Mr Punch?
A punch and judy show from the 1978 carnival.
Muriel Cowan interview
Muriel Cowan was born in Dublin in 1934 and moved here when she was 21, after marrying an Irish building-worker who was already living in Birmingham. Since 1972, they have been living in a council house ...
New Hope Close off Rickman Drive
One of the first developments after the stock transfer which led to Optima COmmunity Association being formed. New Hope Close (a symbolic name) is located off Rickman Drive. Since it was built Rickman ...
Ni' Night
On the ninth night after a death men gather at the deceased's house. They chant readings from the bible intentionally in a long drawn out incoherent way. If someone sounds too clear, they will stop ...
Opening of Moonlit Park
Pupil from St Thomas's School at the opening of the new Moonlit Park in Attwood Green. The park is part of the redevelopment of the Lee Bank estate.
Opening of Moonlit Park
Children from Woodview Primary School in a colourful procession to the opening of Moonlit Park.
Ossie interview
Ossie was born in 1964 and lived in Handsworth throughout his childhood. He remembers the riots in 1985 and rejects the idea that they were caused by inter-racial tensions:
To listen to an extract ...
Pantomime at the Prince Of Wales
A piece from the local press promoting the panto at the Prince Of Wales Theatre during the war. The theatre, on Broad Street, was destroyed by bombs and incendiaries during the war. Seen rehearsing for ...
Parachute Queens
Three articles on the exploits of Lieutenant Lempriere. The main article concerns his "parachute queens" who regularly performed with him.
The names of those who worked with him are given as Cissie ...
Peckam Road, Kingstanding
Street party in Peckam Road, Kingstanding, to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
Peggy Gilbert interview
Peggy Gilbert was born in Yorkshire in 1928. Her father was a miner, and when she was 8 he got a job at Hamstead Colliery on the outskirts of Handsworth:
To listen to an extract of this interview select ...
Perry Hall
Situated in Perry Hall Park, now demolished
Photograph taken by James Ranahan at St Patrick’s Parade, Birmingham
"This photograph sat on the corner of my desk and has lifted my spirits for 18 months, every time I have glanced up. Its appeal for me is three-fold:
* Uplifting - It reminds me of a very happy day, ...
Picnic in the park
The place is Calthorpe Park; the statue in the background is that of Robert Peel which was moved later (1963) to the Police Training College just further along the Pershore Road - although the base remains ...
Pirates
The Lord Mayor confronts the pirates in the 1978 carnival.
Police at Demonstration in Winson Green
Anti Nazi Demonstration against the National Front support march for Robert Ralph. Ralph was imprisoned in Winson Green Prison for openly stating that he would sell his house to a white family only. ...
Police in Winson Green
Police in Winson Green after the Nazi National Front demonstration in support of Robert Ralph. When the photograph was first taken it seemed that the van 'spoiled' the shot. But now it gives a good ...
Police investigation during Handsworth Riots
Policeman searching for fingerprints in broken glass during Handsworth Riots.