Letters

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Swooping just feet above the grass, a biplane from the famous Rothmans Aerobatic Team threads the needle beneath a low bunting line held aloft by two figures - including one dressed in a monkey suit on the right - during rehearsals at Halfpenny Green Airfield in June 1973. Organised by the Barnstormers Flying Circus as a summer replacement for the Goodyear Air Races, the display promised a crowd-pleasing mix of daredevil precision flying and slapstick comedy both on the ground and in the skies. Do you remember watching the Rothmans Aerobatic Team or the Barnstormers Flying Circus in action at Halfpenny Green in the 1970s?

Phone bans, fireworks and more – letters, plus 1973 air display

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Captured from the air in 1973 by Beckbury photographer Ray Pringle-Scott, a Sergeant instructor at the School of Photography at RAF Cosford who served in the RAF for 22 years, this bird's-eye view looks across the rooftops, railway viaduct and surrounding fields of Shifnal. Standing prominently near the centre is St Andrew's Church, Shifnal's historic parish church, while visible on the far left are the old St Andrew's School and the nearby church hall, both of which have since been demolished. Can you spot your street or any familiar landmarks in this 1973 aerial view of Shifnal?

EU debate and road safety – readers’ letters, plus Shifnal in 1973

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: Village politics under the rafters, February 1973. A winter’s evening over half a century ago, when local democracy found a rather cosy refuge. Driven out of the Old School on Station Road by the resounding rehearsals of the local choir, members of Albrighton Parish Council decamped to the drafty, charming loft of Councillor Keith Worthington’s home on the High Street. Perched on mismatched chairs beneath bare brickwork and exposed timber beams, the councillors pressed ahead with their village agenda—stoically resisting the siren call of a miniature electric train layout set up just inches from the debate.

Letters: Vine Island, TV licences, bank closures and 1973 politics

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Not a local image, but worth using for its poignancy on November 11. This image from 1919 shows road workers in Regent Street, London, baring their heads in tribute to the dead of the First World War during the "Great Silence" of the first anniversary of Armistice Day

Letters: Life in service, green energy, plus an Armistice Day tribute

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Armani Leroy, who is described as a ‘wellbeing ambassador’, leads motorists in Wing Ysun, Chinese martial arts exercises, to help lower stress and heart rate. It was set up to launch a new Loen restaurant at Roadchefs Norton Canes service area on the M6 Toll in 2017.

Letters: Bus music fines and poppy rules, plus a look back at 2017

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Rally legend Colin McRae powers his Subaru through a water splash at Weston Park during a stage of the Lombard RAC Rally in November 1992, drawing packed crowds along the spectator fence. The historic car was later meticulously restored by the McRae family and auctioned for £414,500. McRae, who went on to become Britain's first World Rally Champion in 1995, tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2007.

Budget, slave trade – your letters, plus rally memories at Weston Park

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Yeovil goalkeeper Jones leaps through the air to snatch the ball away from Walsall outside-right Colin Askey in front of a packed terrace. Despite having home advantage, Third Division Walsall crashed out in a 1-0 first-round defeat, falling victim to non-league Yeovil's famous giant-killing spirit. Were you among the Saddlers fans in the crowd enduring that bitter cup upset?

Education, AI and post – your letters, plus Walsall's 1960 cup shock

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Today’s drivers would scarcely recognise Five Ways Island, better known to many locals as Vine Island on the Stafford Road, looking this tranquil. Captured in 1942, long before it became one of the city’s busiest modern thoroughfares, the wartime junction sits remarkably still, dotted with vintage bollards, tram wires, and hardly a motorcar in sight.

From Trump to slavery - your letters, plus Five Ways Island in 1942

Politics, slavery and Brexit – readers' letters, plus M5 drama in 1997

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Wolves and England goalkeeper Bert Williams dives as a low shot from Burton Albion's Poxon finds the net during a Birmingham League fixture in late 1952. Wearing his trademark flat cap, Williams was playing his first full-scale match since suffering a shoulder injury on November 24. Although Wolves fell to a 3-1 defeat and the keeper admitted having plenty of work to do across the 90 minutes, he reported no recurrence of the injury following the runout.

Nanny State, flooding and winter health – letters, plus Wolves in 1952

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Showing off his ball-juggling skills in full uniform, team coach Inspector Cyril Adams puts a smile on the faces of his squad during training in February 1983. The Walsall police officers were preparing to take to the pitch at the Saddlers' famous Fellows Park home for a special celebrity match in aid of a police charity. Pictured watching the coach’s fancy footwork are (from left) Detective Superintendent Bill Squires, Detective Constable Pete Jones, Detective Constable Mick Pearce, and Detective Sergeant Brian Milligan, who were bolstering their line-up with the seasoned firepower of former Wolves stars. Were you in the stands at Fellows Park to cheer on the boys in blue, or do you remember this star-studded charity clash back in 1983?

Politicians and NHS concerns – your letters, plus a 1983 charity match

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: A beaming Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, pauses on the pavement to share a warm, lighthearted exchange with enthusiastic well-wishers outside the Wolverhampton headquarters of the Young Volunteer Force on Dudley Road. The royal visit, captured on June 22, 1970, drew local residents, mothers, and Union-Jack-waving children keen to catch a close-up glimpse of the Duke as he toured community initiatives across the town.

Dudley concerns, boy racers - your letters, and Prince Philip in 1970

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Lovebirds Angela Lloyd and Wayne Boycott gave their big day a spine-chilling twist when they tied the knot in full fancy dress on Halloween. The Burntwood couple traded traditional wedding attire for ghoulish makeup and macabre outfits as they signed the register back on October 31, 2017. Friends and family also got into the spooky spirit, joining the bride and groom in full costume for the hauntingly unique ceremony.

Letters: Halloween meets Christmas, plus a spooky wedding picture

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Office staff at Alveley Colliery took a well-earned break in the summer sunshine when they gathered outside the pithead for this group snapshot back in 1948. The 11-strong team, captured smiling on the colliery grounds, traded their paperwork and ledgers for a brief pause in front of the lens. Pictured in the back row are (from left) Tom Cadwallader, Olive Link, Dennis Bache, Doreen Giles, Ted Warrington, and possibly Joan Childs. Taking a seat at the front are (from left) Harold Powell, Wilbur Lloyd, Marie Price (née Robinson), Denise Davies, and Keith Holford.

Political debate and EU ties – your letters, plus colliery memories

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: In 1990, sixth-formers at the Royal Wolverhampton School gave their charity appeal a supersonic boost by pitting their strength against a Jaguar jet. More than 20 pupils joined forces to haul the aircraft 500 yards across the tarmac at RAF Cosford in a strongman stunt. The sponsored challenge was the latest in a series of events being held as part of the teenagers’ annual Lenten Appeal.

Your letters on Halloween and e-bikes, plus pupils take on a jet

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Prime Minister Tony Blair chats with Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto as world leaders take a stroll down the stone steps at Weston Park on the Shropshire-Staffordshire border in 1998. The distinguished group gathering for the G8 retreat included US President Bill Clinton, French President Jacques Chirac, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, and Russia’s Boris Yeltsin.

Letters: Nato and High Streets, plus world leaders at Weston Park

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, toured Stafford in March 1978, making a special stop at GEC Measurements. Wearing a white lab coat alongside company directors, the royal visitor took time to speak directly with machine operators and factory staff about their day-to-day work. Did you work at GEC Measurements or turn out to see the Duke of Edinburgh during his 1978 visit to Stafford?

Letters: River dredging, wildlife, EU debate and a 1978 royal visit
Readers share their thoughts on river dredging, our relationship with wildlife, Strictly Come Dancing and whether Britain should rejoin the EU
Tania Taylor

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Members of England’s 1966 World Cup squad - Peter Thompson, Ron Flowers, Martin Peters, and Bobby Charlton, weave through slalom poles with footballs during an intensive training session at Lilleshall Hall in Shropshire. The national sports centre served as the quiet, secluded base where manager Sir Alf Ramsey put his squad through their paces ahead of their historic World Cup victory later that summer.

Readers’ views on the 1970s and Thatcher, plus England’s 1966 heroes

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: England manager Walter Winterbottom (right) shares a quiet moment in conversation with Wolverhampton Wanderers inside-right Peter Broadbent during an international squad gathering in 1960. The pair were pictured at Lilleshall, the national sports centre on the Shropshire-Staffordshire border that served as the primary training base for the England national team for many years. Do you remember Peter Broadbent playing during Wolves' golden era, or visiting Lilleshall Hall during its years as an elite sporting hub? We’ll have another Lilleshall picture on Monday.

Fire stations, Crooked House and Wolves legend Peter Broadbent in 1960

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: A barber wearing a protective visor works on a client wearing a face mask inside a Bridgnorth barbershop as coronavirus lockdown restrictions eased across England in July 2020. After months of closure, the summer respite allowed locals to finally replace questionable home DIY haircuts with a professional trim. Did you queue up for a professional haircut as soon as barbers reopened, or did you stick with a lockdown DIY trim?

Letters: Loneliness, trams and pensions – plus a barbershop memory

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Tony Room goes on his daily early-morning "fishing" expedition under the watchful eye of the famous 'Floozie in the Jacuzzi' sculpture in Birmingham on May 2, 1995. Wading through the fountain pool, his task was to scoop out cans, bottles, and overnight litter to keep the city's central water feature pristine. Do you remember seeing the 'Floozie in the Jacuzzi' back when its iconic fountains were still running?

Your letters: EU U-turn, loud music and loneliness, plus a 1995 memory

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: BBC TV and local radio hosted the Birmingham regional heat of The Great Egg Race inside New Street Station on May 23, 1978, with comedian Don MacLean presenting. Professor David Turner of Warwick University is pictured showing off his ingenious custom contraption, built specifically to carry an egg safely across the finish line. Do you remember watching The Great Egg Race, or were you at New Street Station to see the quirky inventions in action?

Your letters: EU, Brexit and prisons, plus 1978 egg race picture

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, pays a visit to Stafford in March 1978. During his tour, the Prince called in at GEC Measurements, donning a lab coat to chat with machine operators, staff, and directors on the factory floor. Did you work at GEC Measurements or remember when the Duke visited the site?

Your letters on wildlife, Europe and Strictly, plus a royal visit

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Cranes position a new footbridge section across Bilston Road, Willenhall, in January 1978. The elevated walkway was constructed to provide a safe crossing connecting the split campus sites of St Thomas More Comprehensive School. Did you attend St Thomas More Comprehensive back then, or do you remember when this footbridge was being built?

Your letters on pensions, transport and Budget, plus a 1978 footbridge

Nigel Hadlow, who was assistant general manager of the Chasewater Light Railway, near Cannock, was sprucing up some old signs ready for the new season when this picture was taken in February, 1978. Old railway signs continue to be in high demand from collectors.

'What's going on with the Royal Mail?' - Your letters

Dorothy Croxton was a cobbler in the village of Penkridge, Staffordshire, and is pictured here at her workshop in May 1970. She took over the job when her husband left the business to work for the council. This image comes from the national archives of the Press Association.

'Was I brainwashed on Brexit?' - Your letters Pictures from the Past

An elephant named ‘Five’, aged 13, paints a portrait of Lottie and Adam Smith at the West Midlands Safari Park in a picture from April 2009 . Five arrived at the park as an orphan from South Africa
when she was around six years old and is one of a group of elephants popular with visitors.

'Why Andy Burnham should leave rural life alone' - Your Letters

A Buccaneer bomber making its last journey by transporter from RAF Shawbury to its final resting place at Cosford Museum on January 20, 1993. It came from RAF Lossiemouth and operated from Bahrain during the Gulf War. The journey brought many logistical challenges.

‘Why choose October 7 for pro-Palestinian marches?’ - Your letters
Two letters questioning the timing of pro-Palestinian demonstrations
By The Newsroom

Goalkeeper Bert Williams, pictured at his Shifnal home in 2010 when he was given an MBE in
the Queen's Birthday Honours. He played 381 times for Wolves and had 24 England caps and
is widely rated one of the best keepers England has produced. He died in 2014 aged 93.

'We love our child's school' - Your letters

Chaplain of the Fleet Rev. Simon Golding, right, discusses the forthcoming international Military Chiefs of Chaplains conference with US Col. John W Stefero, Command Chaplain for the
United States European Command at the RAF Museum, Cosford in February 2002.

'Zionism belief is not racist' - Your letters

Pop star Meat Loaf is greeted at Stafford railway station by Prince Edward for rehearsals of charity event, the Grand Knockout Tournament at Alton Towers Theme Park. The show featured members of the Royal Family along with celebrities compete on obstacle courses.

‘We were misled on NHS spending’ - Your letters

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: If you think you’re seeing double, don’t worry - so was the teacher! In this fantastic snapshot from 1955, teacher Doris Bettam scratches her head in mock confusion as she tries to keep track of her class at Red Cross Street School, Wolverhampton. In an incredible coincidence, her room was packed with an astonishing eight pairs of identical twins, all happily slurping away on their daily third-of-a-pint glass bottles of school milk through paper straws. It’s a nostalgic slice of 1950s school life with a fun, double-portion twist. Do you remember those tiny glass milk bottles at break time - and did you ever have trouble telling classmates apart?

Your letters: Pension debate and a classroom full of twins in 1955

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: A major road project takes shape as construction gets underway on the new Midlands Expressway, later known as the M6 Toll. The privately funded £485 million road was built to relieve congestion on the M6 and opened to traffic in January 2004. The project attracted criticism from environmental groups, including Friends of the Earth, over its impact on the local landscape, while campaigners also questioned the decision to use traditional toll booths rather than electronic payment systems. Do you remember the M6 Toll being built – and what did you think of the new road when it opened?

Your letters: Proms debate, royal security and memories of the M6 Toll

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Members of 3rd Wombourne Methodist Scout Group launch their new "Squirrels" section for 4 and 5-year-olds. Front to back: Finley (5), Ayanna (5), George (5), and Ben (4), with Scout Leader Tania Timmins. Back (L-R): Henry Cleaver (Scout Leader) and Darryl Poultney (Group Scout Leader & District Commissioner). The group is currently seeking additional volunteers so they can welcome even more young members.

Letters: Road safety concerns and Squirrels memories from the archive

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Walsall FC manager Ray Graydon cuts the red ribbon during the official opening of new classrooms at North Walsall Junior, Infant and Nursery School on May 11, 2001. He is pictured with schoolboys Paul Leonard, Robert Leonard and Daniel Jones, as pupils and staff gathered outside to mark the opening of the new facilities. Graydon was manager of Walsall FC from 2001 to 2004, following an earlier spell in charge during the 1990s. Do you remember Ray Graydon's visit to North Walsall JMI? Were you or your children at the school when the new classrooms opened?

Your letters: Migrant returns, council tax and a Walsall school memory

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Eager runners surge forward beneath a soaring canopy of multi-coloured smoke as the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Colour Chaos run gets underway at RAF Cosford in 2018. Participants of all ages, clad in white t-shirts, dash across the airfield grass as clouds of blue, yellow, and pink powder launch into the air. Organised to raise vital funds for service personnel, veterans, and their families, the charity fun run transformed the historic airfield into a spectacle of vivid colour, energetic enthusiasm, and community spirit. Did you or anyone in your family take part in the Colour Chaos run or other charity events at RAF Cosford?

Readers have their say - plus an RAF Cosford archive moment

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Spectators scurry away from the water's edge as a dramatic wave from the Severn Bore crashes over the riverbank at Stonebench in Gloucestershire in 1953. Known as one of the most popular vantage points along the river, Stonebench offers a front-row view of the impressive natural phenomenon, where a heaving wall of water surges upstream during spring tides. Funnelled by the unusual shape of the estuary, the powerful surge often catches onlookers off guard as it sweeps violently past the grassy banks. The dramatic photograph captures a thrilling moment of surprise and retreat as spectators scramble uphill to escape the cold, muddy spray. Have you ever witnessed the incredible power of the Severn Bore in person? Do you remember travelling to watch high spring tides or dramatic natural sights during the 1950s?

From bus fares to school plans: Your views - plus an archive memory

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Greeting two young fundraisers and their four-legged companions at Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II chats warmly with Rachel Dancer from Telford (centre), and Holly Smith from Sheffield. The dedicated pair completed an extraordinary walk all the way from Balmoral in Scotland to London to raise funds for the Michael Elliott Trust animal sanctuary. Pictured alongside their donkeys, Joshua and Tinker, the young women earned a memorable royal reception following their gruelling cross-country journey. The heartwarming moment captures the spirit of charity endurance and a unique royal encounter outside the palace grounds.

Letters: Moonlit wonder, AI and football - plus a royal welcome

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Proof that nature always finds a way. Captured in May 2020 from a bridge off the Black Country Route in Bilston, this quiet view highlights the striking contrast between the area's heavy industrial heritage and its vibrant present. Running close to Wolverhampton’s tips, these calm waters and tree-lined towpaths transform a bustling industrial corridor into a lush green haven, providing a crucial off-road sanctuary for local walkers, cyclists, and quiet reflection.

GP struggles, tax changes and a peaceful green escape in Bilston

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Packed to capacity across the stalls and upper balconies, a sea of theatregoers in 1920s attire fills the grand auditorium of the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on Lichfield Street. Remarkably constructed in just six months, the venue quickly established itself as a centrepiece of local culture and dramatic spectacle. Famous for its ambitious stage productions, the theatre once even featured six live horses on stage to re-enact the thrilling drama of the Grand National. The striking archival image highlights the intricate plasterwork tiers and the vibrant community popularity of one of Wolverhampton's most cherished entertainment landmarks.

Letters: Royal revelations, derby day and Grand Theatre memories

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Posing proudly alongside a classic wooden scoreboard bearing those legendary magic digits, local snooker player Matthew Davies celebrates the ultimate potting achievement at Shifnal War Memorial Club in 2016. Ever since Steve Davis made history with the first televised maximum back in 1982, reaching a 147 break has been the absolute holy grail for snooker players everywhere. Clearing the table red-by-red and black-by-black is a rare feat at any level, making Matthew's incredible local club milestone a moment of pure potting perfection! Have you ever witnessed a maximum 147 break in person at your local club, or what is your own highest snooker break?

Letters: Burnham, defence, Shifnal's 20mph limit – plus a 147 break

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Shoppers in Bilston High Street were dwarfed by this enormous 88-ton load as it made its way through the town in April 1968. The 55ft-long, 20ft-wide trolley section of a ladle crane was being transported from the Darlaston works of Wellman Machines Ltd to the Steel Company of Wales at Port Talbot – a journey expected to take 10 days. The huge load blocked Bilston town centre for around two hours, leaving frustrated motorists facing lengthy delays. The AA and RAC criticised the decision to move it during the day, while police said travelling at night could have posed a greater danger to other road users, particularly in poorly lit areas. Do you remember seeing unusual heavy loads making their way through Bilston?

Buses, football, security and more: Readers have their say

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: Spitting Image puppet of Eric Cantona goes under the hammer in local auction: Davina York from auctioneers Mullock Madeley carefully adjusts the collar on the iconic Spitting Image puppet of French football star Eric Cantona in Cosford in 2001. Complete with his signature turned-up collar, the satirical latex figure was one of many standout items put up for sale during a major football memorabilia auction in the area. The quirky display brought a touch of 1990s television nostalgia and sporting history to local collectors. Did you ever tune in to watch Spitting Image poke fun at football's biggest stars back in the '90s?

Readers have their say on wartime memories - plus an archive gem

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: Seated inside the instrument-packed cockpit of a Heron aircraft, 72-year-old Mrs Bobby Davies from Stanton enjoys a special flight down memory lane in 1966. A veteran who served in the Women's Royal Air Force during the First World War, Mrs Davies was treated to an exclusive tour of the controls alongside pilot Wing Commander Bob Nicholl. The sentimental trip allowed her to revisit RAF Shawbury, the very base where she had served decades earlier.

Your views on Reform UK and rising bills - plus a 1966 memory

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: A stylishly dressed couple enjoy a meal and cigarettes with an elevated view over the newly constructed M6 motorway ahead of the grand opening of Keele Services in Staffordshire in 1963. Operated by Forte’s & Co. Ltd, the £500,000 service station featured a striking bridge restaurant spanning the carriageway, with seating for nearly 300 diners. The complex also included snack bars, transport cafés, extensive parking and a dedicated mothers’ room staffed by trained stewardesses. It was due to open in autumn 1963 alongside the Birmingham–Preston stretch of the motorway. Do you remember visiting the bridge restaurant at Keele Services when the M6 first opened?

Readers' memories of life before mobiles and the M6's early days

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: Midlands Air Ambulance Charity chief executive Hanna Sebright (left) and air crew supervisor Karen Baker smile alongside a striking new sculpture in March 2017. Created by artist Richard Thornton to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary, the stainless steel artwork was unveiled at the Roadchef Norton Canes services on the M6 Toll. The monument stands as a lasting tribute to a quarter-century of vital rapid-response missions delivered across the region by the charity's dedicated crew members and supporters.

Your letters: Debate on politics and immigration, plus a 2017 tribute

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: Foreman Bill Blower holds a rather unusual relic discovered during building work at Wolverhampton’s Pavilion Picture Palace in March 1959. The cinema, which opened between Castle Street and Tower Street in 1909, once had a gas chandelier hanging from the auditorium ceiling, with gaslight jets fitted to its spokes. The long-forgotten fixture was uncovered as alterations were being carried out, just three years before the Pavilion closed as a cinema. Have you got memories of the Pavilion?

Readers tackle litter and sheep theft, plus a 1959 cinema discovery

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: Dudley’s Churchill shopping precinct was home to an impressive £10,000 glass mosaic depicting Sir Winston Churchill surrounded by scenes from the Second World War. But by August 1970, the much-admired feature was showing signs of wear, with a section of mosaic about two feet by one foot having fallen away. Pieces of glass had reportedly been coming loose since the screen was installed more than 18 months earlier, prompting officials to consider how it could be protected from further deterioration. Do you remember Dudley’s Churchill screen?

Net zero, POWs and a Dudley landmark from 1970: Readers have their say

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: Dressed in a splendid top hat, 78-year-old Samuel Brighton sounds a fanfare on a vintage post horn to draw shoppers to his antique stall beneath Bridgnorth's iconic Town Hall on September 2, 1966. Assisted by his wife, Mabel, 73, who holds up a polished silver dish, the couple showcase an array of brassware, copper vessels, and curious knick-knacks along the High Street. Their lively trade and characterful presentation brought a wonderful touch of traditional showmanship to the weekly Shropshire market scene.

Your letters: Dangerous bikers, rising bills and Bridgnorth in 1966

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: Manchester United manager Matt Busby stands with his head bowed beside the newly unveiled headstone marking the grave of Duncan Edwards at Dudley Cemetery in October 1958. The service for the gifted footballer, who died aged 21 from injuries sustained in the Munich Air Disaster, was conducted by the Rev. A. D. Cattrall. Standing alongside Busby and the clergy is Councillor J. Billingham, Deputy Mayor of Dudley, representing Edwards' hometown as figures from football and the local community gathered to pay tribute to one of England's greatest sporting prospects.

Letters: JLR, first aid and Farage - plus a poignant archive picture

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: Penkridge's streets fell unusually quiet in May 1970, as the National Farmers' Union livestock sales boycott took hold. Farmers kept a close watch on West Midlands markets to prevent blacklegs from breaking the action. Do you remember this extraordinary day?

Letter: Andy Burnham's bus visit and a look back to 1970 Penkridge

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: RAF Cosford became a place of hope in the closing months of the Second World War, welcoming British prisoners of war home after years in captivity. Dated September 10, 1945, this poignant photograph shows airmen receiving special rehabilitation treatment as they recovered from the physical and emotional effects of imprisonment. Do you remember hearing stories of returning POWs or RAF Cosford's role in those historic days?

Your letters: PM's suit, rewilding and a poignant 1945 RAF picture

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: May 6, 1970 - Can you remember Mrs Dorothy Croxton’s cobbler’s shop in Market Street, Penkridge? Dorothy was something of a rarity in the village, running a traditional cobbler’s business at a time when such trades were becoming less common. She had been carrying on the trade for 12 years after her husband, Bernard, left the business to work for the council. Her repairs ranged from small slippers to heavy-duty leggings – but what other memories do you have of the shop or the people who worked there?

Readers debate HMOs, spending and buses, plus a 1970 Penkridge picture

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: Christmas morning, 1946 – more than 200 German prisoners of war from the camp at Penkridge attend Mass at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Cannock. The men had brought toys they had made for poor children in the town, before being served tea and cigarettes in the parish room.

Readers have their say on bins and migration, plus a 1946 picture

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: Wombourne seen from above in July 1969, with its familiar streets and rows of post-war homes stretching out across the village – a glimpse of a community changing rapidly in the post-war years.

Readers have their say on buses, Freeview, plus a 1969 view

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: Wednesbury Market, pictured on 11 February 1969. Councillor Ray Partridge had launched a campaign to save the market from plans to move it. He was preparing to survey local opinion on the proposed changes. What do you remember about Wednesbury Market in those days?

Wolves memories, political warnings and Wednesbury Market in 1969

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: Alderman J C Price, chairman of Dudley’s general purposes and development committee, officially opens the Churchill Shopping Precinct. the new precinct gave shoppers a traffic-free route from the Market Place to King Street, as part of a £500,000 scheme transforming the town centre. Looking back, can you remember shopping in Dudley when the Churchill Precinct first opened?

Your letters: Socialism, rewilding and a nostalgic look at Dudley

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