Love My Roots

A Memory of Miles Hill.

I was born in 11 Higher Duke to Alice & Fred Musgrave in 1939. My early memories are being rushed out to the back entry into the shelter when the bombs were dropping, I don't remember being that scared it must have been the good humour and attitude of all the neighbours sharing the shelter, I remember lots of singing. Dad worked at West Gas I think, or it could have been AVRO. I went to Corpus Christie School until I was 8 then moved to the Crumpsall Open Air after one of those medicals where the doctors came round the school. I remember my life in Hr Duke St as very happy with lots of friends Ray Blears, the Kendal family Joan & Louise Hayles the Ashbrooks, the Sunderland girls, Maureen & Tommy Hitchen, I often wonder where they are now. Right at the top of our street accessed by the back entry near the Hitchens was Morans the bookies. My Dad bought the paper shop on the corner of Edinburgh St and Nelson St, Mussy's Mum & Dad spent many happy years there before moving to Broadhaven Road on the new estate. My Mum went to New St Wash House every Wednesday with her sister May, they loved it it was a morning out, then Saturday's I was sent to the same wash house only went upstairs to the baths.

I never imagined that I would die anywhere other than home (Miles Platting still home) though I left in 1961. My husband and children are all down here in Kent where we have spent many happy years. When we visit Manchester about twice a year we go round M.P down memory lane, mind you over the years its changed so much, but it still holds a firm place in my heart.