1974
Sandwell is born
Borough is created on 1 April after the Warley and West Bromwich County boroughs merge together
1977
A royal visit
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip (Duke of Edinburgh) visit Sandwell as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations
1978
Time to celebrate!
Sandwell Festival is held
1981
Snooker comes to Sandwell
English Professional Championship (snooker) held at Haden Hill Leisure Centre
1985
Providing more for you
Sandwell becomes a unitary authority after the Local Government Act is passed
1986
Better connected
The first phase of the Black Country Route opens
1988
Black Country Route 2.0
The second phase of the Black Country Route opens
1989
A new beginning
The council moves into its new premises in Freeth Street, Oldbury
1990
Out of the ashes
The council opens Haden Hill House to the public for the first time since the devastating fire of 1977
1993
A new look for Tipton
Tipton City Challenge launched, regeneration of Tipton with a 5-year scheme (under Clive Dutton)
Image provided by Wolverhampton Archives & Express & Star
1994
The Queen’s standard
Queen Elizabeth II visits Sandwell to view work of Tipton Challenge Partnership (part of wider BC tour)
Image provided by Wolverhampton Archives & Express & Star
1995
Opening a new route
The Black Country Route opens fully
2000
Happy new year!
Millennium marked across Sandwell
2002
Boing Boing!
West Bromwich FC reached the premier league for the first time
2004
Stars recognised in Sandwell
Cyrille Regis, Frank Skinner, and Julie Walters are awarded Freedom of Sandwell
2006
Shri Venkateshwara (Balaji) Hindu Temple
Shri Venkateshwara (Balaji) Hindu Temple is opened, one of largest functioning Hindu temples in Europe
2007
Madeleine Carroll
Statue commemorating Madeleine Carroll (Hollywood actress born in West Bromwich) partly funded by SMBC and unveiled by Cllr Bill Thomas (Leader)
2010
Sandwell’s restoration continues
Ownership of Lightwoods House and Gardens transferred to Sandwell Council – restored with Heritage Lottery’s Park for the People bid money
2011
Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Josie Lawrence is awarded the Freedom of Sandwell
2012
Thank you Blind Dave
Dave Heeley awarded Freedom of Sandwell
2012
History passes through Sandwell
the Olympic Games are held in London – the Olympic Torch passes through Sandwell
2012
A supreme school visit
Prince Philip visits Tipton to open Summerhill Primary School and the RSA Academy
2012
More opportunities for all
Sandwell College’s Central Campus is opened, part of West Bromwich regeneration project
2012
Forging the way for women
Mary Macarthur statue unveiled in Cradley Heath (partly funded by the council)
2013
Portway Lifestyle Centre
Portway Leisure Centre opens, joint venture between Sandwell Council, SLT, SPCT, and Sandwell Liftco – a centre of excellence for people with disabilities)
2014
Sandwell’s 2 time gold winner
Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow. Oldbury-born Jodie Stimpson wins 2 golds in triathlon. Oldbury renamed Goldbury unofficially in her honour – bus stop sprayed gold, road signs renamed, TC sports celebration.
2017
Lightwoods House
Lightwoods House reopens to public
2018
Lest we forget
‘Lions of the Great War’ statue is unveiled in Smethwick High Street
2019
The Celebration Statue
The Celebration Statue is unveiled (to three pioneering black WBA players, Cyrille Regis, Brendon Batson, and Laurie Cunningham
2020
A fifth time celebration!
West Bromwich Albion is promoted to Premier League (also 2002, 2004, 2007, and 2010)
2020-2021
Covid-19
The community responds to the COVID-19 epidemic.
2022
Commonwealth Games
Commonwealth Games are hosted in Birmingham, with Sandwell providing some of the venues (SAC), Queen’s Baton Relay passed through Sandwell, SAC visited by William and Kate
2022
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend
Celebration of Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend
2022
The Queen’s passing
People of Sandwell mark the Queen’s passing with book of condolence and flower tributes
2023
Kings Coronation
Sandwell community marks King’s Coronation with events at Sandwell Valley Park – Big Picnic Lunch, King’s Coronation Screen, The Big Help Out (volunteering initiative)
2023
Reaching new heights
Central St Michael’s Sixth Form College opened
2023
The Green Flag Award
Sandwell’s parks and green spaces win a record-breaking 15 Green Flags
2024
Happy Birthday Sandwell
Sandwell turns 50!
