Heathans Remember
This section of the site features biographies and memories of "Heathans".Birmingham Girls
Carol Arnall has a book out called “Birmingham Girls” which recalls her life growing up in the area. Carol kindly shares some thoughts for us here:
My sister Pauline and I lived in Coneybere Street, Balsall Heath, with our mom during the mid to late 1940s - up the terrace as it was called - Newport Terrace to give it its proper name.
Happy And Glorious: Coronation Day on Jakeman Road
Our "open" sessions at the History Base continue to attract people. One recent visitor was Geoffrey Head who was pleased to see himself in the 1945 VE Day photograph (above) taken on Jakeman Road. Geoff also had the picture taken eight years later in 1953 when they re-grouped for Coronation Day. Have a look at this very scarce photograph and see if there is anyone you know. Geoff is to the left of the girl in white who is behind the sign.
The Triangle Cinema and the Italian Connection
The Triangle Cinema, 1957
For Heathan Mr. J. Pomphrett time spent in the Triangle or Alhambra Cinema was time well spent! And afterwards there was always the lure of an Italian...
The Balsall Heath Carnival
People have been sharing their memories of the Carnival - inspired by the photographic exhibitions we have recently mounted around the area. These are some of the anecdotes we have gathered...Maurice Cleaver: Early years in Balsall Heath
Maurice Cleaver gave an interview recently to Val Hart and Chris Sutton. This is the first part where he talks about growing up between the Wars and the period after the Second World War.Jim Fitzpatrick: The Mary Street Gang go to Sherbourne Road
Society member Jim Fitzpatrick recently sent us two photos from his family album. Here they are with his comments...
Gwen Aspinall remembered
History Society member Gwen Aspinall recently passed away at the age of 100. Her family recently sent us some words about her life as a contribution to the website.John Smith: Keeping Up With The Smiths
John Smith, from Brisbane, Australia, got in touch. He was born in Balsall Heath in 1947, lived at 144 Clifton Road and attended Clifton Road School. Here is what he had to say...Growing up after the War - Dougie Dulson
All the people in our area were working class and our family was no different from the rest. People were just happy trying to make a life again after six years of war, the rationing of food and sweets and coupons for clothing. Also the starting up of all the factories to making things people wanted to buy, and not making bombs, tanks, aircraft and warships. It was an exciting time to be around with all the bombed buildings to explore and things to find.Dorothy Ball (Brighton Road Post Office)
Older Heathans will remember Dorothy Ball who, with her husband Stanley, ran Brighton Road Post Office from 1964 – 1986.
Betty Thornicroft
Betty sadly passed away this year, but will always be remembered for her stalwart contributions to all of the activities and events which the Society promoted, or were involved in. Back in 2005 she gave a brief account to the “People’s War” archive set up by the BBC. These were Betty’s responses to the questions…
The Tindal Memory Writing Group
The Tindal Memory Writing Group published a wonderful book of Balsall Heath memories in 1991. Entitled "Writing It All Down Before It's All Gone" it focused on working class life in Balsall Heath between the Wars. Now out of print, some excerpts from the book are re-published here. The book was edited by Alan Maher, illustrated by Len Baron and featured memories and contributions from Len Baron, Mary Bramwell, Margaret Chatwin, Rhoda Evans, Bernard Jackson, Doreen Raper, Phyllis Shipway, Syd Walker, Harold & Phyllis Wedgbury, Joan Austin, Benny Fisher, Winifred Berkeley, Janet Blick and Jane Bubb.