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Back in time

From the archive, first published Friday 1st Jul 2005.

Halesowen historian and author Anthony Page has launched his latest collection of Rowley Regis memories.

The second book on one of the Black Country's oldest settlements contains over 200 photographs dating from the turn of the century right up to the 1980s.

Anthony, who was a professional photographer for 20 years, said the public donated most of the photos, which range from schooldays to churches, people and events.

He also carried out extensive research in the town's archives, helping him to pen informative captions for each picture.

Pictures in the book include rare shots of Rowley Hall, which was demolished in the late 20th century, the fire damaged ruins of St Giles' Church in 1913 and photos of some of the area's best known quarries at the turn of the century.

Anthony, who is a member of Blackheath Local History Group and The Black Country Society, has already compiled two books on Blackheath, and a third Blackheath book is in the pipeline.

The former Halesowen Grammar School pupil said the books' success was down to people loving nostalgia and looking back at where they came from.

He said: "I was born here, and have a lot of knowledge of the area, but I always find out more every time I write a book.

"The history of an area is in the people who live there."

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