I was born in Aston in 1930, left in 1935 and returned in late 40s, late 50s and early 60s finally leaving for good in 1962. I remember it with great affection, wonderful cheerful fairly poor people, always ready to help, great sense of humour. Seemed to be a pub on every corner. There was a lot of poverty but every house had clean curtains and shiny windows, no liiter, unfortunately it has not stayed that way and there as been a slow but steady deteriation since about the 60's and most of the original astonians have either died of or left (and who can blame them, not me) I certainly would not like to live there now, or even visit, such a terrible shame. Aston Hall as not changed over the years, in fact there is more of it open to the public now then when I was young (used to visit it regularly on both school trips and with my parents), but the Park it stands in has changed a lot, not for the better in my opinion. You query the size of Aston, I think it has the same bounderies now as it did then. I think the area round Aston Church and Aston Park was the better part to live in, I lived opposite the Park in Queens Rd next to Atkinsons Brewery (Ah, the wonderful smell of the brewery). I could write a book on Aston but Astonian could write a Volume or more, he certainly has a greater knowledge than I. Eric mapledurhamfox. a just re-read your post and note you are referring to a specefic year viz: 1964 after I had left in '62 so I have not really heped you, but will leave it on out of possible interest.
