From giant engineering machines built for export around the world to school trips, wedding pranks, historic traditions and memorable days at Dudley Zoo, these archive photographs capture life in Dudley during 1978.
The collection reflects the borough's proud industrial heritage, community spirit and the people who helped shape the area, with glimpses of familiar workplaces, local events, the early days of the Black Country Museum and stories that made the headlines.
Nearly 50 years on, these pictures offer a fascinating snapshot of a changing Dudley. See if you can spot a familiar face, recognise a favourite place or remember one of the moments that brought back memories. We'd love to hear your stories in the comments.
Did you see our gallery looking back at summer days across the region? Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane here.
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9. Lower Gornal Royal British Legion, 1978
Can you imagine waiting 38 years for this moment? Dudley men James Fellows and William Hughes finally received their Dunkirk campaign medals in February 1978. The presentation was made by Harold Smith, secretary of the Lower Gornal Royal British Legion. | Express & Star archive
10. The Court House, Dudley, 1978
Who remembers the sound of a pub organ filling the room? In June 1978, customers at the Court House pub in Dudley said farewell to 11-year-old Ann Jones, a young organist who had become a favourite across Black Country pubs and clubs through her charity performances. Ann stepped away from the spotlight to concentrate on her school studies. | Express & Star archive
11. Inventor's exhibition, Dudley, 1978
A lively and imaginative moment in Dudley in June 1978 as Doreen Kennedy-Way of Himley Road opened her first inventors’ exhibition, Innov-ex 78, at the Station Hotel. The photograph captures her playfully seated on a children’s toy car, while Margaret Wise, Ethel Broome and Betty Bytheway stand on the stairs behind with brooms in hand and smiles all round, reflecting the creativity, humour and community spirit of the event. | Express & Star archive
12. Castle Hill, Dudley, 1978
Can you imagine walking down Castle Hill and seeing this in 1978? An elephant stopping at a phone box in Dudley was certainly a sight to remember. Do you recall this unusual visitor to the town? | Express & Star archive