Bilston & Wolverhampton NARRATED!

[@stevezodiac575]

G'day from Western Australia. Thanks for the stroll through these two towns. I loved the dry and sarky commentary, but I was sad to see the decline of the towns. Worth noting, The Trumpet is an iconic, legendary even, Black Country pub where generations of young and old have attended to enjoy Jazz. It is also famous for its connections to Slade (not just Noddy Holder). I was raised in Pelsall and Bloxwich, attended Walsall Tech, and Wolves Poly - most Friday nights from '84 to end of '87 I'd be found in The Trumpet, Bilston, listening to Mike Turner, Brian Casson, Bill Bickerton, and Tony Caldicott (Swing Parade) with the occasional appearances from Reg Kerl. I first met Tony at a jazz gig in Walsall, he encourage me to visit The Trumpet. The best of happy days! I moved to WA in Jan '88, but made it back to the Trumpet for a Friday night in '93. Tony looked at me and said 'Where yo bin?', 'Western Australia' I said. 'AUSTRALIA!!' he said, rather shocked. I really should have said something before I migrated I thought. I made it back one more time in 2001, but sadly Swing Parade weren't playing that particular Friday. I was sooooo disappointed. I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mike and Reg. I hope the other guys are well.

[@amblers]

G'Day Steve. The Trumpet used to be great. I haven't had a good experience the last couple of times I've visited. The place smells really bad and the barmaid can be downright rude. I find that pretty funny to be honest, but some may find it offensive. Swing Parade were fabulous and I've also seen Patsy Gamble there and she was brilliant. Last couple of times I went it was just a couple of lads on bass and keyboard and the landlord on the drums. Sadly, they recently had a break-in, but I believe the locals have rallied around them and they've come back stronger. I may give it another try when I'm in the area. I'm envious of you being in Australia. Except for the spiders, snakes and stuff, of course.

[@stevezodiac575]

@@amblers G'day again! Gee I'm saddened to hear the Trumpet has declined so much too. Friday night's, back in the day, were chocka and the atmosphere incredibly vibrant. Holden's Golden beer (Special at Christmas), and a bag of the best pork scratchings. Jazz sessions were 8 times a week - twice on Sundays. Seems jazz, like many aspects of life and economy in the Black Country, seems to have declined considerably. I did an apprenticeship at Wellman Cranes - Willenhall Rd (now the Cresent?) 1977 to 82 - the local manufacturing industry of those days seems to have disappeared, with the decline really kicking in in '82. The old Wellman site (where the 110 ton creeper cranes used to construct the Sydney Harbour bridge were made) became the head office of Poundland for a few year I understand. Travesty. There is some nice footage of Swing Parade in 2011 elsewhere on KZbin (jj77 - Swing Parade.."The Jeep is Jumpin"..@TheTrumpet 14/10/2011) with Tony still on Drums! A true Gentleman and a terrific drummer! Yes Australia is good to live in - but I do miss sooo much of beautiful England. So in many ways I'm envious of you too! The trick is to enjoy and appreciate wherever it is that you live - and get out, soak up the countryside, the towns and villages, the history, and the best beers to be found on the planet - if you live in England that is!

[@janeilsley7702]

😂😂😂 I'm crying I was raised in walsall but used to come to the 5 star club back in the 80s in wonderful Bilston

[@jenniferhernandez8612]

Definitly gotta do Tipton!

[@bogdanbogdan3551]

Does anyone can give a fair review about Bilston if is worth to move here? I heard crime rate is very high...

[@amblers]

The crime rate isn't as high as it used to be. Like anywhere, it pays to be streetwise. But there are many benefits to living in Bilston, not least the excellent transport links, gems like the Backroom, The Robin and The Trumpet, plus a decent selection of shops. The majority of Bilstonians are lovely, witty, salt-of-the-Earth people. There are certainly worse places to live. I know.. I've lived in Bilston, Birmingham and London and I felt safest in Bilston.

[@bogdanbogdan3551]

@@amblers thank you for your review

[@BeerStens]

Bilston is great. Rough, yes but honest and full of bargains.

[@amblers]

It is a great place. I run it down simply for the fun of it.

[@countbasi4680]

@amblers I enjoy your sardonic humour. The Trumpet is a great pub as well there.

[@t9803013]

More Narrated stuff please - very witty ! ;)

[@simonpeterdavies9077]

Y U RUNNING THE TOWN DOWN AS 4 THE SLANDEROUS THINGS UR SAYING I NOTICE THAT UR ABOUT WHEN THERE'S NOBODY ABOUT. IT SAFE NOW I'VE BEEN LIVING HERE ALL MY LIFE . UR A PROPER SAUSAGE.

[@amblers]

Ha ha! It's all tongue in cheek my friend. Not to be taken seriously. I'll be running more towns down in future when I get the time to go out and film. 😁

[@countbasi4680]

Come on, pal. If you're British you've got to be able to pick up on dry witty humour with a sprinkling of self deprecation. Surely?

[@countbasi4680]

I'm Wolverhampton born as well and feel identically to you about it - when you say you want to say nice things about it but you can't, and it's a shame - that's the same as me. We're both proud to be from there but it's a pale imitation of what it was growing up.

[@amblers]

There are glimmers of hope here and there. Hopefully there will be some actual investment in the city soon.

[@lesleywright8684]

😅