Smoky Joe's

Directly across the road was a row of small shops set back and running up the hill from Park Road. The first was Smoky Joe's Cafe, where a good cooked dinner and pudding could be had at a very reasonable cost (if you could stand the torrent of expletives that greeted every customer as they were hurled at them by Pete Cassati the owner). Although a pretty revolting sight, with his enormous fat gut hanging over the counter and sweaty complexion, it was a little known fact that he was a most generous and benevolent person in real life, helping many individuals in time of need. Above  the cafe was the Aston Villa Supporters Club of which I know nothing!  I think at one time it was also the Midland Red Social Club, but I can't be sure. Next door was a Green Grocers, (possibly another shop), and then Baby Land and Toy Fair.  A double fronted shop, managed by Fred Beech, the left hand side was full to the brim with toys of every description, whilst the right hand side was full of prams, cots, and other baby essentials. I seem to remember that it was owned by Mauntons from across the road.(or was it Thomas Woolf? - Bit murky on this one). My mother and Fred's wife Gwen were friends and frequently met at their house in Crumpfields Lane or at ours in Feckenham Road. The shop eventually closed and Fred and Gwen moved to Stourbridge.

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