Days of my Childhood
As young children my nanna would frequently walk my sister and I up to the Arno to play in the rough ground behind the rose garden. That was way back in the 1950's. She would sit and spend quiet time in the gardens whilst we ran and played like banshees. Later on we would go there with friends to play in the hills and bushes away from the watchful eyes of adults. My last visit as teenager was on the day we finished our A levels, when a group of us quite spontaneously headed up there. Perhaps it was a subconscious goodbye to a childhood that was so peaceful and idyllic and safe.
In 2003 I returned from Australia for my mother's funeral and was amazed and overjoyed to see it more or less unchanged. I can now appreciate the Rose Gardens and I sat in silence, enjoying the solitude and sanctuary, catching glimpses of so many happy childhood days. We were indeed blessed.
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RE: RE: Days of my Childhood
I recall frequent visits to the Arno, scrabbling over rocks,and having picnics,buying sweets in shop in Birch Road,or at Peevers in Oxton village.We lived in Village Rd at the time-opposite Consevative Club.With my mother or Nana,the Arno was a popular easy walk especially at weekends. We also used it for Wolf Cub meetings from our pack in Columbia Lane. Years later I still found it attractive and very restful in stressful times it was a true haven.I later lived in Nursery Close-still within easy walking,I note now that the old hall where I had many happy times involved in Oxton panto group activities there,is now a block of flats.Hopefully this haven along with the Little Arno-in Talbot Rd will remain the well kept gardens-with excellent play areas at rear giving pleasure for many years to come.
Now we live near Bath-its great to return to see my Mum, and remind my self of the great fun had at THE ARNO.
Comment from ANDREW HALLIDAY on Tuesday, 16th October 2007.
RE: RE: Days of my Childhood
My eldest daughter married in Birkenhead in 1986 and quite a few of her wedding photos were taken in the Arno. The Arno is a lovely place, there were plenty of times when I lived in Oxton that I would visit the Arno, perfect relaxation.
Comment from Brenda Vanderwert on Friday, 11th April 2008.
RE: RE: Days of my Childhood
I'm pretty sure that my Dad took me and my brother to the Arno when we were small. We returned occasionally with friends when we got a bit older and could wander about Birkenhead without adults. We loved the wild side of the Arno, that's still my idea of rock climbing.
During my late teens I spent a lot of time there. It was a central meeting place for a gang of us, we came from Rock Ferry, Tranmere, Woodchurch and Oxton to spend time mucking about there. There were never any adults about in the evenings, and we got a shelter from the rain. Good times.
Comment from Angie Peters on Wednesday, 11th January 2012.