http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/ Delving into the rich history of Formby, Freshfield, Little Altcar, Great Altcar, Hightown, Ince Blundell and Sefton. Share your memories with us. en Copyright 2009 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:53:50 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Mr Alexander, of Gores Lane, provided the charming sepia snap from 1974. The retired pharmacist , who has lived in Formby for 43 years, found the time to chat to Times Past about his memories of the tennis club around the corner from his home. He said: "The photograph presents bitter sweet emotions for me, because some of the dear people on it our no longer with us. "However, I have many fond memories of Formby Tennis Club in the 1970s, and I wanted to get in touch to chat about them. I remember playing tennis with Liverpool FC striker John Toshack on a couple of occasions. He was ok at tennis, and a really nice guy. He lived in the village, but I cannot remember where. I also enjoyed the odd game of badminton with Ray Clemence at Victoria Hall. The tennis club was a really friendly place, and is full of fond memories for me. Although I am no longer a member, I still enjoy Wimbledon on the box. I was supporting Andy Roddick on Sunday. I think a British player will win it one year. Our players just need to show a little more committment. If you recognise any of the faces on Normans old photograph, please get in touch with Tom on 01704 398 225 or mail him at tom.duffy@liverpool.com Meanwhile, Reg Yorke has been in touch with news on a forthcoming Formby Civic Society event. The group will be meeting at 10.30 am on July 19 at Firwood Gate for a guided walk of the Formby coast. For more information phone Reg Yorke on 01704 872187 or e-mail yorke@briardale.co.uk]]> http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/07/70s_formby_remembered.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/07/70s_formby_remembered.html Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:53:50 +0000 The original site was built by Dr Richard Formby in 1853. Dr Richard , who co-founded Liverpool's prestigious medical school, wanted to spend his retirement years close to the sea and thought the Shorrocks site ideal. While last week's photographs of the arson attack hit the headlines across Merseyside, Formby Civic Society have provided Times Past with a wonderful set of photographs charting Shorrocks through the years. Perhaps the most charming photograph, which captures some of Shorrocks undeniable exclusivity, was taken in 1968. And the 1992 photograph, possibly taken on summers morning, also captures some of this magic. Tony Bonney, of Formby Civic Society, assures Times Past that the image dating back to 1860 is a photograph and not a sketch. And finally, in acknowledgment of last week's theme, we include a mystery photograph of Formby Lawn Tennis Club. Times Past thinks it has a late 1990's feel to it, but Tom Duffy needs some help putting names to the faces. Please call him on 01704 398 225 or send mail to tom.duffy@liverpool.co]]> http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/07/remembering_shorrocks_hill.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/07/remembering_shorrocks_hill.html Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:25:35 +0000 Devil's hole in the Formby dunes Phil Smith, the book's engaging author, found the time to chat with Times Past about the Formby's coast line and his own life. He said: "There is 10,000 years of history on our doorstep, so that is what the book is about. Although the Formby footprints and the history of sand mining are fairly well known, but there are some less well known features. For example, for many years the Formby coastline was riddled with extensive rabbit warrens. The animals were hunted and killed for their skins, giving rise to a small industry in the 19th century. Although I was born in Crosby I spent my formative years in Ainsdale, where I collected Natterjack Toads and fell in love with the coast. I ended up teaching applied biology at Liverpool Polytechnic, and I retired in 1993. Dr Phil Smith will be in Pritchards on Friday afternoon between 3pm and 5pm when he will sign copies of his new book. Pritchards' manager Tony Higginson, said "It is a cracking book and it is now on sale at £15.00" ]]> http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/06/story_of_the_sands_of_time.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/06/story_of_the_sands_of_time.html Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:48:20 +0000 TIMES Past takes another trip to the swinging 60s this week thanks to Mr Bert Wylie. Bert was inspired to contact Times Past after reading about The Interns and their Friday night gigs at Formby ice-rink. Interestingly, Bert played in a band of the same name from 1964 to 1967, although his group was based across the water in Wallasey. Bert played lead guitar in the four piece band, and performed alongside Roy ainbridge, Vic Rose and Charles Wood. The Interns played some of some of Liverpool's legendary nightspots, such as the Cavern, Iron Door and the Mardi Gras. Today he would love to meet up with some of the Formby Interns and 'have a chat about the old days.' He said: "My favourite bands from the 60s were Remo Four, The Undertakers and The Searchers. I left the bandin 1967 to further my career in the insurance industry and get married. "The club scene in my day was all about the music, and not about famous faces. But I do remember The Bealtes playing the Cavern, on their return from the German tour. They were so loud, and so good." Meanwhile, Tony Bonney of Formby Civic Society has been in touch with a couple of lovely photographs. All of Tony's images will soon be online when the society's website launches. http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/06/merseybeat_remembered.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/06/merseybeat_remembered.html Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:29:51 +0000 And if you recognise any of the faces in the sepia snaps, contact Tom Duffy at the Formby Times on 01704 398 002 or email him at tom.duffy@liverpool.com.]]> http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/06/pictures_of_formby_past.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/06/pictures_of_formby_past.html Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:10:40 +0000 THIS week Times Past is grateful to Colin Ward for providing two charming sepia snaps from Formby's past. The first photograph is of Formby Preparatory School on Andrews Lane, and is dated to the early 1950s. If you recognise one the faces in the picture, or remember the dog sat on the boy's lap, please get in touch. And the second photograph was taken inside Holy Trinity Primary School, and is dated to the 1947 school year. Times Past would obviously love to learn more about this photograph, and we are particularly interested in the boy in the hooded top. How times have changed. Meanwhile, the National Trust has been in touch with news on Formby's historic association with asparagus, which also complements this week's shop local theme. The root crop dates back to the 16th century in Freshfield and in the 19th century the fields surrounding the village became synonymous with asparagus. By 1940 there was a 200 acre asparagus farm in Freshfield, but after the war the industry began to decline. Inspired by this proud association, the National Trust have devoted two acres of Sandfield Farm to the crop, and their asparagus is now on sale at Larkhill Farm off Larkhill Lane until June 21. http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/05/green_roots_of_the_past.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/05/green_roots_of_the_past.html Wed, 13 May 2009 10:10:40 +0000 THE Interns were a popular four piece student band playing a regular slot at Formby ice rink. The four students played the gig each Friday night during 1963 - 64. Steve Kelly, of Ravenmeols Lane Formby, recalls: "In the early 60's, I and thousands of other teenagers were in groups in the Merseyside area - my band The Interns consisted of myself Steve Kelly lead guitar, John Duncan rhythm guitar and lead singer, Roger Carter bass player and singer and Mike Astardjian drummer. "We were becoming relatively popular in the Southport and Formby area and played at other local venues such as the Ravel Club in Eastbank St, The Flying Dutchmen off London St, The Old Palace Hotel Birkdale - the infamous Klik Klik club and many others which no longer exist." "Everybody was in a band, the floral hall was flourishing and there were loads of clubs and coffee bars to play in. There were lots of groups - The Sandgrounders were around at that time and Rhythm and Blues Incorporated were on Ready, Steady, Go on Friday nights on ITV," says Steve. But the Interns didn't make it. Steve says: "I was 16-18 and it was ruining my A-levels. It was very short-lived, two or three years, but it was fun while it lasted. The best gig we played was The Cavern - I'm delighted to say we've got a brick in the wall." http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/05/interns_at_the_ice_rink.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/05/interns_at_the_ice_rink.html Wed, 06 May 2009 10:10:40 +0000 TIM Goulbourne is appealing for information after unearthing another item from his grandfather's past. Times Past's more regular readers will now be familiar with the story of Stewart Stoke Shaw, who served during the Great War and died a young man from the German poison in his lungs. However, his grandson has now revealed another treasure from his family's history. The certificate on the right was awarded to Stewart on his return from the trenches of France, and Tim would like to learn a little more on its significance. Stewart's name appears on the Formby Roll of Honour, and Tim wants to celebrate their collective sacrifice with a permanent memorial. Call him on 07812 702 856 . And finally to Stella Maris, the Formby hotel that never was.Built in 1905 on Formby's promenade, the structure became a wind swept monument to the ambition of the men who wanted Formby to compete with Blackpool as a tourist destination for hard working Lancashire families. The folly did accept a number of non-paying guests over the years, from Roman Catholic priests and school children to soldiers during World War II, but never a paying customer. The steps to Formby's 'promenade,' which can still be found down in the dunes, are all that remain today of this doomed venture. Many thanks to Tony Bonney of Formby Civic Society for the photographs. http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/04/so_proud_of_his_sacrifice.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/04/so_proud_of_his_sacrifice.html Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:10:40 +0000 PUBLIC school, war, religion and gambling all made a substantial contribution to the life of Stewart Stoke Shaw. Times Past introduced Formby Times readers to Stewart last week, when the column launched a fundraising appeal for Formby's Great War dead. However, the recent death of Katherine Shaw , who was Stewart's daughter, has shed more light on the life of a remarkable Formby man.After Katherine passed away, the Goulbourne family were presented with a collection of Edwardian photographs of Stewart at Charterhouse public school. Stewart Stoke Shaw was born in 1883, and the family lived in a large house opposite St Vincent's private school on Raven Meols Lane. The Shaw's had money, but a young Stewart became estranged from his Anglican parents when he chose to marry a Roman Catholic girl. He fought for the Liverpool King's Regiment in the Great War, where he was captured and imprisoned by the enemy. Stewart survived World War I, but at a cost. The German gas he inhaled developed in to lung disease. Stewart knew he was dying, and his final days were ruined by reckless gambling. The war hero was buried in the grounds of St Luke's Church in 1921. To help the Goulbourne family with their war memorial campaign for Formby, call Tim on 07812 702 856 http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/04/a_charmed_life_in_ruins.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/04/a_charmed_life_in_ruins.html Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:37:16 +0000 Tim Gouldbourne, who discovered Formby's Roll of Honour in an old house on York Road, now wants to build a permanent memorial outside Formby Library on Duke Street. Tim and the Formby British Legion envisage a collection of floodlight black granite tablets, each listing the names, addresses and regiments of the Formby men who fought in World War 1. Tim contacted Times Past last week, and said: "The fund raising starts here. The quotes for the work have so far been around £10,000. The memorial will include all 355 names on the manuscript, and include regiment details and addresses. "Both my great grandfathers appear on the list. William Gouldbourne served in the King's Regiment, and Stewart Stoke Shaw died age 38 from the affects of gas poisoning.I am appealing for Formby people to help make it happen.Please call me on 07812 702 856 to get involved. And finally, Formby Civic Society is holding a History Group meeting on Thursday at 8pm. The event, which will take place at Ravenmeols Community Centre, will explore ideas for the Heritage Panel, which will promote the diversity of the village on the coast. ]]> http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/04/remembering_their_sacrifice.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/04/remembering_their_sacrifice.html Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:02:41 +0000 Society member Tony Bonney has unearthed a charming set of photographs taken in and around Deansgate Lane, which shine a light on Formby's rustic past. The first photograph is of Rose Farm, which was one of the largest in Formby. And the site has a rather unusual history. Mr Watts, who ran the farm with his wife, was lost at sea during World War II. Mrs Watts then sold the sprawling site to Arthur Maiden, of advertising board fame. Arthur converted the farm in to flats, and sold it to Lancashire County Council. It was demolished in 1970 And the photograph of Berriman's Farm, which evokes the landscape of Turner and Constable, also has an intriguing background. The building datesback over 300 years, and it's original structure was built from wattle,daub and thatch. And in terms of the future, Formby Civic Society is looking forward to the launch of their new web site. Created by local designer Sam Gerrard of Shore Creative, the resource will feature an online archive of the Muriel Sibley art collection, monthly wildlife notes,a local history archive and allow visitors to the site to submit words and pictures. ]]> http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/03/romance_of_rustic_past.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/03/romance_of_rustic_past.html Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:33:01 +0000 Stan was moved by last week's photograph of St Lukes' Primary, because he was in it. A 5 year old Stan Greenwood, who today lives on Holmwood Drive, was sat at the front of Mrs Ramsbottom's classroom, next to pal John Rimmer. And Stan, who is today a painter and decorator, dates the photograph to the 1948-9 school year. He said: "That photograph really brought back vivid memories of my time at school. I remember the day Miss Calarke walked in to the classroom and announced that King George had died. Although those brick classroom still stand today, Formby village has changed a lot over the years. I have such fond memories, such as Bon Bon sweet shop on the corner of Chapel Lane, and the old Queens Cinema on Three Tuns Lane. I used to pay 9 pence on a Saturday morning and watch Flash Gordon movies. And my first job was at Wallworks store on Elson Road. I worked their for 13 years. I have had a happy life in Formby, and I am now looking forward to my well earned retirement. And if our photograph of a 1960 Easter Monday trip jogs your memory, do get in touch through the usual channels. ]]> http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/03/best_years_of_your_life.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/03/best_years_of_your_life.html Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:33:01 +0000 THIS week Times Past reflects upon the life and times of Formby man, Brian Young. Brian Michael Young was born on March 25, 1946. After attending junior school in Formby, he went on to Christ Church Secondary in Southport. Brian, who lives on Andrews Lane, retired a couple of years ago from the Ocean Group on Liverpool's waterfront. He recently found the time to chat about Formby's golden years. He said: "During the endless summer months, my friends and I would spend our holidays playing in the woods and dunes. I remember scooping clay from the river bank. We would make models, and bake them hard in the sun. We always managed to make it home for tea, despite not having watches. "I remember fishing for minnows in Long Lane Ditch, scooping up frog-spawn from pools in the Lifeboat Road area. We would dollop this into jam jars, watch tadpoles grow and then let frogs hop out." "Formby was another world then. I remember Mr Hollis, the station master, who won prizes for keeping it so presentable. I also remember the staff there popping into the Railway Hotel for a pint in between trains. And the seasons seemed so much more pronounced - thunder storms in August and Wellington boot-deep snow in February." If you have information about any of the pictures featured in Times Past, you can contact Tom Duffy on 01704 398225 or e-mail tom.duffy@liverpool.com http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/03/endless_summer_of_youth.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/03/endless_summer_of_youth.html Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:58:38 +0000 THIS week Times Past takes a look at the lost world of Formby's old ice-rink. Freshfield Winter Sports Club stood on Green Lane, opposite the Grapes Pub. The club was established by Mr Alex White, in the 1960s. Mr White was a butcher by trade, but his wife, Sheila, was a champion skater and passionate about the sport. Mr White bought the old Embassy Cinema on Green Lane from Wigan Entertainment Limited, and set about ripping out the seats, screen and fixtures. The ice-rink floor, which was 80 feet by 65 feet, was built out of cork, bitumen, 10,000 feet of piping and 3 inches of concrete. Apparently an old egg packing station existed under the old cinema, and this was used by the new owner to house ice-making machinery. The old balcony was converted in to changing rooms and skate hire store. The club also featured The Alpine Retreat, which served up coffee, snacks, grills, open sandwiches and of course 'The Alpine Steak.' Memories of Freshfield Winter Sports Club, which served Formby during the 1960s, are now fading. However, Times Past has managed to locate a Formby Times clipping, which shines a little light upon this lost world of ice. The article, which is probably from the early '70s, reports on the closure of the old ice-rink,and highlights some of the controversy surrounding the fate of the site. Mr and Mrs Nightingale, ofGreen Lane, are quoted as saying: "Facilities for the young in particular are badly needed here, and I feel some sort of centre for sports should open at this site" And Mrs D Walker, of Ryeground Lane, reflected fondly on her memories of the ice-rink. She said: "We had a lot of fun in those days, and I'd be delighted if it became an ice-rink." Remarkably, there is also a quote from Councillor Eric Storey, the then chairman of Sefton's Police and Resources Committee. He said: "The council is keen to provide amenities in Formby, and the swimming pool is top of the list." And if you have any golden memories of the ice-rink on Green Lane, please get in touch. You may have enjoyed an Alpine Steak, or even taken part in the club's Skate 'n' Dance Nights with local pop bands, or the Housewives Class on Tuesday andThursday mornings. http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/02/formbys_ice_cool_1960s.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/02/formbys_ice_cool_1960s.html Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:58:38 +0000 JOAN Mills contacted the paper last week to respond to a Times Past photograph, and in doing so has provided a lovely insight into her life in art. The photograph that appeared in the last week's column was taken at the opening of the Association of Formby Artists new studio in Freshfield. The year was 1971, and the line-up was: Eric Gerrard, Mr A. McKillop, Councillor V. Burke, John Moores and Julia McKillop. Joan remembers the event for a number of reasons, including John Moores' appreciation for the mince pies that were on offer. Although the studio was little more than a hut without running water, Joan has fond memories of it, such as their summer barbecue in 1980. She said: "I remember that day in July. Robert-Kilroy Silk, who lived in Formby at the time, attended with his wife. He was nice, and danced to the Beatles' records we played. "It was a shame because we were happy there and forced to move out due to a succession of arson attacks. "Today I am a volunteer with Conquest, and teach disabled people to paint and draw. I have a lifetime of memories from my relationship with art in Formby. "It's a shame because many of the people I knew have now passed away. I remember Henry Wilkinson, who was such a talented sculptor, and of course Muriel Sibley, who was my friend." And finally, Cannon Raymond Lee has been in touch, with some comprehensive feedback on a Times Past photograph. The picture was taken on November 17, 1974, on the departure of Reverend Ian Elliott from St Luke's and All Saints in Crosby. The line-up was; Bill McIlvean, Miss Connie Miller, Jeoffrey Stubbs, Reverend Raymond Lee, Mrs Ronnie Elliott, Gerald Taylor, Rev Ian Elliott and sons Michael and Peter. http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/02/the_art_of_life.html http://formbytimespast.merseyblogs.co.uk/2009/02/the_art_of_life.html Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:58:38 +0000