Close

19 pictures that take you back to 1978 across Staffordshire and the Black Country

It was the beginning of the Winter of Discontent, the year in which the first IVF baby was born, and The Undertones released their debut album featuring the classic punk track "Teenage Kicks".

Plus
By Tania Taylor
Published

Here we take you back nearly half a century to 1978 with a nostalgic gallery taken from the Express & Star archives.

From hero paramedics and an unusual builders’ mate to 5,000 tons of butter being carefully stacked, these pictures are sure to bring back memories – see who you recognise.

You can enjoy this and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire and the Black Country - all sent to your inbox every Friday. Sign up here

Bloxwich paramedics Geoff Bruce (left) and Trevor New, assisted in the birth of a baby born in an ambulance on the way from Pleck to the Manor Maternity Unit in Walsall, April 1978.
Bloxwich paramedics Geoff Bruce (left) and Trevor New, assisted in the birth of a baby born in an ambulance on the way from Pleck to the Manor Maternity Unit in Walsall, April 1978.
Cables and Instruments, Ettingshall Industrial Estate, Bilston, July 1978. The firm moved into new premises after its fifth anniversary. The photograph shows Julie Morgan (left) and Kathryn Hinde.
Cables and Instruments, Ettingshall Industrial Estate, Bilston, July 1978. The firm moved into new premises after its fifth anniversary. The photograph shows Julie Morgan (left) and Kathryn Hinde.
Occupational Health Unit, Pensnett Trading Estate, Brierley Hill. The photograph shows with a patient (from left) Jayne Blackford, Barbara Haywood and Pauline Kendrick in March 1978.
Occupational Health Unit, Pensnett Trading Estate, Brierley Hill. The photograph shows with a patient (from left) Jayne Blackford, Barbara Haywood and Pauline Kendrick in March 1978.
Queen Square, Wolverhampton, July 1978.
Queen Square, Wolverhampton, July 1978.