Hope you enjoyed this short look around the West Bromwich Ringway in West Bromwich. Consider subscribing to this channel by hitting the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON in order for me to continue making films in and around West Bromwich and it will also ensure you are alerted to new video content. As always, all comments, questions, and feedback are welcome. Thanks for watching!!
I used to work on Saturday mornings in the old Peacocks store (about 1962). Old Mr Peacock used to come into the shop from his dingy office in the warehouse on the other side of a big yard full of old boxes, pallets and all sorts of rubbish that was never cleared. Yet he was always smartly dressed in a navy blue suit, white shirt, tie, Homburg hat and shiny black shoes. The lady assistants who worked there full time were always wary, wondering when he would appear and so always tidying the counters if not serving customers. When he’d left they could relax and one of them would go behind the carpet shelves and make tea. That tiny space was the only ‘staff room’ there was - room for perhaps two people to sit. When I started work full time in Birmingham I caught the train from the old station to Snow Hill as it was much quicker than going on the bus. I’m glad that the Metro is running along the original railway line and have used it a few times. The buses I used to get home all had their terminus in Paradise Street so that was handy. There were also the back entrances to the market and Woolworths which were a good short cut from the High Street to Paradise Street. I went to the Kings cinema a few times but the Palace in Queens Street was closed. Many from school went in the Casa Bamboo but I don’t think I ever did. It’s hard to visualise where Paradise Street was now that the Ringway is there (it’s a funny sort of ring) but thank you for showing us where it used to be Phil.
As I've mentioned to you before, Phil, I do remember Paradise St - the rear of the Radio Rentals shop I was based at about 55 years ago came out on to it. My memory of it is a bit vague though, and I don't recall there being too much activity along it. It was fairly short if I remember correctly. It didn''t run exactly parallel to the high St , but at about 30 deg from Dartmouth Square to Lyng Lane/Moor St. Again if I remember correctly, there was also a bit of a market towards the top end. I can still see it vaguely in my mind's eye as it was, but vaguely is the operative term! An interesting little walk round, but I have to say that once again I recognised almost nothing, which is very sad really. Sometimes it's change for the sake of change.
@@salopian4037 introducing modernity can work especially with a mix of old and new but the stuff that was built in the early 70s already looks so dated i
I miss the old West brom, as kids in the 60s we went to the old cinemas, I remember the old people talking to my mom, saying it won't be the same when they the new shopping centres, and they were right, it has gone down hill for years😢
Nice job Phil .enjoy all ur videos.grew up in West Bromwich in the 60s. Can't believe the change for the worst .even the streets on the estates weeds everywhere ,they used to be spotless back in the day. Progress definitely not.Great vids though nostalgic ,keep it going Phil.
Hi Phil enjoyed the walk around Paradise Street walking ùp from the Kings cinema on the right hand side of Paradise St I remember a small shop called the Jewal Box Brenford nylon that sold curtains /cushions and you could walk out onto Paradise Street from the old indoor Market and by the underground toilets at the end of the High Street shops there was Robinsons bread &cake shop all the best Paul
I think you’ll find Nicklebys ran adjacent to Kings Cinema and not instead of. We frequented Nicklebys every week in the early 90s. Good club with great memories!! The school uniform shop you captured briefly at the end of King Square used to be Siviters sports shop as I recall.
It’s hard to remember these streets but some of the shops remain similar. That little arcade was a Beautiful Place..was it great western arcade.? I remember there being lots of tiny shops crammed into a small passageway almost like time had forgotten it..
Well done, you managed to squeeze in the " Beggar or homeless person " sat outside the shelter shop, oneof several scattered around the town I've seen some of these at the end of their " days work " go back to their cars, change out of their scruffy jeans to be replaced by designer clothes and trainers.I live in Moor Street and these days I need to use a mobility scooter to get about, I first moved to West Brom from Wednesbury in 1972 and yes West Brom has become a s**t hole, very ashamed to tell people I live here, run down by the labour controlled Sandwell Council for years, your channel is very interesting and informative, I even recognise your face Phil, having seen you around the town I'm thinking, I have liked and subscribed, Cheers Mike, West Bromwich
Many thanks for your support. Your comments reflect a sign of our times and I don't think West Brom will improve much, its often said it is managed decline and I couldn't disagree with that
The new market is supposed to be happening and they did start doing it hence the reason why the old council office and Argos and shops along High St had white boarding around them. Looks like it has come to a standstill recently as the white boarding has gone and the shops are now boarded up. I Think the council have run out of money
Used to cut through the white fencing in the bus station by BSM to then cut through the Arcade to Kings Square when I was younger 70s and 80s. Kings and Queens Squares were so good back then. Sadly I think no matter what the council plans are with the regeneration especially to bring back Paradise and Queen St it will still not be the same, it is the people that have dragged it down. I live in Smethwick and trust me that is worse even the local Asda here is shockingly bad
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Hope you enjoyed this short look around the West Bromwich Ringway in West Bromwich. Consider subscribing to this channel by hitting the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON in order for me to continue making films in and around West Bromwich and it will also ensure you are alerted to new video content.
As always, all comments, questions, and feedback are welcome. Thanks for watching!!
I used to work on Saturday mornings in the old Peacocks store (about 1962). Old Mr Peacock used to come into the shop from his dingy office in the warehouse on the other side of a big yard full of old boxes, pallets and all sorts of rubbish that was never cleared. Yet he was always smartly dressed in a navy blue suit, white shirt, tie, Homburg hat and shiny black shoes. The lady assistants who worked there full time were always wary, wondering when he would appear and so always tidying the counters if not serving customers. When he’d left they could relax and one of them would go behind the carpet shelves and make tea. That tiny space was the only ‘staff room’ there was - room for perhaps two people to sit. When I started work full time in Birmingham I caught the train from the old station to Snow Hill as it was much quicker than going on the bus. I’m glad that the Metro is running along the original railway line and have used it a few times.
The buses I used to get home all had their terminus in Paradise Street so that was handy. There were also the back entrances to the market and Woolworths which were a good short cut from the High Street to Paradise Street. I went to the Kings cinema a few times but the Palace in Queens Street was closed. Many from school went in the Casa Bamboo but I don’t think I ever did. It’s hard to visualise where Paradise Street was now that the Ringway is there (it’s a funny sort of ring) but thank you for showing us where it used to be Phil.
Many thanks for these great memories they are much appreciated
As I've mentioned to you before, Phil, I do remember Paradise St - the rear of the Radio Rentals shop I was based at about 55 years ago came out on to it. My memory of it is a bit vague though, and I don't recall there being too much activity along it. It was fairly short if I remember correctly. It didn''t run exactly parallel to the high St , but at about 30 deg from Dartmouth Square to Lyng Lane/Moor St. Again if I remember correctly, there was also a bit of a market towards the top end. I can still see it vaguely in my mind's eye as it was, but vaguely is the operative term! An interesting little walk round, but I have to say that once again I recognised almost nothing, which is very sad really. Sometimes it's change for the sake of change.
@@salopian4037 introducing modernity can work especially with a mix of old and new but the stuff that was built in the early 70s already looks so dated i
I miss the old West brom, as kids in the 60s we went to the old cinemas, I remember the old people talking to my mom, saying it won't be the same when they the new shopping centres, and they were right, it has gone down hill for years😢
Nice job Phil .enjoy all ur videos.grew up in West Bromwich in the 60s. Can't believe the change for the worst .even the streets on the estates weeds everywhere ,they used to be spotless back in the day. Progress definitely not.Great vids though nostalgic ,keep it going Phil.
You're most kind, thank you for your support
Hi Phil enjoyed the walk around Paradise Street walking ùp from the Kings cinema on the right hand side of Paradise St I remember a small shop called the Jewal Box Brenford nylon that sold curtains /cushions and you could walk out onto Paradise Street from the old indoor Market and by the underground toilets at the end of the High Street shops there was Robinsons bread &cake shop all the best Paul
@@paulhill196 great memories many thanks
I think you’ll find Nicklebys ran adjacent to Kings Cinema and not instead of. We frequented Nicklebys every week in the early 90s. Good club with great memories!! The school uniform shop you captured briefly at the end of King Square used to be Siviters sports shop as I recall.
Many thanks for the comment and the info regarding siviters
Thanks for the video Phil, West Brom is truly shocking now. You got it spot on with the indoor market.
Hard to believe how neglected it has become
It’s hard to remember these streets but some of the shops remain similar. That little arcade was a Beautiful Place..was it great western arcade.? I remember there being lots of tiny shops crammed into a small passageway almost like time had forgotten it..
@@Amanda12325 it was simply called Arcadia and sadly missed by many
Well done, you managed to squeeze in the " Beggar or homeless person " sat outside the shelter shop, oneof several scattered around the town I've seen some of these at the end of their " days work " go back to their cars, change out of their scruffy jeans to be replaced by designer clothes and trainers.I live in Moor Street and these days I need to use a mobility scooter to get about, I first moved to West Brom from Wednesbury in 1972 and yes West Brom has become a s**t hole, very ashamed to tell people I live here, run down by the labour controlled Sandwell Council for years, your channel is very interesting and informative, I even recognise your face Phil, having seen you around the town I'm thinking, I have liked and subscribed, Cheers Mike, West Bromwich
Many thanks for your support. Your comments reflect a sign of our times and I don't think West Brom will improve much, its often said it is managed decline and I couldn't disagree with that
The clock , There was also one at White Horse Wednesbury
Indeed there was, i'd forgotten that one, many thanks
There was also one at Stone Cross and at the West Brom/Brum boundary outside the Hawthorns.
🙏🙏🙏❤
The new market is supposed to be happening and they did start doing it hence the reason why the old council office and Argos and shops along High St had white boarding around them. Looks like it has come to a standstill recently as the white boarding has gone and the shops are now boarded up. I Think the council have run out of money
❤😂❤
The original bus station was better
oh yes....without a doubt 👍
Used to cut through the white fencing in the bus station by BSM to then cut through the Arcade to Kings Square when I was younger 70s and 80s. Kings and Queens Squares were so good back then. Sadly I think no matter what the council plans are with the regeneration especially to bring back Paradise and Queen St it will still not be the same, it is the people that have dragged it down. I live in Smethwick and trust me that is worse even the local Asda here is shockingly bad
@@gillwarr6192 very valid points- I will be doing some filming around Smethwick soon