Nostalgic memories of Widnes's local history
Share your own memories of Widnes and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
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Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 47 in total
I grew up in the Derby Arms pub in Widnes as my parents Rose and Austin Gilmore ran it for many years. I am hoping to write a history of the pub and their time there. I would love to hear any stories you may have of you or a family member or friend being a customer there, maybe winning the Singer of the Week competition, or seeing any photos you may have of the pub.
Christine Malone nee Gilmore
Having lived the first 25 years of my life in Widnes ,I have many happy memories of my school days there. Born in Dundalk Lane in 1940, from 1943 until 1945, I attended the Nursery,situated next to Ditton County Infants’ School, and then moved on to the Infants’ School itself, (often referred to as The Little School or Chestnut Lodge School), where I spent the next three years . The Headmistress at the ...see more
I attended Fairfield Secondary in the 60's, does any one remember Miss Anker's (Fannie) and the Headmistress Miss Ridyard (Dolly)?
I was born at Widnes Maternity Home and lived on Alder Avenue while attending Fairfield, I also attended Fairfield Primary School, which was also located on Peelhouse Lane.
I still remember so many names of the girls I attended school with: Linda Minshall, Dorothy ...see more
I went to the School that is hiding behind the phone kiosk and the trees on the right of this photo and then later to the school in Spinney Avenue
There was a sweet shop opposite the school just where that car is parked and there was a bus stop there going down Ditchfield Road. What I remember about the school, were the big trees in the playground and there was a big stone pillar thing that was on the ground ...see more
I was a pupil at West Bank Primary School in Widnes. I was in the infants in 1954. I loved this school. I can't remember the name of the HeadMistress at the time but John Wilcox took over when I moved up to the juniors. My maiden name is Maegan Edwards. My dad ran the Angel pub. Some of the pupils in my class were Francis Forbes, Margaret Waring and Lynn Hewitt.I am trying to remember some of the teachers ...see more
I was born in Widnes Maternity Home in 1946. Not sure if that was the correct name. My parents lived on Boston Avenue in Runcorn and my grandparents on Taylor’s row. It was great finding this site. I’m going to look at the pictures of Widnes and just marvel at it.
Are there any pics of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Junior School from the 1960s? It was the only school I liked going to. We were the first children to go when it opened in 1967. I was in the 4th year and was the only one who passed the 11+ that year. We had a lovely teacher called Mr Kilburn and Mr Conlon was the headmaster.
I remember the flats well and the Labour Club. I used to go to the club and had my wedding reception there in the 70s. I lived on Heralds Close and then moved to Avondale Drive. We used to play on that field by GUS. It seems like yesterday.
I tried to post on the board earlier, but may have botched up. But if it appears twice. Whoopsie!
Now, I'm going back a bit...
My grandparents Annie and Arthur Booth and their daughter (my mum) Barbara lived on Sadler street #4, subsequently moving to Princes Road #60, I'm guessing mid to late 30's. Possibly much later. I know they were living on Sadler in 1933. That's when the Booths adopted my mum.
I ...see more
I started school in September 1945 at Farnworth C of E School in Pit Lane. When I started school my dad worked at the Co Op as "first hand" in various shops in Widnes. Our headmaster was Mr. Turton and he was an excellent man! We had a very good primary education and I sat the 11 plus in the early months of 1951. However I rebelled at the idea that the exam was held on a Saturday! I did not agree that ...see more