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22 nostalgic pictures of Cannock in the early 1970s that take you back to a lost era

This nostalgic collection of pictures captures life across Cannock from 1970 to 1975.

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By Tania Taylor
Published

From the unusual sight of the “longest loaf” being walked across town to a lone one-woman demonstration, we hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane from the Express & Star archives — and share your own memories in the comments.

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'The best thing since sliced bread... this 135ft loaf - the longest in the world - leaved Hednesford Bakery today.' This giant loaf really takes the crust! The picture dates from June 1975.
'The best thing since sliced bread... this 135ft loaf - the longest in the world - leaved Hednesford Bakery today.' This giant loaf really takes the crust! The picture dates from June 1975.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Hednesford. The Birmingham Archdiocese annual pilgrimage to the shrine in the grounds of the church. The Archbishop of Birmingham, the Most Reverend George Patrick Dwyer, is shown celebrating mass and blessing the sick in May 1970.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Hednesford. The Birmingham Archdiocese annual pilgrimage to the shrine in the grounds of the church. The Archbishop of Birmingham, the Most Reverend George Patrick Dwyer, is shown celebrating mass and blessing the sick in May 1970.
January 1973: 'Miss Cissie Watkins concentrates on a sawing operation at the ladies' woodwork classes at Cannock. She is aided by Miss Gillian Loftus. The weekly classes are part of the activities at the town's community centre and are proving popular.'
January 1973: 'Miss Cissie Watkins concentrates on a sawing operation at the ladies' woodwork classes at Cannock. She is aided by Miss Gillian Loftus. The weekly classes are part of the activities at the town's community centre and are proving popular.'
Pictured in February 1971, is an old corrugated iron parish rooms at St Luke's Church, Cannock, which was due to be demolished.
Pictured in February 1971, is an old corrugated iron parish rooms at St Luke's Church, Cannock, which was due to be demolished.
November 1975: 'German VIPs visiting Cannock were treated to an unexpected demonstration of the traditional English art of protesting. For Mrs Pat Johnson was determined to make her presence felt when local councillors from Datteln, their West German twin town, attended a ceremony opposite her home. As they named the road, Mrs Johnson displayed posters in her window complaining about the state of the pavement.'
November 1975: 'German VIPs visiting Cannock were treated to an unexpected demonstration of the traditional English art of protesting. For Mrs Pat Johnson was determined to make her presence felt when local councillors from Datteln, their West German twin town, attended a ceremony opposite her home. As they named the road, Mrs Johnson displayed posters in her window complaining about the state of the pavement.'
Cannock Chase, June 1970: 'After Basil Pratt has towed the trunks to the power saws the stakes will be used for packing coal mines - and some for pulping into paper.'
Cannock Chase, June 1970: 'After Basil Pratt has towed the trunks to the power saws the stakes will be used for packing coal mines - and some for pulping into paper.'