Project

Sandwell Memories – Heritage Lottery

Sandwell Memories captured the memories of local people to create a “digital living history” about everyday life in and around West Bromwich. It placed specific focus on the changing cultural landscape of Sandwell, and how changes to spaces and facilities have influenced peoples’ lives. The overarching goal of the project was to capture living memories before they are lost and create an everlasting legacy for the community.

Sandwell Memories is series of videos, testimonials and memories detailing the history of historic buildings and landscape in the West Bromwich area. The project record the memories of local people, encouraging them to share their stories about changes taking place and the impact of these changes on local spaces and facilities. The project looked at changes from the end of WW2, focusing particularly on the last 30 years. A total of 55 local people shared their memories of 12 locations in and around Sandwell including:

West Bromwich Town Hall – A Grade II listed town hall in West Bromwich, which is part of the Walk West Bromwich Heritage Trail
The Public – A multi-purpose venue and art gallery in West Bromwich, England. It closed in November 2013 and is now used as a sixth-form college by Sandwell college.
Dartmouth Park – A Grade II listed park located next to West Bromwich Town Centre and Sandwell Country Park, with a range of available activities including a play area, ornamental lakes, floral displays and a community Pavilion with viewing tower.
Farley Clock Tower – A Grade II listed clock tower in West Bromwich.
Chance Glassworks – A glassworks originally based in Spon Lane, Smethwick. It was a leading glass manufacturer and a pioneer of British glassmaking technology.
Hallam Hospital – Originally an infirmary of Sandwell General Hospital, Hallam hospital became a separate institution in 1925 where it specialised in the treatment of infectious disease.
The Manor House – A Grade I listed medieval domestic building built by the de Marnham family in the late 13th century as the centre of their agricultural estate.
Murray Hall – An organisation first started in Tipton, which aims to build community resilience through providing high quality support to people with a variety of needs.
Oak House Museum – A timber-framed building dating from the sixteenth century located in Greets Green, West Bromwich, England.
Old Post Office – A historic former post office building in the heart of West Bromwich town centre
Jensen Motors – A British manufacturer of sports cars and commercial vehicles in West Bromwich, England.
Star and Garter – A pub on West Bromwich High Street, now closed