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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9. Cannock’s bread rush during the 1974 strike
Queues formed outside Taylors in Cannock in December 1974 as shoppers rushed to buy bread ahead of a bakers’ strike. The wave of panic buying saw people across the West Midlands stocking up on one of the nation’s everyday essentials, creating scenes rarely seen in local shops. Do you remember joining the queues for bread during the strike? How did your family cope when supplies were running short? | Express & Star archive
10. Cannock fans meet pop star Gene Pitney
Gene Pitney signs autographs for fans during his visit to Wolverhampton in March 1970. Among those pictured with the American pop star were Susan McReady of Wolverhampton, and June Robinson and Janet Rutter from Cannock. The photograph captures the excitement of meeting a famous performer during the era of live shows and music stars visiting the region. Do you remember going to see Gene Pitney or other big names perform in the 1970s? Which concerts or venues from the era bring back memories? | Express & Star archive
11. The giant loaf that took Hednesford by storm
This giant 135ft loaf — said to be the longest in the world at the time — made its way through the streets of Hednesford after leaving Hednesford Bakery in June 1975. The unusual creation certainly caught the attention of passers-by as it was carried along the road, turning a loaf of bread into a memorable local spectacle. Do you remember seeing this giant loaf making its journey? Were you among the crowds who stopped to take a look? | Express & Star archive
12. Keeping watch over Cannock Chase
Two workmen are pictured at the Cannock Chase fire watch tower in March 1970, a vital lookout point used to help spot the first signs of fire across the heathland and woodland. The tower was part of the efforts to protect the Chase, an area enjoyed by generations of walkers, families and nature lovers. Do you remember seeing the fire watch tower on Cannock Chase? Did you ever climb it or visit the area nearby? | Express & Star archive