Ned’s trip down memory lane

Black Country people can enjoy a walk down memory lane with a new book charting its development. Amateur historian Ned Williams has produced Netherton: People and Places.

It looks back at the history of the town since the Second World War. It features anecdotes from people who remember how Netherton used to look and pictures showing how the town has changed through the decades.

Mr Williams, aged 63, lived in Dudley for 12 years before moving to Wolverhampton and has fond memories of the borough.

He said today: “I produced a book about Netherton two years ago and believe it or not, it was the first book that anybody had done about the town.

“Once that book came out there was a big response from Netherton people which meant we could do this one, filling in the gaps.

“I have tried to get a balance between people and places.

“Some people want to see Netherton as it used to look, other people are more interested in people’s stories.

“Netherton’s a fabulous place.

“It’s still a community of families who have lived there for generations.

“It’s one of those places where there are still plenty of people who know the town and have a genuine affection for it.”

Relatives of former Dudley mayors William Wakeman, who took the role in 1955, and Geoff Tromans, in 1992, sent in pictures from their time holding the office.

And the changing face of the former Cinder Bank, now Halesowen Road, is also featured.

Mr Williams, an adult education tutor, of Westland Road, Compton, Wolverhampton, has produced more than 30 books about Black Country history.

Netherton: People and Places will be launched at Netherton Conservative Club in Halton Street, Netherton, at midday on Saturday, May 3.

Mr Williams will be on hand to sign books at Netherton Conservative Club before he moves on to Bumble Hole Conservation Centre in Windmill End at 2pm.