On display in the Centre

There are items on display from many of the famous old Smethwick companies including Ruskin Pottery, Chance’s, GKN, M &B and Scribbans – to name a few. There are also sections on Smethwick Schools, Smethwick at War and those companies still going today such as East End Foods and Aurubis.

• The largest of the rooms in the Heritage Centre contains artefacts from a great variety of industries which were based in Smethwick, including GKN, Avery's, Evered and Chances.

• To the side left is a screw worming machine from GKN which is still in noisey working order! The case to the front left contains a nice working model of cogs and wheels made for Evereds.

• The room left is joined to the previous room and houses a great many trophies awarded to Smethwickians over the years. Most of these are from the local schools such as Holly Lodge.

• The dummy in front is dressed for driving an M&B dray! To the rear is a Holly Lodge school uniform.

• The courtyard is home to a selection of artefacts including original street signs from Smethwick as well as plaques and monuments. The courtyard is also an alternative route to the exhibition room.