Little Sutton memories
Here are memories of Little Sutton and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Little Sutton or a Little Sutton photo.
The Queen's Visit
I cannot be specific as to the date of the Queen's visit because I was very young at the time.
On the left hand side of the road you can see what was at one time the post office but which later became a carpet shop. On the right hand side of the road (slightly obscured) was Harold Jones's coal merchants yard and next door to it was the green grocers shop which was run by his wife. Everyone was very excited because they were going to see the Queen.
Ledsham Road and Chester Road were lined with people all penned back behind metal barriers with innumerable police men trying to keep the heaving throngs back. The rain poured down and no one could see for the umbrellas. Everyone was soaking wet. The Queen came speeding around the corner in her black, shiny car and everyone cheered and waved their flags even though no-one could see her properly. Luckily I was sitting on top of Harold... Read more
St. George's Presbyterian Church
St. George's Presbyterian Church stands in the forefront of this photograph between what was the Co-operative shop and Tommy Jones the fishmongers shop. How long the Presbyterian Church has stood on this site I don't know but the Church itself was established in Little Sutton in 1838.
Legend has it that that two travellers passing through Little Sutton were stoned by the local youths and upon finding out that there was neither Church nor Chapel in the village paid for it to be built! How true this is I do not know. The Church Hall which was sited next to the old Black Lion pub was demolished in the late 1950s early 1960s and this building was, I suspect, old enough to be the original Chapel/Church which was the subject of the story. I would also add, although this is immaterial, that I was born in Black Lion Lane, and that my ancestors had lived in Little Sutton since at least 1750.
However, I attended at St. George's... Read more
The Rec!
Ah yes, The Rec! Scene of many a battle and many a cup final, in later years there was romance! You could get through the hedge and down onto the railway line to put halfpennies on the line that got flattened by trains as they ran over them.
At the End of Heath Lane, or more accurately at the junction with New Chester Road, a bobby did point duty at busy times. I can remember one day going to school and making a dash across the road and the bobby grabbed me before I went under a car! Probably wouldn't have been fatal - cars didn't get up to much speed in 1959.
When my father was a boy he and a friend were playing in The Rec and Dad got a swing seat thumped into his face that drove his front teeth right through his top lip. He still has the scar at the age of 80!
Also at that junction there used to be a... Read more
Basnetts The Newsagent
Does anyone remember the tobacconists owned by my Uncle Alec Basnett...opposite the Co-op??Johanna Webster.
The Chippy Down Walker's Lane
Dear All,
there are certainly many fine memories of Little Sutton on this web-site...bravo
I was more of a Great Sutton lad myself. I lived off Sutton Way, near the roundabout. Went to the Primary school next door. Then on to Mill Lane and eventually to Chester Art College, Handbridge.
As a kid and during those warm sunny, never ending school holidays, if I wasn't out catching sticklebacks from the pond in that field that was later to become Northern Rise (what a shame, there were fields all the way to Cappenhurst) I'd be biking it down to the Brook, turn left, then follow it all the way to the Rivacre Brow. But more often than not, I'd cross the Brook and cycle up the hill to the playing field at Whetstone Hey. Lounge around on the slope dominating the Port and the horizon.
Back in 1979 I totally widened my horizons, I left for France, and I've been here living... Read more
Hi Paul Saxon
Hi Paul Yes, I went to New Zealand, not Aussie. I remember being a good mate of you and also Steve Howard. Married Barbara Foxon from Upton and we have two Kiwi sons. I remember the fair and the circus at the new library site. As a kid it was just magical. I also went to Berwick Road School, Mrs Mclaren was my teacher, the thought of her sends shivers up my back even now. I worked for Angus Collin Builders Ltd from the late 1960s until about 1973, they were situated down an alley at the side of Pollards the bakers. It was my job to go and pick up the hot pork pies fresh out the oven, on cold winter mornings. Will post more when I get the time. Regards, Mal
New Houses
I moved with my family to live in Heath Lane in early 1956, just at the end of the side road leading to the 'rec'. At that time, it was a country lane with high hedges and there were fields where Granville Drive now is. Reynolds the builder built some of the houses in Heath Lane and Heath Grove and Warringtons built the houses in the Granville Drive area. Seth Hughes, headmaster of the Berwick Road school, lived next door.
I remember many of the shops, and some of the people, referred to by other contributors. One of the shops that does not seem to have been mentioned was the confectionery shop owned by Norman Pollard. Norman lived in Heath Grove and his brother and sister lived in Heath Lane. The shop was in the block opposite to the Presbyterian Church.
During my time there as a teenager, I became interested in railway signalling and spent much time in the signal boxes at Ledsham Station and Ledsham Junction.... Read more
Travellers Rest Public House
My g g uncle George and Aunt Louisa had the Travellers Rest from about 1881, he is still there in 1901, they raised 7 children there, all who at one time or another worked for their parents. He left there and went to the Bowling Green public house in Chester. If anyone has a photo of him I would love to have a copy.
Bennions Timber Yard
I remember my father going quite often to Bennions timber yard, the smell of sawn timber, also in the yard was a blacksmith, who when I was child was in his 90s, I remember the horses coming in the be shod, and I was allowed to pump up the coals, and watch. Also just a few doors down was Irwins, a family friend Gerry Thomas was the manager of the shop, he and his wife Eve lived in the huge flat above the shop.
Little Sutton
Oh, I remember so many things that have been previously written about the village. In the late 1960s I used to work in Keith hairdressers, next to the Bon Bon, and on my day off I used to work in the Bon Bon. The then owners were Race Beecroft, and Keith her son owned the hairdressers. Many years later my daughter worked in the Bon Bon at the weekends before going to university. Ernie Dale had the barbers next to the Bon Bon and further along was the bike shop, think that was called Morgans, then there was John Parry the undertaker, and if my memory is correct a florist on the end of the block. Then in Heath Lane the pub, the Railway Inn. Oh, how it evokes memories! My single name was Beesley. My grandfather was a plumber in the village.
Bon Bon Shop
The two were certainly there until 1939. They were small and in typical Victorian dress with 'chokers' etc. To me as a child they seemed about 80 but obviously that may be wrong. The shop was full of sweets in glass jars etc and the counter was on the right-hand side. I do not know if they lived behind the shop. As you went in the door immediately in front of you was a tall (4 foot high?) black cylinder with a 'silver' surround at the top. This was where they stored their ice-cream. It was full of 2d blocks in glassine paper and they then gave you two wafers to hold it. The cylinder had no electric powered refrigeration unit but instead at the bottom were blocks of 'dry ice' ie frozen CO2. These were always supplied by the ice-cream company when they delivered the ice-cream itself. I am 95% sure they stocked Walls ice-cream as black was then the company colour. The only competitor in those days in... Read more
Bonbon Sweet Shop
I have just come across this site whilst doing family history research. I know that two of my great aunts, Charlotte and Edith McGlashen, ran the Bonbon sweet shop. This would have been during the 1920s or 30s as my mother used to visit them as a child. I wondered whether anyone has any memories of them or the shop in its earlier years? I was surprised to find it still in existence under its original name.
Rivacre Baths.
For those who never saw (or may have forgotten), the photo shows the view you had after coming in through the main entrance. The large fountain can be seen in the foreground, and was enjoyed by many children as they ran around underneath the cascading waters. Just beyond was the shallow pool, which tapered from practically nothing at each end, to about 30 inches deep in the middle.
There was a short wall which seperated this from the main pool which was 14 feet deep at the far end, and above this was the diving platform consisting of the low and medium height springboards, plus the top fixed board.
On the left of the photo can be seen a long low building with windows in the roof, which was the women's changing room. There was a similar building on the right of the pool (out of sight), which was for the men, and if you look to the left of the diving platform, you can see the water tower... Read more
Little Sutton Shops
The church was the Presbyterian and the fruit and veg shop also sold fish (Tommy Jones, fish). There was a furniture shop (Flackets) On the corner of Ledsham was Miss (although a Mrs.) Locket’s. Over Ledsham past the bank I remember a real estate agent and of course Williams the Carlton with their wonderful cakes. There was something before Finefare but I don’t remember what (furniture?). Tommy Hind the butcher was closer to the bridge than the supermarket. Back towards Chester I remember a shop that sold material and linen, Williams the Dairy who made fantastic icecream, and then Brighams the Chemist on the corner. On the other corner was Nancarrow the ironmonger, the shoe repairer, an old-fashioned sweet shop and a wool shop. There was also a fish and chip shop (Bert Nichols - although this was probably closed in the early 1960s). Yes Davis’ grocer, it had a wood floor and smelt of cheese and ham. In this area there was also a radio repair shop and I... Read more
Little Sutton Shops
Just a few memories of what shops were there in Little Sutton around the time this photograph was taken, starting on the near left of the picture you had the food CO-OP, the white church followed by the fruit and veg shop, a hair dressers and two other shops (???). Over the Ledsham Road junction was a bank on the corner followed by about three shops, one of which was a shop called the Carlton which was a bit like a deli that sold cakes. On the opposite side of the road was a big supermarket called Finefare (which is where the big pine shop is now), coming back this way from there was a bank, a butchers, a veg shop called Waterworths, the post office and then Ladlers chemist. Coming this way from Walkers Lane was Thompsons the chandlers (ironmongers), Browns shoe shop and a couple of other shops(???) before you reached Reeces cake shop and cafe. Next to there was a green shop (still green today)called Davies' (think... Read more
Little Sutton 60s
The name Craig McAteer is very familiar to me. Was Craig a gifted footballer or am I imagining things? I do remember him though. I also remember those fairs on the field behind Curbishley's garage where the bowling green is now. There was still a bowling green behind the Red Lion when I was a regular there in the 1980s although I don't know if it was ever used then. My father won me a goldfish at one of the fairs, must have been in the late 50s, and I can remember carrying it home to Seymour Drive holding it in front of my face and watching it swim around in its plastic bag. I think it lived in a big jam jar for a while after we got it home.
I always thought the Cheshire Yeoman used to be called The Ledsham Hotel actually. I had a very uplifting experience there in 1983...
Youth Club
Dear Paul,
I feel I should know either you or your brother but don't. However, the Youth Club was originally Little Sutton library and prior to that the reading room. I remember going there to choose my books from a very young age.
I participated in decorating it when it was gutted and became a Youth Club. It was very busy on its opening and I had to serve behind the "bar" i.e. coke, orange etc. As I recall the most adventurous game anyone played was cards! Is the building still there?
The new library was built on the field where the fair used to be held. I used to think the fair very exciting with the flashing lights, loud music and waltzers and the boys who pushed you round faster and faster until you felt sick. Much to my sister's and my embarrassment my father once had the waltzer stopped and made us get off because he thought it was too dangerous!
I... Read more
Little Sutton 60s
Hi Paul Saxon here, we moved to Red Lion Lane in 1961. I went to Mill Lane school and my brother Craig McAteer went to Berwick Road school. Little Sutton was small as was Red Lion Lane. We lived right next to the bowling green. There used to be a youth club by the now car wash area and Craig and I played tennis at Hooton Lawn Tennis Club with Pete Moore. Our mates at the time were Clifford Snowdon, Graham Dutton and Mally Cheshire. Graham works at Shell with me, Mally moved to Aussie, my brother Craig was Chief Executive at Ell'port council in charge of leisure. He now lives above the golf club with his son Lee. They moved the bowling green to the main road area. In the field by the library they used to have fairgrounds and circuses regularly. More memories to follow when time permits.
More on St. Georges
Hi Kathleen
Some good old memories there...Tried to load this up as a comment to your article but the system failed!
Marjorie Lockett was a Bennion, being the daughter of Joseph Bennion one of my Grandfather Albert's brothers. Joseph was the Blacksmith and Albert was a Wheelwright/Joiner. Marjorie married George Lockett, also a Joiner who had lived on the corner of Ledsham Road where the estate agent now is, and Margaret was their only child. She now lives near Mold.
My father Joseph and his wife Marjorie are both Elders of St. George's, Marjorie having played the organ there for many years.
Mr Mitchelmore was a very friendly and jovial chap who took Sunday School in the vestry behind the main Church. Sadly missed. Also have fond memories of Ruth from London.
In 1981, my son Andrew became at least the fourth generation of my family to be christened at St George's.
The Cubbin Twins
Yes, the Cubbin twins - Alison and Janet. They had an older sister, Shirley, who became a dancer.
I was in love with Janet for years! She was full of life, always laughing and fooling around. I never got up the courage to ask her out and never got round to telling her years later how much I had admired her. I can't now.
The twins' father, Ronnie, was my father's best friend. They grew up together in Childer Thornton and remained friends. Sadly, Ronnie died some years ago but I do remember him so well, a cheery, red-cheeked man, a true son of the soil. He used to work at Pulford's farm in Ledsham and I sometimes went with him at Christmas to slaughter turkeys. Later, he worked at Bowaters when I worked there.
My older sister Sue got married when I was 16. I worked for Hyde's Jewellers in Ellesmere Port at the time and Janet worked at... Read more
Rivacre Baths
We moved to Rivacre in 1960, within sound of the baths. I spent most of my summer holidays there. My cousin Paul James's mum worked on the gate and the owner's son Stephen Williams was my friend at primary school.
Under Ground Tunnels, Little Sutton Area
Hi, can any one help. I was told many years ago when I was a young girl, that there use to be under ground tunnels, that either went through Little Sutton/ Ledsham/Hooton area. These tunnels were for the monks or clergy who had to hide? They went under the area/areas I have mentioned maybe hundred/hundreds of years ago. No one seems to know anything about them? Would they have gone to a monastary? If anyone can shed some light on this I would be grateful, thanks Val
Percy LINDEN?/LYDEN, FULWOOD ROAD AREA , LITTLE SUTTON
Hi, I am wondering if anyone would possibly have a picture of this house, in World War Two, I don't even know the name of the house, but Percy Linden/Lynden lived in this during the war. His family was the owner of Fletts (not sure of the spelling) Sauce. I don't think he ever married, he had a dog called Jack, and when he use to come out the pub, he would often get "locked up" for the night. He used to say he didn't mind getting locked up for the night but it wasnt fair on the dog. He also would give the kids an odd ciggie and they followed him around the Little Sutton area and often he would give them sweets or throw some pennies up in the air for them to catch. His housekeeper was Annie Body. Later a family with a large black poodle called Bimbo moved into this house, they later sold it and the house was pulled down and hence became Fulwood... Read more
Little Sutton Shops, Chester Road
Hi ,can anyone cast their minds back to the shopping area in Little Sutton where there is a very tiny car park on the A41, the shops that are there now are Cheshire Building Society, chemist (Westminster pParmacy) used to be Jones Chemist, McColls newsagents, Lennon few years ago. What I am keen to know is, can anyone tell me what buildings were there before these shops were put up. Was there houses? cottages?, name of the road etc, any information would be helpful, and if anyone has a picture that would be great. I'm trying to find out also where "The Green" was in Little Sutton, I have an idea those cottages may have been on that side of the main road many years ago as well. My great grandmother lived at 1 "The Hollies", two cottages still remain, so if anyone can help with the above I would be most grateful. Val
Location Location Location
Here in Australia I recently watched a re-run on cable TV of an episode of 'Location Location Location' that was originally shown a few years ago. They featured a house in Little Sutton and I've been trying to work out whereabouts it is. They showed scenes of Ledsham Road with Russell Dumbell's carpet shop, (hello Russell and Carol), Berwick Road and also Chester Road. The house was vey nice, and my initial thought was that it is in Heath Lane, on the right going upto the 'rec'. Is anybody able to confirm where it is? Regards to all Suttonians, Mike Flavell
Looking For
I don't have a memory, but I'm looking for information.
Can anyone please tell me where Cuba Cottages Little Sutton were in the 1920's?
Thank you for any help.
Sheila
Rivacre Baths
I remember going to Rivacre Baths and playing in the fountain near the entrance, I kicked and splashed but managed to kick the wall so hard my nail eventually went black and fell off. I was very young then but remember walking ALL the way from Princes Road (near the Prinny) to the baths on many a hot summers day with my friends as I got older. I'm in my fifties now and have fond and not so fond memories of the baths, and how many of you used to bunk in through the missing railings?
Berwick Road
Just discovered this site (07/01/2011). Such a lot of recognisable names, Chris Bennion, Steve Owen, Tony Duncan etc. You lot have certainly opened my memory bank, what a good time we had at that school and in "the village". I am still bearing a scar on my left wrist after playing with Chris! Does anybody remember the name of the male teacher who had the first Ford Capri? That was a fine car back then. Anyway, great to read all the nostalgia being written on this site, I will now be a regular visitor.
Little Sutton Town Hall
I remember the town hall well, situated at the traffic lights, Station Road, opposite Hollywood car sales. There was a bench seat at the rear and even ladies and gents toilets on each side. Many an evening was spent there, attempting to keep out of Copper Jones's clutches, chatting to school pals and eyeing up the girls. Oh, what fun in those heady days. And later gathering there on our motor bikes, racing along the A 41, parking up and going to Edwards' chippy on the corner of Heath Lane. I seem to remember Mr Edwards having a large handlebar moustache. Oh what memories, and what a wonderful web site.
Parklands Junior/Infant School, Little Sutton
I am wondering if anyone has any old picutures of the above schools, I went to both of them. Sadly the old infants class rooms have gone now and approx. 10 years ago the original junior school was burnt down. Can anyone remember any of the teachers? The teachers I can remember as follows: Infant School ... Miss Lavender, Mrs Langford, (Mrs Crow but I wasn't in Mrs Ccrow's class), Mrs Jones the head teacher. I don't remember any more teachers from the infants. Parklands Jnr .. Miss Turner, Miss George who later married Mr Owen, Mr Bryn Jones who later married Miss Bellhughes, Miss Brenton, Mr Humphrys, Mr Pardoe (head teacher), Mr Pickford. I'm sure there must be pics out there of pupils, teachers or buildings, no matter how old, I would love to get a copy of them.
Taylor Family And May Bell Cottage, New Road
I'm researching my family history, and would like to hear from anyone who might know anything of Thomas Taylor (1823-96) a farmer, his son Thomas (1856-93) and daughter May Bell, after whom May Bell Cottage, New Road, was apparently named. My ancestor Sarah Taylor, who was born in Scotland, lived there aged 85 in 1911.
Does May Bell Cottage still exist? Any related Taylors out there? I can offer detailed family history in exchange! Thank you!
Regards, Rod.
MITCHELMORES
Hi Peter, where do you think they lived? We definitely called the house on the corner of Duddleston and Black Lion Lane "Mitchelmores".
Are you related to Dr. Pennington who had a practice in the 1950's and 60's on Chester Road?
Cows Lane
Hi, I am writing to see if anyone remembers the history of 'Cows Lane', Little Sutton. Many years ago a land-owner called Benich owned the lane, it was originally called Benich Lane, does anyone have any memories of this or old maps confirming this? My uncle has contacted the local council to have the lane named correctly. The council has agreed if he can find any proof they will re-name it. Can anyone help or advise me on this? Many thanks, Linda.
''The Carlton'' (Grocery Etc) Chester Road Little Sutton
My family had 'The Carlton' shop during my childhood and teenage years. My mum and dad (82 and 87) still live in Sutton, and I get back to visit often (I live in Spain). I have many fond memories of Little Sutton. I went to Berwick Road (as did my brothers Nick and Roger). I remember remember playing tennis at Hooton Tennis Cub up Berwick Road, the Methodist Youth Club with the ever patient Tony Hall. Playing in the empty 'big grand house 'Sutton Hall', up Ledsham Road... I shudder when I think we used to go down through a tunnel in one of the rooms, crawl along (Colditz style) and come up in Shepherds Farm. There were other old grand semi derelict houses we had fun in, the big house which stood where The Woodhey Hotel is, and before that, there was an old house where Berwick Grove houses are now. Possibly about 1964, I was playing there with Kathy Moore (School House) and I fell and cut... Read more
Dr Nuttall (1859-1863)
I am trying to trace an ancester, James Nuttall, who was born in Rochdale in 1820 and became a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons. He is listed as living in Little Sutton, Cheshire, in the Medical Registers of 1859 & 1863. Although there are entries for him in the 1841 & 1851 census returns when he was living in Liverpool, I cannot find any entries in any subsequent censuses. Does anyone know if he died in Little Sutton or if he emigrated? My email address is richard.suthers@sky.com
The Travellers Rest Pub
I am trying to find the history of the Travellers Rest pub, Leadsham Road. I have been told it was once called The Drum And Monkey but don't have any dates is there anyone out there that has any old pictures or photos or can help with dates? If so, please contact me.
Enmore, New Street, Little Sutton
Hi there,
I am researching the history of a few properties in Little Sutton, and I am trying to trace a house that was called 'Enmore' in 1936, in New Street. A John Baugh lived there up until his death in 1936. Would anybody know if this house still exists, and how I might locate it? I understand that the house name has now changed, although I dont know when this happened.
Any suggestions would be gratefully received,
Thanks
Mitchelmores Gardens Duddleston Road/Black Lion Lane
I have noticed one or two comments with regard to 'Mitchelmores Gardens' in Duddleston Road/Black Lion Lane.
I think that the writers are perhaps a little confused. Mr Mitchelmore was an Elder of the Presbyterian Church and also the Sunday School Superintendent. As I recall he did have a lovely garden but he and his wife lived in Station Road.
As I understand it the houses in Duddleston Road were built by Cartwright Brothers. I don't know the date of the photograph regarding showing the opening to Cartwright's yard. However, if it was after the summer of 1955 it would have been at what was number 34 Black Lion Lane. I was born at 34 Black Lion Lane and my uncle, Joseph Baugh, who owned the property, sold the house and land at this time to Cartwright Brothers specifically for use as a builders yard. The house in Black Lion Lane was far older than any of those in Duddleston Road and the date 1810 was built... Read more
John Hoare, Butcher, Ellesmere Port
Hi, I'm trying to trace my family tree, I am looking for Gerald Lewis, son of the late Gerald and Dulice Lewis (nee Waring). I was told Gerald Lewis worked with/or was friends with John Hoare, John Hoare was well known in the Ellesmere Port area. I was told Gerald moved to Anglesey but cannot find him, any advice or help would be appreciated, thanks, Valerie.
Mitchelmores Garden
Yes, I remember Mitchelmores Garden. I loved walking past there as a child because they grew the most wonderful Fuschias in the front garden. They owned adjoining houses on the corner of Duddleston(?)Rd. a relative lived in the corner one and Mr. & Mrs. Mitchelmore lived in the next one. I believe Mr. Mitchelmore worked in the office of the iron works. Phyllis Garner was quite a talented artist . She was a member of the Methodist Church and her maiden name was Cartright - a daughter of one of the owners of Cartrights Builders whose yard was almost opposite the Mitchelmores in Duddelston(?) Rd.
Mitchelmores Garden, Black Lion Lane
Just going through all my clutter and found a beautful painting that I would like more information on. It is signed on the back Mitchelmores Garden, Black Lion Lane, Little Sutton painted by Phyllis Garner. It shows two people sitting on a deckchair by a Shed/greenhouse with what appears to be a large house in the background. Anyone heard of this garden or indeed Mitchelmore.......
I Know You!
It’s lovely to read all your memories especially yours Deb, my best friend! I was at Berwick Road Primary school from 1960-1965, I remember the aptly named Mrs Pie the dinner lady, also Mr Jones the new assistant head who had radical ideas on education, and an equally radical hair style. One of the first classes I remember him teaching was English, he came into the class with a metal bucket and a jug of water, he dripped the water into the metal bucket cast a dramatic eye around his class and said Wrrite!! ( 2 rr's to emphasise his wonderful Welsh accent) He was an early proponent of 'brain gym', firing mental arithmetic at the class while he danced around the tables flicking at any potential sluggards with his flexible baton. I think it was around this time we started playing shinty in the rec, with those strange lumpy sticks, and got stilts in the playground which were a real treat. We also went on a historical/cultural trip around... Read more
Old Friends
Hi, I can see that Janet Lee has posted some info, I am wondering if you are the older sister of Patricia Lee or perhaps another relative. Their family emigrated to Australia on the Canberra some time in the early 1960s. I was also a pupil at Berwick Road and recognise some of the names that have been mentioned as well as all the locations such as the rec, nature walks up Margarets Lane, library (& the grotty little circus on the land there). Rivacre baths - used to get there by walking through the bluebell woods and across the brook in Rivacre valley, spend the day there (took jam sandwiches), and used to try and save 6d and walk the long way back (starving) to get chips from the excellent Rivacre chippy. Tommy Jones' veg & fish shop - I remember they used to have 3 gigantic looking long coated Retriever dogs lying around the place (as a child, they were reminiscent of the fairy tale of the dogs... Read more
Neston - Parkgate 1955ish
When I was about 5, I went to visit my Great Aunts Amelia Jones and Maggie Robinson at their house in Parkgate. They were quite elderly and because I only visited once, it is quite a vivid memory. Maggie was allegedly married to a 'Sea Captain', but a widow and Amelia never married. I seem to remember the sea still being there - when did it cease to reach the Parkgate shore? I have been trying to find out more about where they lived - I think it may have been Severn Row? Any help would be much appreciated. When Maggie died, she left all her money to a cats' home and Amelia had to go and live with her niece as she became homeless as a result.
Rivacre Baths
I moved to Childerthornton about 1966. I attended Childer Thornton primary then moved to Little Sutton and on to Mill Lane. I spent many summers at Rivacre baths. Does anyone remember Dave Williams? His parents lived in the flat within the grounds of the baths.
TRACING SANDRA HEMSWORTH
Further to my memory yesterday - I have now been contacted by Sandra. So the system works! I can now share memories of family in and around Little Sutton with Sandra.
Thank you
TRACING FAMILY HISTORY - LITTLE SUTTON
Hope someone out there can help. My Great Grandparents were called Elizabeth and Thomas Jackson. They are buried in St. Pauls, Hooton. They had 4 children, Thomas (my grandfather) John William Jackson (killed on 20/7/1916 at Delville Woods on the Somme - he served in the South African regiment); Mary Josephine Jackson; and Hilda Jackson - they all lived in Heath Lane, Childer Thornton - and as far as I know, my great grandparents worked at Heath Farm. Mary Josephine married William Short. Mary Josephine is my great Aunt and the Grand mother of one of your memory history subscribers - Sandra Hemsworth (who now lives in Australia). Sandra was trying to trace information regarding John William Jackson through Ancestry Roots - I did e mail her, but the e mail address was from 2000 and it bounced back the info I had for her on John William Jackson. John William Jackson is commemorated on the War Memorial outside St. Pauls. If... Read more
Little Sutton in 1950s And 1960s
What memories your comments conjure. How I loved the 'rec' as a child. We started on the 'baby swings' and progressed to the 'big swings' and see-saw and round-a-bout. The old shelter there was a favourite hang-out when we got older.
My favourite place was the library in the old bomb shelter, down a couple of steps. It had windows cut high in the walls.
I also remember the fair and circus coming to the land where the new library was built.
Does anyone remember that we called the shelter by the bridge near the old Railway Hotel the Town Hall? We used to hang around there as teenagers.
Berwick Rd. school also loomed large in our lives-at least 15 members of mine and my husbands family attended. My husbands family also lived in Berwick Rd.
Someone mentioned the old Presbyterian Hall, known as the Pres. Hall. We had all sorts of gatherings there including Guides and many Bring & Buy sales.... Read more
Ledsham Station
Ledsham Station, on the Chester - Woodside line, was originally called Little Sutton before the Hooton - Helsby line was built. The son of the station master, Williams I think, went to Berwick Road school. The station closed about 1963. The original 4 tracks were reduced to 2 tracks and the road was subsequently realigned. Some of the original brick walls still remain.
Ledsham Station
Ledsham station was on the Hooton - Chester line. On the railway bridge at the end of Ledsham Road you can still see the glazed tiles that were part of the interior of the entrance building. The 'Cheshire Yeoman' across the road was originally called the Station Hotel. The station itself was quite large (4 platforms) though most of this has been filled in and is now covered in part by the Welsh Road.
Question, Actually
Did Ledsham actually have a station? I've seen photos of what is titled Ledsham Station, but I've also seen a photo titled, 'Little Sutton, c. 1906' with a lovely sign above the building in the photo saying '1909', which has lead me to distrust photos from the past somewhat.
I've tried Googling for information on the station, but I cannot for the life of me find anything about it to see if it exists. The only reference I can find is on Wikipedia which has a reputation for false information. I'd like the people who lived here and have memories of seeing or hearing about the station from first hand sources to confirm it's existence to me. I've also tried looking on Google Earth for any evidence of its existence, but I don't even know if it's on the Ellesmere Port line or on the Chester line.
Any help would be much appreciated, and I love reading about the past of this village.
Thanks,
More on Berwick Road School et al
I recall the school was divided into two portions, the infants and the juniors. A small corridor with Seth Hughes' office alongside separated the two. The infants were in the two classrooms at the School House end of the building where the very motherly Mrs Edwards took care of the first intake and the somewhat more stern Mrs McLaren took the 2nd year. The juniors had the large classroom at the canteen end of the building and also the two smaller classrooms on the Berwick Road side.
Edgar Foxhall, Mrs Bailey, Mr Wynn and later Trevor Jones taught this portion of the school. As did Mrs Kerfoot who was not to be trifled with under any circumstances...
There were three separate cloakrooms where named garments were hung from pegs. The toilets were outside and parallel to the rear boundary wall on the railway side. A further wall, between the toilet block and the school building, separated the infants from the juniors. This was the scene of many playtime games. The... Read more
Little Sutton
I seem to have opened up vast memory stores here! It's good to know so many people who were around at the time I was at Berwick Road are still around today. Mind you, fifty-ish isn't old these days never mind what teenagers think.
Who remembers Warrington's Cafe? I do. And the OLD Black Lion (not that I ever went in there - too young) and the Railway (first mother-in-law ran that place.)
It was a good place to be and I hope it still is because I intend to move back there at the end of this year.
Berwick Road School
Our family have a long association with the school. Our grandfather William Short born 1884 was educated there, also our mother Hilda Short born 1920. Then the school taught both primary and secondary education. My mother leaving when she was 14yrs to do a hairdressing apprenticeship. Our nana, Mary Short was one of the cooks when we were there, and no we didn't get any extra helpings of that lovely Manchester tart. Does anyone remember poor Alan Walsh getting caned for climbing on the pegs in the cloakroom. Mind you I remember getting the ruler across my knuckles for not being able to sew, still can't.
My twin Susan, older sister Enid and myself, Susan and Trish Yarwood, Diane and Lesley Brooks (also twins), and Anne and Hilary Steel all walked to school hail, rain or shine, the half frozen bottle of milk and a Wagon Wheel a welcome treat at playtime.
I do remember Mr. Seth Hughes's funeral, the eldest pupils of the school lining the path of... Read more
Berwick Road C of E School
I started at Berwick Road C of E School in 1957 together with some of the people referred to in the other memories ie: Heather Wallis, Christopher Bennior, Lorraine Staton. There were others obviously such as Margot Raynor and Linda Richards. Linda Richards lived in an old house in Berwick Road opposite the School - Berwick Road was just off the main Chester Road and the school had been built circa 1868 - she could run faster than any other girl in the school.
I remember the Headteacher at the time Seth Hughes. He was Welsh, very old fashioned and straight laced and every Friday morning, once we moved into the juniors, he taught us all italic handwriting. His wife was a dinner lady together with Mrs. Pye, and both his daughters and his son also attended the school. I remember the school being sold and Mr. Hughes moving out. John Moores family moved in to the property and he attended the school but not for very long. The... Read more
The Rec
From Berwick Road school several classes would be assembled in a long line two by two and walk the half mile or so along Heath Lane to the recreation ground, or the Rec as it was called, for school games. We would pass the houses of school mates David Griffiths, David Anchor, Heather Wallis, Denise Southey and Loraine Staton. The line of pupils would regularly come to a halt and Steve Owen would call out "Its a hold up!" before being suitably admonished by Mrs Kerfoot.
That little area of green field, shelter, swings and seesaw was the centre of the universe for most kids in those days.
Schooldays
Started at Berwick Road School September 1958 along with Christopher Bennion, Terence Taylor, Tony Duncan, Susan and Sandra Blackburne and John Moore. I remember the Winter that year gave us a huge patch of ice in the playground where we joyfully slid until we went in for lessons. When we came out for break the caretaker had thrown ash all over our slide and it was no more!
Memories of Cheshire
The Bakery
My wife Margaret and myself started a bakery and shop in part of what had been 'The Manchester House'. We had a small gas oven, a 10 qt mixer and a pie blocker and that was about it! One Easter we made 500 hot cross buns in that small domestic oven and sold them very quickly. There was so much steam coming from the oven that the wallpaper in the room upstairs fell off the wall! In about 1970 we partnered with my brother Glyn and his wife Pat and opened THE BAKERY in Underwood Drive Whitby.
The Canal Tavern was a favourite place for an after-work drink with my brothers Glyn and Paul. Glyn and I emigrated to New Zealand in 1973, Paul stayed in 'The Port'. Margaret and I opened a bakery here in Woodville, New Zealand 25 years ago and still going strong.
Does anyone remember buying pies or cakes from the Station Road or Underwood drive Bakeries?
The Milton Road Coronation Party. 1953?
A large wooden hall was built on land behind Mr and Mrs Chrime's house in Milton Road and we had a street party for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. I remember seeing bits of the ceremony on someone's TV (we didn't own one) and it being very grainy, and all the 'old' women (probably in their 20s!) ooing and ahing! I would have been 10 years old and I got 2nd prize in the fancy dress competition as a 'Stick of Red White & Blue Coronation Rock'. My brother Paul I think could have won it - he went as 'The Coronation Baby' complete with white sheet as a nappy and an oversized dummy, but he was embaressed and jumped out of the pram! Does anyone else remember that party?
Photos
I worked at the butchers, Rotherhams, delivering meat on a bike. My wife workd at Laidlers the chemist. Does anyone have any photos, or any info on when Waugh Bakery started and where?
After John st
I was bike boy for Morris & Davis Butchers. Then went to Warringtons as a bricklayer. In 1968 I went to the Shell, 32 years later took early retirement.
Cannon Street
Does anyone have a photo of Cannon Street?
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