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Memories gathered to mark estate's centenary

Express & Star/Wolverhampton City Archives A black and white picture of a large group of children of more than 40 children with at least 10 adults among them, The children are party outfits, including dresses and skirts, while one of the boys wears a tie. Some of the children are wearing crown hats. Express & Star/Wolverhampton City Archives
Memories and photos are sought about events, such as the one at Masefield Road Youth Centre on 7 June, 1977

People's stories, memories and photos are being collected for an exhibition to mark the centenary of a Wolverhampton estate.

The project will explore the history of Low Hill Estate, which saw its first houses built about 100 years ago, with the pre-War homes modernised in the 1970s.

The city council said the exhibition was part of the wider Know Your Neighbourhood Project and was planned for Low Hill Library next year.

Memories are expected to include working in factories, such as Goodyear and Guy Motors, attending schools and churches, and leisure times at the Clifton Cinema, Bushbury Arms and Penny Bike Park.

Wolverhampton City Archives A black and white picture showing houses which are two-storey \and are mainly semi-detached. In the front of the photo is a large area of ground which is empty. Wolverhampton City Archives
The estate pictured in March 1926, soon after the first houses were built

A "memories group" at the library has been carrying out research about the area with volunteers from the Friends of Wolverhampton Archives.

"We already have some very interesting material from the archives and from people coming to group meetings at the library," said Jen Lees, Wolverhampton Libraries' project lead for Know Your Neighbourhood.

"But we are keen to hear more memories of living on the estate and to see photos of the area from family albums."

Obaida Ahmed, council cabinet member for digital and community, said the project was a great opportunity to "celebrate the rich history of the area and bring people together".

Express & Star/Wolverhampton City Archives. A black and white photo of terraced homes on two storeys. The homes are white at the top with brickwork on the bottom storey. They also have chimneys. In front of the homes are several trees and some grass areas with a wooden fence. Express & Star/Wolverhampton City Archives.
The pre-war council houses on the Low Hill estate were extensively modernised in 1973, the council said. Those pictured are Second Avenue homes.

Anyone who wants to contribute can email [email protected] or drop into the next group meeting at the library at 14:00 GMT on 15 January.

The Know Your Neighbourhood scheme is funded by the Department for Culture Media and Sport and is designed to increase volunteering and tackle loneliness, the council says.

Wolverhampton Libraries was awarded £86,000 for social activities which include bereavement social groups, walking groups and Diwali celebrations.

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