Random Memories Of Rudheath

A Memory of Rudheath.

I have fond memories of making butter at Bill Walker's farm at the top of Wessex Drive and then going to play in the playing field next door. I also remember speeding down 'Spibey's Hill' on my way to play at the brook in Shipbrook Road. We didn't like the farmer there - he was a grouch!

Bread cost 9d a loaf at Birtwistle's Newsagents and, if you were up early enough, you could go up to Roberts Bakery near Shurlach and smell it being baked. The only adult entertainment seemed to be at Shurlach Chapel which held regular Beetle Drives and Jumble Sales!

The main shopping areas were the shops down East (or was it West) Avenue where the cobbler, off licence, hairdresser etc were, or in the other direction past the chapel, past the Italian POW camp, and tramp to the wonderful cake shop, chemist etc on the 'new estate'

The two coalmen were Norman Broady and Tommy Muskett and they wore leather jerkins to protect themselves when carrying the coal.

We rarely bothered going as far as the Farmers Arms as you could walk all the way to Northwich in almost the same time but I do remember the High School holding a picnic to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and handing out mugs and coins to commemorate the day.

Finally we used to love going to Broken Cross and watching the barges, some still pulled by horses. We were, however, very wary of the strange people on the barges for fear of being kidnapped!