Tribute to Alan, a Black Country Bobby
WE were saddened to learn last week that longterm Bugle contributor Alan Grosvenor has died. Alan, who was born in January 1944, died last November at the age of 76.
His friend and fellow contributor Ken Ford has written the following tribute:
“Alan wrote many stories in the Bugle and over many years, back as far as the Aristotle Tump days I think.
“He covered a wide range of subjects, including Great Barr Hall, the Manor House, in West Bromwich, how the Jinglers pub got its nick name, Cashmore’s scrap yard cutting up steam engines, and of course his own life as a young copper in Brum.
“He told the story of the knocking down of his old Churchfields School in pictures, he wrote about being a train guard when a man was shot dead getting off his train; and about the guard on the ‘Stourbridge Dodger’ that went through the wall. There were many, many more stories too.
School
“Alan lived in Bassett Road, Friar Park, and was the son of a metal factory worker. He went to Hall Green Infants and Juniors, passed his 11+ and chose the new Churchfields Comprehensive School in West Bromwich, where he was one of the first pupils.
“During his time there the West Bromwich Manor House had just been discovered, and his class helped to dig out the moat under the supervision of house master, Ernest Strange. This may have started off his interest in local history.
“When he left school, Alan had many jobs. In the sixties you could swap jobs easily and one of his early roles was at Steel Parts, were he met his wife
Barbara.
“They moved to a flat in Hamstead and then back to West Bromwich. About 25 years ago they moved to Great Barr, near to Barr Beacon.
“Alan and Barbara were married for 56 years. Alan leaves Barbara, a son and two daughters.
“He was for a short period a police officer in the Birmingham City force. One of his beats was the Digbeth and Small Heath area, where he met a few interesting and dodgy characters.
“His last and longest job was on the railways as a train guard operating out of New Street Station, travelling all over the country. He retired from London Midland Trains in 2009.
“In his retirement years Alan wrote stories and then became a singer/ songwriter. You can find some of his performances on Youtube ... Pole Cat Blues, Never Beat a Band, Beeching’s Axeman, Piggies Can Fly, Garrison Lane Vendetta, Slow down Caesar ... just search Al Grosvenor.
Real Ale
“Alan would always return to West Bromwich to socialise with his pals, and drink his favourite real ale. His last watering hole was The Royal Oak in Newton Street.
“Lots of people will miss his cheerful banter.
“Rest in Peace, Alan.”