The 1980s – The 9th Decade

At the start of the decade, the country was in the grip of a deep recession which resulted in many of the traditional manufacturing industries disappearing forever. This led to a period of mass unemployment, and social unrest. The Conservative Government under Margaret Thatcher raised taxes and cut government spending, and even reduced benefits paid to the families of people who were on strike.

By 1981 around 3 million people were out of work, and manufacturing capacity had fallen by one fifth. One in eight people were without employment, and 32 people were chasing every job vacancy. It was the worst recession since the 1930s. The level of unemployment was almost the highest in Europe. There were urban riots, and more than 750,000 people were classed as long term unemployed.

An advert from the mid 1980s.

The recession had a great impact on local industry. Casualties included Star Aluminium in September 1981, and E.C.C. in September 1985. E.C.C. had been one of the largest local employers, with a workforce of around 2,300. By the time of closure the workforce had been reduced to around 800. 

In November 1985 the national unemployment figure peaked at 19.8%. As a direct result, around 25% of families in Wolverhampton were on some kind of income support. The worst areas affected locally were Heath Town, Blakenhall, and Willenhall, where 28.3% of the workforce was unemployed.

In 1984 and 1985 during the miners’ strike, local sympathisers formed support groups and organised displays in Dudley Street.

The unrest spread to the Express & Star when members of the National Graphical Association refused to work, following the introduction of single keying. The dispute lasted for several months.

In 1980 a long-familiar landmark in Queen Square disappeared when the old Queens Ballroom was demolished to make way for the extension to Lloyds Bank. In the same year the falling demand for secondary education places led to the closure of Wards Bridge School in Wednesfield. On 12th July the last local children’s cinema matinee was held at the Odeon in Skinner Street.

Also in 1980 St. James Square bus terminus and Victoria Square Bus Station were closed. As a replacement, West Midland Passenger Transport Executive built a new bus station alongside Railway Drive and Pipers Row.

1980 became a difficult year for the Grand Theatre, when it was forced to close because of declining audiences. After the closure a public meeting was held to discuss ways of saving the theatre. This resulted in the formation of the "Save the Grand Action Group" which worked in co-operation with the council to try and rescue the theatre.

A grant was obtained from the Department of the Environment, and work soon began to restore the building to its former glory, and increase the seating capacity to 1,200. When the theatre re-opened in 1982 it was one of the best-equipped theatres in the country, and would soon go from strength to strength.

An advert from the 1980s.

An advert from 1986.

There were also productions by local companies such as the South Staffs Operatic Society which appeared at the theatre on many occasions. On 14th to 19th October, 1985 they performed ‘My Fair Lady’, on 13th to 18th October, 1986 they performed ‘Camelot’, and on 12th October to 17th October, 1987 they performed ‘Gigi’. The Wolverhampton Comedy Group also appeared there. In 1987 they performed ‘Half a Sixpence’.

Concerts were also given at the Art Gallery as part of the council’s ‘Music in May’ events in 1988, including ‘A Tribute to Maggie Teyte’ with Angela Beale, Michael Jones, Barbara Smith, and Robert Smith. Another concert featured Ingrid Culliford, and Nigel Hill playing Bach’s Suite in C Minor.

As usual there were many concerts at the Civic Hall. Frequent visitors included the Hallé Orchestra, The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Other concerts were given by the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, The BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Virtuosi Orchestra, The Berlin Symphony Orchestra, The London Mozart Players, and the English Sinfonia.

In February 1981, Wolverhampton’s best known building after St. Peter’s Church, situated at 19 Victoria Street, and known locally as Lindy Lou’s, was reopened after being completely renovated by the local authority.

1982 saw the official opening of another important building, Compton Hospice, which carries out a vital role, caring for people near the end of their life. The hospice is located in Compton Hall, which had been empty for several years when the plans for the conversion to a hospice were drawn up in 1976. The hospice was officially opened by the Patron, the Duchess of Kent on 9th November, 1982.

An advert from 1985.

An advert from 1985.

Another local radio milestone was reached on 2nd June, 1989 when Wolverhampton Community Radio Association broadcast for the first time from the town show in West Park, using a three-day special event licence issued by the I.B.A. and the Home Office. The event was broadcast from a caravan in West Park on 1530kHz on the Medium Wave Band.

One other form of radio, which shouldn’t be forgotten is hospital radio. In 1983 Radio Wulfrun began entertaining patients at New Cross Hospital, and later at the Royal Hospital.

The radio station is a voluntary service, funded by local charities and fund raising events. In the 1980s the station manager was Alan Price.

Several important events took place in 1985 when Wolverhampton celebrated its millennium. The council produced a millennium magazine, which contained the story of Wolverhampton, as told by the late Keith Farley.

The events began on the 29th April with the opening of an exhibition about Wolverhampton Wanderers, held at the Central Library, Snow Hill.

The Millennium Street Parade on 8th June was Wolverhampton’s largest carnival procession. It included floats sponsored by local companies, bands, dancers, and a horse-drawn carriage carrying the mayor and mayoress.

Other events were as follows:

The Millennium magazine.

Railway exhibition in the Mander Centre.

 18th August.

16th to 27th September.