A look back at Wolverhampton and the Black Country in the 1980s, when high streets were busy, local shops were at the heart of everyday life, and familiar landmarks formed part of the rhythm of the week.
From bustling town centres and changing skylines to workplaces, communities and moments of local pride, these images capture a decade of transition, character and everyday stories.
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29. Spring Cottage pub, Bloxwich, 1983
A mountain of pennies tells the story of a community pulling together at the Spring Cottage pub in Bloxwich. In April 1983, licensee Fred Clarke, his wife Pat and a group of regulars proudly posed with the huge collection of coins they had raised for the RNLI. It’s a wonderful reminder of the days when pubs were at the heart of fundraising as well as social life. Do you remember penny collections like this or your local raising money for a good cause? | Express & Star archive
30. Wednesfield High Street, 1983
A busy stretch of Wednesfield High Street unfolds in this 1983 view looking north, where familiar names line the street including Alf Jones, Barclays Bank, Staffordshire Building Society, and B F Done & Son. The photograph captures a traditional town centre still firmly rooted in everyday banking and independent traders, reflecting the rhythm of local shopping life in the early 1980s. | Express & Star archive
31. Wolverhampton, 1984
June 14, 1984: 'Where are you? Checkers Aly Singh Kale and Manjie Singh, both aged 13, put their feet up as they wait for voters at the Dudley Road School polling station in Wolverhampton. They had just seven voters in the first three hours.' | Express & Star
32. Glebefield School, Tipton, 1984
Music, memories and local history came together at Glebefields School, Tipton, in May 1984, when the Jubilee Community Arts bus rolled into town. Touring Sandwell to collect photographs, stories and memories for a book called A Picture of Tipton, the project encouraged local people to celebrate their community's past. The photograph captures excited children singing along as a musician plays guitar – a joyful snapshot of school life and community spirit. Do you remember the Jubilee bus visiting your area or taking part in projects that celebrated your town's history? | Express & Star archive