These Things No Longer Exist

jack: 27th Jun 2006 - 15:47 GMT

andrew you got it right. things change! the things we grew up with are disappearing right before our eyes. soon, all of us will join the things that disappeared. people i loved and took for granted are all gone now and i can't talk to them anymore. places i spent my childhood have changed and they never knew i was there. i didn't even leave a sign like kilroy to show i was there many years ago. and the sad thing is that the new people don't even care or give a hang about it, they just nod their heads and probably think to themselves, "well mac, things change so move on with life". look around you, smile at people because a smile on your face is a beautiful thing, and pray to God.

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 29th Jun 2006 - 05:24 GMT

Hi Andrew, I managed to get into the site thru your name search !
I remember sliding down the embankment under the bridge on pieces of cardboard "borrowed" from Quicksave. And dangerously walking along the railway tracks to Flixton ( much LESS scary than those locks ha ha). Dont know how old you are but can you remember the old man that used to operate the ferry across the canal you could take your bikes over on it for about 2p.
Every Irlamite remembers the Train ! Most used it in preference to the toilets in the baths! I went to Irlam in 2003 and was really saddened by all the equipment that had gone. Roundabout,rocket, swings, rolling barrel, and the amazingly dangerous slides. They were so high and had no sides on them and theyd burn your backsides coming down them in summer. ( we used to make them faster by rubbing waxy wrappers from mothers pride bread wrappers)As my parents owned Brophys bakery ,the wrappers were always plentiful. The sandpit and paddling pool around the back had also gone and the bandstand ( that had been in disrepair for eons) had finally been removed.
Even the 100 odd year original school ( Endowed) has been torn down and replaced.....When will developers look beyond the time of their term in office and realise the implications of their decision making.
speak soon.
Nat

Andrew Smith: 29th Jun 2006 - 12:30 GMT

Natalie

I can just about remember the ferry, I think I got taken on it once when I was very young.

I expect, having emigrated, that when you do come back any changes are much more noticable, especially when your memories of the place are so entwined with growing up.

The park does look much safer these days!

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 30th Jun 2006 - 02:02 GMT

Its strange really....I live at the beach in Australia, its beautiful, paradise on my doorstep. We were out walking along our local about 4 weeks ago watching the dolphins play in the shallows !!! and yet I still love Irlam. Guess its what you say...a place entwined with memories of growing up.

Andrew Smith: 1st Sep 2006 - 23:00 GMT

Jack,

You're right - a smile is a beautiful thing. Many memories bring a smile.

With sites like this, the internet is like an infinite memory bank. Keep smiling!

DAVE: 11th Dec 2006 - 20:26 GMT

Hi im from irlam did you live off Broadway and your family had the bakers one of the last shops on twenty row

Andrew Smith: 17th Dec 2006 - 10:54 GMT

Hi Dave

Roscoe Road looks exactly the same as your photo.

Grew up in Higher Irlam, though know Broadway well.

DAVE: 18th Dec 2006 - 18:34 GMT

Hi Andy
Here is another old photo of the old C.W.S soap works

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 18th Dec 2006 - 23:49 GMT

Hi Dave,
Yes I lived on Farnham Drive ( off Broadway). Mum and dad had the end shop ( Brophys bakery)( I think we employed nearly everyone in Irlam over the years, and we sold the best bread, cakes and pies for miles around) and the second one in as a little grocers which we later sold to Peter the Pakistani which he turned into a clothing shop.
Whats your name? might remember you.
Nat x

DAVE: 19th Dec 2006 - 13:28 GMT

I remember your Paul he used to try to set fire to the streets bonfire before the 5th November and pinch our wood (Ha Ha)I new your family lived on Farnham Drive.

DAVE: 19th Dec 2006 - 17:00 GMT

Hi Andy
Ive found some very old photos i think Natalie will remember this photo of the old car ferry the photo say it was taken around the 1900,s

DAVE: 19th Dec 2006 - 17:14 GMT

T1208. On the night of 16th March 1969 the Manchester Courage crashed into the gates of Irlam Lock at 23.05 hours. In the Port of Manchester Review of 1969 it mentions that there have been very few serious accidents but that '...this constituted the worst.'. The level of the Ship Canal dropped by thirteen feet, leaving local ferry crossings high and dry! Local Councillors from Irlam wanted the Ship Canal Company to provide a temporary bridge to replace the ferry service.

DAVE: 19th Dec 2006 - 17:19 GMT

T1082. Irlam Viaduct carried Railway Deviation Number 5 over the Manchester Ship Canal. Here we can see the Canal's construction under the Bridge. A line of wagons full of extracted material waits to be taken away. Various machines including a steam crane can be seen at work on adjacent tracks

DAVE: 19th Dec 2006 - 17:26 GMT

The above has the date 1890

T1131. This photograph illustrates the huge scale of the Manchester Ship Canal construction. Irlam locks were the third set of locks encountered by users of the Ship Canal. The locks can be seen on the left with the sluice gates on the right
Irlam locks from the south bank 5/5/1892

DAVE: 19th Dec 2006 - 17:33 GMT

T2533. The Irlam Steel Works was situated next to the Manchester Ship Canal for most of the Twentieth Century. This is a photograph of the wharf, Irlam Wharf, on the Ship Canal used by the steel works, it opened in 1933. The steel works finally closed down in 1975 and has become a regeneration area for smaller business units.
Lancashire Steel Works, Irlam Wharf, Under Construction 1932-4

DAVE: 19th Dec 2006 - 17:39 GMT

Irlam Old Bridge

T1267. The construction of the Manchester Ship Canal meant the removal of several old crossings over the Mersey and Irwell Navigation. This old bridge at Irlam was one of the victims. A new high level viaduct was constructed to carry Railway Deviation No. 5 across the new Ship Canal. 7/8/1891

DAVE: 19th Dec 2006 - 17:43 GMT

Irlam Ferry

T2214. The Manchester Ship Canal Company provided several ferry services to enable pedestrians and vehicles to cross the Canal. Originally known as M.S.C. No.1 Horse Ferry, Irlam Ferry was a cable hauled ferry, later this was replaced with a motor launch. 1956

DAVE: 22nd Dec 2006 - 19:06 GMT

The wharf at Irlam handled the coal and ore used by the Lancashire Steel Corporation.

DAVE: 22nd Dec 2006 - 19:14 GMT

With the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, sections of the existing railway network had to be rebuilt. Lines which crossed the Canal had to be taken on higher level bridges. With changes to the line came the need for new stations such as this one under construction at Cadishead. Dated 27/02/1891

DAVE: 22nd Dec 2006 - 19:25 GMT

The construction of the Manchester Ship Canal drew large numbers of sightseers, eager to see the vast works in progress. This photograph appears to show some inquisitive members of the public. Other more official visitors included engineers, ship owners and royalty.The building might be the old Boathoue Dated 20/06/1890

DAVE: 22nd Dec 2006 - 19:29 GMT

Dont Know who the people are.But shows all the land at the side of the canal before the road(cadishead way)and house,s were built.

DAVE: 27th Dec 2006 - 19:49 GMT

DAVE: 27th Dec 2006 - 20:32 GMT

St Johns Church on Liverpool rd Irlam

DAVE: 27th Dec 2006 - 21:19 GMT

Tar and other coal products and eventually some chemical wagons were moved from the Cadishead British Rail sidings by locomotives from the Manchester Ship Canal Company and the Sentinel was used to shunt wagons form the canal side sidings into the Tar Works. Here is a picture of the Sentinel taken when she was in service. She did not have a coal bunker so coal was carried in metal buckets on the foot plate

Paul: 3rd Jan 2007 - 21:45 GMT

My father and his family are all from Irlam. We emigrated to Canada in the 70's when I was a youngster but I have been back to Irlam numerous times since (most recently in 1996 I think). With all due respect Irlam of the 90's and more recently is a mere shell of its heyday in the 60's/70's and before then. Through family discussions, I gather that the Salford Overspill development did not help matters. Irlam's reliance on industries on the decline didn't help either. My last visit to Irlam in 1996 with my wife and daughter made my glad my family emigrated...it really did look grim.

I remember that train in the park, going to the Irlam Baths, going to a fair at the end of August (my birthday is in August). I remember Tesco being bulit in the 70's, which led to an overall degredation of stores in Irlam. My father grew up on Roscoe Road and it looked very similar to the photo on this web page. There was a newagents on the corner called Galliers that was operated by family friends of my grandparents.

Is there a web page where these old photos of Irlam are provided separately

Andrew Smith: 3rd Jan 2007 - 23:05 GMT

Excellent photo's & local history Dave, very interesting to see and read - thanks.

Paul - there is still a Newsagents at Galliers, not sure if it's run by the same people. Irlam is looking up a bit since your last visit. Lot's of new industry on the site of the Steelworks (now called 'Northbank'), lots of new houses (though not everyone thinks it's a good thing), and some new shops that are managing to stay open!

Dave: 4th Jan 2007 - 11:59 GMT

Hi Paul the corner shop which was called Galliers is now an out door which is run and owned by Ann & Keith.I think they are related to the Galliers, i remember going in the shop many times when the Galliers owned it.

Paul: 4th Jan 2007 - 18:46 GMT

Dave,

Thanks for the picture of Galliers. It looks just like I remember it. I remember going in there to pick up "The Pink" with all the football results. You mentioned it is now an "out door" run by Ann and Keith...what is an "out door". If there is a link to all of these interesting Irlam photos, please let me know (email = clynnog@hotmail.com).

In terms of stores closing etc, my grandmother was born in a house along Liverpool Road, where they knocked down the houses and built this awful internal shopping complex (with flats above it) on the north/west side of Liverpool Road, west/north of the C of E church etc. It was a rather scruffy place with the stores barely hanging on in the 80's. Then in the 90's, they knocked down the internal shopping complex to build houses again...ah the circle of life.

In terms of Galliers, I also remember a chemists along that row of shops, and also a place that sold car parts I think. There may have also been a betting shop along that row.

Great set of photos.

Paul

Dave: 4th Jan 2007 - 19:22 GMT

Hi Paul

An outdoor old saying sorry.Im mean an Off licence that sell,s alcohol and many other things.
The chemist is still there Parker,s and Co now .Parker used to live off Roscoe rd if you new the Galliers you would Know Parker i Think his first name was Chris.
The car parts was called Irlam Motor Spare,s first owned by Schofield Bro then sold to Dave who ran the shop.
The shop closed now and re-opened as place to buy horse food and sadles for horse,s but now closed down.

The house,s where your grand mother was born i think was house,s Knocked down for the old Maypole.I wish i had photo,s of the old Maypole Shopping Centre(if anyone does have a photo pls upload them)

Paul: 8th Jan 2007 - 19:10 GMT

Somehow, I don't think that the Maypole Shopping Centre will be winning any architectural awards. I seem to recall a newsagents of some sort in there.

My grandmother spent the last 5 or 6 years in an old people's home, Moorfield Place, near the Maypole Shopping Centre

Dave: 10th Jan 2007 - 20:21 GMT

Yeh paul there was a newsagents and TSB bank facing it also a chinese chippy that did very well in the maypole at the time.

Moorfeild Place which is now an old People,s home used to be owned by the local docter.

Also do you remember the VG store down ferry hill near the corner of Eldon Rd, Gibb,s Outdoor (off licence) was on the other corner ?

natalie brophy: 29th Jan 2007 - 00:27 GMT

hi natalie remember me ,,,amanda fouracre i used to live down the same drive as you in irlam ,my brother and i henry fouracre .we used to have a fox called vicky i now live down the same drive but in the middle just opposite your old house,, the jarvis's still live at number one..i remember your mum and dads bakery to but now its a mobile phone shop and a pet shop before that .your brother was paul i think and her fancied blondie...i though you had moved to australia,,,, remember me? xxx

amnda fouracre: 29th Jan 2007 - 01:12 GMT

do you remember julie anderson at number thiteen ,,and karen and marie cunningham that lived at number three,where you with us when the jarvis's went on holiday and we snooped around their house after finding there key out side in the back garden,,you might not have been there .do you remember debbie sharpe who lived on ferry hill and alison fletcher that live in the next street ..or karen ,,jackie and colin mcshane at no 24,ps our bonfire really was the biggest wasnt it!,,,chris and ian cullen's mum and dad eddie and shirly still live near the big hill..julia brady still lives in the same house but jim brady died of lung cancer several years ago,,i still see shibaun and peter and deborah brady but peter is very fat .my brother henry has been married twice now and has three kids,he bought no 27 where my mum collapsed and died in his kitchen,, but now he lives in rose avenue ,,my dad remarried five years ago to a thai woman and i have a six year old brother called jimmy who i have never met as he lives with my dad in thailand,,,i am 38 years old in april ..i own my own cattering van my boyfriend is a plasterer i have an 11 year old daughter called sheryl ...hope this brings back aa few memmories...xxx mandy

Charles: 23rd Mar 2007 - 20:07 GMT

I love the photo of the old train ! ,used to play on it as a child ,now older and living in Denver ,Colorado USA Thanks for the memories!

Paul Ellington: 12th Jun 2007 - 13:33 GMT

Hello everyone - Some great photos of Irlam on this site. I am researching the history of the area opposite Irlam Locks (where Cadishead Way and a new housing development is). Does anyone know if this was the site of the steelworks, or was the steelworks located where the northbank business park? Thank you!

Andrew Smith: 14th Jun 2007 - 17:44 GMT

Paul - the area opposite Irlam Locks was a bit of green land between the canal and the 'old river' (the River Irwell old course - the Ship Canal swallowed the Irwell). I have always assumed it was from all the material that was deposited there from digging the locks - it was higher than the surrounding ground and was pretty much green scrubland.

People used to use it for walking dogs, messing around, etc.

There was a shoe factory for prisoners of war at the Fairhills Road end, and the land when I grew up in the '80's was known to us as "The Jezzies". I later found out this was short for "the Gerry Works" in reference to the German prisoners of war at the above factory.

On the ground below where the factory foundations still laid was Kwik Save supermarket.

As you know, the whole area has now been flattened for new houses.

The Steelworks was where Northbank is, bordered by the Canal, Liverpool Road and the two railway lines - the Liverpool to Manchester line nearest the locks and the other, long closed line which I think ran from Altrincham to Southport(before my time).

Paul Ellington: 15th Jun 2007 - 12:29 GMT

Andrew - Thanks for the info. A friend of mine who grew up on Roscoe Road in Irlam thinks (but isn't sure) that the site opposite irlam locks used to house a large soda factory at one time. Thanks again, Paul.

chris: 22nd Jun 2007 - 20:28 GMT

found your site by accident, brought back a lot of memories I used to live in Cadishead but went to Alfred Turner School in Irlam, is it still there? I live in Poole, Dorset now have done for the last 30+ years.

Russell Smith: 23rd Jun 2007 - 01:44 GMT

Hi Guys!! im stunned.i now live in Edinburgh after moving up in 1977 when i was 11 and its amazing to see these old pics......i lived In Oak Avenue with my mum ( barbara smith ) then lived on Victory Road with my Gran. I used to play on the banks of the Canal with my mates Alec Ratcliffe and alan cook and had many a great time. Not been down for a couple of years but even though im now an adopted scot i still call Cadishead home. Grandad used to work at the Steel Works and along with Gran were involved with the Slavation Army in Cadishead. WOW the memories !!!

Andrew Smith: 30th Jun 2007 - 01:29 GMT

Good stuff Russell,

Chris - Alfred Turner school became Irlam High School which became Irlam & Cadishead Community High School, but all the same place!

alison mills (nee jones): 30th Jun 2007 - 14:33 GMT

hi russell smith i was reading the website could not believe your name came up. i bet you remember us from victory road my e mail address is alisonmills48@hotmail.co.uk

Deborah Walker (nee Ormandy): 9th Jul 2007 - 20:33 GMT

Hi Andrew,

Wasn't Alfred Turner School once located on Allotment Road (I seem to think Cadishead Junior School site??), or did I just dream this bit of info up??

Andrew Smith: 9th Jul 2007 - 22:03 GMT

Hi Deborah

It might well have been located on Allotment Road and I trust your memory on this!

It was firmly Irlam High when I went in the 1980's so I have no personal memory of it's time as Alfred Turner I'm afraid.

Andrew.

Deborah Walker (nee Ormandy): 12th Jul 2007 - 20:49 GMT

Hi Andrew

I left in Irlam High School in 1980 - I seem to remember one of my uncles telling me about it in Allotment Road??

Anybody else throw some light on this??
Deb

Cyril Bagshaw: 13th Jul 2007 - 03:05 GMT

Hi Deborah
I attended Irlam Central School from 1936 until 1939.It was then mostly a wooden building situated on the appraoach to Irlam Station.It was later named Alfred Turner where our sons attended.The school had the Catholic School playgrounds on its north boundary and a farm on the west.The headmaster at that time was a Mr Dawson.

Paul Ellington: 13th Jul 2007 - 14:34 GMT

Deborah - Cadishead Primary is now on allottment road, I think this used to be a high school some time in the past. hope this helps.

Deborah Walker (nee Ormandy): 13th Jul 2007 - 23:56 GMT

Thanks everybody - I have been making a few enquiries of my own, the Uncle who told me about this school sadly passed away a few years ago.

I think the school on Allotment Road was used as a temporary basis, when the school had it's big fire. So that would make it early 70's, because when I went there, 1974/1975 there were the 'temporary' pre-fab which remained there for many many years

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 17th Jul 2007 - 01:26 GMT

Hi Guys.
The primary school on allotment road Cadishead was definately used as temp accommodation when the fire burned down the wooden section of Irlam high in summer of 1977.I remember the morning it was burning, and everyone happy because it meant there'd be no school. Didnt laugh a week later when we found ourselves trudging all the way up to cadishead everymorning !!!!

Sheila Hilton: 17th Jul 2007 - 18:08 GMT

The school on Allotment Road was Alfred Turner Lower School, where the first & second year pupils attended before moving up to the school on the station approach. My mother, Margaret Davies (nee Dakers) attended the school also when it was called The Central School, Most of my friends also attended when it was Alfred Turner. I attended the catholic School, St. Patricks, in Patricroft. I recognised the name of Cyril Bagshaw (posted in July ).Weren't you the Greengrocer near FerryHill?

cyril bagshaw: 18th Jul 2007 - 07:55 GMT

Hello Sheila
Almost spot on,we had the shops in Fiddlers lane from 1947 to our families journey to Adelaide in 1980.
I remember your mother very well and grandmother in Mond road.Is'nt it now a good example of our world village!!!

Sheila Hilton: 18th Jul 2007 - 09:00 GMT

Very nice to hear from you, Cyril. I do now remember that your shop was on Fiddlers Lane. I was confusing the shop with another greengrocer near to where Culshaw's shop was on the corner of Chapel Road. Didn't you also have a fruit & veg. delivery van?

Re Alfred Turner school on Allotment Rd.: We also used to refer to it as the Prospect Rd. school. There was a youth club 3 nights a week which we regularly attended, run by a Mr. James. It was commonly known as Pro Rd. youth club. A local group called The Swaggers used the club as a place to rehearse their music (which we loved at the time). Anybody remember this? It was in the 60's.

cyril bagshaw: 18th Jul 2007 - 09:55 GMT

Sure did Sheila,can't forget delivering Harewood road by the light of a cold and frosty moon!

cyril bagshaw: 21st Jul 2007 - 03:39 GMT

Hi Natalie,I was just reading your post going back to June 29 06 and the ferryman who powered that heavy boat across the canal with a single oar.I am pretty sure it would have been Roland (Rollie) Powell as he for many years held that job.He and his wife lived opposite us in Silverdale Ave when we first married in 1954.

Anne Jones: 23rd Jul 2007 - 08:09 GMT

Hi Sheila (waving!), and Hi to Russell Smith - I remember you and your sister Gail and your mum from when you lived in Oak Road - I grew up in Cadishead and we lived in Fir Street at the time and Gail and I would hang out on the bench at the top of Fir Street putting the world to rights.

Am loving these old photo's, even the not-so-old - I don't have any of my own so I hope people will keep posting them up here. I have lived in Worcs since 1984 and haven't been back 'home' for a couple of years now but I did get a shock when I saw the old Steel Works redevelopment - still undecided as to whether it was a pleasant shock or not though .....

Julie Hill: 27th Jul 2007 - 17:34 GMT

Found this site by accident. It's great. Russell Smith how the heck are you. You probably don't remember me but we went to Cadishead Infants and junior school together then you moved away.I no longer live in Cadishead but visit regularly.My mum has a lot to do with the local history society and has hundreds of photo's and facts coming out of her ears about the district if anyone is interested just post your message.

Sheila Hilton: 1st Aug 2007 - 12:26 GMT

Found this photo given to me by an elderly (now deceased) neighbour, some years ago. I doubt anybody will remember this house that stood where the current police station now stands. Apparently, it was the lodge house to Irlam Hall.

I don't remember it but I do remember the cobblestones that paved the road leading to the park.

Roy Bamber: 3rd Aug 2007 - 21:20 GMT

Does anybody remember the day that the Manchester Ship Canal burst into flames trapping a rowing boat that was ferrying passengers across the canal? One on the passengers who was badly burned but survived lived on the estate near Silver Street, Irlam and his name was Stephen. I can remember Stephen as a young man who must have suffered terribly. I believe the ferry was called Bobs Ferry and the incident happened close to the Cadishead tar works. I find it difficult to put an actual date on this fateful day but I recall it was in the 1970s. It was a really awful tragedy and I cannot remember if anybody was prosecuted for spilling fuel into the canal. If you know more than I know I would love to read your story.
All the best
Roy Bamber
Roybamber2002@aol.com

Cyril Bagshaw: 4th Aug 2007 - 06:24 GMT

The picture is the Saints vesus Bradford Bulls match that I though was pretty good

Dear Cyril and Helen,
This is the first time I have seen this web address and I found the contents incredibly interesting. When I spotted the name Cyril Bagshaw memories came flooding back as I can still recall those delicious rotisserie chickens cooking on the Fiddlers Lane shop forecourt. The Fiddlers Lane shops are still there but nowadays the huge supermarkets supply most of our needs. There is an Irlam/Cadishead bypass that has improved the old town tremendously by removing the heavy congested traffic and Irlam has regained its village like status. St John Church is as vibrant as ever and stands like a beacon for all who visit Irlam to see. The Irlam and Cadishead Moss have changed out of recognition and grass for football pitches and golf courses grows where cabbages and carrots grew. Only a small part of the moss shows an interest in growing vegetables and many farms are now surrounded by horses. A million ferocious midges live on Irlam Moss and they are so hungry they could eat a man and his dog in minutes, and not even leave any bones. (Laughing out Loud). It’s nice to know you are keeping well and please give our regards to Helen. I am very impressed to discover you are computer literate.
All the best
Roy Bamber

Bobs Ferry Accident: 6th Aug 2007 - 16:43 GMT

We had walked on Cadishead Moss in the morning on Jean Dodd’s health walk with possibly 60 inspired walkers. When the walk had ended I had a chat with Mrs Heap the ‘Irlam Historians’ wife, and I asked the best way to research the catastrophe that happened at Bob’s ferry, and I appreciated Mrs Heap’s assistance. I remembered the terrible accident but I could use the newspapers archives as I didn’t know the date of the accident, but I was then armed with sufficient information and with the guidance of the Irlam Libraries librarian the search commenced. After several blind alleys the library computer recognised snippets of information and as they say in show business, the rest is history. The Irlam Libraries librarian and ladies were incredibly helpful. The search was a struggle but I got there in the end, but I would like to say thank you to the Irlam librarian.
All the best
Roy Bamber
---
On Tuesday April 14th 1970 Partington hit the headlines with a disaster that resulted in the death of five local men.

On that spring day, early morning workers were making their way over Bob’s Ferry to start their day’s work at Cadishead and Irlam. The ferry had been carrying workers over the Manchester Ship Canal for almost a hundred years, on a short trip that took only a few minutes, from Lock Lane, near Our Lady of Lourdes School, to Bob’s Lane, Cadishead. Taking ten passengers at a time it was estimated that the 20-foot open boat powered by an outboard motor carried 35,000 passengers, at ten pence each, each year. The Ferryman’s day started early at 5.30am, in order to get the early shift workers over the water and continued until 11.00pm with trips every 15 minutes. This particular morning Ferryman, Bernard Carroll aged 27 of Lock Lane, was worried for, during the first couple of crossings, he had noticed an unpleasant and unusual smell. Several of his passengers had complained of feeling unwell during the short trip, so Bernard decided to suspend the service until he had sought further advice. As he was phoning the police, several passengers, waiting on the jetty, were worried that they would be late for work and decided to row themselves over the canal. On his return Bernard could see the boat in the middle of the canal with the passengers obviously affected by the 4-foot high mist on the water. Without hesitation, he jumped into another boat and started to row towards the drifting boat. Eyewitnesses later told police that when Bernard was about 20 yards from the other boat the canal exploded into a sea of flames and both boats were engulfed in fire, this was followed by a series of explosions which shook houses a quarter of a mile away. About a one mile length of the canal became a river of fire 60 feet high and nearby houses in Lock Lane had to be evacuated. Nothing could be done until the flames had died down, then both boats were brought to the bank. The Ferryman had died and five people in the other boat were badly burned. The injured were taken to Hope Hospital and some were later moved to the Burns Unit at Withington Hospital. Some time later it was discovered that three other passengers from the boat were missing, having either jumped or fallen into the canal. The canal was too polluted for police frogmen to be used and too deep to be dragged and it wasn’t until two weeks later that the bodies of the missing passengers were found. The whole of Partington was stunned by the disaster, which had devastated the lives of nine local families. The Northwest Forensic Laboratory tested samples from the water and teams of men patrolled the canal banks in an effort to discover the cause of the fire. The inquest was to be delayed until the mystery had been solved. Due to the closure of the ferry service local workers were faced with an eight-mile detour to reach Cadishead. On April 30th one of the injured passengers died in Withington Hospital and a fund was set up to help dependants to which Bucklow Council, the Manchester Ship Canal Company and local people donated a total of £2,300. Residents were nervous and the Fire Brigade was called out a number of times when mysterious smells came from the canal. On May 21st Shell Chemicals announced they had carried out an internal enquiry as a result of which two workers had been suspended from duty. On June 26th the inquest took place at Eccles where coroner, Mr. Leonard Gorodkin, heard the evidence. It was revealed that several hours before the disaster the Dutch owned vessel Tacoma was being loaded with 1800 tons of petrol at Partington Coaling Basin. It was normal practice to have two men observing the operation to ensure that petrol did not overflow into the canal. The two men, both from Partington, admitted that instead of being on the quayside, they had gone to the canteen and had been there from 2.00am until almost 6.00am drinking coffee and talking. During this period it was estimated that about 14,000 gallons of petrol had flowed into the canal. The Coroner stated, “We will never know just what caused the petrol to ignite and this is a most horrifying story”. He continued, “As a result of this inquest I hope people will realise that safety regulations are not just bits of paper”. A verdict of death by misadventure was recorded on the five who died in the accident, Albert Wimbleton aged 56 of Yew Walk, Brian Hillier aged 18 of Wood Lane, Roy Platt 29 of Daniel Adamson Avenue, Alan Cliff aged 17 of Birch Road and the Ferryman Bernard Carroll aged 27 of Lock Lane, all of Partington. The following were injured, Daniel MacAlister of Wood Lane, George Morrell of Lime Walk, Robert Kilgour of Camomile Walk and Stephen Hunter of Wood Lane. There was a suggestion that the fire started when one of the ferry passengers lit a cigarette. But this was never proved. The ferry re-opened some weeks after the fire but business declined, as many passengers were afraid of another disaster taking place. Jim and Dorothy Fogarty ran the service, but passenger numbers continued to fall and eventually the service was closed. Now the scene of the Partington disaster is deserted and covered in high weeds.
Researched and written by Duncan Hamman

February 6, 1958 United players killed in air disaster: 8th Aug 2007 - 19:45 GMT

The Munich air disaster took place on February 6, 1958, when the British European Airways Flight 609 crashed on its third attempt to take off from a slush-covered runway at the Munich-Riem airport in Germany. On board the plane was the Manchester United football team, nicknamed the Busby Babes, along with a number of supporters and journalists.
All the best
Roy Bamber

Seven Manchester United footballers are among 21 dead after an air crash in Munich. The British European Airways (BEA) plane caught fire shortly after take off this afternoon with 38 passengers and six crew on board. The footballing world is reeling from the loss of some of its most talented young players - known as the Busby Babes. Their average age was 24 and they included Roger Byrne - the captain - Mark Jones, Eddie Colman, Tommy Taylor, Liam Whelan, David Pegg and Geoff Bent. Eight British sports journalists and several club officials have also been killed. The Queen has said she is "deeply shocked" and has sent a message of condolence to the Lord Mayor of Manchester and Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation. The chartered aircraft was bringing the Manchester United entourage back from a European Cup match against Red Star Belgrade in Yugoslavia and had stopped at Munich's Riem Airport to refuel. On the third attempt to take off the plane over-shot the runway, hit a house with its port wing, veered to the right, hit another building and burst into flames. The fuselage did not catch fire and several crew and passengers went back into the wreckage to rescue the injured. Team manager Matt Busby was described as being the most seriously hurt and is being given blood transfusions in hospital. Star striker Bobby Charlton has been treated for slight head injuries. According to the Chief Executive of BEA, A. H. Milward, there was a heavy snowstorm in Munich and the pilot delayed departure because he was dissatisfied with one of the plane's engines. This was the first fatal accident for this type of BEA aeroplane, which has carried 2,340,000 passengers on 86,000 flights since it began service in 1952. The same plane - called Lord Burghley - took the Manchester United entourage out to Belgrade on Monday. Messages of sympathy poured in from around the world and clubs across the UK and Europe held two minutes silence at the games on the Saturday following the accident. Red Star Belgrade, the team the Manchester United side had beaten before the crash, suggested they be made honorary champions in the 1958 European Cup. Another player, Duncan Edwards, died in hospital 15 days later. Manchester United battled to complete the season and reached the 1958 FA Cup final - where they were beaten by Bolton Wanderers. A decade later Manchester United became the first English club to win the European Cup. An investigation into the crash initially suggested pilot error, saying Captain James Thain had taken off without de-icing the wings. He was later cleared when it was found that the build-up of slush on the runway had prevented the plane taking-off. New safety limits were subsequently introduced.

Les Birchall: 8th Oct 2007 - 20:59 GMT

Hello Roy Bamber. Your name certainly rang a bell. I lived in Lyndhurst Ave from 1947 onwards and attended Irlam Council School 1951-58. Friends at the time were Martin Sproston, Malcolm Royle, Paul Hawkes and many more local kids. I remember Bagshaws grocery and the trips to the pantomimes in Manchester that Mrs. Bagshaw organised at Christmas. My father was born in one of the small terraced cottages on Cutnook Lane near the junction with Silver Street. Irlam was a lot different in those days. My mother worked in the council offices (long since demolished) adjacent to the Central School and told me that at one particular time there was not one single person unemployed or owing council rent in the Irlam/Cadishead area. There were so many industries you could not fail to get a job. I don't think there is one of those original workplaces left standing. How times have changed!

cyril bagshaw: 9th Oct 2007 - 06:06 GMT

Hello Les, As the ex greengrocer in Fiddlers lane that you remembered, I was very interested to hear that your mother had worked in the council offices opposite the old Palace cinema.My wife Ellen (Jaques)as she was, also worked there in Mr Jones accounts in !947 possibly about the same time as your Mum.She also agrees that there was nobody owing rent in Irlam, in fact many of of the tenants were in advance with their rents.

Stephen Weir: 15th Oct 2007 - 15:34 GMT

I remember a "Brian" running a green grocers we called "Bagshaws", I rember running errands ther for my Mum, we lived on Ferndown Drive. I was really young but didn't allow Brian to slip me anything not up to mums standars...any relation to Cyril ?

Helen Salmon: 17th Oct 2007 - 12:23 GMT

Hi there, just found this website (Hi Auntie Sheila and Auntie Anne!)
I'm really interested in the pictures on here. A lot of them I don't remember as I was only born in 1976. I definitely remember the train in Princes Park though, I used to play in that regularly! (It smelt awful though!)
I went to school on Cutnook Lane (St Joseph's) and I used to live on Fiddlers Lane (up near the Moss) so I remember those well.
We moved from Irlam to Morecambe in 1984 as my dad worked at Carrington Power Station and it was being decommissioned so he needed to find work elsewhere. I still get down as often as possible due to family still living there but not as much as I'd like to.

Helen xxx

Andrew Smith: 17th Oct 2007 - 19:28 GMT

Hello Helen

Did you go to Fiddlers Lane primary before leaving Irlam? If so I would have been a couple of years above you and my brother (Matthew) would have been in the same year as you.

We lived in the flats at the back of the school (St Clements Court) where my Mum was warden.

Andrew Smith: 17th Oct 2007 - 23:41 GMT

Sorry Helen - just noticed you went to St Joseph's. Should concentrate more when I'm reading!

cyril bagshaw: 18th Oct 2007 - 06:02 GMT

Hi Stephen
Congratulations on your selective shopping, and you are quite right, I have two sons, John and Brian, who at that time were very busy in the business.

Bob Salmon: 22nd Oct 2007 - 00:02 GMT

Re the Bobs Ferry Accident:

As remembered by Bob Salmon, an Inquest Witness.

On the morning in question, I was awoken by a neighbour in Lytherton Avenue Cadishead, saying that she thought there was a gas leak in her house.
On investigation, (half asleep), I could not find any trace of a gas leak but could smell something, so I decided to telephone the gas board from the phone box at the Coach & Horses pub.

The gas board said they would send someone to investigate. The gas board also called the Police so that they could take charge of any emergency.

As I was on my way back from the phone I was awake enough to realise that there was an unusual smell in the air generally.

A short while after I was sat in the house with my mother, and having a hot drink, when we heard a loud explosion, and then out of the back window we could see flames, (at least one hundred feet high), travelling from what appeared to be Lancashire Tar Distillers towards some tanks, (we understood that these tanks had highly inflammable contents), on a field at the end of Lytherton Avenue. As there had been numerous fires in my lifetime at Lancashire Tar Distillers and British Tar Distillers, our first reaction was to wake all the neighbours so that we could evacuate the street. Partway through waking the neighbours it was noticed that the flames had gone past the tanks and was dying down a bit.

Shortly after, I walked down to Bobs Lane Ferry and saw a badly charred ferryboat with a tarpaulin sheet concealing something in the bottom of the boat.

Later in the day the police asked me to make a statement as to what I had done and that I may be requested to attend an inquest.

My memory may or may not be faulty, but this is what I remember from all those years ago.

At the inquest I was one of the first to give evidence, (see above).

After I had finished, the police gave evidence stating that:
they were called into the area by the gas board because there may be a gas leak. As they were approaching Cadishead Railway Bridge from Irlam, they could smell something in the air and it was getting stronger. They turned down by the side of the George Hotel and had a look down Alabama,(common name for the area behind the hotel as far as the Ship Canal), the canal had a very suspicious and very strong smell.

They next drove down Bobs Lane, (how they made it I do nor know), to the ferry. I think they had the intentions of stopping the ferry.

They were actually stood at the top of the ferry steps when the canal caught fire and I think they said that there was a haze on the water and a very, very strong smell; they were watching the ferry boat when someone threw something in the water, (or what passed for water, it was so polluted), there then followed a huge explosion.

Later at the inquest, the ships Captain and First Mate were questioned and they admitted that they were responsible.

It was said that they were loading their ship with Benzene; they connected the hose and started to pump benzene into the ships tanks. They then went somewhere for a short time. When they returned they found that the hose was not fitted correctly and was putting benzene over the stern of the ship, which then ran into the canal. They stopped pumping and fixed the hose connection. After they had started to pump again they hosed down the aft end of the ship putting all the spillage into the canal. Next they started the ships engines and made the propeller turn, washing the spillage downstream towards the ferry.

The rest is history.

Ps to Cyril Bagshaw, Catherine Salmon nee Davies says HI, also to Sheila and Anne her sisters.

Stephen Weir: 31st Oct 2007 - 12:38 GMT

Cyril
I have many happy memories of shopping at your shop....I was treated as royalty at my "tender"age....I am sure everyone in the shop had a good laugh at my expense, wish shopping was so pleasurable.....besides mum gave me sixpence for my efforts! Wishing you & yours well.

Bob Salmon: 31st Oct 2007 - 16:30 GMT

Does anybody know anything about Royle's Engineering LTD Irlam, when was it started, by whom, when and where they were born. My wife Catherine is curious as to whether she is related to them. She has ancestors called Royle and they lived in Flixton, Urmston and Irlam, the earliest we can trace goes back to the 1600s.

Her grandfather, (not a Royle), also worked there for about 10 years or so.

John Cooper - john.cooper@airspaceinfo.com.au: 1st Nov 2007 - 01:25 GMT

My grandfather worked there too for most of his life until the late 40's/early 50's. He was Arthur Davies and lived in Fir Street.

John.

Helen Salmon: 1st Nov 2007 - 22:53 GMT

Hi John,

My grandparents James and Margaret Davies lived on Fir Street until my granddad died in 1989. James's father John Davies worked at Royles.
my grandma's maternal ancestors were the Royles mentioned by Bob Salmon (my dad)

Our Davies's came to Irlam from Wigan in the 1920's or 30's.

Best Wishes,
Helen.

cyril bagshaw: 5th Nov 2007 - 04:41 GMT

Stephen,
Many thanks for your good wishes,we still look at the photos of the old shop and remember the enjoyment we had in serving our customers there.The 12000 miles between here and Fiddlers lane is
forgotten when we open the album.
Our very best wishes to you and yours......Cyril

my misgivings: 9th Nov 2007 - 14:47 GMT

NORTH Wales’ Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom is calling for the legalisation and regulation of all drugs – and next week will ask North Wales Police Authority to back him. The region’s top cop reckons existing drug laws are “not fit for purpose”. “In a nutshell, I’m advocating the repeal of the Misuse of Drugs Act and the consequent legalisation and regulation of all drugs,” says Mr Brunstrom, who describes drugs prohibition as “unworkable and immoral”. “Central to existing UK drugs policy is the ABC classification system. It is now indefensible both legally and ethically. “It is arbitrary and subject to politically motivated manipulation. It is a disgrace.” The Chief Constable has set out his arguments in a detailed report which will go before the Police Authority on Monday. He hopes his document will be adopted as the North Wales response to Government and Assembly Government consultations about future drugs laws in the UK. Mr Brunstrom says: “UK drug policy for the last several decades has been based upon prohibition, with a list of banned substances placed into three classes – the ABC system – and draconian criminal penalties for the possession or supply of controlled drugs. “This system has not worked well. Illegal drugs are now in plentiful supply, and have become consistently cheaper in real terms over the years. The number of users has increased dramatically. “Drug related crime has soared equally dramatically as a direct consequence of the illegality of some drugs, and the huge profits from illegal trading have supported a massive rise in organised criminality.” Mr Brunstrom wants the Authority to back him in calling for a change in the Misuse of Drugs Act to the Misuse of Substances Act which would include alcohol and nicotine. He also calls for the Authority to affiliate to the charity Transform Drug Policy Foundation, which campaigns for the repeal of prohibition to be replaced with a legal system of regulation and control. Yesterday the charity praised Mr Brunstrom for his “great leadership” and warns “those that denounce him should be wary of relying on what Mr Brunstrom calls ‘moralistic dogma’.” Danny Kushlick, Transform Director said: “We are absolutely delighted at Mr Brunstrom’s paper. The Chief Constable has displayed great leadership and imagination in very publicly calling for a drug policy that replaces the evident failings of prohibition with a legal system of regulation and control for potentially dangerous drugs.” The current system for classifying harmful drugs “illogically excludes” both alcohol and nicotine says Mr Brunstrom. In fact while alcohol and tobacco cost the NHS £1.6bn each annually, illegal drugs cost the NHS £0.8bn. Drugs will not go away and if they cannot be eradicated the principal object of public policy has to be reducing as far as possible the harm they can do. Despite his criticisms about the drugs law, Mr Brunstrom promises “as a police officer I will continue to enforce it to the best of my ability, despite my misgivings about its moral and practical worth.”

sisters birthday: 9th Nov 2007 - 18:55 GMT

Eric and Maxine were married on the 11th May 1959 and Eric Broome had lived at 86, Silver Street, Irlam. Eric worked at the Irlam Council Offices as a clerk before moving to a Manchester City Centre solicitors office. Eric and Maxine dined at the Boysnope Restaurant Wednesday 31st October 2007 to celebrate his sisters birthday.

JOEY TPA The Public Animals: 9th Nov 2007 - 18:57 GMT

Man, I LOVE the industrial shots...my dad was born in England... seems to strike a chord in me..

Paul: 13th Nov 2007 - 02:24 GMT

Bob Salmon,

My father (Barry Robinson) had relatives with the surname Royle in Irlam. One of them (probably born about 1905) was called Winnie(fred) Royle. She was quite a character.

Are you hoping in some way that you are related to Jim Royle, layabout extradorinaire

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 15th Nov 2007 - 05:00 GMT

I went to Irlam High school with a boy in my class called Stephen Royle.........any relative?

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 15th Nov 2007 - 05:01 GMT

Have the CWS soap works near the canal all gone? and been built on my thos atrocious brick housing blocks?

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): : 15th Nov 2007 - 14:34 GMT

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 15th Nov 2007 - 05:01 GMT
Have the CWS soap works near the canal all gone? and been built on my thos atrocious brick housing blocks? atrocious brick housing blocks?

Paul R Taylor : 16th Nov 2007 - 07:42 GMT

In its heyday Liverpool was the richest city in the world and was the gateway to Europe, Asia, Australia, south America, north America and the world. The River Mersey, the Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean made Liverpool a eminent and influential seaport which brought riches and wealth. Liverpool and the north west of England prospered , but unfortunately the rich got richer and the poor got poorer as the wealth was unjustly distributed. Below is an article about the River Mersey written by Paul R Taylor that I thought was worth reading.
---
Mersey has cleaned up its act
Paul R Taylor
16/11/2007

The River Mersey was once so polluted that a canoeist has told how he was accompanied on his first trip by a floating cow's head. It had probably been thrown in from an abattoir, and was a good example of the sort of debris with which the historic waterway was then cluttered. But it has vastly improved since that disturbing journey 15 years ago, says Chris Cleaver, regional access officer from Canoe England. He gives a personal insight into his life on the river as part of a stunning new touring exhibition and book retelling the story of the historic waterway. `Mersey: The River That Changed The World' covers its 70-mile meandering course from its source in central Stockport to the Irish Sea at Liverpool, from ancient times to the present day. Chris recalls how he fell into the river after his first unnerving experience and was sick next day. "The Mersey's got a bad reputation because of past pollution," he says. "But it's noticeably cleaner now, and the riverside environment has improved, too." The exhibition and book chart the river's history from Roman occupation to the Anglo- Saxons, from the slave trade to the Industrial Revolution, from urbanisation to regeneration. Major contributors to the project, commissioned by the Mersey Basin Campaign, include the late Anthony Wilson, Guardian journalists David Ward and Deborah Mulhearn, the New Scientist's Edwin Collier and conservation specialist Peter De Figueiredo. There are also personal experiences from boat enthusiasts, waterway workers and preservationists. Their recollections and observations are accompanied by scores of photos by Colin McPherson, who has also produced portraits of people who live and work on or near the Mersey. Mr Wilson says: "Every phase of my life has been touched, sprinkled religiously perhaps, by the waters of the River Mersey." Mr De Figueiredo provides a historical account, while Mr Ward journeys along its banks from source to sea. Publican Dave Hall, who runs Jackson's Boat in Sale, also gives an individualistic account. The exhibition is launched on Thursday December 6 in the Grand Hall at the Albert Dock, before coming to Sale Waterside, Manchester Museum of Science and Industry and Stockport Art Gallery. The book, published by Bluecoat Press, is available from this month at £17.99.

Helen: 17th Nov 2007 - 10:40 GMT

I left Eldon Road when I went to University and I found the studies and way of life difficult. Life changed when I found a boyfriend and I found the social life lively. I occasionally visit Irlam to see friends but the old town has lost its razzmatazz.

Stephen: 17th Nov 2007 - 10:56 GMT

Just thinking about razzmatazz, if you think Irlam has changed stand outside the Nags Head on a Saturday night and watch the hooligans being disruptive in and around Sparrow Park.

Stephen: 17th Nov 2007 - 15:50 GMT

I called in the Nags Head when I was in Irlam and I had a pint of best bitter and it was very nice and I had the buffet lunch and it was nice. The Nags head reputation continues but the pub nowadays is nice. The hostility outside the Nags Head is the local yobbos in a power struggle and not the pubs drinkers, I am told.
George

Stephen: 17th Nov 2007 - 20:10 GMT

I have listened to disturbances outside the library, outside the post office, outside the Nags Head and around Sparrow Park and I feel sorry for the landlord and the pub customers and the residents who have to tolerate the inconvenience. I believe we accept the louts and ruffians that come out after then sun has gone down as part of our lives, whereas the alternative is to stand up to them face to face.
Gladys

Bob Salmon: 24th Nov 2007 - 10:44 GMT

Re: Royle’s Engineering.

Our intention is only to trace our ancestors to find out who they were and where possible, what they did, warts and all.
If Jim Royle, layabout extraordinaire, (whoever he is), is a member of the family, then he is a member of the family. If he is not, then that is one less skeleton in the closet.
The Royle branch of my wife’s family has lived in the area of Flixton and Irlam for centuries. So there is a good chance of a link to anyone in the area called Royle.

Remember, you can chose your friends, but your relatives are inherited as a package and there is nothing you can do about it.

If you want to trace your ancestry, now is a good time to do it, as there are people still alive that can link today to the published censuses. In the last 100 years many people moved house over large distances, this makes them difficult to trace. The 100 years before that, most people did not move very far, perhaps 20 or 30 miles at the most. Before that most people would only move a village or two.
There are exceptions to this, so before anyone starts to prove me wrong, I did say “most”. There again most families have someone that moved a large distance, e.g. if they were in the army or navy, or criminals could evade the law by going to the other end of the country.

Bob

Andrew Smith: 28th Nov 2007 - 15:40 GMT

Shops in Irlam that no longer exist, but will stay part of my memory of growing up in the 80's.

On Fiddlers Lane - Joyce's Fabrics, Bambers newsagents, King's sweetshop, Bates's hardware store, plus the Greengrocers Cyril!

Opposite 'The Sports' (The White Lion) - Hanbury's supermarket, Bonus, the Blue Dolphin chippy.

All the shops on the Precinct.

Either side of the Catholic Club - a pet shop to the left and Marshall's trophy/sports shop to the right. Another newagents across the road where we used to get 'germaline bubblies' at dinner time from school.

Near The Ship - Impact Sports and a record shop - neither were there for long. Near Lees chippy opposite the Margarine Works - a computer games shop - didn't last long.

My Gran can name every shop in the village she grew up in, none of which are there anymore.

John: 30th Nov 2007 - 11:22 GMT

I remember 'the locks' in the late eighties when it was often used as an excuse for teenage, relatively harmless turf war. I remember one night air-gun pellets whizzing past my ears from the Irlam side of the locks and spied over to the other embankment to see a small division of kids in shellsuits.

anon (spc1-ward4-0-0-cust157.bagu.broadband.ntl.com): 1st Dec 2007 - 17:45 GMT

What a waste of money that so called piece of artwork is on the cadishead/Hollins Green roundabout.£75,000 that cost.I am sure they could have spent the money better on improving Irlam and Cadishead and why did they move the train off princess park? They said it would be scrapped if Birse would have not stepped in and restored it to its former glory.All they did was paint it and use it to advertise their company.The train has many happy childhood memories and thats how it should be, put the train back where it belongs !!!!!

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 4th Dec 2007 - 02:37 GMT

I agree that the train has many happy memories as a child, but was also often used a a urinal and a place for a grope, not my idea of somewhere for young ones to play.

anon (spc1-ward4-0-0-cust157.bagu.broadband.ntl.com): 4th Dec 2007 - 16:37 GMT

Take your point, but before they moved it it had wrought iron railings put around it.Even then the kids liked to see it when they visited the park....

Rob Tynan: 5th Dec 2007 - 00:52 GMT

Piece of "artwork" looks like an upturned giant shuttle cock!! Talk about the emporers new clothes. Who paid for it, does anyone know?

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 6th Dec 2007 - 01:56 GMT

Whats the giant shuttlecock? Im in Melbourne, so Im not sure what it is !!!
Where have they put the train?

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 6th Dec 2007 - 02:02 GMT

Is the bowls green and the old tennis court still in between the park and the baths? I remember paying the attendant money back in early seventies for my grandparents to have a bowl, us kids were never allowed !!! When I went back in 2003, the tennis court was falling down, graffitied and the paddling pool and sandpit were gone. I loved it as a kid in summer when the parkie would fill the wading pool and every mum and her pram would come and have picnics on the lawns whilst their kiddies splashed about.

Andrew Smith: 6th Dec 2007 - 11:16 GMT

Natalie - the bowling green is still there, though now fenced off to prevent it being used as a football pitch. The tennis courts have been refurbished, though you now have to pay to use them - I haven't actually seen anybody using them.

The remains of the old paddling pool are still there, though hasn't been in use since the 80's. The swings area of the park has been re-done too.

Rob Tynan: 6th Dec 2007 - 21:39 GMT

Natalie, The giant shuttlecock is a "piece of art" they have put in the centre of the new roundabout at the Hollins Green end of Cadishead where the new by pass starts.

Rob Tynan: 6th Dec 2007 - 21:44 GMT

Natalie, They have put the train just past the new bridge which cuts underneath the old partington coal basin line - on the new by pass.

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 8th Dec 2007 - 08:03 GMT

Thanks guys, how about a few pics ? :) :) Of anything in irlam.
Is the large bus shelter at the top of Ferryhill road diagonal from *Culshaws* still there? What about the vicarage behind st Johns? Does anyone remember the old bandstand near the fire station end of the old river? (Near where they put the strip of concrete in the late 70s for the skateboarders?)

Andrew Smith: 8th Dec 2007 - 13:03 GMT

Natalie

The large brick bus shelter was knocked down a few years ago - they are all plastic vandal-proof bus stops now.

The vicarage and band stand are still there. I'll take more pictures if it ever stops raining!

Andrew Smith: 11th Dec 2007 - 12:12 GMT

Natalie

As you mentioned it, here's a picture of the vicarage, taken from Springfield Lane.

Andrew Smith: 11th Dec 2007 - 12:27 GMT

...and some more taken this morning. Not the best, but they include most of the things you mentioned!

Vicarage Road

Two Churches, Liverpool Road.

The Band Stand

The old skateboard ramp, which we used to ride our bikes down and disappear in a heap at the bottom.

The remains of the old paddling pool, last paddled in by me in the late 1970's

The new skate park, at the back of the baths.

The fire station.

The war memorial.

Bowling green.

Lady James Hall

The refurbished tennis courts, now with officially sanctioned graffiti. Last played on by me in about 1990 when it was all broken glass, moss and we had to tie a piece of string across for a net.

I've always wondered why this house is on the park?

Higbury Avenue on bin day

Looking up the top of Broadway to Liverpool Road.

Andrew Smith: 12th Dec 2007 - 20:20 GMT

One more - St Teresa's/Astley Road from The White Horse car park

Rob Tynan: 13th Dec 2007 - 21:50 GMT

Andrew

The house on the park was built as the park keepers house

Rob Tynan: 17th Dec 2007 - 14:48 GMT

The original bandstand, I think, used to be where the bottom of the old skateboard ramp exists today

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 18th Dec 2007 - 00:49 GMT

THANKYOU SO MUCH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So much has changed. Yes Rob, the old bandstand was at the bottom of where the old skateboard ramp is.
Does anyone know whether the ivy covered *park keepers house* is occupied by anyone? From memory there used to be a garden nursery just behind it where you could buy plants and gardening bits and bobs. I noticed they have demolished the last remaining part of the original Endowed school and built a new section in its place.I guess thats progress.
Thanks for the pics Andrew, it looks freezing over there. ( 37`c here today !!!) :)

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 18th Dec 2007 - 00:51 GMT

Stephen, you mentioned Sparrow Park, what and where is Sparrow park? I have never heard of it.

Andrew Smith: 18th Dec 2007 - 11:12 GMT

No problem Natalie

Yes - the old hall at Endowed has now gone - it looks a good modern school, though.

The house on the park is lived in, not sure by who...

It has been very cold here for a couple of weeks now!

Andrew.

Rob Tynan: 18th Dec 2007 - 22:27 GMT

Natalie Waterworth

My great grandfather John Tynan, ran School Farm which was on the corner of Springfield Lane,opposite the endowed school. It was demolished approx. 1918??. He also used to drive the coach for George Thomas of Irlam Hall, which was situated on Princes Park. The nursery you mention in Princes Park was the Greenhouses/vegetable garden for Irlam Hall. Irlam Hall was demolished in 1956 due to lack of maintenance.

Not sure about Sparrow Park though

Rob

Alison : 19th Dec 2007 - 14:05 GMT

To Andrew Smith
I remember all those shops and i went to Fiddlers lane school, i even went in the outside pool behind the baths didnt like going in the deep end cos mum said there could be glass in it (deep end ha ha)

Andrew Smith: 19th Dec 2007 - 15:45 GMT

Alison - I was at Fiddlers Lane in the early 80's. I think my Mum was worried about glass too!

Deb Walker (nee Ormandy): 19th Dec 2007 - 22:02 GMT

Alison & Andrew

I think all mum's used to worry about glass in the pool!! but it used to be so busy and a really nice place to be especially when the sun was shining and I am sure it used to shine alot more than it does these days - either that or that's my rose-coloured spectacles out again!!

Alison : 21st Dec 2007 - 11:54 GMT

Its funny how you remember things when reminded i used to live on Malborough Rd and ive past there recently and its so different Bates diy shop has now got houses. and we used to go to the football field and go on days out from a club there cant remember what is was called now. Going back even further when my mum was a baby she used to live with my grandma where irlam library is it used to be 4 cottages called Hurst Fold, but i cant find any pictures of it.

Rob Tynan: 22nd Dec 2007 - 00:06 GMT

Alison

There is a book published by CHALFORD called The Archive Photographs Series Irlam and Cadishead compiled by Marion Beeston and Irlam and Cadishead Local History Society, which on page 67 shows Thomas Hurst Grocers Hurst Fold, which is now Higher Irlam Post Office.

I have seen a photo somewhere of Hurst Fold and the cottages. Try and contact Irlam and Cadishead History Society, I bet they will help.

Sheila Hilton: 26th Dec 2007 - 11:05 GMT

Have been reading the various comments - one concerning Irlam Hall. An elderly (now deceased) neighbour of mine - Bert Whitehead - was a local photographer for many years. Some readers will probably have known him. He gave me a photogra

ph of Irlam Hall which I have never seen in any other publication on Irlam & Cadishead and thought others may be interested to see it. Previously on this site I published a photo of the lodge house belonging to Irlam Hall, hoping somebody would be able to provide more info. eg. who lived there etc.

Andrew Smith: 26th Dec 2007 - 12:05 GMT

Thanks for the photo Sheila. I remember our Geography teacher saying that the knocking down of the hall was a bad thing for Irlam.

Hope someone can provide some info. on the lodge house.

Norma (nee Bolton): 28th Dec 2007 - 02:19 GMT

Hi guys, just been sent this site from a mate of mine in Irlam. I too live in Melbourne (hi Natalie, I was at school with your brother Paul). Russell Smith, I remember you living 'across the green' from us on Victory Road, Cadishead. My Mum still lives there. What a great site, brought back so many memories... thanks guys.

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 28th Dec 2007 - 07:15 GMT

What a great pic sheila, was the hall near where the baths now stand?
What a shame they had to knock it down !!!

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 28th Dec 2007 - 07:16 GMT

Hi Norma, I will ask paul if he remembers you. Where in melbourne are you? hot weather here at the minute hey? Paul lives in NSW on the central coast, I will say hi.
Nat

Norma (nee Bolton): 28th Dec 2007 - 12:20 GMT

Hi Natalie, I live in East Melb in Yarra Valley (40k from City). Paul sent me a message on the 'friends re-united' site a few weeks ago, not had time to reply yet. It's been 35 degrees here today phew!!

anon (host86-133-90-212.range86-133.btcentralplus.com): 28th Dec 2007 - 12:27 GMT

Hi Natalie, I think the hall stood somewhere near to where the garden centre is now.

Sheila Hilton: 28th Dec 2007 - 12:29 GMT

That wasn't anonymous, by the way. Just forgot to put my name in.

sam ross/debbie ross (nee) fearn: 30th Dec 2007 - 05:49 GMT

natalie are you married to steve waterworth or are you any relation
sam ross

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 1st Jan 2008 - 03:57 GMT

Hi Sam/ Debbie, Yes I am married to Steve Waterworth.
We went out as kids when I lived in irlam, and I left in summer of 1980. We got back in touch in 2002/3 and I came over to England and lived there for 1 yr. He now lives in Melbourne ( 2004) we have been married 3 yrs. Do you know him? He's intrigued as to where you know him from and said the name Debbie Fearn rings a loud bell with him.
xx

sam ross/debbie ross (nee) fearn: 2nd Jan 2008 - 09:18 GMT

Jimmy Waterworth is my mums cousin(Joan)making us second cousins, you will probably know my sister Helen or Sonya, i came to Melbourne 10 years ago with my husband and 3 daughters, we now live in Lilydale. Keep in touch.
Deb xx

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 2nd Jan 2008 - 23:14 GMT

hi my name is paige kearney i love my mummy Natalie xx
Hi Deb,( that was my daughter ha ha!!!!)
Steves really excited that he's got rellos in Melbourne. He has asked me for your email address. You can contact me on natalieannw@hotmail.com
Stay in touch, you are his only relatives in Australia.
xxx Nat

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 2nd Jan 2008 - 23:15 GMT

PS Deb, We are in South Frankston near the beach, so it is only 1 hr for us to come and see you, or vise versa.x

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 2nd Jan 2008 - 23:23 GMT

Hey, Just wondering whether the Youth club (opposite Galliers Newsagency) on Liverpool rd is still operating? I remember going there as a teen. I remember when it was on the other side of the road in a brick building, guess thats all gone now though. Is there much to do for kids in Irlam? We moved there in Dec 1970 until July 1980 and we were always entertained and had endless things to do.

Dave: 8th Jan 2008 - 21:03 GMT

Many Thanks
Sheila Hilton for the photo of Irlam hall
I hope the people who written the book about Irlam contact you as it would be nice for others to see the photo too.
I do know Irlam Library do have open days every so often with old photos of the area so i do think they might be intrested in a copy of the photo..

Andrew Smith: 9th Jan 2008 - 14:00 GMT

Natalie - the Youth Club is still there. There is a brick building over the road to the left of the row of shops that Galliers is on. I don't know if it's the same one you're refering to and can't remember what's in it now off the top of my head I'm afraid.

Andrew Smith: 9th Jan 2008 - 15:37 GMT

Natalie - I've just realised that you can see the building in question in the picture of Gallier's posted by Dave back up the page.

Alison : 9th Jan 2008 - 16:35 GMT

Rob

Thanks for that Rob i will try and contact them for a picture

Rob Tynan: 9th Jan 2008 - 22:57 GMT

I think the old co-op building which used to be opposite Galliers was a youth club of some sort.

Rob Tynan: 9th Jan 2008 - 23:05 GMT

The old co-op building was next door to the doctors surgery and was painted white. (just remembered that!)

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 10th Jan 2008 - 00:37 GMT

Thanks guys. Yes it was the building that was next to the doctors surgery, on the corner of Fairhills road and liverpool rd. I remember there was a Lidl supermarket there last time I was in irlam (2003/4. It was the original youth club in the 70s before it went across the road. Does anyone remember the old "shed" type of building that was next to the Ship hotel that used to sell bric a brac and shoelaces and mops, nails, brooms, all hardware items. I remember going there as a kid and buying some bits and bobs. Did council ever grant permission for the construction of a mini housing estate behind the ship on the block of land ?

Rob Tynan: 10th Jan 2008 - 09:09 GMT

Natalie
The "old shed" next to the ship was "Marvels Market" Before that I believe it was the first picture house in Irlam, and before that the local bus run by the landlord of the ship was run from there. I believe it was known as the "yellow Peril". It was probably the livery stables for the ship before that.

A housing developement has been built behind the ship on the car park and the old bowling green.

Norma Bannon (nee Bolton): 11th Jan 2008 - 08:35 GMT

For us to travel from Cadishead to Irlam was a big day out hehe. When we used to go to the little wading pool behind Irlam pool, we used to take sandwiches and a drink... and going to August Bank Holiday fair was as exciting as our annual day out to Blackpool... I recall going to playgroup when I was about 3-4 at the "old firestation" on that little side road between Irlam High and St. Theresa's. The journey home was so long we had to have a nap in the car! That land is probably filled with houses now? See you on Saturday Nat x x

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 11th Jan 2008 - 11:30 GMT

To everyone that frequents this site, I would just like to share something with you all. Thru the postings, My husband and I have been contacted by a few readers who have turned out to be long lost relatives, and who ARE LIVING ONLY 1 HOURS Drive away from us in Melbourne Australia. My husband and I are meeting up with our fellow Irlamites ( and Rellos) next Saturday, and can't wait !!!..........Just had to share that with you all !!!!!
Nat
xxxxxxxx
p.s. Thanks Andrew for originally starting this thread over 18 months ago.
x

Andrew Smith: 11th Jan 2008 - 21:31 GMT

That's brilliant Natalie - hope you enjoy yourselves. The power of the internet hey!

Roy Bamber: 14th Jan 2008 - 21:51 GMT

May I ask you Andrew Smith was your father a policeman and lived in Fiddlers Lane, Irlam and was your mother called Margaret and she died quite young.
I can remember a very young Andrew Smith who lived facing the Fiddlers Lane School and I can remember Tom Smith being a policeman at the Eccles and Irlam police station.
All the best
Roy Bamber

Andrew Smith: 15th Jan 2008 - 13:23 GMT

Roy - it wasn't me, I'm afraid.

I did know a few people who lived in the police houses on Fiddlers Lane and was friends with the Richardson's.

My address was Fiddlers Lane but it was actually the sheltered housing flats opposite the Margarine Works that I grew up in (built in the 1970's) - my Mum was the Warden.

Karl Daniels (lived here all my life in irlam): 16th Jan 2008 - 23:05 GMT

The original bandstand, I dont know if this has been said, but the corncrete is still there if you dig your heals in the grass, it runs next to the scateboard ramp to the left looking towards the old river, if you are there you will see that there are two long hill's and in the middle is where the path was and still can be found.

My granddad also ran the ferry accross the canal, and lots more I herd from our family as they lived in irlam all there lives also.

I will check back often here

Norma Bannon (nee Bolton): 17th Jan 2008 - 10:42 GMT

Karl Daniels - any relation to Roland Daniels florist in cadishead? ... or Lesley Daniels, who used to work at St.Paul's Playgroup opposite Ferry Road, Irlam? I lived in Cadishead until married, then worked at the playgroup when my children were babies, even became a 'leader' for 18 months with Lynne Dowling, (who now lives in Ireland)???

Jenny Foster(nee Sutton): 17th Jan 2008 - 13:58 GMT

MY GRANDAD SUTTON AND UNCLE JACK SUTTON LIVED IN VICTORIA ROAD FOR MANY YEARS.HE FARMED THE LAND NEAR THE CEMETERY AND DOWN TO THE RIVER.ALSO SOLD COAL ;FIRST WITH A SHIRE HORSE,THEN IN THE EARLY FIFTIES GOT A LORRY.HE HAD 3 SONS ,JACK,FRED,AND MY DAD JIM SUTTON.I WENT TO THE LOCAL SCHOOL NEAR VICTORIA ROAD> MY DAD AND MUM IVY,SISTER JANET LEFT IN THE EARLY 1950s I NOW LIVE IN PERTH W.AUSTRALIA.I DANCED ON THE BANDSTAND AND WALKED ON WALKING DAY. DOES ANYONE KNOW OF THE SUTTONS OF VICTORIA ROAD IRLAM I LIVED IN HAREWOOD RD>

Rob Tynan: 20th Jan 2008 - 01:53 GMT

Does any one no the exact position of the "British Resturant" which was opened in 1944. It was situated near to Royles but I can not pin point exactly where it stood?

Janet .Witcomb(nee Sutton): 20th Jan 2008 - 09:27 GMT

To add to the info. from my sister Jenny Foster.
.we lived at 48 Harewood Road. I went to Eccles Grammar School in 1952. I also attended St Johns Sunday School . Does anyone rember the Bowers (boys) from Harewood road, or Derek Brown, or the Walker girls....I think my Grandads farm was built on many years ago. I remember walking along the river from our house through to the park, the house in the park was lived in by the park keeper at the time. My Grandad played bowls and was oncw the mayor and was a mason as well. I remember well my days after the war at the little school opposite the cemetery.We also used to play near rhe canal! The Americans used to throw chewwing gum from the boats. I remember the canal was inky black, its a wonder we didnt fall in. I would love to hear from anyone who rembers those times. We are all about 67 years old now!

Norma Bannon (nee Bolton): 21st Jan 2008 - 10:41 GMT

Jenny & Janet - my dad John Bolton lived at 59 Ferry Road and would have been 13 around the time you are talking about. He married mum (Pat Gillet), in 1960 and moved to Cadishead. When I married in 1985, I moved to Harewood Road.... this world is becoming smaller every day!!!

Nat Waterworth - thanks for a great day on Saturday, it was lovely to catch up, especially as we met via this site...

Alan Taylor: 23rd Jan 2008 - 00:58 GMT

Hello everyone, lots of names cropping up that I recall, but more are from after I left my birth town in 1965/6 although I continued at the steelworks until 1972 & transfered to Scunthorpe Works. Prior to the Bobs Lane Ferry incident I worked that ferry, in fact I met my late wife whilst working Bobs Lane Ferry, I also worked short stints at Irlam Locks but was mainly on the Penny Ferry with the odd day on the Free Ferry before starting at the steelworks in 1964.
No one seems to recall Cyril Bagshaw's dad Cyril and his Fiddlers Lane Chippy (and I know you do Cyril and most likely Roy B). Amanda Fouracre you will see a picture of your brother on my Irlam/Cadishead schools site, oh and Norma your mam Pat is there somewhere also, last time I saw your sister Sheila was when she lived on the Irlam 'Salford overspill' estate at the top of Silver Street. Sorry netiquette dictates that I don't post the url to the school site that houses the collection of class photos' without Jamie & Peter's permission.
Alan...

Pat Bolton, nee Gillet: 23rd Jan 2008 - 18:07 GMT

Hi all, The brick building you can see from Galliers shop, was the Cadishead and Irlam telephone exchange.Thanks Norma for sending me this site. Its so nice to hear all the people who used to live here and are now oversees. How nice for you to catch up with Debs relations.

Pat Bolton, nee Gillet: 23rd Jan 2008 - 18:12 GMT

Russell Smith, I remeber you and Gail and your Mum Barbara. Your Gran lived over the road from me here in Victory Road, and before that in Buckingham Road where I was born. I also remember your Uncles James and David. James Married Mary Mcguirewho also lived on Victory Road. I somehow think it is them who you went to live with.? Your Uncle david married Barbara Sumner who was my next door neighbour when they married. They now live further up the road from me.

Alan Taylor: 24th Jan 2008 - 12:19 GMT

Artist's sketch of The Ship Hotel Irlam. Bet it's changed a little now!

Last time I recall seeing the Ship Hotel there was a LUT bus shelter in front of it.
Hope the picture comes through, if not it's at memorabilia.homestead.com/Ship_Hotel_IRLAM.html

Rob Tynan: 24th Jan 2008 - 14:56 GMT

Alan

Ship hotel is very much the same as the picture you posted except there is a new housing estate in the carpark and over the bowling green, and "Marvels Market" building which was to the left hand side of the Ship has gone.

Rob

Rob Tynan: 24th Jan 2008 - 18:34 GMT

Sorry about the quality, but here are some pics I took of the destruction of an Irlam landmark, the Irlam Endowed School.

Utter waste!

Rob Tynan: 24th Jan 2008 - 19:06 GMT

Here are some grainy old pics Ive found.

St marys church Cadishead soon after being built

St Johns Church around 1900

Higher Irlam Co-op at the top of Silver Street

One of the many old photos of Irlam Hall floating around the district

Rob Tynan: 24th Jan 2008 - 22:22 GMT

Found more pics.

This is one of the cottage on the corner of Boat Lane and Ferry Road during demolition!!

This one is of Hulme farm opposite taken from Ferry Road during demolition for the same developement.

This is Hulme Farm front elevation

This is Hulme Farm rear elevation

Sad end to some familiar buildings in Irlam!

Norma Bannon (nee Bolton): 25th Jan 2008 - 11:54 GMT

The building on the corner of Ferry Rd/Boat Lane - was that called Goodyers? I recall they had geese that ran to the gate and scared the hell out of my children...

Cyril Bagshaw: 25th Jan 2008 - 12:43 GMT

Hi Norma
The building at the junction of Ferry rd was James Goodier, wholesale potato and corn merchants.They supplied the area chip shop and greengrocery businesses with a very wide variety of potatoes from all parts of the UK.
I believe his cousin was Joseph Goodier, of J>W> Goodier and son who had the farm and stables on the opposite corner of Ferry rd, and was the owner of the old established bakery (1848) on the corner of Boat lane and Liverpool rd near the Nags Head.
The 2 horses that were stabled there, Rainbow and Barney took the heavily laden bread vans all over Irlam and Cadishead moss before modern mechanics took over in the late 1930's.

Andrew Smith: 25th Jan 2008 - 14:01 GMT

Thanks for the pictures Rob - the Co-op certainly looks different!

The last time I was in the old hall of the Endowed school was 1983 - Lou Macari, ex-Celtic and United player, was presenting the local school team football awards. The school field is really small there - one of the goals was right in front of a classroom window. We used to worry about smashing it when taking a shot.

Rob Tynan: 25th Jan 2008 - 17:37 GMT

Actually I think Ive made a mistake, the Co-op building in the photo is the one opposite the Ship.

My Great uncle was the manager of the Co-op at the side of Nuttall street in Cadishead in the 1930's and 40's. John Tynan.

Rob Tynan: 25th Jan 2008 - 17:53 GMT

Hi Norma,

Do you know any info on Isa Taylor (nee Tynan) who lived at No 3 Ferry Road. She died in Oct 1952 but her husband Will Taylor lived on until the early 60's I believe. Isa was my Great Aunt who I believe was a bit of a character!

Rob

Deb Walker (nee Ormandy): 25th Jan 2008 - 19:22 GMT

Hi Pat Bolton

Do you remember me - we worked at Makro for a while (I was on customer reception/returns - Pat Bretnall/Jacqui Strapps were on there when I started - later on with Alison Meehan (Beech), Coleen Parker, Karen Millard (she moved from Electro service round the back) - in the old good old days!!
I pop in now + again (not the same!!) and my parents still live in Cadishead (off Dudley Road)

Nice to hear a blast from the past
Love Deb

Norma Bannon (nee Bolton): 25th Jan 2008 - 20:00 GMT

Hi Rob,

Sorry I can't help you with any info, it was my dad who lived in Ferry Road around that time and he has passed away now. I was born in the 60's and moved to Harewood Rd in the 80's.

Keith Ogden: 27th Jan 2008 - 14:32 GMT

loads of memories from this site.I was born and grew up in cadishead 1939-1960
The train on irlam park was what my father drove at the soap works.I remeber Irlam hall being demolished, i was christened at st Pauls church in irlam, my grandparents lived at No 9 silver street, my grandfather operated a steam shovel digging the canal
I used irlam ferry to go to urmdton baths on my bike and i used Bob's ferry dailly to go to work at Carrington 1958-1962, ,The ferry was 'sculled ' by a man calle five finger Frank and very often he was asleep so i had to scull myself over. I have loads of memories of cadishead, Irlam, Hollins Green etc

Graham Bate: 27th Jan 2008 - 20:37 GMT

Hi Andy,

This thread is a real blast from the past! so many names I recall, Brian Bagshaw, Roy Bamber, Steve Weir and all the history that goes with the town. I come from Irlam myself born there in 1960 and now live just up the road in warrington.
One of my relatives Joan Jackson is involved in the archives for Cadishead and has shown many pictures around the turn of the 1900's and also after WW2 but you don't tend to see many of the town from when I was growing up. Some of the pictures here are a real memory jogger.
By the way I do remember the chippy on Fiddlers lane "Bagshaws Chippy" it was in the terreced block of shops called "Spring Villas" which is now houses near to boundary road.
My mum and dad used to have a hardware store in the same block and also a pet shop, before they moved to the pre-fab shops which used to be opposite boundary rd. It was murder having a shop next to a Chippy, you were hungry all day!! I recall chips and peas were a "tanner" sixpence or 2.5p and my dad made me do deliveries on a push bike to work for my dinner...just as well or i'd have looked like Billy bunter!!!

I lost my dad just after new year 2006 but mam still lives in Irlam along with most of the relatives. I know the place has changed greatly over the years and in some case for the worse but it still holds a strange charm about it. I was taking to a chap the other day in Wilf's barbers on Lord st he complained about the place being a ghost town now, vandalism and yobs causing him grief. I asked why he was still here and he said he "loved the place too much!!!"

Andrew Smith: 28th Jan 2008 - 11:11 GMT

Graham - I remember your Mum & Dads hardware shop on Fiddlers Lane - it was a bit of a wonderland going in as a kid! Did it used to cover the two shops, next door to one another, in the 1980's?

Alan Taylor: 29th Jan 2008 - 16:19 GMT

Hello Graham, from the prefab shop past the old Spring Villas with the last one being an house not a shop, I was born 1944 and lived in the 4th house past on the same side, was #39 but was re-numbered 81 [maybe 83]after I left. I recall the first shop as a confectioners, next a cobblers, next Bagshaws Green Grocers, next Bracegirdles?[help out Cyril]radio repair shop, he lived on same side again but about 10 houses up.
The cobblers became Bagshaws Chippy with 'young' Cyril taking over the green grocery from his dad Cyril, Bracegirdles became a Wool Shop, I left the area in 1965/6 so my memories are fading. Graham you may have been at school with my sister Helen Arstall from Mond Road because she was born same year as you, if you look through the Irlam schools class photos at http://cadisheadandirlamschools.homestead.com/ you may see faces you recall and most have names to the faces.
If I remember correctly your dad had a thick head of hair and quite curly too! He filled the product gap left by old Mrs Milner who's shop I think became the library's car park near the Nags Head, she also lived on Fiddlers but on the right side up near Mond Road.

Cyril Bagshaw: 30th Jan 2008 - 06:29 GMT

Hi Alan,
Pretty well spot on with the old row of shops in Fiddlers lane, they started with a double being Smallshaw,s grocery which provided the meager rations throughout the war and managed more or less by a lady I only remember as Phylis. Lennies from Cadishead took it over and kept the grocery side and added their speciallity as confectioners.
I started the greengrocery there with my Dad in 1947 with the 120 pounds ( I have only dollar signs that the generous government gave me after 4 war years in the RAF. Anyway,it got Dad and I going for better or for worse and kept me off the dole.

Alan Taylor: 30th Jan 2008 - 10:28 GMT

Hi Cyril et al,
Firstly my I pass on my condolences in the passing of your son Brian at such a young age.

Yes I forgot to mention that the first one was a double fronted shop, if my memories are correct was not Bate's first built out of wood [like a Nissan Hut] before becoming rather more substantial but basically the same shape?

Being only 3 years old when you started the first shop and of course I was away in Ladywell Hospital [Eccles/Salford] in the Isolation Ward A1 where it was confirmed I had poliomyelitis of the brain stem [known as Bulbar poliomyelitis] then to Biddulph [|Staffs] Isolation Hospital for recovery treatment designed by Nurse Kenny [of Australia] later Sister Kenny, then back to Ladywell Hospital for several more months of treatment followed by an hours treatment every Friday at Longfield Lodge Cadishead. Neither of these hospitals now stand I am told. Perhaps those still in Irlam/Cadishead area could say if Longfield Lodge is still there!

Alison: 30th Jan 2008 - 16:52 GMT

Im sure my my mum used to work in a shop on fiddlers lane when i was a baby im sure it was a fish shop will ask her when i get home, does anyone remember Hurst Fold where the Library used to be (couldnt find that book Alan) i would love a picture

Rob Tynan: 30th Jan 2008 - 19:38 GMT

Longfield lodge is still here. It was empty for a while after the clinic closed. It then became a private house. About 7 or eight years ago a doctors surgery and a dental practise was set up there.

I remember having my jabs there when I was about 4yrs old. It always seemed to smell of methylated spirits.

Cyril Bagshaw: 30th Jan 2008 - 22:24 GMT

Hi Alison,
Yes, Hurst Fold was a small terraced row of cottages adjacent to the old Post Office originally run by the Keil? family.
Many years ago, before the shops on the corner of Fiddlers Lane were built, there was another little row of cottages laying back in the hollow which you could walk down to, and this was called Square Fold.
My mother was born in one of those cottages in 1901 before moving to Peel Green where I was born in 1925.

Norma Bannon (nee Bolton): 31st Jan 2008 - 09:59 GMT

Wow Longfield Lodge... you are right Rob, it did have a distinct 'hospital' smell. Now you've taken me back to the good old days when the Tar works was really smelly and Mum used to drag us through the haze and smoke to take my baby brothers to the Lodge for their weigh-in. She also used to get their milk and yummy orange juice that we older kids used to sneak sips of.

Cyril - In 1980 I worked on Fiddlers Lane at the end shop 'Scholles' grocer-cum-offie (or outdoor or commonly known here in Oz as the milk bar...) I remember at that time chatting to the lad next door - Brian - who was a bit older than me (I was 16/17) who worked with his folks. Would that be you Cyril? I recall going to a party 'above shop' before Brian moved away. I have just read Alan's message of condolence on the passing of Brian... I had no idea, please accept my sympathies also.

Alan Taylor: 31st Jan 2008 - 10:00 GMT

Cyril & ex-pats,
For those that don't have the '£' (pound) symbol on their keyboard, try =
hold down left hand 'Alt' key and type '1' '5' '6' from the number pad on the right of keyboard, NOT those across the top. [Alt 156 = £].

Rob,
Thanks Rob for the update on Longfield Lodge, much appreciated, I recall the Fridays from from hospital release in 1948/9 that I attended Longfield Lodge until aged 14 in 1958, that's a lot of Fridays ;-)
They used to experiment on our polio effected limbs by moving into different positions and plastering them for 6 weeks at a time, they used to bathe the limbs in surgical spirits before plastering, so maybe that is what you recall smelling.

Alison,
It isn't a 'book' but a 'website' compiled and maintained by me.
Of which is a collection of 'class' photographs. Hope that helps.

Norma Bannon (nee Bolton): 31st Jan 2008 - 10:05 GMT

Rob - I meant to add this before I pressed send... hope you find the info re your Aunt in Ferry Road, sorry I couldn't be of any help. Are you related to the Tynan family who lived in Victory Rd, Cadishead, during the 60's - 80's (maybe still do)? The father and daughter (names I can't recall), were in Cadishead Brass Band, as were my brother and sister at the time.

Alan Taylor: 31st Jan 2008 - 15:49 GMT

Hello Rob,
Your great aunt Isa Taylor died aged 68 1Qtr 1952 Barton 10b/271
your great uncle Will Taylor I find 3 possibilities -
William F Taylor aged 79 3Qtr 1960 Salford 10f/432 [most likely died in hospital]
William H Taylor aged 75 4Qtr 1961 Barton 10b/338 [most likely died at home]
William H Taylor aged 95 2Qtr 1964 Barton 10b/294 [most likely died at home]
There are several others that could fit, but I listed the 3 most likely, any help M8?
Barton covers Cadishead, Irlam, Eccles, Worsley, part of Flixton, but Salford covered Hope Hospital & Salford Royal Hospital.
Alan...

Rob Tynan: 31st Jan 2008 - 16:41 GMT

Hi Norma,

We lived just off Victory Road, Rosebank Road. My mum still lives there. It was me and my dad that were in Cadishead Band. I still am. My dad was called Hubert tynan. he passed away 10 years ago. My mum is called Barbara. She used to be the a midwife in Cadishead and Irlam, late 50s early Sixties. Later she was the practise nurse at Dr walkers surgery in Irlam. My Dad worked at Royles Ltd for 40 years before leaving to work for NNC in the late 70s just before Royles shut down.

Alison: 31st Jan 2008 - 17:11 GMT

Hi Alan

Whats the websit called please

Rob Tynan: 31st Jan 2008 - 22:01 GMT

Hi Alan

Thanks for that info. I need to find out what what wills middle initial was for starters I think. I have managed to trace the main part of the family tree back to the early 1800s. I just need more time to get stuck in.

Rob Tynan: 31st Jan 2008 - 22:23 GMT

Anyone remember Len Jackson the milkman? He ran Jacksons Dairy from a shop opposite the Coach & horses with his wife. They both smoked like chimneys. They were both real characters.

Next door to lens was a small toy shop. I remember being allowed to choose something cheap from there after going to the dentist which was on the corner of Atherton Lane.

Alan Taylor: 1st Feb 2008 - 00:58 GMT

Hi Alison,
Cadishead & Irlam schools class photos at
cadisheadandirlamschools.homestead.com
with names, did put it in but it didn't appear, so it's above again, if it doesn't appear email me direct for the link at memorabilia@ntlworld.com

Norma Bannon (nee Bolton): 1st Feb 2008 - 07:59 GMT

Hi Rob,
You may remember my brother Mike and sister Sheila from their time at the band? Mike has been in the RAF for 20+ years and plays for them whenever he gets the opportunity. As for Len Jackson, I remember him well (though you have just prompted my memory)... also Ray the greengrocer who came round in his van (and apparently still does Mum said) and the men from the Pru (Ron Sampson)and Britannic insurance (Stan Wright)...

Rob Tynan: 2nd Feb 2008 - 00:56 GMT

Hi Norma,

Yep, I remember Mike and Sheila, I can remember me and my dad giving mike a lift home once after a band concert. Correct me if I am wrong, but Mike played the cornet, and so did sheila.

As for Len the milkman, he had an old grey flatback Bedford CA pickup I think, followed by a 'new ' 1971 Bedford CF, painted in factory green primer and with a side door, which he removed to make milk delivery easier. That van lasted for years!! He used to collect his money in a yellow Ford Anglia Estate.

The things you nremember!!!

Rob Tynan: 2nd Feb 2008 - 01:02 GMT

Hi Norma again,

Yep I remember Mr Samson The Pru Man, Apparently he is still living in Essex Gardens. He used to come and collect the insurance money from my parents.

Rob Tynan: 2nd Feb 2008 - 01:12 GMT

Does anyone remember the concrete octagonal paddling pool in the park at Lords Street Cadishead, and the concrete tunnel. It was always full of glass, I was never allowed near it as a kid because of the glass. I remember the slides there were quite high.

Rob Tynan: 2nd Feb 2008 - 01:17 GMT

Heres one!!

Does anyone in Cadishead remember the "Bettaware" man who used to bring samples of "revoluntionary" household gismos round to your house, I remember he drove a 1960s Ford Classic.

Cyril Bagshaw: 2nd Feb 2008 - 05:28 GMT

Hi Norma,
Greetings from Adelaide ( arrived here in september 1980 ),and many thanks for your condolences on the passing of our much loved son Brian.He leaves his wife Jen and their 2 lovely children, Chris 7 and Janet 9.
The party in our flat above the shop must have been while his mum and I were probably away for the weekend as his brother John and he really enjoyed themselves in our absence.Lovely to hear you were part of those good times.They have been best mates all their lives.

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 2nd Feb 2008 - 10:18 GMT

Hi Rob, thanks so much for the pics. Do you kno whats to become of Hulme farm? it could be restored to a guest house, or a grand family home. WHAT A WASTE !!!!

Rob Tynan: 2nd Feb 2008 - 10:31 GMT

Hi Nat

Im afraid its already gone. It has been replaced by apartments /rabbit hutches / executive homes or what ever you would like to call them about 4 years ago.

Developers get more money for apartments/rabbit hutches, its as simple as that.

If that farm was in the cheshire countryside, it would probably have been saved. But not in irlam.

Profit before asthetics!!!

Marissa Chaplin: 2nd Feb 2008 - 11:58 GMT

Here are some pics you might like to see. My Uncle took them when we went up in a little plane.

Irlam & Cadishead Community High School 2007

Marissa Chaplin: 2nd Feb 2008 - 12:00 GMT

Bottom of pic, new houses on site of old margarine works middle of pic Fiddlers Lane Community Primary School 2007

Marissa Chaplin: 2nd Feb 2008 - 12:02 GMT

The "Bullring" on the Margarine Estate

Andrew Smith: 2nd Feb 2008 - 15:13 GMT

Cheers for those Marrissa - they're great.

The block of flats just to the left of centre in the second pic, just below the school field, is where I lived for the first 13 years of my life. The top part of the photo is like a map of my childhood - we played out every day and knew every nook and cranny.

Dave: 2nd Feb 2008 - 15:28 GMT

Hi,
To all who wished to know where Sparrow Park is, it is the small piece of land at the side of the Nags Head Pub and in front of Irlam Library.

Rob Tynan: 3rd Feb 2008 - 01:36 GMT

Hi Marissa,

Have you got any aerial pics of the School Lane, Chapel road area of Irlam?

Marissa Chaplin: 3rd Feb 2008 - 09:56 GMT

Hi Rob
Sorry I havent, they are mainly the High School and the Margarine Estate, as thats where I live.
If I get the chance to go up again, I will get some.
Glad you liked the pics Andrew, I take it you mean the flats which are now Warden controlled for the elderly, I have always wondered about them.
I do have more pics but like I said before they are mainly of the areas I mentioned.
I do a lot of local history research on the area as my husbands family go back many generations in Caroline Street and the Moss. Incase you hadnt guessed I am addicted to Genealogy, so if anyone needs any help with anything like that, give us a shout.

Marissa Chaplin: 3rd Feb 2008 - 10:12 GMT

Here are sopme more pics, taken from a great book I bought at Irlam Library.
Fiddlers Lane before the school was built.

Spring Villas, Fiddlers Lane

Fiddlers Lane

Andrew Smith: 3rd Feb 2008 - 13:06 GMT

Marissa

We lived in the flats from when they were built in the 70's to about 1986/7 - my Mum was the warden in one of them.

My mates Dad was one of the builders who worked on them and lived in one of the shops on 'The Parade' It's missed off the photo above, though probably wasn't there at the time it was taken - was second from the left on the row, next to the bakery (Joyce's Fabrics), which his Mum used to run.

Alan Taylor: 3rd Feb 2008 - 16:49 GMT

Hi Marissa,
Your last picture I recall it as a thriving shop for sweets & toys and when it changed hands the new owner an ex-barber from Burtonwood AAF Base built the almost flat roofed side extension employing one bricklayer part-time supported by himself and a few of us senior school kids as labourers, he paid us well. When finished he opened the new part as a Gent's Barbers' Shop whilst his family continued to run the original business plus Newspapers etc...

To the left of the same picture you can just see the side window of Charles' General Grocers - what is missing is the doorway on the corner of the building, front window then Halliwell's Butchers. Memories from the 1950/60's.
Alan

Alan Taylor: 3rd Feb 2008 - 17:06 GMT

Hi again Marissa et al,
The Bullring picture I notice that the old wooden Methodist Chapel looks to be completely brick built and with an extension at the playpark end, is it still Methodist and has it been rebuild since I left in 1965ish?

Hi Andrew,
I recall the Fabric Shop as a Shoe Cobblers and vaguely recall it being a double fronted shop, but unsure, I think it was only the shop at each end that was single fronted, no doubt Cyril may confirm.

Alan...

Marissa Chaplin: 3rd Feb 2008 - 18:47 GMT

Hiya all
Thanks for all the info on the photos.
Boundary Rd Church is still methodist, not sure when it was rebuilt, I will try and find out.
The Fabric Shop was and still is double fronted (although it was refurbished at the beginning of this year after being empty for many many years). It re-opened last week as a chinese chippy.
My husband recalls there being a chippy and a pet shop on Spring Villas, Fiddlers Lane. He has lived on this estate since 1969, when he was 2.

Natalie Waterworth (Brophy): 4th Feb 2008 - 01:35 GMT

Great pics Marissa,
I can't believe the state of Irlam High school............what the????? How do Governments expect children to function to the best of their ability in an unaesthetically pleasing environment such as that? It looks atrocious. Where are all the nice grassed communal areas? whats that patchwork of tarmacs used for at the station side where the original buildings and later the portables were? Its a concrete jungle, and Salford city council should be ploughing some revenue into it, or are they planning on selling off the spare land for more housing development !!!!

Andrew Smith: 4th Feb 2008 - 11:05 GMT

Thanks for the info about the shops Marissa & Alan.

Alison: 4th Feb 2008 - 16:40 GMT

Thank Rob,

My brother used to play in Cadishead Band did you know him 'Steven Roberts'?

Marissa Chaplin: 4th Feb 2008 - 16:50 GMT

Hi Natalie
The High School is now an 11-18 specialist school in Business Enterprise , Maths & Computing. My eldest 2 currently attend the school and the facilities they have are fantastic (a lot better than when I was there. Although the outside is not very pleasing and outdated, it is currently waiting for a complete refurb.
http://www.salford.gov.uk/learning/secondary/bsf/bsfschools/irlamandcadisheadchs.htm

steve kettle: 4th Feb 2008 - 19:51 GMT

bliney smithy, you have created something awesome.
just reading through some of these names takes me straight back to my childhood.
i remember living in the shop Joyces fabrics (mum jean kettle (nee dixon) never changed the name) and living there until i was 12. it was a crazy shop full of clothes (like illuminous socks), wool , fabrics and sewing stuff. ca