Dock Area Life

A Memory of Salford.

I was born at 13 Ellor Street, Hankey Park, in 1940 to Sarah and Charles Feeley (snr), the youngest of five siblings: Charlie (jnr) Eileen, Monica and Hannah. In 1941 my father left for the army, and we moved to 46 Brookland St off Eccles New Road in 1946. The house was around 6 times bigger than our old one, to which former residents of Ellor St will know what I mean. My friends at Brookland St were Graham Robinson, Raymond Preston and Vinny Jacobs. I went to St Ambrose C of E and was a regular recipient of Mr Roberts' cane. Brookland street went down to the Dock wall where we were regular marauders. Cross Lane Market was another provider of 'provisions' for me and my gang. I tell my grandchildren about our outdoor toilet and happy long summer days in Bule Hill Park and Chimney Pot Park. Trips to Altrincham supplemented our Apple requirements. I often reminisce about Gardner St gym and Albert Merchant training us lads how to box - which helped me out of a few scrapes in later life. I moved away from Salford in my late teens, returning with my wife briefly in 1963 before moving overseas to Australia then New Zealand before returning to Cheshire where I still live. I would live my childhood again and it would still be in Salford... smog and all, and sewer smells! Happy times.