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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13. Snowy fun before going back to school
It is hard to imagine this scene while we are in the middle of a heatwave. In January 1977, these Sandwell youngsters were making the most of the snow before heading back to school after the holidays. From left are Ruth Phillips, 11, Paul Dyke, seven, Julie Dyke, 10, and Rachael Phillips, nine, pictured with what they hoped would become the biggest snowball in Sandwell. Looking at this now, can you remember winters when there was enough snow for building snowmen and giant snowballs? Where did you go to make the most of a snowy day? | Express & Star archive
14. A royal walkabout in 1977
The Prince of Wales was greeted by crowds during a walkabout through the centre of Cannock in July 1977. He is pictured with Cannock Chase Council chairman Councillor Len Poole and the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir Arthur Bryan, during the visit. Walkabouts offered people the chance to see members of the Royal Family at close quarters - a very different experience from watching them on television. Do you remember seeing Prince Charles on a visit like this? Were you among the crowds? | Express & Star archive
15. Pancake champions celebrate in Hagley
Rain drove the pancake tossers indoors for Hagley’s Shrove Tuesday event in 1977, but it did nothing to dampen the celebrations. By then, the race had become a permanent fixture in the Women’s Institute calendar, with six WI branches competing at the community centre. Hagley Evening WI took the honours for the third year running, and the victorious team is pictured outside performing a celebratory pancake toss. From left are Glenys Fones, Janet Adams, Pauline Harris and Margaret Pritchard. Can you remember pancake races in your own school, village or community? And how competitive did they get? | Express & Star archive
16. A glimpse of the industrial Black Country
In January 1977, this scene at Bustleholme Quarry on Walsall Road offered a reminder of the industrial landscape that surrounded West Bromwich. The sign warns: “Private. Midland Motor Cylinder Co Ltd, Birmid Works, Dartmouth Road, Smethwick.” Even a simple old sign can reveal a connection to the factories and businesses that once shaped the area. Does this scene bring back memories of Bustleholme Quarry? Do you remember the Midland Motor Cylinder Co or the Birmid works in Smethwick? | Express & Star archive