Memory Monday
Back in April Jay Mckeown posted a fascinating compilation of photos on this Facebook page. They were taken in the 1960s and were found during a 'lockdown clearout'. It has provided us with a unique opportunity to compare how the area looks now with how it looked back then.
About three quarters of the photos have been tracked down and I have put together a selection of them here. There will be more to follow in the coming weeks. The intention is to track down as many of the places as possible and put together a piece for inclusion on the Westwood Heath Residents Association History Group website.
I have included two photos at the end for people to come up with suggestions as to where the buildings currently are, if indeed they still exist.
With thanks to Jay for sharing the original photographs.
The Parish of Westwood, and a hand drawn map of the area. It is assumed that all the photos were taken in this area.
A45 roundabout showing the Police Station and the road going over the railway line towards Tile Hill Lane.
The Phantom Coach, at the junction of the A45 and Charter Avenue
The junction of Westwood Heath Road and Kirby Corner Road, looking from the direction of the University of Warwick.
St Johns Church, Westwood Heath Road. Viewed from the rear of the church.
Westwood School, Westwood Heath Road. This is now the Greek Orthodox Church, and the building has been extended and modified.
Now the images that we haven't identified so far:
This looks like cottages that can be found along Cromwell Lane, but none of them match up to the exact layout of the house in this photo. Where is it?
Comments received:
* I think this is the bungalow that was demolished and the land used for 3 or 4 new houses on Westwood Heath Road.
* This bungalow was demolished to build Baron Leigh Drive. It was owned by Bob Knight who was, I think, a chief engineer for Jaguar.
Clearly a newly built detached house when this picture was taken in the 19060's, but where is it?
All of the 1960s images are copyright of Jay Mckeown
All of the 2020 images are copyright of Ian Harrop/WHRA