Rainhill, Merseyside

Alamein Barracks at Huyton

I had never even heard of Huyton, much less been there until I joined the Territorial Army in 1967. I had enlisted at a recruiting office in Manchester and attended the Alamein Barracks for my basic training in 1967.

In those far off days we wore our uniform instead of civvies when leaving the barracks and I have... [more]

Memories of a bygone time

I was now old enough to drink (18) but unofficially you could always get a drink at certain pubs, which I'll not name but say thanks for looking out for me when I got tipsy on two pints of mild.
My memories of Earlestown are magic, the Viaduct club & Vic's dance nights, they were something to look forward to.
Sadly... [more]

Memories of a youth

I remember when there were two fishmongers in Earlestown, Lyons's fishmongers in Bridge St. and one whose name I can't remember in Legh St., now we have none.
 We also had two picture places, the Rink where the Police Station is, and the Curson near the station, now we have none of those either.
 My interest is fishing, we... [more]

The Best of Childhoods

I moved to Hunts Cross in 1948 when I was two. I lived in Laxton Road and went to Kingsthorne School from 1951 to 1957 when I, like virtually everyone else, passed the eleven plus. I went to Hillfoot Hey, now sadly demolished when it was only thirty years old!

Hunts Cross was a fantastic place to be a child... [more]

The Games We Played

Sad to see all the games we played as kids are no longer around - hop scotch, he rolly, hide and seek, tic, the skipping rope, piggy, hig im jig, throw out can, cigarette cards, marbles, all healthy outdoor activites. Just writing about these games brought back many happy memories, hope it triggers the same effect on older readers, and I... [more]

Younger days

I was born in Newton-le-Willows in 1946 and 21 years later married Jackie Emms from Newton-le-Willows also.
During that time we would often spend the evening having a drink in the "Leigh Arms" cocktail bar (see photo). In 1967 we married at "All Saints" church and held our wedding reception at the "Pied Bull" Newton-le-Willows (see photo N149027).
We are still... [more]

Minding cars in the car park pub in Western Avenue

I was born in 8a Central Way near the Caledonian Club. The families I remember are the O'Gradys, and the Worrels (Norman). I am one of the Thompsons (Charlie). I went to Littleheath Junior School. Across the road was the Noah's Ark pub. I used to go for walks along Oglet shore. I left Speke and moved 2... [more]