I’ve just managed to get hold of a new book of photographs of Brownhills. Entitled ”Around Pelsall & Brownhills’ it’s part of the huge ‘Britain in old photographs’ series, compiled by David F. Vodden and published by Sutton Publishing Limited (128 pages, 1998, ISBN 0-7509-1898-5). It’s a book I’d noted the existence of, but never opened. I wished I’d done so previously, as it’s a genuine treasury of historic photos of our area, both the old and more recent. I shall certainly be dipping into it here on the blog for some time to come, as so many of the pictures are new to me, and very thought provoking. It’s a fantastic tome, only slightly dimmed by the presence of photos of our neighbours in Pelsall. The reproduction isn’t the best I’ve seen, but the book contains contributions from a wide range of local notables including Doug Birch, Brian Rollins and Walsall Local History Centre.
If you can find a copy, I recommend you purchase one immediately, you’ll love it; however, like many of the great local history books one suspects the print run was rather limited and they’re very scarce in the wild.
Coming up there’s going to be quite a lot of local history here on the blog, so please do stay tuned, I’ve a ton of great stuff to share.
Did you know any of these brave men? I love the slifghtly raffish, relaxed C. Mason. From 'Around Pelsall & Brownhills' by David F. Vodden.
Reader 'Howmuch' remembers this old General Store, and the Chippy a few doors up. Note the signs for Bournville, Fry's Cocoa and Colman's Starch. I also like the gum machine on the wall to the left. From 'Around Pelsall & Brownhills' by David F. Vodden.
Another store I never knew exised. Note the cigarette, bike with Brooks saddle and hacksaw hanging in the window. From 'Around Pelsall & Brownhills' by David F. Vodden.
Get a copy if you can. Wonderful stuff.