Elements of Oldbury

[Alice]

My Grandad was a boatman and he worked for Tom and Sam Element. when grandad was dying in 1990 he told my Dad that 'Tummy Element' had been to visit him in the night to make sure he was okay, The Element brothers were long gone by that time, but they were still looking after one of their own.
For many Years my Dad worked for John Turnhill of Waterfall House, Waterfall Lane, does anyone remember it.
Alice

A Day we haven't laughed, is a day wasted.

[Rob]

That would have been Elements of Oldbury.Their yard was located just over the Whimsey Bridge just past Portway Road.
I grew up around there in the 50's and i'd go to Elements to have a look at the horses.They had big shire horses and i thought it was great.
Just up from the Whimsey Bridge was Tat Bank basin and that's where "The Boaties" lived and the canals in those days were smelly and I was always a bit wary when walking past them on the tow path.

[Alice]

Grandad didn't live on the boats all the time, just when they had to do a long journey to deliver goods, when dad was on holiday he used to go with him, he used to love it.
Alice


A day we haven't laughed is a day wasted

[BC Wench]

I'm related to the Elements of Oldbury.

[Alice]

I thought the Element brothers were from Tipton, I now live next door to their sisters daughter, she told me they owned two houses next door to each other in Tipton near to what is now Tipton Asda.
is the T&S haulage company still in operation?
Alice

[BC Wench]

No Alice they're not in operation now, they folded up a few years back.