Farmhouse to clubhouse – prized photo album shows happier times for golf course
BRANDHALL in Oldbury has been home to a golf course for well over a century ... and many were saddened when it was closed, along with all other leisure facilities, at the start of the pandemic in 2020.
But when lockdown began to ease and closed doors were opened up again, many were dismayed to learn that Brandhall Golf Course would not be re-opening. Nor is it set to remain a green space – plans are afoot to build new houses and a school on the site, and not surprisingly, many in the area are determined to fight the proposals.
Among those fiercely opposed to the redevelopment is Margaret Southall, who grew up in the area and is the custodian of a rare old photograph album which she has kindly allowed us to delve into for these wonderful photographs.
“I was born and bred at 18 Clent Road, in 1942,” Margaret told us.
“So Brandhall was my playground. It had been a farm, then they built the Brandhall Estate on part of the land.
“I was given the photo album, which dates from the 1920s, by Albert Shaw, who was worried what would become of it unless it was put in the hands of someone who had a connection with the area.”
The golf course was established in 1903, on land that was part farm, part quarry. Originally a 9-hole course, it expanded in 1910 when more land was bought from Hagge Farm. The extra land allowed it to become a full 18-holer, and Brand Hall Farmhouse became the clubhouse, with fishing in the surrounding pools.
You can see both the farmhouse and the pools in the pictures shown here.
Originally a private club, it was bought by Oldbury District Council in 1928, and part of the land was requisitioned for crop-growing and pig farming.
As time went on more of the land was lost – some to a hostel which housed National Servicemen, some to housing, with the clubhouse moving to Heron Road. Then in 1970, more land was lost as the M5 encroached on the course.
In 2004 management of the course was transferred to Sandwell Leisure Trust, and the latest chapter is the new plan to create Brandhall Urban Village – hundreds of homes, a new school and a park.
Many are now fighting the plans – the Brandhall Green Space Action Group, who have a page you can visit on Facebook – are in the frontline of the campaign to save what they see as a vital green space.
Clive Heywood, a member of the group who has successfully battled the council to unlock gates to allow public rights of way through the former golf course, told us that there is known to be a deed of covenant that was written to prevent the land ever being built upon. Frustratingly, no one knows where this document is, and unless it can be found, its words carry no weight.
“It would be extremely useful if any of your readers know where it is!” said Clive.
Do you know what may have become of this vital document? Or do you have your own memories of the golf course and farmland at Brandhall? Email gjones@ blackcountrybugle.co.uk, or give us a call on 01384 880531.