Heswall memories
Here are memories of Heswall and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Heswall or a Heswall photo.
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.
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.
The Puddydale School
Oh yes I remember the Hospital but also the School in the Puddydale opposite. I attended that school from 1949 - 1955 and have lots of fond memories of the teachers and the friends that I knew. The 'Puddydale' was a huge park like area where games were played and pagents held. Both the school and the hospital are long gone but that was part of the Heswall that I knew. Pete B
Memories of Margaret Beavan Home
I was a poorly child and on two occasions spent time at the Margaret Beavan Home in Lower Heswall around 1956 and 1958. I remember the house being very large and grand, as it would would be to a small child of around six and eight, the uniforms and not wanting to give them my own clothes. I was taken to my dormitory, they were all called after flowers, Bluebell, Poppy, I think Buttercup and some more that I can't remember at the moment. We would go on walks along the the shore and sometimes go as far as Parkgate. On Sundays we would walk to Church and back. I have memories of receiving letters from home with postal orders inside, we would go to the local Post office and spend the money on sweets. The feeling of homesickness was with me all my stay and I would quite often have to be consoled by the staff. On my second stay, I was with a girl from my street which was nice, after about two... Read more
Margaret Bevan
I was at the Margaret Bevan Convalescent Home in 1967 for a month, I always remember it. I remember we used to do country dancing in a hut on the grounds of the home! We used to be taken into the village to buy sweets, stamps etc.. you could see North Wales from across the sea on a clear night!
Margaret Bevan
Does anyone remember staying here on Daisy Ward?
H.O.T Hugh, Owen And Thomas
I was in this hospital for over a year and I loved every day of it. I remember the grounds and the woods at the back which we dare not go in. I was in H.O.T ward and as I got older I moved upstaires to Anne White Wing (I think). I remember Wally the porter and my teacher was Mr Hughes from Wales. I remember the nurses, especially Sister Usherwood or Underwood & Nurse Cole. I can remember the nurses taking us on walks to what we called the dales somewhere behind the bus station. I remember going camping. Every memory wonderful, I would love to hear from anyone who stayed on Hugh Owen Thomas Ward. xx
The Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital
My memories of Heswall children's hospital? An imposing building. Actually very intimidating to a youngester. They did not get 'person centred care'. I can recall a nurse on the the Cleft Pallete and Hare Lip ward smacking a Welsh lad on his bare bum in front of the whole ward as he had thrown a blange (these were inedible) out of the ward window. Unfortunately it landed on a gardener who fetched the incriminating crockery to the ward door. The teachers who came round to the wards were nice. They sent a report back to your school which had the regretable result that my primary school teacher decided that I was of limited intellect. Not many happy memories. Regards, Alison Brear Nee McLelland (I had bright red bowl cut hair and stayed on the facial disfigurement wards if anyone can remember that for back 1965-1969)
My Stay at Heswall
I was in hospital most of my life but I remember I stayed here the longest, there was a matron who looked after us, tall with glasses, and there was a part you went in where you went to school . There was a teacher who came to our beds with work for us, also the tunnel we went to with big black pips. If anyone remembers me I am very small and had a bad back, my name is Denise, I am 48.
Happy Days?
I was in Heswall Childrens Hospital from 1968 to 1969. I have mixed memories. I was very homesick - I was 11- and only one of the night nurses showed any caring - all the others either ignored me or told me to pull myself together. Having said that, I attended the hospital school - taught by mr smith who had magnificent beard! He directed the christmas concert for parents which was one of my better memories!! The lancaster bomber in grounds was also a delight! I suppose all things considered, it could have been worse being the 60's - but it would be much better in the 21st century - no White coats and nurses uniforms to intimidate both children and parents for a start!
Long Stays at Hesswall
Hello everybody, so glad to find this page. My name was Anne-Marie Evers and I was in Hesswall Hospital throughout the 1970s but I remember a long stay in 1976. I was in Holbeck Ward [Ithink it was called]. I had very bad asthma and was often admitted to Myrtle Street Childrens Hospital in Liverpool then sent to convalesce in Hesswall. It was a lovely hospital with huge grounds and a steamroller and other things to play on. I remember the little school in the hospital and I enjoyed being there but I do wonder why the half year long stays were needed. My best friend was a little girl called Sarah Steele who sadly died. I remember Dr Daz and his son Ankor who used to play with the children in the grounds while his dad was on duty. Happy memories and I can still remember Sister Youds on my ward. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers this time.....x
Heswall Children's Hospital
My great-grandfather's uncle was the builder of the Hospital, and my great-grandfather came over from Northern Ireland to work for him as an apprentice joiner in 1880. He eventually settled in Birkenhead but cycled everyday from there to Heswall. He told me the route in those days was more or less a sandy path. His name was Thomas Kelly.
Sleeping in Outside Ward With Wire Netting at Outside Wall
I am not sure if this is the hospital, but it looks very much like it. I left the hospital in 1957, aged 13, and remember the school on the same site and two boys taking it in turns each evening to polish all the shoes. I was very happy there.
My Stay
I recall staying at this place in 1970. As a child I suffered from asthma and was referred here by Alder Hey. If it's the same place, it had a Lancaster bomber in its gardens. I remember a boy called Ian who was in with nerves, such a nice lad, and going to north Wales on day trips...fond memories.
1967 RLCH
I spent most of my childhood in and out of the hospital and have such wonderful happy memories. I was usually on Charlie Mac ward (Charles McAllister). I remember Sister Bromley (spoke to her only a few of years ago), Dr Burston and Peter Bush. They made a film of me as a baby then completed it in Myrtle Street when I was about 12.
I loved the steam roller, and after clinic visits mum and I went into Heswall and I was bought lovely fruit lollipops as a treat. So lovely to see the photos.
Margaret Bevan Home
Hi, does anyone remember the large portrait on the wall in the entrance of the Margaret Bevan Home, I am not sure which home it was, can anyone tell me where all the homes were besides Heswall? My email is: joytotheworld@yours.com Thank you in anticapation. Joyce xxx
Fond Memories
I was a patient at Heswall from January 1973 to July 1973. I was on the Florence Gibson Ward. What a fantastic place it was. I enjoyed every minute of it. I remember most of the staff. Sister Broughall, Staff Nurse Pat Robinson, Staff Nurse Mary Smith, SEN Margaret Deer, Nurses Nel Evans, Audrey Morgan. Elsie Taylor,Nuse Parr and not forgetting my all time favourite Staff Nurse Eva Seddon. I also recall the night staff. Nurse Martyn, Barbara Hall, Nurse Humphreys, Sister Stewart. The matron was Miss Simpson and Mrs Overend and Mr Begbie were the deputies. Our school teacher were Mrs Sharmon,Miss Barlow, Mrs Shacley, Mr Grundy. Mrs Carr who became Mrs Denton and the head Mr Hamer. Fellow patients I recall are Alun Morrison, Nick Houslay, Mark Earle, Stephen Balshaw, Michael Moore, David Langley, Billy Ryan, Mark Harrison, Bernard Gleniki, Matthew Taylor and Tony Flynn. I also recall the cleaners. Mrs Gaye, Mrs Woodward, Mrs Reid, Lou Hignett and Nora Smith. I am sure that I have missed... Read more
Great Times..
I was at the Royal Hospital for a few months in 1971, a wonderful memory rekindled due to working on the Wirral lately...38 years since I was there but I remembered just where it was while passing through Heswall. I remember Nurse Hessian very well, a happy go lucky young woman,v ery kind too. Eric Sullivan, Jimmy Mcgrail are names that spring to mind, Wendy Owen, a girl from my home town of Wrexham. I remember Michael Mosquito carving his name on the white boat in the grounds, also memories of my parents' visits and getting spoilt on days out in Hoylake,. I would be interested in the reunion if possible... good memories.
A Baby at Heswall 1959
I really don't remember much about Heswall, but it holds a special place in my heart, as that is where my mother found me. I had been born in May 1959 in Wrexham, but for some reason was not taken home by the women who gave birth to me. I was moved to Heswall. My soon to be sister, was training to be a nurse, Margaret Petty, and she told her mother about me. My mother came over to see and decided to adopt me. I was then transferred to Liverpool Myrtle Street hospital from there she adopted me. I will always be very greatful to Heswall, Miss Meek the Matron and all the staff.
I Was There Too!
As a student nurse in 1969 I started my career at Heswall on Lady Jones ward. This was a ward for children with severe mental and physical disabilities and Sister Clarke ran the show.
It was such a fabulous time and as a young nurse I have memories of the night warden who managed switchboard, cursing and swearing at us when we arrived home late and without a pass out. It was such a pretty little hospital and yes we use to take the children out into the grounds in huge prams and play on the boat and the fire engine. Such sunny days!!
Florence Gibson Ward 1965
I stayed in the Florence Gibson Ward in 1965, I remember a teacher called Mr Wrapps who I think was Welsh and had a big moustache.A boy in the bed next to mine was Tommy Butterworth.There was an Ann Lyons in the girls ward who we all adored.The was a boy called Elgin who was in a wheel chair who I guess was a more permanant resident than most of the other boys.We had a great view over the river, I am sure there was an old plane in the foreground.Although I only stayed for a number of months I often remember the faces and wounder what happened to the people I met there.
Agnes Hunt Ward
I remember being a patient on this ward because of a fractured femur and being in traction for three months, it was the summer of 1978 and roasting. We were wheeled through great big doors at the side of the ward and into the grounds, just by the steam roller and the boat. I remember a few names, Brian Urmson, there was a girl from Speke who had had her both feet in plaster because of her toes, I think her name was Sue, Sue was the one who came over to Myrtle Street to pick me up in the ambulance, she was great fun. There were also a lot of kids there in full body casts and on traction, I used to feel sorry for them. Anyway, the nurses I remember were Auntie Rogie, and one of the auxilliaries whose name escapes me right now but she was a real fuss pot. There was another nurse, very tall and blonde, who went to work in Saudi, I missed her... Read more
Billy Ryan
Not sure of the year but I remember you Billy Ryan :)
Helswal Convalescent Home.
Hi to all who stayed at the Margaret Bevan Home. I am not sure where I stayed but the comments that I have read seem to tell me that the Margaret Bevan Home sounds like the one I stayed at during the 1960s. I remember the sleeping in the Poppy Room. It had a small dormer window. It was January and the snow was thick outside. Ice floated on the river (the view from my window). I remember being equipped with a brown uniform, even knickers to match my beret. On Sundays we wore a grey suit for church. I was a run-down girl who needed time away from my family. The food was so good, I didn't want to leave the place. I stayed there for 6 weeks but it felt as if I had stayed there for years.
My Memories of Ellen Sedgewick Ward 1979-80
I remember good times even though I hated it first day, we had loads to do, virtually every sport you can think of and the camping trips were amazing. The trips to watch the spooth film airplane had me in hysterics, also I had my birthday party there. I met some good people like Ron Symington and Eddie Mcdonald. Visiting the set of 'Corrie' (I still have the picture of us all outside the Rovers Return) and jumping on board a submarine was fantastic. Also we had a sports competition and I came first.
My Stay
I came to Heswall Hospital in early 1970, I can remember an aeroplane and a Wendy House. One person I would love to find is a girl called Maria Toy as we became good friends. My stay there is with fondest memories, the staff were lovely.
Great Times
I was also at Heswall Children's Hospital between 1969 to 1973. I also knew Denise O'Gorman and a few others including Anne Fay. Every couple of yeas I go back and visit the town and my old school in Pensby. I have some very fond memories of the nursing staff that helped me during my stay, the doctors, Sister Brough but in particular Nurse Hessian. It was the best place to grow up as a child/teenager.
Margaret Beavan Home
I went to the MB home in early 1950s. I lived Liverpool at the time (I live in New Zealand now) I was sent there as I had a health problem. I loved the place - I remember Nurse Rogers - and also the caretaker and his wife - The Sherlocks.
I would love a photo if anyone has one. thank you
Emma
School Days
I was a pupil here from 1954 until passing the 11+ in 1959 & going to Calday.
My teachers were:
Mrs Sullivan - year 1
Mrs Bentham - year 2
Mrs Nettle - year 3
Mr Jarvis - year 4
Miss Earl - year 5
I remember Miss Earl used to come in every day from North Wales by public transport - not many cars about then.
The headmaster was "pop" Edwards who had been there for donkey's years - he was there when my dad was a pupil at the school !
Much of the school had been damaged during the war, and for all the years I was there no repairs were done and there were huge mounds of rubble which were once classrooms. These were strictly off limits. Today's Health & Safety bods would have heart attacks if they saw where we learnt & played.
The kitchens had been destroyed & food for lunch was brought to school from (I think) the Puddydale Council... Read more
Heswall Shore
My nanny and gampi lived on Banks Road in the 1960s. Nanny (Tilly Wilson) used to shell the shrimps in her kitchen. We would pay them a visit on our way down to Heswall shore and the shrimps would be piled high in the middle of the cold stone floor. My sister and I would sit and help but I don't think I've ever seen anyone move as fast as Nanny. Down on the shore, if the tide was out, we would take our sandals off and skid across the disgusting mud flats! On the way home we would stop at the little sweet shop at the top of Banks Road and buy a barley sugar stick for 2d, if it wasn't for that I don't think I'd have managed the long walk home to Pensby.
Moorland House School
Does anyone have memories of Moorland House School in Hillside Rd, Heswall? I was a young teacher working there for two years 1968 - 1970. I am surprised that few people remember the school which existed for many years but closed in 1970. The site of the beautiful playing fields is now a housing estate situated at the top of Baskerville Rd. The actual school building is also a small development just off Hillside Rd, the buildings being demolished a year or so after the school closed. I have happy memories of my short time teaching there and would love to hear from anyone with information about the school, pupils and staff.
Margaret Bevan Memorial Home
Hello Anne
I was at the Margaret Beavan Memorial Home twice during the 1960s. I too remember going to church. We wore red berrets and blazers. The home has now been turned into a residential house. My husband and I went to find it about two or three years ago. I took a photo, will send it to you if you would like to see it. Do you remember the building at the back where we used to sing and dance? I loved it there and have very happy memories. The staff were very kind. I was there in 1963 and again in 1964 - as I remember. My name name is Heather.
Lost Memories of Childhood
I was a patient at the RLCH Heswall in the 1940s . Although my family came from Liverpool I was sent to the hospital with what we knew as a diseaesed hip bone which I later heard referred to as Perthe's Disease. I guess my age was about 9 or 10 and I was resident for about 18 months during wich time I contracted Scarlet Fever and was temporarily transferred to another hospital (unknown). I recall being pushed out onto the verandah and looking out over the gorse and undergrowth down to the River Dee. I was confined to bed with plasters attached to both legs which at the time I understood was to stretch the left leg which was shorter than the right; my feet were attached to weights and were raised above the level of my head. All this may be totally wrong as method of treatment but it was what I understood at the time. I am currently researching my life history and would therefore be pleased to... Read more
Heswall Childrens Hospital c1958
I am delighted to add a memory to this page. From 1952, (aged 5 years), I had T.B. and eventually went in January 1958, for 6 months, to Heswall Childrens Hospital.I was in the Florence Gibson Ward, and was looked after with great care.
The nurses came from various locations to do their training. One of the nurses, gave me an injection, and it was the first patient she had practiced on! Later on she nursed my Mother in the Womens' Hospital in Liverpool and remembered our name. In later life I came to live on the Isle of Man, and remembered one of my favourite nurses from Ramsey. Nurse Cowin even sent a postcard to me when she had a holiday back home, and I still have it. I contacted the local paper years later, and Nurse Cowin's sister wrote to me to say her sister now lived in London. Most of the children were in for long term. Several were unable to get up, as they... Read more
Puddydale School
It was around that year. I had a cousin who was in hospital there...he had a brother named Mike and a mom named Louie. My name is Milly.
The Puddydale School
Oh yes I remember the Hospital but also the School in the Puddydale opposite. I attended that school from 1949 - 1955 and have lots of fond memories of the teachers and the friends that I knew. The 'Puddydale' was a huge parklike area where games were played and pagents held.
Both the school and the hospital are long gone but that was part of the Heswall that I knew. Pete B
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... Read more
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.
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.
Dee View
The Dee View Hotel was one of our haunting grouds in our courting days
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... Read more
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
Around 1971
I was here and have fond memories. Pauleen Hession being a really great person. Can anyone recall me? I did the Child Psychiatry Course. My name is Glyn Goodchild.
Convalescing
I remember being in Heswall Hospital at Christmas and a Nativity scene being in the entrance to the ward. I used to sleep on a wooden 'Nelson' to help drain the mucous from my infected lung, with the bi-fold doors wide open for the fresh air, we had apricot jam sandwiches for tea, and to this day I dislike apricot jam. The older girls used to bath us. I must have spent quite a few months there, after being in Liverpool Childrens Hospital. I must have had my birthday in there too in January, and when I went home I had a brand new bicycle with 2 speed gears. These are happy memories I have of being there.
Agnes Hunt Ward
My stay in this ward is full of happy memories. I remember Wally the porter pushing my trolley through the basement, I can remember seeing lots of what I presume were water pipes to get to the x ray department, with today's health & safety issues I am sure this wouldn't be allowed now!! The friend I made during my stay (July/October 1977) was Jane Pennington, Jane and I shared a birthday party while in hospital, this was held on a Sunday and all the staff and patients helped to make it a very memorable day. During my stay Elvis died, this was in the days before day time TV but I remember the television being on and the nursing staff watching it in disbelief. I was sad to hear the hosptial has been replaced by a Tesco, even though I was there for a short while it played an important part of my childhood.
The Royal Liverpool Childrens Hospital 1979
I stayed on the 'Florance Gibson' ward from January to December of 1979. Although it was a very difficult time for myself and my parents, my memories are very precious to me.
I got to see Paul Mccartney for free that year, camped out and did lots of things. I remember Nurse Skillings, nurse Morgan, Mrs Daniel, Mrs Thomas.
I wonder if anyone remembers me?
Ian Hunt
Heswall Childrens Hospital
I was transferred from Myrtle Street to Heswall in 1953 as a TB contact, I was in a few wards. One faced the main entrance to the Hospital, another one had a partition across the middle separating the girls from the boys. The ward I remember most was one with a television, I watched the Queen's coronation and the Mathews cup final. The television was to the right of the door as you went into the ward. There was a lad named Arthur who was terrified of flies, if that rings a bell with anyone. Another lad Eddie was given a carpentry set one Saturday for his birthday, when all the visitors had gone he tried his saw out on the table leg, which to six year olds looked about 20 foot long and probably was.
Fond Memories of my Stay at Heswall Hospital
I was sent to the hospital from Liverpool Myrtle Street Hospital some time in the late 1940s or 1950 and I was in Holbrook Gaskel ward for about 3 months. I remember a Nurse Smith who was very kind to me. I used to watch out of the window for my parents coming to visit me on Sundays and we would walk in the grounds and look over at the River Dee, it was a lovely place and my father always promised to take me to the river one day which sadly he never did, but I went myself when I was older. One thing I remember is that every afternoon at about 3.30 we were given slices of bread and jam and a choice of juice or milk from a trolley (something you don't see any more in hospitals, just cups of plastic warm drinks from a machine). I was very happy there and have lovely warm memories of the place.
Royal Liverpool Childrens Hospital
I lived in Heswall from 1952 until 1966. In the spring of 1964, myself and number of my chums were asked to convert an old ship's lifeboat, which had been placed in the garden to the rear of the hospital, into a pirate ship. With the aid of lots of plywood sheets (donated?), I used my experience of ships and boats to guide our team to cover up all the sticky tar and create a safe and realistic play area for the children. The Matron was delighted with our efforts and each day when we worked on the boat, she invited us to have our evening meal in the Staff Canteen, surrounded by countless gorgeous nurses. Needless to say there was more flirting than eating. We all finished up dating nurses.
More Memories of The Hospital
It's lovely to read all the fond memories of Heswall Hospital, I was a cadet there from Sept 1969 until May 1970 then returned in Sept 1970 for 3 more months. We took part in tjhe Christmas celebrations organised by Sister Bromley from Charles MacAllistair ward when we perfomed our version of 'Snow White' and of the 'CantCant'. I remember Pauline Hessian very well, we were friends for a long time. We still have our re-unions in Liverpool next one due in 2012. Love, Gina Shaw
Happy Childhood Memories
I stayed at Heswall Children's Hospital from Janurary 1980 to June 1980. I really enjoyed my time while there so much, that when my mum decided it was time for me to leave, I was so upset. I wanted to stay. When I first arrived I had to stay in for 3 weeks with no weekends home, to help me get used to the place. I remember so much, I feel it was such an important part of my childhood - a happy time, with lovely memories. I was on Hugh Owen Thomas Ward (H.O.T.). The beds were all in a line as if it was a proper hospital ward, I was towards the very back of the ward as I was one of the elders. The nurses I remember are Sister Chubb - a lovely lady, Nurse McBride, I remember her freckles and short black hair, Nurse Parr and the night nurses, Nurse Williams - who liked to knit - she sometimes allowed me to sit next to her if I... Read more
Heswall Magazine
I run Heswall Magazine which is circulated around Heswall and the local area. You can view all copies on our website:
www.heswallmagazine.co.uk
I have some interesting pictures of Heswall including some of the Coronation Day celebrations and an old panorama picture of the Lower Village which I will send to anyone who is interested.
Would anyone like to contribute an article to our magazine? We have found that the stories of ‘old’ Heswall are what goes down best with our readers. We have recently run a series of articles by Tony Bradley which were every well received.
If you are interested in producing anything please email me:
jon@heswallmagazine.co.uk
Many Thanks
Jon Bion
Heswall Magazine
Sylvia - Not Sure When 1968/69
I remember Heswell as a patient - Sylivia was my best friend and she had asthma - we were on the HOT ward. Get in touch Sylvia, if you remember too. What did HOT stand for? I remember being very frightened and not understadning why I was there, away from my family. Some of the nurses were horrrible. There was a lovely Indian doctor towards the end (he smelled of curry and it was so comforting) - I remember he was the first doctor who used to give us a hug, pick us up and take us for a walk in the grounds. He really helped me to get better. BTW the school was brilliant!
Heswall Childrens Hospital Circa 1979 - 1980
I was in this hospital for a couple of years when I was around 4 years old! (Hence the vagueness.) I recall the wards (dorms) and I recall bouncing from one bed to another along the entire length of the ward (until we were stopped, that is!), the 'day school', and I recall a long slide down the right side of the garden that had numerous thorny branches next to it which would catch you if you were not careful! I also recall playing in a boat of some kind in the grounds - I remember the boat was in a sand pit - it seemed huge, but I was only young! I don't remember the names of the staff nor most of the other kids, but I do recall Stewart - a boy a little older than me who also was a neighbour from Brookdale Road in Liverpool. (Stewart, if you ever read this, get in touch if you remember me?) I would love to see any old photos from this area... Read more
Heswall Children's Hospital
I would like to hear from anyone who was in Heswall Children's Hospital in 1969 to 1971. I would like to find Denise O'Gorman, we were best mates, she will be in her 50s now, she came from Cherster. So come on, someone must be out there who was in the hospital. Even Ringo Starr was there, but that was before my time. He gave the hospital a boat for us kids to play on, it sat in the grounds. I hope to hear from someone soon.
Long Time in Hospital
I was in the children's hospital from the age of 7 to 16 . The ward sister was D Overhand, the night nurse was Robinson, we call her Robbie. I remember by best friend there was called Denise O'Gorman. People used to get us mixed up as we looked alike.
Memories of Merseyside
Barleyfield
We lived on Fishers Lane, Pensby then moved to Barleyfield Road where my little sister was born in the front bedroom of no 1. We walked down to Greenbank Junior School every day, three little kids holding hands through fields of barley that towered over our heads! Then the builders came. Before we knew it we were walking home through little streets like Bennet Walk. The houses went up so fast that I got lost walking home one day! Weekends were spent playing up at 'Devils Dyke' where the boys had made a rope swing. We 'nicked' potatoes from our kitchens, lit a fire and tried to 'bake' them, they were rock-hard but we ate them anyway! At the bottom of Barleyfield Road they built an 'old peoples home' which meant we could not get through to Fishers Lane any more, we had to go round through Old Wood Rd instead. I was petrified of walking through Old Wood Road because of the vicious dog that lived there and nearly... Read more
Tree Cottage
This building is still known as Tree Cottage, Old Lane, but the postal address has been changed to Barnston Road which causes a lot of confusion. I have lived here since 2002 and traced the previous owners back to 1851, but apparently the cottage is much older.
Darts And A Pint
The Fox and Hounds was a great place to meet friends and have a game of darts and a pint or two. I can remember a warm fire on a winters night and a friendly publican. The place had a typical English country pub feel and my mates and I were always made welcome. I worked on the place as a painter in the 60`s, and was always given a free pint with lunch.
Pete
Happy Days
The building on the right with the telephone box outside was the post office and store run by a lady called Mrs Locker. I used to deliver the Liverpool Echo to the Fox and hounds and most of the houses in the village. I still try and visit the Fox and Hounds at least once a year and it's nice to see that the village hasn't changed at all in the intervening years except for the amount of traffic.
Barnston Dale School
I attended here circa 1969/70 for one year. I hated every minute. I lived about 3 miles away and we had to get a bus there every morning.
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Places this week
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- Kings Sutton, Oxfordshire
- Walsall, West Midlands
- Greasbrough, South Yorkshire
- Bridge Of Gairn, Aberdeenshire
- Watford, Hertfordshire
- Thurstaston, Merseyside
- Lundin Links, Fife
- Oswestry, Shropshire
- South Godstone, Surrey
- Strood, Kent
- Heswall, Merseyside
- Streatham, Greater London
- Shelsley Walsh, Worcestershire
- Langley Park, County Durham
- Souldern, Oxfordshire
- Forest Row, East Sussex
- Croydon, Surrey
- Heywood, Lancashire
- Maesgeirchen, Gwynedd
- Rhydyfelin, Mid Glamorgan
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I Remember When...
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