some strongly evocative photos there----definitely my childhood--growing up in blitzed Balsall Heath in Birmingham.
Most of the street round the corner from me only had outdoor toilets, they were at the back of the close at the door into the back garden, there was 1 lavatory for 9 apartments in those tenement buildings. I was more privileged, we had an indoor toilet and bath but the hot water was from a small back boiler and wasn't enough so we used kettles of water to get a deep enough hot enough bath. Those tenement flats have all been modified now, the bed recesses mostly converted to kitchens, toilets and shower rooms. My room was the kitchen from about age 7, my bed was in the bed recess in the kitchen, I loved that space.
when i was 9, my dad got a mortgage ( 3% fixed for life ) ! and bought a 50's built 3 bed semi in Handsworth Wood. it was like moving to paradise. stream at the bottom of the garden--then--fields and woods for miles.
I have vague memories of my father helping build our house and the day when the roof was finally covered and the Italian flag being raised on it, as it was traditionally done. Big party......... First time I remember to have tasted sparkling wine.......... I must have been 3 maybe 4 years old......
I remember walking 2 miles to school with holes in the soles of my shoes which I covered with a shaped piece of linoleum
I walked one mile to school and my shoes did wear out but we got them fixed in the cobbler's round the corner.
