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Family-run garage in Smethwick marks 65 years of family legacy and community spirit

A family-run Smethwick garage with plenty of history is celebrating its 65th anniversary this month

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By Beverly Rademacher
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Bayliss Garages Ltd will mark the milestone on November 28 which will be 65 years since the business became a limited company in 1960.

Bayliss Garages in Smethwick, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary. Pictured: Managing director Peter Bayliss
Bayliss Garages in Smethwick, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary. Pictured: Managing director Peter Bayliss

Its roots, however, go back even further.

The Bayliss family's journey in business began in the 1930s with Charles Henry Bayliss snr's C.H. Bayliss coal merchants, which later transitioned into C.H. Bayliss Transport (Haulage). 

The garage itself in Sydney Road, Bearwood, was bought in 1960 from the Thurstan family, who had operated a garage on the same site since 1913, for Charles Bayliss senior's sons John and Charles junior to work there. Meanwhile, his daughter Doris became the bookkeeper for the haulage firm and the garage.

Managing director Peter Bayliss and his daughter Charlotte Bayliss looking at old pics on the wall at Bayliss Garages in Smethwick
Managing director Peter Bayliss and his daughter Charlotte Bayliss looking at old pics on the wall at Bayliss Garages in Smethwick

Today, Peter Bayliss, grandson of Charles Bayliss snr, is at the helm as managing director, while Peter's daughter Charlotte, aged 26, is the service advisor. His wife Lisa is co-director and son Jack also helped out for a time helping to bring the business into the digital age.

Bayliss Garages in Smethwick, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary. Managing director Peter Bayliss, aged 57, and his daughter (service advisor) Charlotte Bayliss, aged 26. At the back are staff: Brad Ferrier, Steve Michaels, Matthew Hebberts, Norman Palmer
Bayliss Garages in Smethwick, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary. Managing director Peter Bayliss, aged 57, and his daughter (service advisor) Charlotte Bayliss, aged 26. At the back are staff: Brad Ferrier, Steve Michaels, Matthew Hebberts, Norman Palmer

Peter, who used to live in the house next door to the garage as a child along with his family, said things haven't really changed much in the area. In fact the steel structure of the garage that was built in 1927 by Elwell Buildings remains in place today, behind the brick frontage.

Bayliss Garages in Smethwick
Bayliss Garages in Smethwick