Street's a mayor maker
An ordinary Black Country street on a working-class estate is believed to have produced more mayors than any other road in Britain.
Four mayors of the borough of Sandwell and one deputy mayor all grew up in Remembrance Road on Wednesbury's Friar Park estate.
The street's mayoral hall of fame comprises Roy Handley (1987-88), Albert Handley (1991-92 and deputy mayor 1975-76), Bill Melia (1997-98), Bill Archer (2005-06) and Steve Melia, deputy mayor in 1985-86.
In addition, another former mayor John Edwards (1999-2000) grew up just round the corner and former deputy mayor Geoff Lewis (1994-95) grew up a few yards away in Crankhall Lane.
Bill Edis, deputy mayor in 1988-89, and Dennis Booton, mayor in 1979-80, also lived in Friar Park.
Councillor Archer said: "This is something Remembrance Road and the Friar Park area can be proud of."
Honorary Alderman Roy Handley said: "It was a real achievement for five working class people who were neighbours in the same street to achieve the honour of being mayor or deputy mayor."
Former councillor Steve Melia said: "I've always been very proud of fact that I was born and bred in Friar Park.
"There was my brother Bill and I, next door were the Archers and the Handleys were over the road.
"The area has had its hardships and struggles and the estate started off quite disadvantaged compared with other areas but it's grown into a very nice place to live over the years."
He said the estate produced two more mayors in Doris and Bill Manifold, who held office in the days of West Bromwich Council, before Sandwell.
The three surviving dignitaries of Remembrance Road – Albert Handley and Bill Melia have since died – issued a 'beat that' challenge to other authorities.
Councillor Archer said: "I would be surprised if there's another street anywhere in the country that can lay claim to such a record.
"It could be worth an entry in the Guinness Book of Records."
