From royal visits and Silver Jubilee celebrations to factory floors and everyday moments, these photographs offer a fascinating glimpse of life across the Black Country and Staffordshire in 1977.
It was a year of big occasions and ordinary routines, with plenty of characters and stories captured along the way. We’ve delved into the archives to bring you a collection of pictures that show how much has changed - and how much remains familiar.
Some scenes may bring back memories of places you knew, people you remember or jobs you once did, while others offer a glimpse into a world that has almost disappeared. Take a look through the gallery and see which pictures spark a memory.
Do you recognise anyone? Where were you in 1977? And what do you remember most about the year? Share your memories in the comments.
Take a look back at 1990 in our previous gallery here.
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37. When the buses stopped running
January 1977 brought an unusual sight to Oak Lane, West Bromwich, as commuters were forced to walk to work during a bus workers’ strike. The dispute was over a lack of heating on the vehicles, leaving passengers facing cold journeys and workers taking industrial action. With the buses off the roads, the daily commute suddenly looked very different, as this photograph of people walking alongside the road shows. Do you remember this strike? How did you get to work or school when the buses weren't running? | Express & Star archive
38. A memorial restored after vandalism
Hednesford War Memorial had been renovated by November 1977 after being vandalised, and Councillor Bernard Wood of Cannock Chase Council is pictured inspecting the restored memorial with Peter Epps and Alexander Robottom. The council appealed to local schoolchildren to help keep an eye on the memorial and report any further acts of vandalism. It is striking to see how the community was encouraged to take responsibility for protecting a place of remembrance. Do you remember being asked to look after places in your neighbourhood as a child? What local landmarks did people take pride in protecting? | Express & Star archive
39. Watching a new landmark take shape
In October 1977, members of Wolverhampton Trades Council were given a look at the building work taking place on the Civic Centre, with contractors Taylor Woodrow. Pat Molloy is pictured pointing out a feature of the developing building. Photographs like this capture a moment when a familiar part of the town was still taking shape, before it became part of the everyday landscape. Do you remember what Wolverhampton looked like while the Civic Centre was being built? Can you spot any changes from the scene today? | Express & Star archive
40. A musical Jubilee celebration
The youngsters at Holy Rosary School in Hickman Avenue, Wolverhampton, received an extra treat at their Jubilee party in June 1977 when St Mary’s Pipe and Drum Band from Willenhall came along to perform. The visit brought a lively musical touch to the school’s Silver Jubilee celebrations and must have made quite an impression on the children. Do you remember a pipe band or marching band visiting your school? What was your favourite part of the Jubilee celebrations in 1977? | Express & Star archive