The long-gone canal bridge over the Wyrley and Essington Canal (now the Lichfield and Hatherton) at Barracks Lane, Brownhills, in 1949. Image kindly supplied by Geoff Harrington via David Evans. Click for a larger version
Out of the blue, the young David Evans has been busy again – this time answering the call of the wonderful Geoff Harrington, who’s donated a whole bunch of never seen before images to the blog.
Geoff, of course, is the remarkable sportsman whose amazing exploits at Powderhall I documented earlier in the year; he also spent years as a snooker referee and also co-authored several local history books with Geoff and Clarice Mayo.
With this one, Geoff has really come up with an amazing image. Click on it for the full size view – this is the canal bridge over the lost line from Ogley Junction to Huddlesford, where it went under Barracks Lane, just past where the veterinary surgery is today – formerly Warrenhouse Farm.
In the distance, the countryside – looking distinctly barren by today’s standards – stretches out to Muckley Corner and Summerhill. Note the locks, just visible beyond the bridge.
This canal is, of course, currently under restoration by the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust, who have their heritage gathering all this weekend (19-20th September 2015).
David Evans had this to say:
Hello Bob
This is a very interesting image. Taken by Geoff harrington in 1949 it shows his wife and friend standing on the canal bridge over the canal along Barracks Lane. I think you just make out the Boat Inn in the distance, and also what Mr Harrington identified as Asa Thacker’s pools along the canal
The two ladies worked at Kynochs munitions factory, Birmingham, during the war on the ‘Dangerfield’ aassembly line. I wonder if readers have information or personal experiences of friends who also worked there during the conflict?
My thanks to Mr Harrington for this lovely photo.
David
If only we had an expert on Kynochs in the house…
Thanks to Geoff for a whole tranche of brilliant, illuminating images, the rest of which I’ll feature in future posts – but in the meantime, what do you know about this cracking picture?
Comment here or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
Geoff, you are a remarkable and generous man. Thanks so much.