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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17. Dudley Zoo, 1978
Who remembers school trips to Dudley Zoo in the 1970s? Pupils from Robert Street School, Gornal, had a day to remember in August 1978 as Tanya the elephant entertained the youngsters during their visit. | Express & Star archive
18. Merchandex Engineering, Dudley, 1978
A snapshot of Dudley’s industrial past. This 1978 picture shows the skill and planning behind engineering projects, as Bob Nisbet, Len Jones and Donald Boddy discuss a scale model of a foundry sand-handling plant at Merchandex Engineering. | Express & Star archive
19. Wordsley Hospital, 1978
Some archive pictures capture the lighter side of life, while others recall stories that sparked debate. This 1978 photograph shows Wordsley Hospital patient Michael Winning, of Wrens Nest Road, Dudley, after he began a hunger strike over a dispute about a second helping of food. | Express & Star archive
20. Marsh & Baxters, bacon and sausage factory, Brierley Hill, 1978
A snapshot of a changing Black Country in the late 1970s. In 1978, Marsh and Baxters’ bacon and sausage factory in Brierley Hill was due to close, reflecting the challenges facing many local industries at the time. | Express & Star archive