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Harold White, Birmetals Do any of you remember Harold? He was the Chief Metallurgist. He died recently and his funeral will take place on Thursday 12th of October, 2:15 p.m. at St. Mary's Church, Church Road, Old Swinford, Stourbridge, DY8 2HA. We believe Harold was about 90. He was a keen...

Superb. I think I can recognise Len Wilson, from the Engineers and possibly Arthur Horton.

It's a fabulous photo and I'm assuming this was taken at Birmetals?

Well the main Birmid offices were in Smethwick. When I completed my apprenticeship, I remember attending there to collect my indentures in a leather briefcase. I also attended Chance Technical College in Smethwick.

I'm very interested in the history of Birmetals, Woodgate, and have created a new Facebook page. Please take a look and participate. More photos and stories are needed: https://www.facebook.com/groups/741199692710439/

Yes, it was Dick Picken. Sadly, I think Dick died some years ago. Small world. There are more ex-apprentices that I can provide email addresses for.

I came to Birmetals in about 1962, so you had left, but I stayed until closure in 1980. Clive James lives quite close to me and introduced me to Halesowen Athletic Club, where I am still a member. Sad to hear about the loss of Bob Dyer and others. Do you remember Dennis Whyley in NDT? Well...

Considering Birmetals, it would be great to accumulate a collection of photographs, not of a personal nature, that we can share to refresh our memories. Clearly a lot of us, and I was an apprentice, were shaped and influenced by our experiences at Birmetals. When I consider industry and...

David Stratford, as you probably know, went on to get a PhD in respect of a new Magnesium alloy that he created containing zinc and manganese. It could be age hardened. C.J. Smith took great pride in this but sadly it corroded as you watched it. 'Strat', as we called him, went on to be a...

Anvil Man - Glad that I provided a photo of Charlie. I always had time for him and yes, he was a lovable rogue. After one of our drinking sessions I remember staying the night with Charlie and his wife Mary at their home, The Castle, not far from The Bird in Hand. If I remember correctly Ian...

Anvil Man - Your article was excellent. Your recollections are incredible. I remember you in the old labs opposite NDT (Dennis Whiley). You shared with Sid Parr, I think. I did work under George Newton. If I remember correctly, you used to make beaten copper trays etc in your spare time. There...

Here is an aerial view of Birmetals in the 1940s, when set in open countryside. Clapgate Lane was notorious for testing the suspension of cars.

After my apprenticeship, I first worked in 'process control' within the labs. Then I became a production foreman in No.2 Extrusion and then I ran No.1 Extrusion that used to be managed by Reg Box. I stayed at Birmetals until the closure in December 1980. I enjoyed my time there and will never...

Yes, Charlie was a real character. As an apprentice I was placed with Charlie. A great introduction to working life. Fred had a Ford Prefect and looked like a boxer but was a kind sort. Do you remember Anne Humphries who worked with Fred and made coffee mid morning? I visited you at your place...

I know the names. When I was there, Anne Humphries worked with Fred. There was Alan Parr, Dave Kind, Dennis Whiley, Brian Osborne, Eddie Gale, Jim Hodges, Brian Rock, Clive Nock, Percy Mould, Charlie Higgs, Harold White, Dave Riley - in the labs.

This is me with Charlie Higgs DFC, at Birmetals, in Freddy Fox's Lab.

Great picture David. I bet that you do not remember me. Mick Freer