RESIDENTS of a Birmingham suburb have been taking a step back in history this week at a photo exhibition celebrating Harborne’s past.
The event is being held at the The Bell, on Old Church Road, which is also celebrating its status as one of the oldest drinking establishment in the area.
The exhibition features a variety of images from 20th century Harborne, including photographs of the local pub, post office, St John’s Church and St Peter’s Church tower, a well-known land mark which is thought to date back to Norman times.
The event was organised by CAMRA pub preservation officer and local history publisher Andrew Maxam as part of a book that he has completed to celebrate Harborne’s history.
Mr Maxim said: The Bell has always been at the centre of things in Harborne and is particularly remembered for the preserved bowling green at the back which has been there for as long as anyone can remember.
“An image of The Bell with players on the green was one of my favourites and it immediately made me think that it would be a great place to exhibit the collection.
“Anyone who is interested in local history or wants to explore old Harborne should come along as I’m sure the fantastic atmosphere in the pub will bring these memories alive.”
It is thought that The Bell has been a pub for nearly 300 years and prides itself on being the only pub in the vicinity built on church premises, having previously been a parish clerk residence.
Bell manager Hardeep Chaggar said: “I always knew that The Bell had a fantastic part to play in Harborne history and we were thrilled to find out we had been included in the collection and then to be chosen to display the photos which celebrate Harborne in all its glory.
“The collection will be on display all day and everyone from the local community is welcome to come and enjoy looking through the past and learning about the history of our local area which is still very much a part of Harborne’s landscape today.”
Also included at the exhibition is a collection of rare photos of street scenes and sporting events, some of which date back to 1900.
