Games

Bingo's big business now, but it used to be only played at home and only became commercialised in 1950s. We used to play games like Murder, Postman's Knock (where you have to kiss someone in the hall), Spin the Plate, Bigamy (girls outside, boys inside, boys choose who's going to sit on their laps). As kids we'd play cards under the lamppost in the street, and we had games like kick the can and hide from the police. It wasn't like it is now; Police and neighbours would cuff your earhole if they saw you doing something rude.

Entertainment

In the Bull Ring in the 1940s, there were these escape artists who wrapped themselves in chains and escaped from them. You'd have to put five shillings in the hat to watch them do it.

Food

I used to buy broken biscuits from Woolworth's; three pence worth. Pork pies used to cost 1 and 10 (that's less then 10p).

Hard Times

In the winter of 1947, there was no milk and bread because the cart couldn't get up the main hill (Coventry Road) because of the snow and ice. This carried on for three months!

Changes

There are too many cheeky children around now. There's also too much traffic. You used to be able to leave your front door open all day.