The Black Country and Staffordshire looked very different in 1972. It was a year of miners' strikes, power cuts and change, but also one of community spirit, packed football grounds, nights at the theatre and simple pleasures. We've delved into our archives to bring you 31 fascinating snapshots of everyday life from more than 50 years ago.
From Slade bringing glam rock to Wolverhampton and Gordon Banks meeting young football fans in Cannock, to village traditions and community celebrations, these photographs capture the people, places and moments that helped shape the region.
Take a look through the gallery and see how many faces, places and moments you recognise - and if these photographs bring back memories, we'd love to hear your stories in the comments.
Want to go back another year? Explore our 1971 gallery here.
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25. A E Jenks and Cattell, Neachells Lane, Wednesfield, 1972
A glimpse of A E Jenks and Cattell’s modern premises on Neachells Lane, Wednesfield, in November 1972. At the time, the company was reassuring customers there was little chance of the site changing hands in a takeover deal. Do you remember this business, or the factories and firms that were once familiar landmarks across Wednesfield? | Express & Star archive
26. Queen Street, Wolverhampton, 1972
A familiar town centre scene from Queen Street, Wolverhampton, in November 1972, with parked cars lining the road and well-known names such as Marshalls, Liptons, Mothercare and Buxton & Bonnett visible in the background. Do you remember shopping in these stores, or the busy streets and familiar shopfronts that shaped town centre visits? | Express & Star archive
27. NCB computer centre, Walsall Road, Cannock, 1972
A tense moment outside the NCB computer centre on Walsall Road, Cannock, in January 1972 as police and pickets gathered at the entrance while workers arrived. The scene was part of the wider industrial unrest of the time, when strikes and disputes were affecting many communities. Do you remember the days of picket lines, industrial action and the impact it had on local workplaces? | Express & Star archive
