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Remembering Brierley Hill and Dudley in the 1980s - we have 17 pictures fascinating pictures to take you back

This gallery brings together some of the people and moments that filled the news pages during the 1980s.

By Tania Taylor
Published
Last updated

From a much-loved comedian opening a brand new £4 million shopping complex, to familiar street scenes and local industry, step back into the 1980s with this nostalgic collection from the Express & Star archives - and share your memories in the comments.

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November 8, 1985: 'Comedian Les Dawson got a rousing reception from a 200-strong Black Country crowd today at the opening of a new £4 million shopping complex. The new precinct at Moor Street, Brierley Hill, was packed for the appearance of the Blankety Blank star, and Les is pictured getting a hearty hug from some of the shoppers.'
November 8, 1985: 'Comedian Les Dawson got a rousing reception from a 200-strong Black Country crowd today at the opening of a new £4 million shopping complex. The new precinct at Moor Street, Brierley Hill, was packed for the appearance of the Blankety Blank star, and Les is pictured getting a hearty hug from some of the shoppers.'
High Street, Brierley Hill. This photograph includes the premises of the library, Midland Bank, Don Foyle, Sketchley, Supasnaps, Dewhurst, Sun Valley and Staffordshire Building Society.
High Street, Brierley Hill, during the 1980s. This photograph includes the premises of the library, Midland Bank, Don Foyle, Sketchley, Supasnaps, Dewhurst, Sun Valley and Staffordshire Building Society.
'Modern' Brierley Hill High Street, as it was described in September 1983.
'Modern' Brierley Hill High Street, as it was described in September 1983.
'A team of Black Country craftsmen battled through the night to provide equipment for a stricken North Sea oil rig. The workers at Carbern in Brierley Hill gave up their sleep to complete a £40,000 order to get the Indie rig in the Norwegian sector back into production.' The photograph shows Colin Barnsley drinking coffee to keep awake after working overnight to complete the rush order, in June 1988.
'A team of Black Country craftsmen battled through the night to provide equipment for a stricken North Sea oil rig. The workers at Carbern in Brierley Hill gave up their sleep to complete a £40,000 order to get the Indie rig in the Norwegian sector back into production.' The photograph shows Colin Barnsley drinking coffee to keep awake after working overnight to complete the rush order, in June 1988.
British Steel, Round Oak Steelworks, Brierley Hill. Photograph of works gates as the factory was under threat, in September 1982.
British Steel, Round Oak Steelworks, Brierley Hill. Photograph of works gates as the factory was under threat, in September 1982.
August 4, 1982: 'Trainee teacher Tom Luxton today began his second world record attempt at non-stop accordion playing. He set out to beat the 84-year record, and raise cash for charity at the same time. Tom, aged 24, of Flash Road, Oldbury, failed in an attempt last year. "I had no idea of the mental as well as physical strain I would be under. I am much better prepared this time," he said. Tom is making his bid at the Robin Hood pub at Brierley Hill, where licensee Ray Hingley is pictured mopping his brow. Tom's cash target is £2,000 towards a heart machine for The Royal Hospital, Wolverhampton.'
August 4, 1982: 'Trainee teacher Tom Luxton today began his second world record attempt at non-stop accordion playing. He set out to beat the 84-year record, and raise cash for charity at the same time. Tom, aged 24, of Flash Road, Oldbury, failed in an attempt last year. "I had no idea of the mental as well as physical strain I would be under. I am much better prepared this time," he said. Tom is making his bid at the Robin Hood pub at Brierley Hill, where licensee Ray Hingley is pictured mopping his brow. Tom's cash target is £2,000 towards a heart machine for The Royal Hospital, Wolverhampton.'
An aerial view of the LCP Property Limited development in Brierley Hill, November 1985.
An aerial view of the LCP Property Limited development in Brierley Hill, November 1985.
February 1983: 'Relaxing in the traditional fashion are (from left) Maurice Parton, Mike Simpson, Phil Thomas, Dave Bagley, John Timmins and Geoff Bagnall having a drink.'
February 1983: 'Relaxing in the traditional fashion are (from left) Maurice Parton, Mike Simpson, Phil Thomas, Dave Bagley, John Timmins and Geoff Bagnall having a drink.'
October 1984: 'The former British Steel Corporation training school, forming part of BSC's 'Cookley works in Leys Road, Brierley Hill is being offered for sale freehold through the Dudley office of Lee, Shaw & Millsum.'
October 1984: 'The former British Steel Corporation training school, forming part of BSC's 'Cookley works in Leys Road, Brierley Hill is being offered for sale freehold through the Dudley office of Lee, Shaw & Millsum.'
August 12, 1980: 'The provision room at Parr's Cash and Carry, Pensnett Trading Estate, is the largest of its type in the Midlands.'
August 12, 1980: 'The provision room at Parr's Cash and Carry, Pensnett Trading Estate, is the largest of its type in the Midlands.'
February 1983: 'Redundant Round Oak steelworkers are being given the chance to carve out lucrative new careers with all expenses paid for by the EEC. A North Country firm is offering the men extensive courses to retrain them for careers in engineering testing - and the world of television.'
February 1983: 'Redundant Round Oak steelworkers are being given the chance to carve out lucrative new careers with all expenses paid for by the EEC. A North Country firm is offering the men extensive courses to retrain them for careers in engineering testing - and the world of television.'
... MNA. ES.. NOTE: No caption or date on pic, but other image appearing to be from same time period provides the date of 23rd May 1985 'Princess Diana visit to Royal Brierley Crystal Works'. Google suggest this is based in Brierley Hill, Dudley.. 33202227. Lady Di 5
May 23, 1985 - Princess Diana visits the Royal Brierley Crystal Works
September 1984: Dudley Oxygen Therapy Unit, The Wallows Industrial Estate, Brierley Hill. A new unit to help multiple sclerosis sufferers had recently opened. The story said: 'An hour in the chamber helps relieve some of the symptoms of the crippling disease.'
September 1984: Dudley Oxygen Therapy Unit, The Wallows Industrial Estate, Brierley Hill. A new unit to help multiple sclerosis sufferers had recently opened. The story said: 'An hour in the chamber helps relieve some of the symptoms of the crippling disease.'
London and Cambridge Properties Ltd (LCP), Pensnett Estate. Maintenance work being carried out at the landscaped area by a man on a mower, in October 1988.
London and Cambridge Properties Ltd (LCP), Pensnett Estate. Maintenance work being carried out at the landscaped area by a man on a mower, in October 1988.
April 1983: The Dudley enterprise zone in foreground (right) with Pedmore Road running from left to right, and the old Round Oak steelworks (top centre).
April 1983: The Dudley enterprise zone in foreground (right) with Pedmore Road running from left to right, and the old Round Oak steelworks (top centre).
GCG Electrical Wholesalers (Brierley Hill) Ltd, Albion Street, Brierley Hill. Pictured in November 1986 is Barry and Gwen Guest with Brian Evans celebrating 10 years of trading.
GCG Electrical Wholesalers (Brierley Hill) Ltd, Albion Street, Brierley Hill. Pictured in November 1986 is Barry and Gwen Guest with Brian Evans celebrating 10 years of trading.
Looking down Pedmore Road towards the former British Steel, Round Oak Steelworks site. Picture taken in the 1980s.
Looking down Pedmore Road towards the former British Steel, Round Oak Steelworks site. Picture taken in the 1980s.