Shared Memories

A Memory of Ardwick.

We lived at Clifton House, Higher Ardwick from 1962 until about 1967 or so, when the area was knocked down to enable the Mancunian Way progress. I attended St Thomas' School for a year then went to Ardwick Secondary in the 'E Stream'; they were very strict about the uniform which had to be purchased from Lewis's in town, although there was a bit of skirt rolling up on the way home! We went to the school Doctor/Dentist too I think at Shakespeare St. Some of the older girls hung out at Chiappes Chip Shop. When we were older we went to Browns in the evenings and danced the Ritz Rythm and Barn Dance to chart hits! As teenagers, Manchester was a cool place to grow up with all the clubs; Smiths, Twisted Wheel, Sound, and Co-Op Ballroom on Balloon Street. Saturday shopping with mates in town and lovely coffee at the 'El Greco'! I temped in Picadilly Plaza, but we used to work away in the summer seasons in places like Scarborough. I finally left in 1970 and have never returned, but have fond memories of lovely neighbours who looked out for each other and made the best of life!