Category Archives: Uncategorized

I’m very near the edge of the parish of Aldridge, in the November dusk – looking north-east from the rise which is “Lazy Hill”. To the left, out of view, is the bosky mound of an Iron Age Fort. Beyond … Continue reading →

It was “Decorarte” in Hatherton Street, Walsall for bespoke paint and wallpaper, Shenstone Brickworks for bricks, and Mr Hilditch’s shop in our High Street in Aldridge for the odd dozen nails or screws. It was Magnet Joinery in Lichfield for … Continue reading →

We children Jimmy ( my age) Jack and Noah ( his sons) Bill and me hung on the cemetery wall to watch. Until 31st August 1921, almost three years after The Armistice, service personnel received a military funeral, and an … Continue reading →

As the Second World War broke out, changes were afoot in the little hamlet of Lynn in Staffordshire. In 1937, my dad’s eldest sister, Mary Horton, had become Mrs. Alfred Cooper, and married life had begun in the “Lodge” on … Continue reading →

My dad found his own father an engaging subject for photographic portraits. “Pop” was now in his 80s. His face has the craggy patina of age without appearing careworn. His still quite full head of hair and very thick moustache … Continue reading →

They don’t seem to have had a lot of wear, these sturdy but rather smart Women’s Land Army shoes, which are on display in the Staffordshire County Museum at Shugborough Hall. Peering into the glass case, Mother remarked that her … Continue reading →

It was warm enough and shallow enough on Norton Pool, only recently rechristened “Chasewater” in July of 1957 for Grandad Horton and my Uncle George to wade out into its clear water barefoot, trousers rolled up, angling for carp or … Continue reading →

“What IS that activity you do when you perform a song?” my University tutor asked me, purposefully, some time in the early 80’s, as we strode in step up the challenging incline of Egham Hill from the railway station.  “Singing”, … Continue reading →

A few weeks ago I headed west along the A5 in search of my Shropshire roots.  Ah, that A5.  Thomas Telford’s improvement of the “Watling Street’, closely following the Roman road from London to Holyhead has now been honoured with … Continue reading →