| Description | This file contains transcripts of recorded interviews with residents of the area. These are annotated and some have stage production references on them. Collectively, they provide an impression of the backgrounds of some of the residents of a changing area of Birmingham. Originally a rural location, the railway provided an impetus for suburban development in Victorian and Edwardian times. and interwar private and council housing estates greatly extended the residential development. The interviewees are generally elderly and some issues discussed go back to the pre World War One period.
An overview of the history of the local area is given, including details of the Walker family of Fox Hollies Hall and the old Dolphin Pub. The nature of, and differences between the Boy / Rover Scouts and the Boys Brigade are considered. The Girls Brigade is also mentioned. Country life in Acocks Green, Knowle and surrounding areas is mentioned as are the effects of air raids on the Acocks Green locality. The Pool Farm housing estate is discussed, and also the Fox Hollies Forum.
Hazlewood Tennis Courts are mentioned, and memories of school and childhood games and songs are discussed. Childhood memories and workers' recollections of the 1926 General Strike are also considered.
The introduction of trams to Acocks Green is discussed as are inter-war 'bus services in Acocks Green and South Birmingham. Observations are made about tensions within Birmingham City Transport between tram and omnibus operators. A court case dating from the 1920s is considered, where a tram manager was shot and wounded by a 'bus manager. Picket duties at 'bus depots during the General Strike are discussed, and Police action against pickets is described.
The impact of TB, diptheria and other diseases on Acocks Green families is referred to. Work at Lucas, Rover at Tyseley and BSA at Small Heath is mentioned Entertainment opportunites are discussed, including radio, cinema and dancing.
A description of Lloyd Farm, Sparkbrook as the BSA Recreation ground is given as well as one of a water diviner. Experiences of army life are given.
A gardeners' club known as the 'Pickled Cabbage Club' is mentioned. War work in factories in Birmingham and Coventry during World War One is discussed, and a Zeppelin raid on Birmingham is mentioned. The impact of receiving a 'white feather' for cowardice is described.
Local public houses are referred to, including the Spread Eagle, the Fox Hollies, the Red Lion, the New Inns and the Dolphin.
Descriptions of cycling and motoring in the area during the inter-war perid are given.
Dicsussions headed 'Sons of Rest' contrasts aspects of community life in pre war Aston and Handsworth with contemporary circumstances in Acocks Green. The boundary between Aston and Handsworth at Trinity Road is described, as are barracks in Acocks Green and Handsworth. Army life is also considered.
Activities of the Young Peoples Fellowship and the Girls Life Brigade are described. 'Fred's Cafe' in Acocks Green is described. The 'nile stiles' on footpaths in the area are referred to. [Cataloguer's note: these locally known stiles later gave their name to 'Ninestiles School' in the area.]
Schools in Acocks Green, Handsworth and elsewhere in Birmingham in the early and mid twentieth centuries are described.
Shops, shopping and door to door sales in inter-war Acocks Green is described, and begging iin the district is described.
The 'monkey run' where young people would promenade in earlier times is discussed, and current attiudes of, and facilities for young people is discussed. The need for a residents' association in Acocks Green is identified. |