The Old Road c1955, Blurton
The Old Road c1955, Blurton Ref: B746003
Memories of The Old Road c1955, Blurton
Critchlows Corner
The building in view was a Post Office and General Stores, the area was known as "Critchlows Corner" after the name of the family that owned the shop. The post office was the only one in the area. At the age of 10 I would cycle to the Post Office to collect our familys child benefit.
The bridge in the background was used by railway engines taking coal from Hem Heath Colliery to Florence Colliery. The trains travelled slowly and on many occasions I have "caught" the train to Longton Park as the line passed it.
Sadly the shop no longer exists and the gardens in which it stood are now a small housing estate. The rail line is no longer used due to pit closures.
Them Were The Days
I remember going to Critchelows corner shop to get my sweets before I went to school, I also remember walking across the fields with my brother to get to Blurton Road Chemist because that was the only one in Blurton at the time to get my mums prescription, we used to buy a liquorice root stick to eat on the way back we always went back via the brook so we could jump it Happy Days!!!!
My Memory
I remember I was about 10 and Critchilows Corner was a derelict building at this point, probably in 2000, and we used to try get in to see what it was like inside. I moved away but do visit the area from time to time and it's a housing esate now, seems a shame.
Brings Back Memories of my Childhool.
I lived in Blurton from 1964 to 1983. My memories of Critchelow's Corner, called so because of the Critchelow sisters who ran the Post Office, is of walking past this corner to get to Gom's Mill and then walk on to Longton. In my dreams when I dream I am back in Blurton, I am often walking down this road, past the Post Office. I can remember in 1970, it was a really hot summer, and I was fascinated with the giant sunflower plants that the Critchelows had grown in their back garden that summer. They were enormous, over 6 feet tall. I was very sad to hear about the closure of the Post Office.
Critchlows Corner my Home
The image that we are looking at is now my home. It is a beautiful home now. My grandad as a young lad used to deliver papers for the old shop Critchlows Corner. Reading the comments make me think that my home is part of Blurton history.
Blurton & local memories
Read and share memories of Blurton and Staffordshire inspired by Frith photos.
Blurton, The Smiths Arms And School C 1955
I was born in Blurton in 1956 and attended Hem Heath Infants school which was part of Blurton High School. If I recall correctly Hem Heath Infants closed and Sutherland School took on the children from Hem Heath. It was always called Sutherland Primary School as far as I can recall. The Pub by the side of it was called The Cornerstone and we used to call into the outdoor to spend our "biscuit" money. Whether the pub was once called The Smiths Arms I have no idea. I had a wonderful time at this school and remember fondly Mrs. Bridgewood who always looked quite frightening but was a wonderful lady and very patient.
?Sutherland Primary School
I recogise the picture but from my memory the school was called Sutherland Primary School and the building towards the back was Sutherland Junior School. Not sure where the name Smiths Arms comes from. There was a pub to the left of the school. Perhaps this was the Smiths Arms. I attended Sutherland Primary and Junior School before going on to Blurton High School. I loved my time at Sutherland. My particular memory is of Miss Kane who was my class teacher in Primary. She was so quietly spoken and gentle. All of the children loved her.
I Went to That School
I went to that school. I went to the nursery and stayed there right up until the year 2000 and then moved away to Scotland. It was a great school.
