fay
Born in Handsworth, went to Handsworth wood Girls school. Did my Nurse training in Leamington spa, lived in Saudi Arabia before arriving here in Tampa Fl, Things i miss about brum the bull ring markets, and the theaters and balti houses.. When it rains here it reminds me of home,except its still warm outside. I try and visit home at least once year to see all the changes going on.

Mick King
I was born in Erdingtonin 1938 and evacuated to Hertfordshire a year later. I returned to Brum in '45 and went to Birches Green (we won the area football cup in '48, i palyed inside right) and then Saltley Grammer (we won th NM Rugby Sevens in '54, I played scrum half). I worked at Dunlop and played rugby for the Old Salts (also COBS and North Mids), did gymnastics at the BIA and atheltics at Lozells Harriers. I went to the States in '64 and i've been here ever since. First in NY, then Ohio, California for 25 years and now in Athens, Ga. I try to keep up with what's happening in Brum. it's tough, but the internet really helps. I loved to go to the Jazz Clubs in Brum. I miss pork pies and sausages and a good pint of Ansells.

John
Born in 1948, Went to Highters Heath Primary School and King's Heath Boys' Technical School. Some good times at the Ritz in King's Heath. Place looks very different nowadays

Selena & Matt
Just left! We got on a plane in December and now live in sunny Adelaide, South Australia. Birmingham is a wonderful place to be and all Brummies should be very proud of it. I miss the massive amount of shopping in the city centre and my comfy chair in the window of Borders' cafe! I can't find a match for it here (not even in Sydney). The snow looked beautiful too but the sea view from my house and the 38 degree temperatures in March are all too appealing at the moment! Life is certainly a little different in laid-back Adelaide. Not used to having my local as the surf club (home and away style) or to having red-backs in the letter box! GULP! The spectacular sunsets, friendly people and arts and music in Adelaide make it a very special place. We'll just have to see whether it manages to capture the heart of this "Brummie" enough to keep her here! ;) Advice for all those still there is see as much of it as you can. You don't appreciate history quite as you should until you move to a place that's only a couple of hundred years old!

Karen Bonner
Add your comment here Hi from the centre of the North Island New Zealand - left solihull in 1970 and went to Silver street school and Woodrush school had some great friends which I lost touch with and they have probably moved on - I miss some parts of life there but definetely love NZ a much laid back lifestyle and it is really good for kids to e bought up here - if any friends read this I can remember some of them Karen White, Sally Deeks, Stpehen Palmer, Stephanie ?, Clare Cassidy

claire stewart nee copestake
AThinking of emigrating to adelaide australia. left shenley court comp in 1978 mr. branston was my form teacher. anyone out there from my class? love to hear from you also anyone nursing in adelaide & if so what's it like?dd your comment here

djp
born in bournville, left to travel at 17 and touched everywhere from hong kong to thailand to australia, now living in texas with my wife who is american. i miss the drugs in the UK, thats about it.

Ivan Brown
I have sent 4(four) emails to this site Ex Brum 70 years old I live in NZ and been in NZ since the year dot, lived in South Yardley(Lea Hall Rd) dad used to take me to the Rag Market and the Bull Ring by Tram yes I miss the old Brum faggitts ,tripe and I think the sweets he got me were called roach or troach things like getting conkers from eldom woods going to the Hipperdrome by New Street Station in those days (Steam Trains) after the war the Street Parties in those days people were nice to each other NO DRUGS plus a lot of other thigs I will not metion But Brum is STILL BRUM I will be back this August fotr a trip any readers from my age from South Yardley -Glebe Farm- Whittington oval? email me ivanb@slingshot.co.nz

maxine
Hello all in Birmingham Moved from Castle Vale to Austria in 1991, born in 1967, would be nice if i could contact any old friends from Castle Vale Comp. Dont regret the move,nice way of life , clean, tidy, relaxing............... But home is where you where born and where your parents are and family are.. Visit brum 2 to 3 times a year, to get rid of the home sickness.. and get that brum accent back ........ ha ha .................... However the standard of life i have now it was worth the move. 2 mins from Switzerland and 20 mins from Germany.. 10 mins from the sking slope in Austria. greetings to you all

Ivan Brown
Add your comment hereHi' I am an ex Brum and now live in NZ Yes I miss Brum I am now 71 years old and I miss the old Brum Trams, the old Ritz , the rag ally at the bottom of the Bull Ring the barrow boy's are there any readers that went to ridpool rd school, Whittington Oval school or sladefield rd school(Alum Rock) I lived in Lea Hall Rd South Yardley I hope this one gets printed this is my 3rd attempt Ivan

Terry Bailey
Born 1938 lived inarkley road for 17 Years went to pitmaston junior schoo; excellent headmaster harry walker who used to be something big in swimming. Went to Mosely grammar school miss birmingam though only live down in berkshire. If john fitzhenry malcolm taylor alan hill see this leave a comment

Ealine
Born in Bham in the 60s. Emigrated to Australia 10 yrs ago with hubby and 3 kids. What do I miss most about Brum, nothing! I do miss family and old friends, and Tescos! I feel this is a nicer place for our family and having been back to the UK twice since we left I hear no good comments about the old place from anyone I talk to. and reading the Internation UK Express here is quite distrubing. UK has gone downhill and so many people look depressed. I am still and English Rose at heart, and will always consider England home. If I could turn the clock back to when Britain was the greatest nation on earth, I would maybe reconsider going back.

steve
I'm returning to B'ham soon. Magic!

Lynda
Want to say hello to Melanie, who now lives in NH. I'm a Brummie, living in New Hampshire. How did you wind up in NH, most people ask me. I'd never heard of New Hampshire, until my husband got recruited as a software engineer for a publisher in Peterborough back in the 80's. Like all the rest of you I miss the sausages, balti's, fish and chips, a good laugh and at this time of year the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Pauline
Born in South Yardley, lived in Balsall Heath as very young and then Selly Oak, until I came to Canada. Was reading the write up on the pantomime at the Hippodrome. I went there every year with my Mother and always enjoyed it. Often go to this site to read the comments, I went to Kings Norton Grammar School during the war, so let's hear from others who did! Happy New Year to all, Pauline Bloomer

BILLY WRIGHT
Ad Merry Christmas to tom cartwright david and sybil from billy wright in Brisbane australia billy ex raf

Jill
Add your comment here Born in Birmingham in 1948, I attended Osbourne Road Primary and Erdington Grammar School, leaving in 67 with 8 O levels and 3 A levels. Went of to see the world but got no further than Holland. I've been Dutch for more than 30 years now but still miss my Brum. Had the shock of my life when I finally got to see my old grammar school a few years ago. What have thay done to it!

Valerie Smart
I live in Shetland Isles now, My family and I left Brum in 2002 in search of a safer life for our children. I worked as a health visitor in newtown and Erdington and before that as a nurse all over Brum. I love the crime almost free life I have , but miss family and friends sooo much there are no folk friendlier than Brummies! I am bacvk in Brum on christmas eve and looking forward to seeing all the lovely lights and ice rink etc. When I step off that plane at brumagem airport I will know I am HOME!

atyah.hafiz
Add your comment here hi i'm trying to contact an old school friend from byng kenrick central school her name is shelley trow i know that she is still living in kidderminister but don't know her exact address if you see this messege shelley please call me !

Mike B
Moved to Mn USA 16 years ago. My heart is in Brum, miss it all. Born in Smethwick and grew up in Quinton. Come on you Blues !

John Clason
Born in Handworth, lived 17 yrs in Dale Rd Selly Oak, went to Tiverton rd school then Oak tree lane boys. Left for aus 1980 move straight to the coast, started living at avoca beach, two buses a day, one into gosford in the morning and one back in the arvo. after a few years on the coast married a girl from Somerset Bath, I traveled half way around the world to find my true love, married in 1987 have four assie girls and now live in Tamworth.NSW, Saw this site the other day while I was looking for a recipe for faggots and black pud. Miss the local grub of fish n chips, egg rolls from chinese and curries. Memories. Thanks for bringing the memories back.

John Clason
Came to oz 1980 from selly oak never thought of going back to brum but after seeing this web page it might be on the cards. It could be a good thing seeing how much brum as changed. I was looking for a recipe to make faggots and black pud and saw this sight, thanks it's refreshed some memories.

Maureen
Left Ladywood Birmingham for beautiful green Ireland eight years ago, never ever regretted it. My happy memories of brum will always be of George St West, in Brookfields, and of Dolphin Lane, Acocks Green and Gospel Lane Acocks Green, Birmingham became too rough for me, gangs everywhere, the city centre became a nightmare. I don't really know why I posted this message I have just realised that I have nothing good to say about brum, I hated it in the ten years before I left, it was the biggest dump, with nothing but gangs of criminals and muggers everywhere.

Steph
I've been living in Ravenna, Italy for 16 yrs but still miss Brum v. much. I came back for a visit two years ago and couldn't get over how much the city centre has changed - I almost got lost around the new bullring area!! I miss the brummie sense of humour, I miss the shops, I miss the big city chaos and I miss the Baltis.... My dad owned Lorenzo's restaurant - does anyone remember it?? The best Italian restaurant in town!!!

Len
Ex Brummie or not memories after all are the only thing left and old friends are hard to replace. Having lived in Australia more years than in the UK now finding it difficult to locate many pals from the past. So were are you now.

Peter Truman
Hi - Boarn and bought up in Hall Green (Lakey Lane) and spent many happy evenings at the youth group at st'michaels opposit the gospel oak pub. Went to Hall Green Bilateral - left the UK in 85 to live in NZ (waikouaiti) then on to tasmania in Oz. Now live on acerage with a wide view of table cape and the ocean - lovely I do miss some of the places I used to hang out at, particularly the 3 horshoes and the robin hood pub. Of course friends made as a young fella can never really be replaced and I miss old mates like dave and derick. I have heard that brum has changed heaps since I left (not been back since 89) so I hope the city centre is better (safer) than it was when I was a boy! Also, the memory of old girlfriend is always good. feel free to send me an e-mail truman@iinet.com.au

Graham Neall
Born in Handsworth, raised in Castle Brom and later moved to Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. Came to Texas back in 1974. I now reside in Austin, Texas. I visit family and friends yearly and still miss a lot of the same favourites I have read from other ex-pats. There is a lot I don't miss, like the weather and the amount of complaining about how bad things are in the UK. The cost of this (?), the cost of that (?), all while it seems many are on some form of social/government hand-out. Believe me, the cost of maintaining a house-hold or living in the US is certainly not any cheaper than the UK; in fact, in many regards it is far more expensive. Water, Electricity, Gas (not petrol) are all more expensive but the biggest difference is seen in the everyday items (petrol, booze, ciggy's, car's etc) which are not taxed to the hilt. There again, not being a welfare state (like the UK), we are not having to pave the way for those who prefer to live off the government. Good luck to the Villa and their new era !!

Andy Pendleton
only 20 years of age, moved to the isle of wight 2 and half years ago and its not the same. I miss most stuff about birmingham, but birmingham is my home allways is and allways will be. All us brummies do is complain about the state of the city and think the grass is greener on the other side, but it ent! Keep it real keep it brummigen! Andy Pendleton andypendleton1985@hotmail.co.uk p.s recently moved back to birmingham

Neil
I lived in Kings Heath went to school in Northfield. Now living in Johannesburg SA. it's always going to be the people that make a place worth living in. In that respect England has it all - we take for granted what we have in our society and think that everywhere else is the same - well it's not, and many other foriegn cultures use ours' as their role model. As people you can't beat the British sense of fair play and common sense. We have alot to offer this world as we posses much that is the envy of the world - Identity, we know who we are.

Jill A
I moved fron Brum originally in 1982, went to live in london, enjoyed life as a motorcycle courier so i saw lots of london but always missed the balti's and saleems and the old mosely arms also the jester and a very "nice" club called the Jug in the town. I went to shenley court school, left in '74. I came back to Brum in 91 and left again in 99 to move to County Durham where I still am. I still miss Brum as up here it just ISN'T multicultural at all! Not a decent curry to be had anywhere and the shops shut at 8pm not even an all night garage!!

Linda
Add your comment here Hello, Bernadette, I remember you from Erdington Girls (EGGS, as I recall) - and the teachers you mentioned. Also Miss Waterson, the English teacher, Mrs Chadwick, Maths, Miss Hill, the headmistress with her dog, Mrs Lakin for Art, Mrs Trelfa for History ... Happy days at a brilliant school. What happened to the school after the Labour Party vandalized it? Am now living in Paris, having lived in the States etc. I miss the excellent transport system and the green spaces, but neither really exist as they were.

Phil Thomson
Born in Ladywood, Live in sutton coldfield. A group of friends have formed the small heath yacht club, so we can be by the sea. find us on the web. smallheathyachtclub.com

terry
i have posted afew times..but this time iam back in brum for 6 months..and...WHAT THE HELL HAPPEND..in 2 short years this place has got dirty..rubbish every where..my wife(who is an usa girl) cant belive the state of the place..get them lot out of winson green nick and get them to clean the palce up..its what they do in florida..but i had a great curry but i will not drink..i wont pay £2 for a bott of Bud.. no i am not tight..im just not stupid enough to pay that price...

Kathy Smith (nee McAnulty)
Just saw your comments on the BBC webpage and was amazed to find you! Do you remember your Aunty Kitty who is still alive and kicking and would love to hear from you. I am her daughter Kathy. Although i do not live in Birmingham now it is great to see it is still supported worldwide. My son's email address is chris.baughan@ntlworld.com . (If not allowed to publish email address please can you forward to Michael & Yvonne)

Johon (juan)
Please allow me to send you some comment to Marie Billington message, she quote: "For anyone thinking of levaing , think again. (refering to B'ham)" continue... " and guess what I still think England is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The grass is not always greener on the other side " I agree with her, I am quite long away from that glorious and beautiful land... I dream to go back again, but it's impossible for me.

marilyn
Ihave reciently found your web sight, its great, I have lived in Adelaide Aussie for 42 years, I love it here. Find history and news of Birmingham, very interesting. Really enjoy the message board,and humour there is no one like Brummies sense of fun..

cliff gebhard
Born and raised in Brum Kingstanding Summer Lane Then back to Kingstanding.Lived in Erdington for a good many years.Moved to Paignton in devon 1999. attended Warren Farm 1960s born 1951.Visit back to brum often to visit family and friends

Marie Billington
Left Birmingham 1992, lived in Shirley, solihull, went to Woodrush High school now in San Antonio TX. My entire family is still in England and Wished we were. Have four children so can not afford to even visit now. For anyone thinking of levaing , think again. Seen Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Korea, Japan, Canada, France and guess what I still think England is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The grass is not always greener on the other side

john (juan)
Just posted another before and I forgot some things I would have like to say. Please Forgive me... Reading some of the many massages down here Came to my memories some other things... once a week with a frien, Fred harper used to go to eat Fish and chips with curry (very hot) near the jail in Preston Road, I remmember a good friend a lad who went to B'ham from Shropshire to study there some years ago I got in touch with him, living at the time in the Isle of Man, since then ... lost all contact. Remember a very nice girl whose parents lived in Lichfield named Rose, I loved her but she went down to Africa in 1972 just some time before I left to South America. If I am lucky this message will be posted... Why not create a Network under BBC supervision, where we could all be in touch?

JENNY
hI I KNOW THIS IS A LONG SHOT BUT ANTONE REMEMBER BACK TO THE 60S ANYONE REMEMBER SOUTHGATE ROAD GREAT BARR. DID YOU OR DO YOU STILL KNOW JOY DIANE CAHILL SHE WAS 16 BAVK THEN. POSS MARRIED A JOHN COGGINS. JOY LIVED WITH HER FATHER EDWARD CAHILL I THINK HE WAS A HAIRDRESSER THEY WERE CATHOLIC ANYONE REMEMBER

Jag
Hello All!! Moved to Cardiff last year to pursue my university career!! Moving to Cardiff I thought would be similar to living in Birmingham!! But it really wasn't!! I love Cardiff to bits I really do, but there is no place like home! I miss Birmingham so much! From the shopping bull ring and the mailbox walking along Brindley Place!! Many people from Birmingham move to different countries all over the world, If miss Birmingham this much and I am 100 miles away can you imagine what the hundreds of ex brummies all over the world feel!! What a great city! I am proud to be a Brummy! Love live the graceful city!!

Renee Zigrossi
Add your comment here Moved from Brum June 1969 to Chicago Illinois but still miss, the Bull, Shopping at Marks & Spencers, Lewis;s and SOMETIMES at Marshall Snelgrove the other M&S!!! Dolcis shoes and Freeman, hardy & Willis. I went to the Catholic Schhol in Acocks Green, "Holy Souls" you can imagine the nickname we got!!! Then I went to Sparkhill Commercial, Really miss Acocks Green Bowling Alley, the Library, The Dolphin Pub etc. Now I live in Joliet, but my sister is in Acocks Green, and son, his wife and grandson are in Hay Mills - went home 3-years ago and plan on going next year. Really miss pork pies. Can get british sausage, black pudding, sausage rolls, cornish pasties and even good english bacon, but no pork pies. Really miss them. The US has a lot of things going for it - room to drive is one of them - don't miss English roundabouts. Been her all this time and am STILL a British Citizen, but now a Maroon passport, not a Blue one. England, keep the pound!!!!!!!!!!

Robert R.
Ex-brummie, left in '98 I lived in Yardley wood, went to Kings heath Boys school and then worked for British Rail for over 10yrs. I miss the food!! although I live in California, near two British Import stores (run by English!) and I also live near two Pubs (The London Inn) so it am not completely without, however!! I miss Kebab meat and Chips!! my god even with being a decorated Chef, I still can't get or make the damn stuff authentically!. well I would like to shout out to the workers at BR (then Railtrack, then whatever it is now!) those who where there around '86-'97. I was fortunate enough to meet so many unqiue, and special individuals, some who are still alive and some, sadly who are not. In their memory, and in the Spirit of a Brummie, who will always be at heart a Brummie,. There was and will only ever be one Birmingam, one kind of Brummie and years gone by, thousands of miles away, I still proudly put people in their place, and let them know

Richard
Moved to Houston, Texas back in 2002. I am King's Norton born and bred. There are some things I miss about brum, a nice pint of Carling whenever I want it, good curries, fish and chips, The Navigation Inn. But my wife and I get back once a year and I make up for the food and beer and stuff I have missed the previous 11 months. Got a great life here, weather is awesome. It's nice to be able to wear shorts in December. Got a great local called The Richmond Arms which caters to us ex pats!

Vic Betts
Hi, born in West Brom 1932, but raised in Kingstanding, Hartley Road till 1944. Father died 1944 and Mom moved, lived in Sheldon, Acocks Green till joined up in 1950 (RAF). 25 years travelling the world. Eventually married and lived in Notts, and Yorks, now retired and living in France. Missing Brum, remember the old Bull Ring with affection, remember the Market roof getting blown off during the war, loved the smell of fish etc. Lost track of old mate Brian Ackrill, anyone know him like to get in touch. As a lad loved to wander around the city centre, museum and art gallery. Liked to roam around Lewis's and Greys. Loved the old New St and Snow Hill stations. Sisiter still lives in Hall Green, and visit whenever get a chance on our rare visit to uk.

linda may
hi all you brummies, born in witton, had seven susan,s ands six stephens in my class, moved when i was 10 but not too far and allthough this is for the brummies abroad i have only moved a couple of hundred miles away to county Durham but Brum is my home and always will beso hi to you all and congrats on a good page linda

sharon
Hell I'd like to ask Susan (Lee) Carlyle where or did you get the faggots, I've been in Detroit since 1968 and got some very nasty remarks when I tried to get faggots. do you make them yourself? Sharon in Detroit

Left Brum in 98 for a the sun sea & sand of Miami Florida hav'ent been back yet .....miss everything about birmingham but mostly friends, heading back this dec for New Year a warm pint and a bag of fish chips can't wait

Melanie
Hello from New Hampshire Usa, I moved here from Bromsgrove in 2001 i know its 15 miles from Brum but I spent most of my weekend there at Edwards No 8 and the rag market.Lol remember zig zig sputnick (sorry about the spelling)Yes im only 36 but have so many fond memories. I wouldn't move back as i tried it when i first came out here in 96 and came back home till 01 but i do miss sausage rolls and other wonderful British traditions.Is Robbana recording studio still open? And anyone see the band TRANSAM from Rubery way? If so tell Smash (steve) or Max Hello from Mel. 'No place like home' But this is a wonderful place! Regards Mel

Susan (Lee) Carlyle
I left the Birches Green Estate, Erdington, B'ham in 1964 at 19, after attending Osborne Road Primary, then Erdington Girls' Grammar School (8 O levels!!!), and finally, the City of B'ham College of Commerce. I sailed to Canada with what in retrospect was the absolute BEST education I could have received to the level I was allowed to go by family circumstances. Went on to undergrad and post-grad then high school teaching in rural areas of Ontario after living in Toronto for 5 years. Did the back-to the land stint - with horses, pigs, goats, and all other creatures great and small, including raising field-trial and show Labrador Retrievers, and registered Hereford cattle. (I do remember at my "in-take interview" at the Grammar School, two very proper maiden-lady teachers asked me what I wanted to do when I left school. My answer was that i wanted to be a chicken sexer! I think I must have seen that on Blue Peter or something like that.) Spent 14 years in Detroit, Michigan, in what I refer to as purgatory, then retired back to Canada and am living in Paradise on Presqu'ile Point on Lake Ontario, with dogs, Siamese cats, parrots, and assorted wild life. I make my own Yorkshire puddings,pork pies, pickled onions, faggots, mushy peas, curries, cod roe, fern tarts, tripe and onions (when my husband isn't home!), Cornish pasties and still make tea the proper way. I've even learned to make clotted cream and often enjoy Devonshire cream teas, much to the detriment of my waistline. I do miss the "old" Birmingham - before Spaghetti Junction and supermarkets, and I especially miss the wonderful collection of pre-Raphaelites in that wonderful museum where I spent many happy hours on a Sunday afternoon. I was always fascinated by the tree ring exhibit and the huge geode filled with amethyst. I wonder if they're still there? Anyway, insofar as the desire to become a chicken sexer is concerned, my next-door neighbour owns a very large chicken hatchery, and although most sex determination of chickens is now done by DNA testing, periodically Japanese chicken sexers are hired to do the job. My neighbour has promised to take me over to his plant so that I may achieve my childhood dream. Who would ever think a child born in the middle of an industrial city on a Council Estate would turn her back on the industrial revolution that led to so much of Birmingham's wealth?

Madeleine
Just wanted to say hi to Yvonne & Michael Mcanulty. You don't know me but I live in Kaiapoi just 20 minutes north of Christchurch and of course I am an ex pat brummie. I was brought up in Selly Oak and went to Bournville Grammar Tech for girls near the Cadbury factory!! Lived here in NZ back in the 70's and then moved to Aussie with my husband and came back here almost three years ago. Love it here but there's something about Brum that will never leave me. Do you feel the same?

Bernadette
I left Birmingham in the late 70's and now live in Chicago, IL USA..I love my life here and Chicago is a Majestic City..What I miss about Birmingham is my family,they are extraordinary and wonderful..I grew up on Wellington Rd,Handsworth, went to St. Teresa's School as a child..passed the 11+ and went to Erdington Girls Grammar as it was then!! What great memories of great teachers, like Pat Lowe (Olympic medal Winner), who then married, became Mrs.Cropper..Ms. Brook and Ms Leggett!! Dr Brownbridge for Chemistry..What do I miss apart from my family..the way life used to be in Birmingham, safe as a teen to go to Perry Barr and get fresh cream cakes from Birmingham Daires!! Yum fresh Cream eclairs and cornish pasties from Firkins!!Walkers crisps!! The Rag Market..worked for Horizon Midlands on Broad St, Horts Wine Bar was a blast in 5 Ways..Dancing till 2.00am, at the Rum Runner..and then off for a good Curry till 4.00am..what fun and then at your desk at 9.00am!! I miss the spirit of Birmingham and the people..I came home with my fantastic American hubbie and he loved Birmingham.. the old parts..the new Bull Ring is clean, yet sad to see, too American !! I am sad to hear the bull was vandalized..please be proud of our Bull I was so excioted as an adult I got to touch it..I never thought that would be possible as a child!!.I am as we are all a part of it..St martins Sq, still looked regal and I look forward to coming home next year and checking out the canals and walking on Broad St..Keep some of Brum with a flavour of Birmingham please..Look forward to seeing the new New St Station..Miss hearing Brummie accents and people talking in bars and restaurants..Marks and Sparks..Miss Kardomah coffee, and the indoor market..Thank you for this opportunity to share my memories..Oh Jasper Carrott..who could not miss him!! Back in Summer of 2006..Till then Go Blues...

George Audley
I leave Albany in West Australia Wednesday for Colac in Victoria. There I will take part in The Cliff Young 6 Day Track running Race. There are 37 entrants in it. There are 10 countries represented plus Australia. Although now Australian I am a brummy born and bred and especially at Cricket cheer for England. I am one of a group they are calling the oldies as there are four of us over 70 and two over 80. I will be after the World age records for 70-74 yrs in the following. 200 kilometres, 48 hours, 500 killometres and the 6 Day record of 633.6 killometres. Follow me on www.sixdayrace.org.au to see how a very old brummy can go George

Mike Pearcy
Ex Sheldon resident and former pupil of Central Grammar School now living with wife Christina in France near La Rochelle with two holiday gites for rental -- Brummies always welcom!! Sorry - don't miss Brum at all!

Mandi Fisher
OK I'm from down the road a bit (to the left?) Meriden. Left the UK when I was 8 to move to South Africa. Still living in Cape Town and it's stunning! My brother, sister in law and niece have moved back to Meriden & I pop over every 2 years to touch base. South Africa is terrific - beaches are meant to be sat on and wildlife is meant to be enjoyed. There is still something about Yardley that draws me back though - don't think it's the wildlife??

YVONNE & MICHAEL MCANULTY
Both of us came from Birmingham ,Sheldon, Mike went to Sheldon Heath School, Yvonne to Lea Village girls, came to live in New Zealand, Karaka, in 1988, love the way of life here and the weather, but both miss good fish & chips , a good pint of Ansells, and a good curry , the curries here are pathetic , and they cant make sausages either.would love to hear from anyone who remembers us. coming home in dec this year ,first time for 7years and cant wait to see good old brum.

John Braddock
Just like John Redfern - I was at Central Grammar at the same time as him and the name is familiar - I have moved east , this time to March in Cambridgeshire .I have just retired from 38 years as a Fingerprint Expert ( the last ten at Cambs. Constabulary). The landscape here is that of the Fens - flat and flat and flat. The people are friendly - but the folk from Birmingham are still some of the nicest you could wish for .

Peter Coates
G'day I was born in Brum in 1958 grew up in witton went to canterbury cross school then birchfield then went on to great barr comp fond memories of the pubs and smells of brum is the HP sauce factory still there. Moved round quite a bit I have lived in The US, Mexico, Germany, But have settled in Australia Bendigo Victoria where I have lived for the last thirteen years. Miss the lager and the Puka pies and boyers sausages and of course the curry.....

George Audley
Just celebrated my 70th Birthday. When my wife asked me what I wanted I said to run from Perth to Albany in West Australia. OK she said and hired a camper van. 250 miles but planned to take 6 days over it. Started at 10am on my birthday and ran for 8 hours and covered 35 miles. The next 4 days ran 12 hours each day from 6 am to 6 pm and each day ran about 47 miles which left about 31 miles and 8 hours to get to the Albany Town Hall for my projected time of 2 pm. It was a great birthday gift from my wife because it is not easy to crew for a runner. Boring to drive for about 2 1/2 miles then wait to supply food and drink. Thinking about my 75th next If the miles do not add up thats because its killometers over here.

Christina
I'm not quite an ex pat - my parents are. They came to the US in 1950 (from Tipton). I was born and raised in Kentucky and now live in Florida. Of course living with two british parents, I had quite an accent until I started school. Imagine being born in KY and having a british accent. Dad was Black Country through and through, so I also had a little of that going on. Matter of fact, if I'm around my family my accent comes back. Also, according to friends and family, it comes rushing back if I get angry. The biggest advantage is I can cuss someone out and they don't even know it!

Michael Hall
Born and bred in Brum.1942 First worked for Doug Ellis of Aston Villa fame, at Ellis Travel Agency at the time. Miss brooks was my boss. I left for Canada in 1963. I would really like to get ahold of my best friend at the time Robin Bennett of Acocks Green Westley Rd., I had a motorcycle and spent many a heartwrenching ride down the cobblestones of the old bullring, one wrong move and watch out bus. The old Smithfeild market with its roof blown off, in for a pound of crab claws then off to the pictures. Perfume ally where all the fish merchants were, so to me theres only one Bull Ring and that went a long time ago, but a million quid couldnt buy a better meal than a bag of cockles and a pork pie, sitting on that bench by St. Martins in the field in " The Bullring" Cheers to all Brummies the best of the best Mike Hall

Achmed
Born n bred in Erdington, worked in the Bull Ring until i left in 1980, spent some time travelling around and now live in Tanzania East Africa, and own a safari company, nothing and nowhere beats the friendlyness of Brum !

Andy and Mark
Left Birmingham last week! We really miss, Kebab Meat and Chips and Warm Beer!

Madeleine
Just read the comments again and saw the one from Jane who lives in Hawkes Bay. I live just outside of Christchurch (NZ). I too still miss Brum every day. Even though I have been away such a long time, my heart will always be in Brum.

margaret
I was born in LAngley Nr B'ham 1938..moved to Canada 1971 ..now living in VAncouver..I miss the brummy people so friendly..I miss the fish and chips newspaper of course..I went to Titford road Primary School, and Britnall HAll secondary Modern School..it would be nice to meet shool chums around that time that went to any Schools around that time..

Sarah W
I moved from Northfield/Bartley Green in 1998 to Hampshire, not a million miles away I know. I went to Shenley Court School, I miss Balti's,Severn Trent Water, and my family. I don't miss the city centre at all, I much prefer the calmer and laid back attitude down here, also I don't feel intimidated when I walk around the town. UP THE VILLA!!!!

nicola
i moved from kings heath in 1998 to yorkshire i was only 13,i went back last year to go clubbing i think the city has changed alot,sometimes i miss it as i left all my mates but i much prefer the country side its quite so glad i did

thomas
Have moved to Toronto, Canada and it is the best thing I have ever done. Brum has the worst infrastructure, transportation by car is mostly congested traffic and there is nothing to do but go to pubs or go for a curry. Is there a point to the local train system and buses in that city, they take forever. How can it honestly be called the second city! Parts of Africa have better infrastructure... move out and raise your children in a better place. Thomas Kent

Sharon
I left Acocks Green in 1966 and every day I think of my family & friends I just wish there was a way to come back. If I could find a job I'd be back in a flash. If your thinking of moving away from home you should put it on the back burner & really think long & hard about it. Take care miss you all.

Sheetal
I moved to the USA in 2003 and live in Connecticut. I like the states but i miss Brum alot - i miss my faimly and the good food, the city center, the pubs, bars, the city, the diversity of people, marks and specners food, brow sauce, vinegar on chips (not fries), GREGGS - arggggggggg - my cheese and onion pasties! I cannot wait for next week coz i am coming over for 3 whole weeks. Roll on thurs!!!!!

Cilla Wagner nee Fleming
I did studied fashion at Aston early 70's and last address was Vicerage Road Kings Heath. Emigrated to Canada lived in Edmonton, Alberta for 17 years and returned to UK(Belfast) 12 years ago. I have fond memories of Brum ... Pickwick the coffee shop!!! Does anyone as old as me remember this place?

Kelvin
Moved away from Brum in 2003, Really Miss Curry, the Villa, Brown Meat Pie & Chips, Carling Premier and Les Ross

Jane
Add your comment here I left Brum for New Zealand in 1977. Around that time quite a few of my class mates from Cockshut Hill Secondary School emigrated to either New Zealand, Australia or Canada. I would love to here from them

Janet Trupp nee Sheila Parsons
Add your comment here I was born in Brum in 1937 & have memories of Brum during the war. My first 15 years were in Aston then 5 years in kings Norton before emigrating to Melbourne Aust in 1957. Oz has been good to my late husband & I but there have been many times that I was homesick & missed Brum & it's surrounding areas. I have been back three times, but the last visit in 2003 I was disappointed how grubby the city centre & some suburbs were. The surrounding countryside is still lovely & I had my first visit to East Anglia which was like going into a time warp of the fifties. Just lovely. I have lived here 48 years now yet still retain my Brummie accent & can pick a fellow Brum metre's away once they speak.

Patricia
Add your comment here I miss having a good vindaloo curry.and all the old buildings ,We have such wonderfull history,I live in Toronto and love this ciity ,and check into Brum everyday on internet.We would go to Aston Hall every week and still remember the the outlay ,also the painting of a man and was told to look at his eyes ,as they followed you when you moved.

John Redfern
I was born in Brum in 1944 and grew up in Glebe Farm. I went to Central Grammar School. We moved to Norwich in 1960 and I lived there with my folks until 1968 when I moved to London, where I have lived 'til now. Having been made redundant and taking early retirement, my wife and I are moving back to Norwich shortly to enjoy our retirement. I'm afraid I've only been back to Birmingham a few times over the years but still remember my schooldays there.

Jane Baker
I left Brum in 1977 but think of it each and every day. I live in Hawkes Bay New Zealand with my cockney husband I met here. I speak to family members each week who keep us up to date. I miss the decent Fish & Chips and would die for some proper chocolate!. Kiwi Land is great - but there ain't NO WHERE LIKE HOME.

George Audley
Great I put a comment on here and in it said I thought the Stonehouse gang had closed down. It is sure that this site is read because I have had an email from the stonehouse gang to say that it is still going strong so if you put anything here do not dispair you may also get a responce. It made my day George Audley West Australia

Robert
Moved away from Birmingham (Acocks Green/South Yardley/Kings Heath) to Rome, Italy 3 years ago....just at the same time that Blues went up into the premiership...argh!! I miss tonnes of stuff ! I miss pubs, I miss acting at the Crescent theatre, I miss the leafy dual-carriageways (I know it's strange, but in Rome they tiny cobblestone streets covered with smog, graffitti and bits of stale pizza). I miss Acocks Green Bowling Alley and drinking a deep bucket-ful of coffee at the posh coffee shop at the Waterstones on New Street!

Alec
Born and bred in Selly Oak, went to Shenley Court School! Now resident of Sydney with an Aussie Wife and Little Son. Miss the Saturday afternoons of a couple of pints, Villa Park, couple more pints then a decent Balti. Miss the true multicultural atmosphere and offcourse my Mum!

Rav
I was born in Brum back in 1967, moved to Seattle 4 years ago. I really don't miss much about B'ham besides the people, friends and family. Actually, in saying that I do miss the different varieties of food compared to what you can get here in the Northwest :) I come over often (twice a year), and B'ham has changed a great deal since I've been in the USA. Good old Brummie hey!

Smithy
I lived in Solihull for 36 years and moved to Aus 4 months ago. What I miss most about Brum is the people - best in the world - very down to earth and genuine. I was incensed at the terrorism London experienced and the evacuation of Birmingham last week angered me further. How dare Brummies be interupted from getting down at Reflex!!! (it is still there isn't it ??)

Liam
I used to live in Billesley untill March 2005 when I moved to Vancouver Canada. I havnt been in Canada long but it is amazing! The views from my office are crazy with mountain tops with snow. then the ocean. I would like to visit brum for a few days to see if anything has changed but i wouldnt give up my new life foranything.

Olivia
I now live in Dubai in the UAE but I am sending this from Birmingham beacause I am on holiday here. What I miss about birmingham will proberly sound really stage but what I miss is the rain and snow, beacause after a while you get realy bored of it. Also I miss GAP Kids because I used to do all my shopping there. I miss lots of other things eg. Ice cream van but I cant be bothered to put them down.

Dave and Tracy
We moved to Brisbane in January leaving Brum behind in a greycold haze,arriving to blue sky and more beaches than you can shake a stick at.We miss our family and friends but have made the right choice me thinks.What do we miss?CURRY,Gary Newbon,CURRY,Aston Villa,CURRY,Good pint of Guiness,CURRY,Bargains in the Town,CURRY,Nick Owen,oh and did I mention CURRY?

Tony and Jeanette Weston
Left Brum October 1985 to set sail for a new life in New Zealand. Thinking off our families back in Brum and Shardlow Marina pub, stay strong with the difficult times, and above all stay safe. Bucklands Beach Auckland New Zealand

phil
Moved from Erdington to San Francisco Bay Area in 1982. Don't regret the move for a moment - best place on earth to live. But.......miss the soccer (go Blues) miss the pubs and of course miss the family now scattered from Sutton to Shropshire and places in between. I hardly recognize the Birmingham I spent many a saturday night in. Good for you always new you you could be a better place.

David Howard
Funny to see how many brumies made it to the States and Oz. I've been living in France for the past 17 years now. I grew up in Kings Norton and left to study at Middlesex Poly in London and the Reims business school in France at the age of 18. Didn't come home after that. Admittedly, I'd always dreamed of living in France, so when I made it I didn't look back. Got married, had (have!) two very French children etc etc.. I enjoy coming home though. I miss the "casualness" of Pubs and of course decent fried bacon! People are easier to talk to as well and are always joking around. Some areas of Brum are a bit dirty, but others have undergone some very successful renovations. The canal basin is excellent. I was particularly proud when the Grammer School in Kings Norton won the BBC 2 Restoration contest. really put us on the map!! A short message to George Audley who wrote in from OZ. I think that the Stonehouse Gang is still alive and kicking.I have two aunts still quite active. One lives in Selly Oak. Thanks to the Beeb for the dedicated site. Helps feel closer to home.