Alice Matthews was born in Saltley on the 28th February 1919. Along with her 3 sisters Edie, May, Lizzie and brother Ted she was brought up by her Mom Amelia and Dad George in Highfield Terrace, Washwood Heath.
Later on in life when she was grown up she met and was courted by Billy Ward and they were married on the 27th May 1939 at St. Marks Church, Washwood Heath.
They then went to live in Ramsay Road, Nechells where their son Colin and daughter Carol were born.Shortly afterwards they moved just around the corner into number 70 Chattaway Street. It was then that her mental health problems began and she had to spend some time in Highcroft Hospital.
Alice worked at most of the factories around Nechells and at one time was a cleaner at Newton’s at the top of long Acre.
In the mid 1970’s with the redevelopment of the area going on, the house in Chattaway Street was knocked down and Alice and Billy were re-housed in Chipstead Road, Erdington.
My Mom, Alice died on the 18th August, 1987.
Like most working class people we had nowt but my Mom and Dad taught my sister and me the values of life.
They then went to live in Ramsay Road, Nechells where their son Colin and daughter Carol were born. Shortly afterwards they moved just around the corner into number 70 Chattaway Street. It was then that her mental health problems began and she had to spend some time in Highcroft Hospital. 
Alice worked at most of the factories around Nechells and at one time was a cleaner at Newton’s at the top of long Acre. 
