Phil,
Regarding "what happened when I went to the end of the road ..." I wrote and posted far more than has appeared! The story didn't have any great revelations, other than to say that at the end of our road (Wake Green Road) three districts came together. To the left was Hall Green, to the right, Kings Heath and behind me Moseley!
Brook Lane, Kings Heath was dual carriageway at that point and was superb for sledging in the snow, apart from the road cut through for the Hurst.
We could easily walk into the Dingles and follow the River Rea up to Tritiford Park. Behind us was a field and the remains of the old Wake Green Road with stretches of paved road quite visible. The road took a dog leg turn just before the school playing fields to come out on Wake Green Road, as we know it now, about where the first prefab sits next to a permanent house. Opposite this was a farm building that became a garage and filling station.
Mostly happy days but I live in Lancashire now and have no intention of returning. I don't like what's happened to Sparkbrook, Sparkhill and Kings Heath. I miss my family and friends though and will always be grateful for the work and training opportunities that Brum provided.