Memories of Heswall

Dee View Inn

At the age of just under 18 I used to enjoy a drink with friends in the bar of the 'Dee View'. My father also enjoyed a drink in the snug; whenever he came in, through the side door, I would be warned "Your dad has arrived!" and would make a quick exit via the front door. One night my father came in through the front door, and I had no chance of escape. "What are you doing here?" he asked. Wishing that I was somewhere else, anywhere but the bar of the 'Dee View', I made an inane reply and awaited his wrath. "Well, as you are here you had better have a drink" he said, and he bought a pint of beer for each of my mates and I, adding "And don't let me see any of you in here again until it's legal". So I never set foot inside a pub until .. ??

During the Second World War years the 'Dee View Inn' was managed by by 'Ma' Dale, her daughter Norah and Norah's husband, Percy Birch.

Long Term Hospital Stay

I seem to recall a long term stay at this hospital (approx 11 months) in 1976-77. I suffered from asthma but I am not sure why I had to stay for that period of time.

I was also on the Florence Gibson Ward and remember a boat and a steam roller in bright colours (I think).

I always had to blow into a machine is a room to test my breathing.

I also seem to remember watching a Liverpool v Borussia Monchengladbach match in the TV room at the end of the ward.

There was a boy who I used to play with and I remember him jumping over one of the beds and dislocating his shoulder and I am sure it was my fault.

Does anyone remember this period of time?

Margaret Bevan Home Heswall

Sometime during the 1950s, as a child, I spent six weeks at the Margaret Bevan Home. It was located nr. the coast. It was a large detached house with a conservatory with wicker furniture. Other girls and myself were often taken on walks on the pebbly beach by one of our carers whom I adored. She was tall and elegant with long blond hair. We were taken to church every Sunday wearing matching coats and berets. I would love to hear from anyone who has photos or information about this house.

Dee View

The Dee View Hotel was one of our haunting grouds in our courting days

Tesco

During my last two years at school money was raised at Christmas time and Christmas presents were bought for the children who had to stay in hospital over the Christmas period. One little chap I remember was Tony. He was in hopital for a few years and he would now be about 32 years old.

Happy Days in Heswall (RLCH)

I guess I was on the same bus as Gina and her life long friends who I also remember. The Liverpool girls would meet up on a Sunday night to catch the ferry to Birkenhead and the bus to Heswall. If the girls from the Isle of Man and Ireland had been home for a weekend we met them too. Once back at Heswall we met up with the Welsh girls returning mainly from the North of Wales. We usually tried to escape for a late night out but would get caught by the Rotweiller, AKA 'Annie'. Now she was one seriously scary lady. Put one foot wrong and we'd be outside Mia Williams (matron) office 1st thing Monday.
We worked our way through all the wards before commencing training with the United Liverpool Group of Hospitals. If I remember correctly, there being ten hospitals and only Clatterbridge is still up and running today. My favourite ward being Lady Jones run by Sister Clarke. I can still visualise all the kids in their cots and remeber most of their names and all the staff who worked on the ward.
The fabulous Welsh Hills we overlooked from the hospital and feeling devastated when I returned to Liverpool many years later to find Tesco in my old home away from home.

Gina and I are still about at Alder Hey. I'm one of the few nurses left who worked in the operating department at Myrtle St. once qualifying.
Val Connell-Mir.

The fragrance lingers on

One of the shops to the near right of the photo was Riley's fruit and veg. at Christmas time there would be lots of cut pines outside of the shop for sale, the strong smell of the pine lingers in my memory. Such a pity that so called progress destroys so many of the good things.
Pete.

shrimp boats

I remember when a very young kid, walking down Banks road with my mother to the slipway and buying fresh shrimps from the Evans boys.
The shrimps were caught in the Dee and cooked on board the boats on the way back to the slip. The fishing was a thriving industry in those days.

A long way from home

Hi, I remember September 4th 1969, my first sight of Heswall Childrens Hospital where I commenced my nursing career as a cadet.  It was exciting and terrifying.  On the way over from Liverpool with my mum we had to take the bus, ferry, bus, it seemed a long way from home.  It was my little brother's birthday and we had left him crying back in Walton as I left. On the bus from Birkenhead I met Bernie and Brenda who were also starting that day.  We became, and remain, firm friends although Bernie now lives in Cleveland, Ohio and Brenda is in Wales.
Next April we are once again holding our Royal Liverpool Childrens Hospital (Myrtle St and Heswall ) reunion lunch.  I always enjoy these occasions and welcome any expressions of interest in this event.  Love and peace to any and all who might remember me.  Gina