West Midlands Reports
Review of Smethwick by geoff adams on February 27th, 2009
gi'day from christchurch new zealand.I'm an ex pat smethwick kid now living in the garden city of christchurch,heart of crusaders rugby,so far removed from the baggies,or anything remotly resembling civilization.about a year and a half ago I returned after 49 years in exile far away
from my heritage and all the stuff that reminds me of who I am.In new zealand I'm a pakeha as iam so often reminded .I don't think for a moment
any one has a clue to what it means to preserve
items of heritage the old pumping station at the bottom of brasshouse lane.I remember it well
as a young boy going to visit my nan and grandad
who lived at No 24,Claris and Frank Bourgoyne
or going with my dad and grandad to see West Brom at the Hawthornes.
My dad worked at the Birmid until we left England in 1968,when I CAME BACK i found the place no longer exsisted,along with the District
works,needless to say Smethwick had changed.
I was very impressed with the museum which I understand used to be a pub,selling mitchell & butlers bitter.Nice to see the blue gates pub
atill standing.
W as also very impressed with Galton bridge station,and dear old Rolf street station still
standing after so many years.It was still great tocome home after retracing my steps you have a
fantastic set up I WAS IMPRESSED would love to come back again with my very kiwi girlfriend
bye for now from geoff adams christchurch nz
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