Adlington, Market Street c1955

Aspull born and Bred.

I was born in Bolton Road, Aspull. I started at St Elizabeth's School when I was four and a half. Didn't have far to travel - just cross the road (no cars then) and walk 10 yards and I was there. First day was with my gas-mask slung across my chest in its little cardboard box. Mr Hesketh was the Headmaster who lived in the School House attached to the School. I was in Miss Heaton's reception class.
When I was five I moved across the classroom to join the Infants. From there I moved to Miss Gregory's classroom. A dab hand with the board-duster if you got an ink-blot on your book.
Then when I moved up I was taught by Miss Higham (who lived next door to us), and then by Mr Hesketh. I passed the Scholarship and went to Upholland Grammar School. Headmaster Mr Maggs, Senior Mistress Miss Goode.
From there I went to Teacher Training College, and spent the next 32 years teaching, with three very short breaks when I had the family.
Would I change anything with hindsight? Yes - knowing what I know now I would not choose teaching again. Too many rude, undisciplined children, too little parental control, too many false allegations by pupils.

Be the first to add a memory of Aspull Looks like me then!

I can't refuse to be the first at anything especialy if it comes to this, so here goes. From being born to about the age of twenty five all my memories are Aspull, I'd never be able to fit them all in here. Short synopsis though, went to Aspull C of E then Aspull Secondary Mod. School, various jobs after leaving; the most lucrative - though the hardest work, being at Harveys bakery in New Springs - fond memories there! Travelled the world since then but for me the best place in all the world is where I feel so lucky and privileged to have been born - God bless ASPULL !!!!  Anyroad up, I'm looking forward to an entry from any other Aspullers who stumble on this site and hope I know you or you me or woteva -  get it done then.....

Growing up

This is actually Withnell Fold. I grew up here from 1962 until 1977 when I left to get married. It was a fantastic place to live. My dad Terry West was a maintainence joiner originally, at Wiggins Teape paper mill until it closed. My mum Glenda worked for a while as a cook at the old folks home, which had been built by Thomas Blinkhorn Parke in the early 1800s. He built the mill and the village originally. My sister Sandra and brother Andrew also grew up there. We could go out to play - as most children could in the 1960s and 1970s - for hours until meal times. The whole village knew each other well. There was lots of involvement in the cricket club, Dad played, and for a while captained the first team and he was also the groundsman. My mum took her turn for a couple of years organising the sandwiches and cakes for the tea for the team on saturdays. I used to be the scorer. Yes, I am probably looking back through rose tinted spectacles but it was a wonderful place and time.