
Image 13: A class photo on a rather wet looking day. Oddly, there doesn’t seem to be a member of staff in the picture. Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
In the fifth serialised article of what will turn out to be quite a few, here’s the next three photos from Walsall Wood Secondary School in the 1950s with accompanying notes, as introduced in this blog post here – This time, I am including the handwritten notes by Tony himself below each image.
I return now to featuring images in order. Apologies for the delay in this post, thinks still a bit behind, but I’m catching ups now.
I shan’t comment on the notes directly, or attempt to transcribe: these are clearly a matter for readers as they obviously raise questions as well as answer them – and the last thing I want to do is lead the witnesses!
Thanks to Tony Portman who generously granted access to a remarkable collection, and to David Evans for scanning them so diligently. People like you gentlemen are keeping local history alive. Thank you.
Please, any comments, contributions or observations welcome. Either comment here, or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.

Image 14 – members of staff from the school. Again, I’m struck by how relaxed and generally happy they look! Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
Image 15 is certainly my class with Harry Pickering. Not sure if its 1st or 2nd year. Remember lots of faces and names but some not quite sure of. I can recognise your good lady “Young David”. Don’t remember the photo being taken.
Dave (Eddy) Edwards.
Love looking at these. – Image 14, like David Edwards I can recognise lots, but some I can’t. I am first left on the front row. Thank you for posting these, please keep them coming.
Mr Langford came to Brownhills Senior Boys School in the early 1960s Teaching .
The photo of the teachers brings back memorys. I remember Mr. Hildred; Mr. Swann and Mr. Faid. Big thank you to all involved.
Hi Bob
during a conversation with Tony Portman recently he recalled being told that Mr Swann had been an observor in the RAF during the war and had been engaged in overflying bombed targets in Germany following raids and would assess the damage done.. I assume this would be flying a reconnaissance Spitfire or Mosquito…..perhaps readers have more details.
many thanks to Tony
kind regards
David
Of the people in image 15 that are not named I think some maybe the following;
Back row…6 = John Aspley, 9 = Roy (Topper) Roberts, 10= Graham Swain, 11= Alan Caulton.
Middle row….2= D Craven
Dave (Eddy) Edwards
i believe Mr Swann used to be a member of the Chasewater sailing club, and we had Mr. Hildred for History at Shire Oak SM. Memories!