Family Memories Birmingham MEB

New Buildings

These days of unusual characters and unusual surroundings ceased when modern new buildings for a new HQ were erected in Summer Lane where the generating station had stood. It was equipped with all up-to-date furnishings, fittings, under floor heating and everything to meet the more advanced requirements of that date. (Moved around the early 1960s - JFB) Below is a photo looking towards Snow Hill taken from the offices in Summer Lane.

Then on the 1st April 1948 Nationalisation of the Industry was commenced. Previously the Central Electricity Generating Board had in effect taken control of the Power Stations. The distribution side was amalgamated with other Midland Supply Companies to become the Midlands Electricity Board with Headquarters at Halesowen. Birmingham retained its identity but became split into four districts each in due course becoming separate Departments included in the M.E.B., but Birmingham HQ having a much diminished level of authority.

Later further re-organisation took place this time my own work being affected. At the time of my retirement, the Accountant's work had shrunk to negligible proportions. A computer centre having been established at Kingswinford. A short time afterwards Summer Lane HQ was closed and the building and staff upon which so many plans had been based was no more related to the Electricity Supply Industry.

The staff about whom I have spoken if not retired have been allocated to other places of work, Halesowen, Kingswinford, Solihull, Erdington and so on. But with many old memories particularly of the days in Dale End will be cherished.