OLD WEST BROMWICH PHOTOS

As a new member thought that I should introduce my self and say hello to all. My name is Lee Timmins and I was born in Smethwick in 1951. Lived in Oak Road until 7 then moved to Stone Cross. After that a succession of moves which eventually took me away from West Brom and I now live in Derbyshire.

Parents were George and Joan (nee Perkins) Timmins. Dad's parents came from Gads Lane and Mom's from Pitt Street.

just to say welcome, have you been back lately? West Bromwich is hanging on by it's fingernails.

barbara at September 8, 2010 at 10:36 AM

just to say welcome, have you been back lately? West Bromwich is hanging on by it's fingernails.

Hello Barbara.

Thanks for your message. I have only been back to the town itself on 2 occasions over the last 20 or so years. We lived down in Gloucestershire for 16 years and have been in Derbyshire for the last 4.

I don't know what to say about West Brom now. My head is full of memories of very happy times growing up there; of the magic of the High Street and the Market as a child; Trows ice cream, Shuker's fish and chips - I could go on forever. I had hoped when I visited to re-live some of those memories but I find that my life has been swept away, presumably in the name of progress - whose I don't know. Even my school - Churchfields - has gone. On one occasion I thought to take my daughter to see the Oak House. Travelling down the vestiges of Paradise Street I thought that someone had built a funfair - I believe what I saw is a new shopping centre  / mall? Don't know; didn't investigate and don't want to.

Sad to say that West Bromwich exists for meonly in my head now, and in the photos and film clips on this wonderful site.

Sorry if that sounds apathetic, but the reality hurts too much. [:(]

Don't start me about the Town now.

I go back pretty regulary to visit family or go to weddings & funerals and every time I get off the motorway it fills me with despair and what the hell is going on on all saints way ?

has that Tescos come to a standstill or what ?

I go up about ever 6 or 7 weeks and there seems to be a lack of work being done

and what the hell has happened to the ebeneezer wall, it's now all bloody pink, SOOO BADDDD and so out of character with the surrounding area. it really looks an eyesore