My name is Keith Quirk and I used to live next door to Les's Newsagents in Nechells Park Road (311a) near to the Villa Tavern, between 1960 & 1970. I understand our house (in Victorian times) was part of the same address and was the local Post Office - we had a long covered entry from the front door to what probably used to be the original front door. half way along was an entrance to our front room which presumably led into the Post Office (Les's Newsagents). I lived there, with my late brother Brian and my parents Irene & Bill until the area was re-developed and our house was compulsorarily purchased. We were rehoused in Tile Cross (near Kitts Green). My parents still live in Tile Cross - I'm now married with two grown-up children & living in Solihull.
I often drive down Nechells Park Road and past my old school (Nechells Infants/Junior & Senior), although the Senior school no longer exists. It's funny how, despite the years, it all seems so recent & familiar. Although a lot has changed, compared to some area's, a lot of it (particularly around Eliot Street area) is much the same.
Like other posters, I well remember the 'Swingo' in Mount Street. At one point the council built a wooden fort half-way up the hill, next to the slide (I can't see that happening nowadays due to health & safety !!). I fell off the cast iron rotating 'spiders web' one day during lunch break from school and ended up with a lump the size of an egg on the side of my head - it didn't half hurt !!
My grandparents (Harold & Bessie Smith) lived at number 19 Needham Street for quite a few years (up until about
1973/4). I used to walk to their house most school dinner times for my lunch when I was in Senior school. Their house backed onto the railway line and across the other side lived Kenny Wiggins - one of my best friends from school (a few doors from the swimming baths). We used to throw small stones across to each others gardens.
I can't believe how the years have flown. Although none of us had much, I look back with fondness and remember the happy times we all had, before real life & responsibilities came upon us. A few names that I remember from my years at school - Kenny Wiggins, Paul Taylor, Tony Dalley, Nigel Shaw, Barry Storer, Josiah Gordon, Anthony Laucius, Robert Scwhalbe, Monica Blackwood, Helen Mullen, Diane Cruickshank, Susan Bowley & teachers - Mr Duggan, Mr Piggot, Miss Parry, Mr Kennedy, Mr Arkinstall. I could go on & on & on but I'll close now & post more in the future. To all those other Nechellites - don't be shy, just post your memories !!