I was interested to read about your research in the Sutton News and I think that you should include a garage that was one of the foremost in Sutton Coldfield. I remember it from my childhood (1940s and 1950s) because my parents always used it. It was called Arnold's Garage - not surprisingly run by a Mr Arnold. It was a 'real' garage, not just a filling station. They repaired cars there too. It was situated in South Parade, roughly opposite to the exit from the car park next to TGI Friday's. This was, of course, long before the Parade was pedestrianised and the new road built around the area. I think the garage must have been going well before the second world war, because it appeared to have been there for some time before I knew it. I'm not sure when it closed down, but again, Mr Arnold always seemed quite elderly to me then, so I think it must have been during the fifties or early sixties. Mr Arnold himself owned a wonderful old car - unfortunately I can't remember the make - but it was old even then! I remember petrol being 1s/3d a gallon - I suppose just over 5p in today's money. We never served ourselves, the car was always filled by Mr Arnold himself or an assistant. Sometimes though, as a very special concession, since my father was a regular customer and knew Mr Arnold well, he would fill up himself, but only very rarely. As a child I thought that was very daring.

Best wishes for your project,

JJoy Timbrell