John Mellor Remembers

John Mellor Remembers

Some Person are not lovers of history and the Past

I was posted to West Bromwich Police Station, in 1965, I was not there long. I did have an opportunity of visiting the old unused cells, and discovered that th No. 1 The Occurrence Books, from the passing of the County Police Act, were intactm dry and stacked in 25 years piles. A complete history of the Police station, its visitors, its criminals and it good deeds. I did not return until 1972. The old police station had been destroyed in the name of progress.
I checked the station on assuming command of the sub-division. I went into No.1 Cell, and found the books still in tact. I spoke to the Borough Librarian and archivist, and told him of the books.He was intrigued. The Divisional commander, known from now on as DC, had changed B had left and other B had assumed command, in 1974, to coincide with the new amalgamated Police Service, we where no longer a Force.
I spoke to him, about utilising the cell, but preserving the books. He was not pleased. He asked me to leave it to him, He would deal with it.
I took a day off, the following week, I was on the upper floors a few days later, when Sergeant S, who had always worked in the Divisional Office, Said to me "You can use the cell now, the gaffer told me to take the books to the cupola and burn them. It took three journies with the Divisional van" I remember, he appeared to have a sardonic smile. I thanked him. I never metntioned i tagain. Years later, I was asked by the very efficient, Museum controller in the new West Midlands Police, where all the books had gone from the old West Bromwich Division. I advised him of their disposal. I will not repeat his remarks, something about "Attila, the......."

The Gentle Mander, Wightwick Manor.

Sir Geoffrey and Lady Mander, were still living at the Manor, when I was at Compton. When he was away, the house, was special attention. Sir Geoffrey was a magistrate, and an important one. The number of documents he signed was tremendous. It was usually on a Friday pm after due notice. The household was more relaxed than The Mount, but both were was easy to talk to. He usually told me a story, his favourite, being when with a group of bankers, who with his title and house, thought he was a Conservative. He delighted in telling them he supported the Labour Party., after they had attacked Labours leading figures. He had a good sense of humour. Lady Mander, was a cultivated person, interested, in the ways of the locality and delighted in the stories, of our various problems, with the new arrivals in our area. In the summer, at parties, there was a few traffic problems, but a lot of personalities, film stars, stage stars, poets and politicians. A real eye opener sometimes. He never forgot however was on duty, and personally took us for refreshments. As a magistrate I had to dirnk whatever, he gave me. Ha. Ha. He generousely donated the property to the National Trust. A fine gesture, by a fine couple.