Bailey

Ed Bailey lived at the Forge Harlaston for many years, he later built and lived in Hedgebank 37 Main Road Harlaston before moving to Spain.


Click here to see his unusual proposal (and Veronica's answer) here

Ed's pride in Swallow.

Staffordshire car enthusiast Ed Bailey is rallying to the cause of motoring history in his gleaming Walsall-made Doretti sports car.

Mr Bailey, of Harlaston, near Tamworth is lending the rare 100mph two seater to Walsall museum for a motor exhibition is September.

Museum staff tracked down Mr Bailey after appealing for information about the history of the Swallow coach building. company which was based at the old Walsall airport in Aldridge Road.

Mr Bailey's Doretti is one of only 276 produced in Walsall in 1954 and 1955.

Mr Bailey, a retired garage owner, bought the car from one of his customers for £570.

He took it off the road in 1965, but has since spent years restoring it to its origional condition and now estimates it is worth £15,000.

Mr Bailey said it was not known how many Dorettis were still in existence.

Ten, including his own, were assembled for a show at Silverstone last year and there could be a number of others in this country and abroad.

The exhibition about the Swallow company, which also produced the Gadabout motor scooterafter the last war will be staged from September 7th to November 3rd.

Mr Bailey's Doretti will be on show outside the museum on September 14th when a reunion of former Swallow employees is planned.

Anyone who worked for the company, or any other Doretti owners are being asked to contact Carl Franklin on 019222654315.

Parish Magazine 2001

Farewell and thanks

We are very sorry to have to say goodbye to two popular and well known families this month. Ed and Veronica Bailey have 'retired' to Spain and Antony and Nicky Dell with Molly and Lucy have moved to Colwich. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to them for their help and generous support of the church, Village Hall, parish council and other village projects and send our good wishes for the future. Come back and see us sometime!!

Parish Magazine 2011

October 8th - Edward Bailey - aged 84 years

Ed had lived in the village over 30 years and was a very generous supporter of the Church and Village Hall. Moving to Spain ten years ago, he and Veronica still kept in touch with many people in the village and continued to make contributions to the 100 club and Parish Magazine.

Our deepest sympathy goes to Veronica and her daughters Emma and Melanie.