Frodsham memories
Here are memories of Frodsham and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Frodsham or a Frodsham photo.
A Blast From The Past
The helter-skelter was not only an icon of Frodsham but also a symbol of youthful exuberance and fun. I was born and bred just 200 metres from it. I shudder to think how much skin it must have claimed from me in pursuit of a rapid descent! I was frequently accompanied by our dog, a large Alsatian who ascended the interior steps with as much gusto as myself. She descended on her own mat behind me and often beat me to the top for a second go. This photo is before I would have been allowed on, and even precedes the penny 'What the butler Saw' slotties that were against the wall of The View. I also remember being allowed to 'sneak' into the dance hall to see The Beatles, must have been 1962. I'm now beginning to wonder if our icon inspired their song of the same name. Is it possible the Fab Four had a few turns on it before their show? Fond memories indeed, and also of... Read more
Memories of The 1960s
This morning I have just walked up Helsby Hill in the mist and rain with my brother and partner. It is the first time I have been up here for 40+ years. In the 1960s when I wasa little girl I used to meet my grandparents here, who lived in Chester, and I lived in Gatley, Cheshire. I have fond memories of going down the helter skelter, my legs used to burn from the coir mats. I also remember the arcade/dance hall.
Frodsham Caves
Just south of Frodsham are some natural caves in the red sandstone rock. They appear to have been enlarged in the Middle Ages and are a rare surviving example of mediaeval mining. I had never heard of these caves - or even Frodsham itself - unitl I moved to the Manchester area in 1966 at the age of 21. I knew no one so I joined a group of young people from Altrincham & Sale Young Conservatives who seemed to have an attractive group of girls and an exciting calendar of social events! One of these outings took us to Frodsham where I explored the caves along with a rather pretty girl called Ann Senyszyn. A happy memory still recalled nearly fifty years later!
Dating The Photo of Church Street
Referring to the shot of Church Street, I would say that the date of the photo is more 1949 rather than 'c.1950'.
On the hoarding next to the shop two films are advertised.
"Whispering Smith" and "The Accused" both of which were released in 1948. By the time they reached "The Empress Cinema", Runcorn (the advert) it would be probably 1949 /50.
Besides the vehicles shown are more in keeping with 1949
Written by David Hastings.
Frodsham Helter-Skelter
I remember going every year to Frodsham with the Orange Lodge. We would play on the helter-skelter and also the swingboats. It was a great day out! I went to a party there the other year at a country club, how it has all changed! (But the view from the hill is still as good as ever.)
I have also recently discovered that my great great great grandfather, Isaac Ellison, was born in Frodsham in 1813, and in 1851 he lived at a place called Five Crosses in Frodsham.
Frodsham Church
My grandparents Able and Annie Blythe lived in Frodsham, on Frodsham Bridge in the cottages. I have wonderful memories of visiting them when I was a child, also of the church. I can remember sitting in the choir stalls whilst family members sang in the choir. There was also a little lady called Miss Cundy?? I think that was her name, that lived near my grandparents, she used to go to the pub on the bridge and sing on a Saturday night, she had an awful voice and the joke of the evening was someone saying to her 'Let me get you a chair so you can reach the high notes' ... My father Alan Blythe also lived there before he went into the navy, unfortuanately he died in 1975. If anybody remembers this family and would like to get in touch please send me an e mail to ann@disposablecutlery.co.uk
The Helter Skelter
I was born 9 years after the photograph was taken and lived my life in Frodsham unitl 1993. I have fond memories of the Helter Skelter and remember quite vividly coming down it on a coir mat trying not to 'burn' my elbows. Very sad day when what was an icon of the village was pulled down
Frodsham Church
Anybody
I am very interested in the life and works of an eminent sculptor, Sir Francis Chantrey (1781-1841). In a book - "Manchester Banks and Bankers" dated 1878, I have found an intriguing reference to a memorial, which may refer to your Church. The chapter deals with William Allen and his wife, Nelly (Livesey). William died on 16th October 1792 and Nelly 16th October 1825. There follows ...
"Mr. Allen found a resting-place at Frodsham, where he died four years afterwards ... aged fifty-seven. ..... In Overton Church, by the side of the alter, there is a marble monument to their memory, the work of Chantrey, and which must have cost hundreds of pounds. It is surmounted by a pair of the most exquisite medallions to be found in England. The vault, which contains no other remains, is on the south side of the church."
I see from the map that there is an Overton in the borough. I would... Read more
Memories of Cheshire
Avenue Methodist Church
I left the Sunday School at this chapel in summer 1962 after several very happy years. Mrs Davies was the Superintendent and our expert pianist was Phyllis Jones (later Pritchard). My membership gave me a good grounding in the scriptures and lots of fun and friendship too. The Sunday School post-Christmas party and prizegiving events stand out as an especially happy memory. Many years after leaving Helsby I returned to Methodism and in due course became a local preacher. I'll always be grateful to my Sunday School teachers for what they did for me.
Church School
When I attended the Church School Miss Kinraid was Headmistress. Miss Price and Miss Hattan were also teachers. My father Frederick Charles Clarke attended before me. My brother Frederick Charles and my sister Olive May also attended this school. When I went to see the school in 1983 I was disappointed to find it had been demolished. My brother, sister and I later attended the Council School which I had a look round in 1983. I was a member of the Helsby Cubs and Scouts and have very happy memories of my childhood in Helsby.
Church School
I also went to the church school from 1954 to 1960. Miss Kinread was still Headmistress. The Chapel near the church was also used as a class room. Teachers I remember are Miss Heaton, Miss Williams and Mr Edge. It was a lovely time and I would love to hear from any class mates from that time.
Helsby Primary
I have a photo of my class of 1956 when I was about 7. I am keen to contact others in my class at that time. If you remember please contact me.
Helsby Secondary School
I would like to hear from anyone who attended Helsby Secondary School from 1962-64. My teachers were Mr Monkhouse senior & junior, Mrs Evans, Mr Roberts to name a few. If anyone remembers these teachers or me please contacts me.
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