tag:,2008:/868 2008-05-08T15:45:14Z Looking back over past photographs and articles from and around the Wirral area Movable Type Enterprise 4.21-en tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.46284 2008-05-08T15:18:53Z 2008-05-08T15:45:14Z

THE Heswall Society recently presented Heswall Library with a copy of a "History of Heswall Boys' Camp". The history and recorded audio memoirs were prepared with a lottery grant from Awards for All. Dennis Clegg from the Heswall Society is...

Wirral Newsdesk Heswall Boys' Camp was founded in 1904 by the Liverpool Reformatory Association to provide holidays for children in its care. In 1934 it was bought by the Liverpool Boys' Association as a general holiday camp for visiting children from Liverpool. In the post-war years it attracted groups from across the UK and abroad. The history of the camp includes the stories of some of the organisations which used the camp and audio interviews with people who had holidays there or who were volunteers. One of the organisations, the Heswall Disabled Childrens' Holiday Fund, was created in the early 1960s to provide holidays for disabled children. Heswall man Alistair Shaw was instrumental in setting up the fund. One of the early disabled visitors was Bert Massie, who came to the camp every year from Sandfield Park Special School. He went on to become Sir Bert Massie, CBE, who was chair of the Disability Rights Commission until its closure at the end of September 2007 and is a commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission. On the CD he relates how the Heswall Disabled Childrens' Holiday Fund provided his only chance of a holiday and talks about his various adventures and the outings organised by local people. The history also relates the changes of the 1970s and 1980s,  the improvements to the facilities at the camp and its decline and eventual closure. Principal librarian Paul Irons said: �??There is a great deal of interest in local history and this document will be a valuable addition to the local history section of Heswall Library and other copies will be held in the Wirral archives and at Bebington.    "It shows how the Boys�?? Camp became very much a part of the local community and tells some fascinating stories.   "We are particularly pleased to have the various personal reminiscences on the CD. They take us back to a different era and bring that era to life.   "Not only will it appeal to people interested in local history but we hope it will also be a useful resource for local schools." Do you have any memories or photos to share about Heswall Boys' Camp? If so e-mail lornahughes@wirralnews.co.uk or write to Memories, Wirral News Group, 76 Hamilton Street, Birkenhead CH41 5AN.]]> http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/05/heswall_boys_camp.html tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.45026 2008-04-23T14:24:43Z 2008-04-23T14:41:25Z

A HESWALL war hero is being remembered 500 miles from home. Dutch historian Mike Kleinlugtebeld is on a quest to honour the men who gave their lives in his country. He is now trying to find out more about a...

Wirral Newsdesk Mr Kleinlugtebald, who lives in Zwolle, in the east of the Netherlands, said: �??I am very interested in the airwar over Overijissel during the Second World War. The Halifax bomber, of 419 squadron, crashed some 15km from my hometown. They were buried in Olst. �??I want to give them to recognition and honour they deserve and make sure they will never be forgotten. �??I would very much like to come into contact with relatives or other people who can tell me more about this brave pilot." Anyone with more information can contact Mr Kleinlugtebeld on 0031 0624 102627 or e-mail kleinlugtebeld@home.nl]]> http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/04/a_heswall_war_hero_is.html tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.44999 2008-04-23T12:45:57Z 2008-04-23T12:53:19Z

READER Hilary Ludbrook needs your help to solve our latest Memories Mystery... Hilary, from Bebington, said: "I am desperate to find photos/memories about the "tree walk" which was in Vale Park, New Brighton, in the early/mid 1950s. "The health and...

Wirral Newsdesk Hilary, from Bebington, said: "I am desperate to find photos/memories about the "tree walk" which was in Vale Park, New Brighton, in the early/mid 1950s. "The health and safety would have hysterics about it today- my memories are of (as a child about five or seven) walking through the trees - at a seemigly great height - along a suspended boardwalk. "There were all kinds of lights in the tree but I especially remember larger-than-life, plastic rabbits and squirrels which lit up in sequence so they looked as though they were hopping along the ground or running up the tree (the squirrels, not the rabbits!) Can you help Hilary? Leave your comments below!]]> http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/04/memories_mystery_3_vale_park_t.html tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.44990 2008-04-23T12:25:05Z 2008-04-23T14:32:18Z

A FEW weeks ago Wirral News featured a photo showing Second World War ace, Group Captain Douglas Bader inspecting Wirral air cadets in the 1960s. We have since been inundated with memories and photos, and will be featuring as many...

Wirral Newsdesk He said: "The occasion was the opening of a new building for 472 (Hoylake) Squadron, Air Training Corps at Carr Lane Hoylake in 1968. "I remember it well. I was the cadet flight sergeant of the squadron at the time and had earlier been asked by the commanding officer who I would like to �??open�?? the new building. "Douglas Bader had for many years been my �??hero�?? and I told the commanding officer that the only person to do it was Douglas Bader. "Little did I know at the time that the Commanding Officer, Flt. Lt. Alan Houston (far left of your photograph) worked for Shell as did Group Captain Bader, and through that contact, he was able to arrange the attendance of Douglas Bader "If I remember correctly the day might have been inclement and some of the ceremony may have taken place inside a hanger. This might have explained the mud. "The occasion was a momentous one for me and the squadron, and I have a very treasured photograph of me presenting our guest with a plaque to mark the occasion. "I can remember him asking me at the time whether �??the boys had made it�?? and I felt somewhat ashamed given what he had achieved, to say that they hadn�??t. "This photograph shows (from left to right) Flt. Lt Alan Houston, I think Mr. Grenville, the then chairman of the squadron�??s civilian committee, myself and of course, Gp Captain Bader." IF you have any photos to share with our readers, e-mail lornahughes@wirralnews.co.uk or send them to Memories, Wirral News Group, 76 Hamilton Street, Birkenhead CH41 5AN, including a return address. ]]> http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/04/douglas_baders_visit_to_wirral.html tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.44976 2008-04-23T12:03:07Z 2008-04-23T12:16:04Z

WEST Kirby Primary School is celebrating its centenary this year. The school opened in September 1908 - but celebrations started on February 1 with a special school assembly attended by the Mayor of Wirral Phil Gilchrist, Stephen Hesford MP and...

Wirral Newsdesk In the last 100 years there have been only eight heads - with Mr Whetnell headteacher when the school opened. The school's log book contains fascinating insights into life over the last 100 years, with descriptions of life during both wars, outbreaks of illness and important events in the school�??s history. West Kirby Primary has also hosted a celebration for all former pupils - who were invited to watch a video of an interview with the school's 96-year-old oldest surviving pupil. Children are now working on a centenary wall hanging, which will show changes to the school and how school life has changed in the last 100 years. Headteacher Neil Le Feuvre said: "The children have had a wonderful day and have started to appreciate and learn some new things about their wonderful school." DO you have any old photographs or memories of West Kirby Primary School to share with readers? Send them to lornahughes@wirralnews.co.uk or write to Memories, Wirral News Group, 76 Hamilton Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5AN.]]> http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/04/west_kirby_primary_celebrates.html tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.44972 2008-04-23T11:54:01Z 2008-04-23T12:01:13Z

NEW Brighton Lifeboat is going back in time this summer! The boat house on the promenade is hosting a �??historical weekend�?? to coincide with the Wirral Show, on Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13, which will feature photographs and...

Wirral Newsdesk The boat house on the promenade is hosting a �??historical weekend�?? to coincide with the Wirral Show, on Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13, which will feature photographs and memorabilia from more than 140 years of saving lives at sea. And anyone with photos or memorabilia of New Brighton lifeboat - or even a story to tell about a rescue �?? is being urged to get in touch. Cliff Downing, lifeboat operations manager, said: �??It really is amazing how many people and their families have been involved with the lifeboat and with that in mind we�??ve decided to hold a historical weekend so people can share their memories and photos.�?? According to RNLI figures, New Brighton responds to around 50 call outs a year, making it one of the busiest lifeboat stations in the country. Cliff added: �??There�??s so much history here. We actually have a scale model of a lifeboat at New Brighton that was powered by steam. �??Some of the very old photos we have in the boat house have caused a lot of interest and we hope people will get in touch with their own pictures or memorabilia.�?? If you can help, contact Cliff Downing on 07989 080868 or visit the boat house on Sunday afternoons between 2 and 4pm. DO you have any photos or memories of New Brighton lifeboat to share with Wirral News readers? Send them to newsdesk@wirralnews.co.uk or write to: Memories, Wirral News Group, 76 Hamilton Street, Birkenhead CH41 5AN. We will feature as many as we can in the paper and in the Memories blog.]]> http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/04/new_brighton_lifeboat.html tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.44961 2008-04-23T11:02:05Z 2008-04-23T11:44:13Z

READER Peter Floyd sent in this photo from his schooldays - were you one of his classmates? He said: "This is an old photo of class 3b, 1938, taken at Grove Street School. I am on the far right, back...

Wirral Newsdesk He said: "This is an old photo of class 3b, 1938, taken at Grove Street School. I am on the far right, back row. "Is anybody on the photo still alive besides me?" Share your school memories by leaving a comment below. Or would you like to see a photo from your schooldays featured on the Memories blog - or in the Memories column in the paper? Send them to lornahughes@wirralnews.co.uk or write to Memories, Wirral News Group, 76 Hamilton Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5AN.]]> http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/04/grove_street_school.html tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.41325 2008-03-14T13:15:17Z 2008-04-23T11:40:30Z

READER Ray Hughes wrote in to tell Memories his story about Rock Ferry High School: "I am writing as an ex-pupil from Rock Ferry High School who decided to return later as a teacher. "I came to Rock Ferry in...

Wirral Newsdesk READER Ray Hughes wrote in to tell Memories his story about Rock Ferry High School: "I am writing as an ex-pupil from Rock Ferry High School who decided to return later as a teacher. "I came to Rock Ferry in 1976 from Devonshire Park Primary School. You joined then at the age of 12 not 11 and the school had a sixth form. It was an all boys school then with a large intake from many different primary schools. "The September I arrived we had just had that famous summer of 76. One of the hottest on record. Unfortunately it had taken toll on the sports hall roof which had fallen in which was agreat disappointment to myself being a sports lover. "This was soon rebuilt and I spent many a lunchtime in the 5th and 6th form playing a wide variety of sports with a very keen and enthuastic sporting staff. "The staff were very caring especially my form tutor in George Snelson, who at the time was Head of Music and a very talented person. He unfortunately has passed away since. "Girls entered the school for the first time in 1980 . This was just in the Sixth Form where I spent my time studying Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics at A Level. "Once I had finished my degree and teaching qualification I returned to the Wirral to try to get a teaching post. I was interviewed on two separate days at two Wirral schools, Rock Ferry and St Mary's College. "Rock Ferry was the first interview and they were also interviewing on the next day where I was also being interviewed at St Mary's. "After the second interview I was just about to be taken into the Headteacher's office to be offered the job when my mum phoned St Mary's. She told me that I had been offered a job at Rock Ferry and wanted to know what to say. I had no doubts to take the job but this left me in an embarrassing situation at St Mary's. "I have been at Rock Ferry since then, 1986, and have never looked back with any sort of regret." DO you have photos or memories from your own school days to share with us? If so contact Memories at lornahughes@wirralnews.co.uk, call 0151 288 7645 or write to Memories, Wirral News Group, 76 Hamilton Street, Birkenhead CH41 5AN. http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/03/more_rock_ferry_high_memories.html tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.40702 2008-03-06T15:12:23Z 2008-04-23T11:39:34Z

HISTORIANS are hard at work on a complete record of Wirral's top football club.. Gilbert Upton, Steve Wilson and Peter Bishop have signed a deal with a publishing company to write a new and comprehensive history of Tranmere Rovers. "Tranmere...

Wirral Newsdesk Gilbert Upton, Steve Wilson and Peter Bishop have signed a deal with a publishing company to write a new and comprehensive history of Tranmere Rovers. "Tranmere Rovers 1884-2009" will, as the title suggests, be published next year - to coincide with the start of the 2009-10 season. Steve said: "Ten years after 'Tranmere Rovers 1921-1997 - A Complete Record' and we are at it again. I look forward to working with Gilbert Upton and Peter Bishop." The 500-page hardbook, based on the authors' research over 20 years, will include mini biographies of players, managers, a history of Prenton Park, results and memorable matches. WHAT do you think should be included in the book? Tell us your memories of Tranmere Rovers by leaving a comment below. ]]> http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/03/new_tranmere_rovers_book_in_20.html tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.40685 2008-03-06T13:54:49Z 2008-04-23T11:38:40Z

A READER from South Africa contacted Memories with this photo, taken at Gautby Road Playing Fields in 1948. It shows members of Trinity Street Primary School's football team: A.L (Bert) Beaumont, who has lived in South Africa since 1982, said:...

Wirral Newsdesk A.L (Bert) Beaumont, who has lived in South Africa since 1982, said: "In those days all games were played at Gautby Road and photographs were taken AFTER a game. "This was taken mid-winter, freezing cold conditions and mud nearly up to your knees. I am back row, first left (the lanky one). "The team names are: (back row) myself, Curly Hughes, Brian Bell, Alan Middleton, Brian Evans, Albert Hayes. "(front row) Albert Murphy, Charlie Jones, Arthur Chow, Sammy Dobbins and David Howard. "If any of the 'lads' are still knocking about and care to get in touch, I'm on jobe@telkomsa.net" DO you have any Wirral team or school photos to share with Memories? Send them to lornahughes@wirralnews.co.uk and we'll feature as many as we can on the blog or in the Wirral News Memories column.]]> http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/03/a_message_from_south_africa.html tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.40677 2008-03-06T13:38:13Z 2008-04-23T11:37:56Z

TALK about change in New Brighton usually focuses on the seaside resort's decline in popularity over the years. But Geoff Clay contacted Memories with these two images, focusing on changes in New Brighton's famous sandstone. He said: I thought your...

Wirral Newsdesk While the second is a recent photo taken by Geoff: Geoff adds: "These are more or less taken from the same angle, one is dated 1905 and the other was taken by myself only last week. "I think the erosion of the large sandstone in the foreground is stunning. "The two large houses are still there today, one being "Rockville". They are not clearly visible in the modern shot because of the tree growth, and of course the Tower looms in the background many years before Portland Court was built". CAN any geologists tell us why the rock appears to have eroded? Leave your comments and New Brighton memories below. And if you have any Wirral photos to share with Memories e-mail lornahughes@wirralnews.co.uk ]]> http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/03/red_rocks_in_new_brighton.html tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.40106 2008-02-28T17:19:53Z 2008-04-23T11:37:20Z

A VICTORIAN drinking fountain on Hoylake and Meols prom is being given a new lease of life. The cast-iron structure is being restored to its former glory before being returned to Hoylake in time for the opening of the new...

Wirral Newsdesk A VICTORIAN drinking fountain on Hoylake and Meols prom is being given a new lease of life. The cast-iron structure is being restored to its former glory before being returned to Hoylake in time for the opening of the new Lifeboat Station nearby in early June. The fountain was originally manufactured by Walter Macfarlane & Co, at the Saracen Foundry in Glasgow and was installed on the promenade in 1897, to celebrate Queen Victoria's jubilee. Due to weather corrosion, some of the original features are now missing and Wirral Council would now like to hear from anyone who has old photos of the structure to assist in identifying and repairing some of the finer details. If you can help contact John Harrison, Wirral Council Technical Services, Cheshire Lines Building, Canning Street, Birkenhead, CH41 1ND or email johnharrison@wirral.gov.uk or call 606 2358. And if you have any stories to tell about the history of the drinking fountation please leave a comment below or send photos to lornahughes@wirralnews.co.uk http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/02/help_restore_hoylake_victorian.html tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.40088 2008-02-28T14:14:59Z 2008-04-23T11:36:21Z

BILL Nottage of Wallasey contacted Wirral Memories with a question for our readers: "When I was at junior school (in the early/mid 1960s) I vividly remember cross section drawings showing that it was originally intended that underneath the four-lane roadway...

Wirral Newsdesk BILL Nottage of Wallasey contacted Wirral Memories with a question for our readers: "When I was at junior school (in the early/mid 1960s) I vividly remember cross section drawings showing that it was originally intended that underneath the four-lane roadway there would be a lower two-lane roadway for buses. "Is there any reason why this was not proceeded with? "What is the area under the four-lane roadway in the Birkenhead tunnel used for - and how big is it? If you have any answers for Bill please leave a comment below. http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/02/memories_mystery_2_buses_in_th.html tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.40081 2008-02-28T13:53:46Z 2008-04-23T11:35:44Z

WIRRAL Memories is hoping readers can help solve the mystery of this photo, which was sent in by Sandra Hunt. Sandra found the photo in an old album belonging to her mother. She said: "It shows a group of Scouts...

Wirral Newsdesk She said: "It shows a group of Scouts and Cubs along with four nurses and two men who could possibly be hospital porters or ambulance drivers. "The inscription on the board in the centre of the picture reads: Somerville Council School Seacombe, Wallasey. National Service Group. ____dy, A___ Ready. Nov 11th 1918. "I think the words on the last line could be a motto but they are partially hidden by the boys heads. "My father Percy Robert Mander is on the photo aged 8 years. He is on the extreme left as you look sitting on front of the nurse who is seated. "I would dearly love to know what the occasion was; a parade for Armastice Day perhaps, and why are there nurses in the photo? "Was the school used as a hospital in the war? Why are the Scouts wearing ties and not the traditional neckers? What was the National Service Group and are the words at the bottom indeed their motto? Do you know anything about this photo - or can you tell us anything about the National Service Group or Somerville Council School? If so please leave your comments below.]]> http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/02/memories_mystery_1_-_scouts_at_somerville.html tag:wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://402.40010 2008-02-27T17:46:51Z 2008-04-23T11:34:53Z

ROCK Ferry High School is marking its 80th anniversary this year - and the school is celebrating by looking back at its milestones and achivements. A flourishing Old Rockferrian's Association has more than 100 members who meet annually and take...

Wirral Newsdesk Do you recognise anyone on this photo? Or do you have old school photos - from Rock Ferry High or any other Wirral schools - to share with readers? Please leave your comments below - or send photos and memories to: Memories, Wirral News Group, 76 Hamilton Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5AN. You can also e-mail lornahughes@wirralnews.co.uk]]> http://wirralmemories.merseyblogs.co.uk/2008/02/rock_ferry_highs_history_lesso.html