Alley sometime in the late 1800's I think without checking my notes. The following isfrom an article in Showells Directory about it. My gt.grandfather's sister was working as a nursemaid to the Owner of the "Dancing Saloon"...

Very funny Phil :) Yes of course Paul, I had forgotten that Pam and Lyn went to Soho College, but it was a while after me. I left in 1954. Judy

Is there anyone out there that went to Soho College on Soho Hill, Handsworth? The building is in a very sorry state now, but it was a lovely little school in its day. Here's a photo of me in my school blazer (on holiday in Newquay and walking with my Auntie Eve). If we went to school without...

Is there anyone out there that went to Soho College on Soho Hill, Handsworth? The building is in a very sorry state now, but it was a lovely little school in its day. Here's a photo of me in my school blazer (on holiday in Newquay and walking with my Auntie Eve). If we went to school without...

Probably the Casino - or The Grand Mecca Casino which was in Corporation Street facing the Old Square. I used go in there loads, both in the evenings and for the lunchtime dances when I was a teenager and worked just down the road from there. Judy

Mike - we live in hope!! I passed through New Street on a train a few days ago and although there were improvements from my last visit it didn't look like the Youtube film!!!!! Judy

Ellbrown - Thanks for the update on development! Navigation Street never looked like that when I lived in Brum!!! But, I do recognise what we used to call Chetwyns Corner. Astonian - Hope you enjoy your visit to Brum and will look forward to your photos. I just received this link from...

Thanks so much Ellbrown! It's been a few years since I visited Birmingham and these streets have changed beyond my recognition, but with your help and Google I have now placed the area. Although I knew Smallbrook Ringway (not Queensway!) I didn't know St Martins Queensway. I travelled back...

As I no longer live in Birmingham could someone please tell me where the public square is, that is mentioned in #323 by Ellbrown? I can't quite place it or the Media Eye. I can see that its somewhere facing the Bull Ring and see the back of the Odeon, but what street will it be on...

The Swallow/Marriott Hotel was originally TI House (Tube Investments). I worked there as a temp secretary in the early 1960s.

Like Alan, my first school trip was to the Festival of Britain and the Battersea Festival Gardens in 1951. We went by train from Birmingham, and I remember being worried about going on a tube for the first time as I didn't know what it entailed! Judy

Agreed Ellbrown - although I do come back regularly to visit so I'm aware of how much things have changed over the years. However I've not seen any of the recent developments as its been a couple of years since I was last in Brum. That's why I appreciate your knowledge. Judy

Paul, I too had whooping cough when I was a little girl. I didn't know there was an epidemic of this in 1947, but would guess it would be around this time that I had it. I stayed at home but remember having to stay in bed for 8 weeks, and during that time I was quite delirious at times and...

Brilliant information. Thank you all so much. Guilbert53. The Skyscraper Site was fantastic and very informative. I must look at it more often! Dave the up-to-date photos of the area were just what I needed. Ellbrown I used to know the area well when I lived there and regularly used the...

No that church was St Michaels on St Michaels Hill/Vicarage Road/Soho Avenue Paul

And thanks to you Ellbrown! Useful to know, although I will be walking not bussing it! I just wasn't sure what sort of chaos would be in that area for the redevelopment as it is some time since I've been to Brum. Judy

Thanks for the update Lyn and Leslam. Much appreciated. I like to be able to find my way around still when I visit!!!! Judy

Thanks Lyn. If you are in the area I would appreciate an update on how things are. I always used to walk through Paradise Forum from the old library to Centenary Square but know that things are changing rapidly. However as I hope to be up in Brum quite soon, so I would be grateful for any...

Is there any update on the Paradise development? Can anyone tell me what is happening and if it is it still possible to walk from Chamberlain Square to Centenary Square? I hope to visit soon and would like to know the best way to walk to Centenary Square from Victoria Square. Judy

Thanks Lyn. I enjoyed looking at the photos of the Post Office. I used to take mail to this post office daily when I worked at Harry Astbury Electrical Engineers which was just down the hill. It was my first job from school as a junior shorthand typist when I was 15. I had to take all the...