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When I look at the images of The Parade that
existed before the 'progressive' 60s, I cannot help but feel that a lot of the
heart of Sutton Coldfield vanished with the advent of The Gracechurch Centre and
the demolition of The Parade. The Parade had so much going for it, diversity of
stores, entertainment and above all - life! Every kind of store, green grocers,
ironmonger, chemist, fruit, bakery, public house, cinema, outfitters, ladies
wear, you name it, the shop was there. 4th December 1974 - the opening of the
Gracechurch Centre and the death of' your personal shopper'.
Parade & School House 1895. Pub on right was 'Talbot' Then the 'Dog' and in
1981, 'Knott'
Very late Victorian or Edwardian if I am not mistaken, possibly turn of the
century. (Image: David
Wilcox)
The same shot but with snow (?) on the ground -
Edwardian? Maybe 20s (Image: David
Wilcox)
Above is The Parade Sutton Coldfield, in 1949, a
one way street.
Similar image (from David
Wilcox) of an earlier version of the 1949 one above. Museum pub on right
But, ossifer, ish opening time!! (The Museum Pub) see
postcard image above
Reproduced by kind permission West Midlands
Police (Sutton Coldfield)
Empress Cinema, was located at corner of Lower Parade
and South Parade. Image: David Wilcox
The film showing above (circa
1954)
Director: Wendy Toye
Writers: Francis Durbridge, James Matthews
Stars: Margaret Leighton, John Justin and Roland Culver
Dull, unimaginative, boring, flat - just some of the nicer accolades
James Speight well known local photographer and
his home/studio approx 1910, on The Parade
The parade in 1943
Taken in 1935. The Empress stood on what is now the Victoria Road Multi
Storey Car Park and Wilkinson's Store (Ex Sainsbury's) and the
(now closed) Sutton Coldfield Library. (2011)
Empress Cinema 1935 & (below) Museum Pub
Museum Pub - right
Old Ansell Signs
Two New Pedestrian Crossings, Two different places, same
person, same car!!
1. Birmingham Road, just above Parade, by the Cottage Hospital and 2. The Parade near Queens Street
both 1938
1950's
1960s looking towards Trinity Church. Woolworth's
moved across the road from this location and survived until the 21st century
then was closed!
The Gracechurch Centre was opened on 4th December
1974 by the Duke of Aylesford
21st Century
You would not believe it but this is Christmas
morning 2006 - note the marvellous decorations - NOT! And the next two images 5
years later
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