This week, I’ve been very impressed with a group that came to my attention on Facebook. It’s called ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…‘ and is curated by Facebook user David Gallagher. It’s rare that Facebook throws anything up that’s so damned wonderful, but I have to say, both David and the group contributors are generating and discussing a wealth of memories of Lichfield. There are a huge quantity of great photos and memories being discussed. I’ve been looking for photos of the old Lichfield shopping precinct for a while, with that curious water feature. I’ve spent considerable amount of time perusing the group in the last week, and I recommend it to anyone who knows Lichfield. I’m featuring some of the pictures here to hopefully encourage readers to go and check the group out.
One thing would make it complete, however. Both myself and Kate from Lichfield Lore have mentioned before the Monterey Exchange pub – what is now the Bowling Green, and the days it was painted pink as an American theme bar. I remember the radio adverts from the late eighties. Does anyone have a photo of it, please?
I just remember the old shopping centre, and it's curious water features. Some had fish in them I think. Picture posted by Lesley Pope in the Facebook group 'You're probably from Lichfield, Staffs if...'
A remarkable 1926 aerial shot of Lichfield from the southeast. Picture posted by Grahame Foster in the Facebook group 'You're probably from Lichfield, Staffs if...'
Bore Street, where Burton's Menswear stands now. I had no idea that was a Co-Op. Over to the right now, the street is pedestrianised, and Barclays Bank would be out of shot on the left. Picture posted by David Gallagher in the Facebook group 'You're probably from Lichfield, Staffs if...'
Once a cinema... then a Kwik-Save. Now empty, a rumoured to become a hotel. Looked fabulous back in the day.Picture posted by Paul Jones in the Facebook group 'You're probably from Lichfield, Staffs if...'
I can't quite visualise where this is, but I guess it's Bakers Lane, near where Jessops is now. Picture posted by David Gallagher in the Facebook group 'You're probably from Lichfield, Staffs if...'
The market in those days looked fantastic, and somehow very ramshackle. Wonder when this was taken? Picture posted by David Gallagher in the Facebook group 'You're probably from Lichfield, Staffs if...'
Again, I remember this, and kind of know that it's where the Three Spires Centre is today, Bakers Lane. I just can't picture where. Help gratefully received. Picture posted by David Gallagher in the Facebook group 'You're probably from Lichfield, Staffs if...'
Before Burtons, before the Co-Op... the Dolphin Hotel in Bore Street. Remarkable. Picture posted by Paul Jones in the Facebook group 'You're probably from Lichfield, Staffs if...'
Ah, now this is a Brownhills memory, too. I remember this van - or another one of the same design - coming round the Hussey Estate as a kid. He wasn't regular, and I don't think it was his patch, but I remember the occasional visits he made well. Picture posted by Shan Ross in the Facebook group 'You're probably from Lichfield, Staffs if...'