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Historic maps of Southend and the local area, hand-drawn by Ordnance Survey and Samuel Lewis. View all Southend maps
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Memories of Southend
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Argyll memories
Scottish Womens' Rural Institute.
I am hoping to get some information put together for our 70th Anniversary in November.
Any little stories or anecdotes would be appreciated.
The Long Walk to Hire A Trike
Millport to me was, as I'm sure it was to most who have visited over the years a place where cars were few and pedal power ruled. All my memories of Millport as a child involved a long walk over the hill from the ferry, then to one of the bike hire shops to pick up my transportation for the day. Even though I was quite capable of riding a bicycle I often hired a trike as they were big and stable and a bit of a treat. Millport was the only place that had bikes of all shapes and sizes. Trikes were for kids who could not ride a bike but on Millport, mainland rules didn't apply. I have fond memories of racing my cousins and sister along the beach front. I was a tourist from Saltcoasts then, now I live in Perth, Western Australia. There is an island not far off the coast here called Rottnest. Cars are also few and far between and pedal power still rules... Read more
Beware of Cut Thoat Dan
I remember going to visit a Mrs Kelly with my granny and they used to sit and tell ghost stories. When we walked home we had to walk over Turners Bridge which was only dimly lit and I was told to watch out for 'Cut Throat Dan. I must have walked backwards all the way to Newtongreen in case he crept up behind us - scary days.
Does Anyone Remember The Rag And Bone Men?
Does anyone remember the rag and bone men that used to come round the scheme looking for old rags etc? I was so desperate to own a red balloon, nothing was to stand in my way, but where would I get enough good quality rags from? Being a wee lassie and not really understanding,that you shouldn't take your mums best towels, and sheets got me into hot water. My poor wee mum had to chase the rag and bone man down the road to retrieve her stuff.........I got to keep the balloon as the old man had a good laugh! Does anyone remember the bird on a stick? It used to whistle when you spun it round your head, it was great fun! I have so, so many happy memories of growing up in the 1960s and maybe that's why I tend to live in the past too much... It's a fault of mine.
Holiday Memories
Happily walking along Ayr beach with an ice cream from the Wellington Cafe, paddling in the sea with my parents! Eating wonderful fish and chips on a windy day. Getting breakfast rolls from one of the many bakers to take back to my aunt's. Going skating at the ice rink with my cousins.
Fish & Chips
Having fish & chips from the Vesta Cafe on the New Road, they were the best.
Playing the puggy at Favali's in the New Road.
Playing down at the Newton Shore. Skating at Ayr Ice Rink.
Climbing the fence and getting into the dog track from Elmbank Street on Sunday morning to pick up anything of value the drunks had dropped the night before at the races, usually money. Working for Cowan the Butcher as a delivery boy and apprentice.
The Odeon club for kids on Saturday morning, to see Flash Gordon and the likes.
Newton Park Higher Grade School.
The Mid Fifties
I recall my pals and I going to Ayr harbour and picking up the herring and mackerel, which dropped off the baskets when the boats were unloaded, and selling them round the nieghbours' houses. Herring were 1 old penny and mackerel 2 old pennies. Today (2008) a herring costs £1 each! 240 times dearer.
We would make dens up Craigie Woods and sleep out. No dangers then. My wee sister aged 4 walked to High Street from Fotheringham Road and got a bus to to Heathfield School and back herself. Try that today!!
Cheers, Jimmy Manson, Ayr.
