Congleton, Park, The Boats c.1960

Photo ref: C151043

My brother, George Machin, used to go on these boats. He was in the building trade and they used to wear heavy donkey jackets etc. Him and his mates broke up for the holidays from work with their holiday pay packets in their pockets and decided to go for a row on the river in these boats. Well of course they sank and their money got wet; my mum had to peel the notes carefuly and put them on the fire top to dry.

I was born at the Congleton War Memorial Hosipital and was christened at St Stephen's Church; just above the wall which borders Hankinson's field to the right of the River Dane in this picture. My Dad played rugby for the Congleton Rugby Union Footall Club which was then based very close to the old Berisfords Mill. Our family attended every Sunday morning rugby match and when the ball was ...see more

In memories on another photo I mention as a youngster spending much time in the Congleton Park. I would imagine I will have rowed all of the boats shown in the photograph. When I first went on the river I would have been under 10 years old, and for someone so young and small I was a pretty good rower! :) Kelvin Fagan