Take a nostalgic journey through life in and around Cannock during the 1970s, a decade of change, community spirit and unforgettable moments.
From the coalfields and Cannock Chase to town centre scenes, royal visits and everyday life on local streets, these archive photographs, presented in no particular order, capture the people, places and stories that shaped the area.
Do you recognise familiar faces, old landmarks or places that have changed over the years? Share your memories of Cannock in the 1970s with us.
Relive memories of the Black Country and Staffordshire in 1984 in our archive gallery here.
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45. Remembering Littleton’s fallen
David Smallhouse, Reg Sockett and Ian Finch are pictured renovating the war memorial at Littleton Colliery, near Cannock, in November 1975, ahead of the annual Remembrance Day service. With the pit headgear rising behind them, the photograph reflects the close connection between the colliery and the men whose names are engraved on the memorial. It is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the mining community and of the pride taken in ensuring their memory was honoured. Do you remember attending Remembrance services at Littleton Colliery? | Express & Star archive
46. Women’s Institute members plant for the future on Cannock Chase
Mrs Evelyn Sparham and Mrs Rita Hodsman get in practice for a major tree-planting effort by planting a mulberry tree at Izaak Walton Cottage, Shallowford, near Stafford, in November 1979. The Staffordshire Federation of Women’s Institutes was preparing to plant 1,000 trees at Brocton Coppice on Cannock Chase as part of its diamond jubilee celebrations. The project left a lasting mark on the landscape and reflected the organisation’s commitment to the countryside. Do you remember seeing the WI members planting trees on Cannock Chase? Have you noticed how the landscape has changed over the years? | Express & Star archive
47. A new era for Midlands Red in Cannock
Cannock welcomed a brand-new Midlands Red garage in February 1977, marking the company’s first purpose-built facility for more than 20 years. The opening reflected the importance of bus services to everyday life, providing a modern base for the vehicles and staff that kept people moving across the area. Do you remember using Midlands Red buses in Cannock? Which bus routes, depots or drivers from the 1970s do you remember? | Express & Star archive
48. A giant advert takes to the skies above Cannock
A 20ft blimp carrying the slogan “Macmarket: The store that’s got the lot” was flown from the rooftop car park in Market Hall Street, Cannock, in July 1979. The eye-catching stunt brought a touch of spectacle to the town centre and would have been hard for shoppers and passers-by to miss. Do you remember Macmarket in Cannock? Can you recall other unusual adverts, shops or events that caught your eye in the town during the 1970s? | Express & Star archive