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Step back to 1979: 23 iconic Wolverhampton scenes showing life, work, and everyday moments across the city

Step back into Wolverhampton in 1979 with this nostalgic gallery.

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By Tania Taylor
Published

From industry and new developments to a mysterious house and a local engineer’s invention that could change the way we travel, this fascinating collection from the Express & Star archives is sure to captivate.

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August 1979: 'Wolverhampton design engineer Mr John Brettell has come up with an idea that could revolutionise cycling - a two or even four-seater cycle which could oust the family car for travel. The Brettell Buggie is tricycle with car-type seating. There are 12 variations, including a family four-seater, a camping buggie with a big boot for camping gear, a shopping buggie and even a water buggie for use on rivers, canals and lakes.' Mr Brettell watches as Christine Hemmings and Dawn Mason try out the buggie.
August 1979: 'Wolverhampton design engineer Mr John Brettell has come up with an idea that could revolutionise cycling - a two or even four-seater cycle which could oust the family car for travel. The Brettell Buggie is tricycle with car-type seating. There are 12 variations, including a family four-seater, a camping buggie with a big boot for camping gear, a shopping buggie and even a water buggie for use on rivers, canals and lakes.' Mr Brettell watches as Christine Hemmings and Dawn Mason try out the buggie.
'The growth in organised crime can mean more business if you happen to be a firm which produces world-famous security equipment... "Crime is an ever-increasing industry," says Chubb's works director, Mr Charles Barton. "The statistics get more and more frightening as more crime is committed." The increase in crime and terrorism is good news to Chubb's because more people think about investing in their products.' The picture shows lock assembly worker Doris Hoseason, in July 1979.
Chubb and Sons Lock and Safe Company Ltd. 'The growth in organised crime can mean more business if you happen to be a firm which produces world-famous security equipment... "Crime is an ever-increasing industry," says Chubb's works director, Mr Charles Barton. "The statistics get more and more frightening as more crime is committed." The increase in crime and terrorism is good news to Chubb's because more people think about investing in their products.' The picture shows lock assembly worker Doris Hoseason, in July 1979.
Locksmiths at work at Chubb and Sons Lock and Safe Company Ltd., Wednesfield Road,
Locksmiths at work at Chubb and Sons Lock and Safe Company Ltd., Wednesfield Road, July 1979.
A march from the Ever Ready factory, Park Lane, to the Civic Centre for a mass meeting, following the threat of redundancy and factory closure, in February 1979.
A march from the Ever Ready factory, Park Lane, to the Civic Centre for a mass meeting, following the threat of redundancy and factory closure, in February 1979.
'One of Wolverhampton's oldest buildings - Lindy Lou in Victoria Street - will be completely renovated by the autumn of next year... Much of the original materials, such as bricks and slates, have been salvaged and will be used in the rebuilding.' - August 1979.
'One of Wolverhampton's oldest buildings - Lindy Lou in Victoria Street - will be completely renovated by the autumn of next year... Much of the original materials, such as bricks and slates, have been salvaged and will be used in the rebuilding.' - August 1979.
Another view of the Lindy Lou in Victoria Street in August 1979.
Another view of the Lindy Lou in Victoria Street in August 1979.