Shortly after compiling the last post about the great local history chronicler and raconteur Godfrey ‘Oakparkrunner’ Hucker, he kindly sent me another great contribution. I am indebted to Godfrey and as ever, cannot thank him enough for his wonderful memories, photos and anecdotes. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: it’s readers like Godfrey and the wonderful debate they spark that makes this blog worth doings. Thanks.
Godfrey, of course, curates his own fantastic blog and I note this week that he has compiled an engaging, informative wander into his childhood in Brownhills. It’s a cracking read, so please do take a look.
GGodfrey sent me the following:
Bob – With regard to your survey on lost pubs of Brownhills. Some of my early days of frequenting Ale Houses in the 1950’s, were spent in the Anglesey Arms on the Watling Street opposite Howdles Lane. A block of flats were built on the site after the demise of the public house. These flats have recently been demolished and all that remains now is a compound of green railings. One of the regulars in the Anglesey was local business man Ralph Ferrie who owned Brownhills Motor Sales, along with some old Leyland Lorries. Son of Charles Ferrie, who started the business, their garage was situated adjacent to the railway sidings at the rear of the Station Hotel. He drove a Rolls Royce Saloon reg RF 2. Photo of the Anglesey Arms is taken from MEMORIES OF OLD BROWNHILLS by Clarice Mayo & Geoff Harrington. The Leyland was taken in Brownhills High Street, I believe it to be going down to the start of the Carnival procession. Kind regards Godfrey (oakparkrunner)
This actually made me wonder: does anyone have any idea as to the provenance of the prominent local name Anglesey? We have Anglesey Wharf, Sidings, Basin and branch. Now we have the Anglesey Arms. What do you know? Is it a coincidence that the Watling Street terminates in Anglesey? I’d be interested to hear what you have to say.
'The Anglesey Arms' from Memories of Old Brownhills by Clarice Mayo. I wish I could get a copy of that book...
Godfrey's photo of one of Ferrie's classic trucks. Note Severn House in the background - I guess the houses in the background (the terraces to the left) would be where Philip Cheetham lived, by the SNC spiritualist church.