Mottram, Market Street c1955

Childhood Memories of Mottram

My Grandma, Grandad and Auntie Annie lived on Market Street all their lives. They moved into the houses when they were brand new - they had a building at the bottom of the little garden which incorporated a flushing toilet and a coal bunker. However, they didn't have a bathroom and I remember sitting in the tin bath in front of the fire hiding behind the washing-maiden. We used to make toast on the fire - it tasted so good, and Gran used to put her teacakes next to it to rise. Across the road was the butcher's and the fish n chip shop whilst further up was Mrs. Sheldon's where I was sent to buy sterilised milk. There was also the Post Office by the traffic lights and The Junction pub. At the top end of Market Street was the White Hart pub - as seen on the right of the photo, another butchers, a grocers, a greengrocers and round the corner Mrs Peel's sweet shop! At the Crown Pole there was always a lovely Xmas tree lit up - there is still one put up now but not as good. When we had bad winters I used to help dig a tunnel from the house to the toilet as the snow drifted up to the bedroom windows and in the summer I used to donkey-stone the front and back step whilst watching for the village Boxer dog to wander past.

Mescia's Milk Bar, Market Street

I was quite an accomplished swimmer in my youth, and after a session in the swimming baths, we would call in at Mescia's for a coffee or a milk shake. There was another Coffee Bar opposite (I can't remember its name now) but Mescia's was always the first choice for me and my pals.

Hyde Chapel, Gee Cross

I lived on Apethorne Lane, Gee Cross from 1941 (when I was born), till 1962 when I left the area. Saturday nights were the highlight of the week, with a dance held at Hyde Chapel, which was always well attended, with the lads and girls having the back of their hand stamped, if they wanted a pass-out. The idea was to go for a bottle of light ale, 1 shilling (5p) in those days, although we were under age. On the way home we would call at the 'chippie' which was round the corner and, if your luck was in, you might get a quick cuddle if the girl you were with fancied you. Ahh! Halceon Days Indeed!

Travis Street, Hyde

I was born in 1963 in Travis Street, Hyde, my parents Joan and Stan Smith owned a small shop at the time. I think it may have been a general grocers. They moved to Newton shortly after I was born. They then bought a bakers/confectioners in Clarendon Place. I have 2 sisters who would have been 6 and 16 years old at the time we lived in Travis Street, they are called Julie and Sandra.
Both my parents have passed away now. I would love to see some photos of the shop either when they owned it or after.