Image 16: A class of older pupils on a rather wet looking day. Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
Tony’s notes for image 16. Click for a larger version.
In the sixth 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.
There’s also a bonus image here too from reader David Bunce, which is from the same period, if not the same set, which I’m hoping readers may be able to light up:
David Bunce describes this image as ‘Walsall wood football team 1955 my dad in back row 3rd from left Barry Jackaman’ – I think this is a football team from Walsall Wood School. Am I right? Recognise anyone?
Thanks to David Bunce for that wonderful one. If it’s not from the same set as the Portman images, it’s certainly the same period. Let me know what you think!
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 17 -Another group of older pupils with quite a few staff seemingly amongst them. Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
Tony’s notes for image 17. Click for a larger version.
Image 18 – I’m not certain but I think this is all staff, and the sky seems to be clearing! Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
Tony’s notes for image 18. Click for a larger version.
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Hi Bob
the football team photo is one I have never seen before. I think the teacher is Mr Ron Smith, (Royal Oak and Bullings Heath articles) and , if my old eyes dont deceive me, front row, right hand side looks very much like our own Trevor Brown , aka Hovis, now expat living in tropical Queensland.
a huge thanks to David Bunce for the image..I hope readers can help to identify the rest of the team
kind regards
David
hi Bob,with ref to the football team photo back row number one i think is Melvyn Seedhouse, No 6 is John Orgil, front row No 2 is Ken Bradshaw , and No 4 is Kieth (Wogga) Wilson. and i think back row No 2 is John Till. best regards Alvin Cox
Hi There
I think I agree with Alvin but don’t recognise any one else, don’t think I can see Hovis among them but may be wrong
Dave (Eddy) Edwards
Further to image 18 I thinks it is Mrs Barker and Mr Hammer with the school prefects
Dave (Eddy) Edwards
Image 16 Has my brother Barry Blakemore in the picture. Middle row no 10
I am saying Barry Blakemore because the image for 17 As in the names says Barry Blakemore but to me it looks like my brother Graham Blakemore.
Hi Bob
word from Trevor, in sunny Queensland, reaches me..It’s not him ..but that the tall chap in the front row is Sausage Greenwood. I wonder who else rejoiced in such original nicknames…was this a Walsall Wood tradition?
thanks for the info, Hovis
David
It is mentioned that the one guy in this photo is Ron Gray. Would this be the Ron Gray who went on to becoming the famous boxing promoter? If so this family who’s origins began in London before settling in Shelfield went onto to great things. Not only did Ron become a world renowned promoter but his Brother Billy was the training sparing partner for Cassius Clay before he came up against Henry Cooper. Whilst training as a reputable boxer himself Ron worked as a butcher at the Co-op in Rushall. There was also Peter Gray who took up boxing but moved onto other things in his earlier years. Just a thought, as Bluebottle would say.
yes, I think you are right, Brian
Sorry. I forgot to mention that I was talking about the top picture shown above.
If you wish to do some research; the last time I met Peter Gray was back in the seventies, then he lived in the Chasetown Cannock area. It would be a good find as this families history would fill a book.
Brian Sossy Greenwood is the chap with the Ball, he is still friends with Ron Gray all these years on.
So would you know if this is Ron Gray the boxer from Shelfield? Thank you for your time.
Hi Brian
yes it is Ron Gray the boxer
cheers
David
The first photo, has my brother Maurice Clawley on the back row, ninth one along (Left to right) Now living in Aldridge!