• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

Bull Ring 1960s - 1980s

Does anyone remember St. Martins House, in the 1960's, an office block on the other side of the road opposite the church. There was a row of shops including the opticians, Maxton Saunders, Wimbush and a florist kiosk, a cafe, suede shop and a deli, I'd never seen one of those before, it was all new to me. I believe the commissionaire was Reg Walker, a lovely chap, I think he sometimes had letters printed in the B'ham Mail. Seems such a long time ago.
I remember St.Martin's House well,I worked opposite it back then,at "The Talbot",known now as the Bull Ring Tavern...Reg Walker often popped in for a quick half of bitter...Here he is on the left,at the opening of the Locarno Ballroom,in 1961..
 

Attachments

  • locarno opening.jpg
    locarno opening.jpg
    177 KB · Views: 28
Does anyone remember St. Martins House, in the 1960's, an office block on the other side of the road opposite the church. There was a row of shops including the opticians, Maxton Saunders, Wimbush and a florist kiosk, a cafe, suede shop and a deli, I'd never seen one of those before, it was all new to me. I believe the commissionaire was Reg Walker, a lovely chap, I think he sometimes had letters printed in the B'ham Mail. Seems such a long time ago.
Yes, I remember St Martins House, I worked in there for a firm of Accountants for a little while in the late 70s before the company moved into New Street.
Your memory is better than mine about the little shops there! I do remember the florists kiosk and there was also a ladies clothes boutique in another kiosk, can't remember the name now but I think it's been mentioned on another thread.
 
I remember St.Martin's House well,I worked opposite it back then,at "The Talbot",known now as the Bull Ring Tavern...Reg Walker often popped in for a quick half of bitter...Here he is on the left,at the opening of the Locarno Ballroom,in 1961..
Oh yes, just as I remember him, such a long time ago.
 
Thank you everyone for your comments and photos, funny, I don't remember the car park but I suppose it was out of my eye-line. I've just remembered the bank at the end of the row, was it the Midland Bank?
 
Does anyone remember St. Martins House, in the 1960's, an office block on the other side of the road opposite the church. There was a row of shops including the opticians, Maxton Saunders, Wimbush and a florist kiosk, a cafe, suede shop and a deli, I'd never seen one of those before, it was all new to me. I believe the commissionaire was Reg Walker, a lovely chap, I think he sometimes had letters printed in the B'ham Mail. Seems such a long time ago.
Designed by James A. Roberts who designed the Rotunda and Smallbrook Ringway, among others.
 
I tried to see it on Google Maps recently, of course it's all gone, nothing but memories. If only we all carried a camera to keep those memories alive.
if you are looking for a photo of st martins house there is one on post 330

lyn
 
Back
Top