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Hats off to you
Harold Cunliffe5/ 6/2008
ALL our seven images this week have been submitted by you, our dedicated readers.
Number one is a classic street scene of two of Hulbert’s delivery carts. This postcard was in very poor condition when it arrived. Stains, cracks and marks have been painstakingly removed by Danny Hardman. He has done such a great job of restoration that a copy has been donated to the towns Local Studies Library at Long Street. It is thought that the two men were employed delivering coal from the yard at Townley Street to local mills. Lancashire boilers required tons of coal so there would have been many of these carts on the town’s streets a century ago. These large wheeled vehicles were designed to be tipped at the mill. Notice there is no seat for the driver, they had to walk along side to guide the horse.
Our second photo was taken during the foundation stone laying ceremony at St Mary’s Church, Wood Street, in 1960. This photograph was sent in by Terry O'Connell who lives in the Parkfield area. The parishioners are witnessing Archbishop Beck and are all stood within the shell of the part built church. Today this would not be allowed, hard hats would have to be worn prior to entering the site. Terry was wondering if anybody can recognise the Langley folk in the picture, he does know some of them but would be interested to hear of any others. Leave your number at the Middleton office if you know any of the parishioners.
Number three shows a group of school children at Parkfield School. This picture was sent in by Brenda Clarke and dates from the 1960s. It is thought that the children were waiting the arrival of a coach to transport them to a pantomime. Most of the children will be aged around 60 today. Are you on the photo? again give us a bell if you recognise anyone.
Number four, was taken by G Harrop and shows a typical wet Lancashire day. This photo of Middleton Junction Station shows the Laurel and Baytree Mills in the background, on the right. This is where the Mars Christmas selection boxes were packed during the 60s and early 70s. Everyone knew when this seasonal work commenced, homes in the town had a supply of sweets – ‘seconds’ as they were classed. My favourite were ‘Spangles’ especially the Old English type. The track that bends to the left is the line into Middleton Station.
Number five was loaned by Dave Lappin. On the left of the image is a member of the Territorial Army taking aim at a target near the Drill Hall on Manchester New Road. This vision today would cause concern and the police would soon be on scene with an Armed Response Unit. In the background is Millfold Road at its junction with Manchester New Road. Also visible on the original photo is the undeveloped land at the bottom of Millfold which once has a right of way to Peach Bank. This has now been diverted around the new housing complex which has replaced the neglected council depot.
Picture number six was sent in by email. It shows the ‘Middleton Lyceumists’. We have been unable to find any information on this group. The photo was taken by Greenwoods of Middleton and shows four of the men wearing rather large dicky bows. The late Erest Ingham may have known about this group, he was well known at St Peter’s Church for his skills at producing shows. It all began during his Army days in Tunisia. One of his group went on to become a famous singer and member of the Goons – Sir Harry Secombe kept in contact with Ernest, they first met while being stationed in Austria. Mr Ingham was group manager of the Army Theatre and he wrote and produced shows which toured the British zone. After the war, around 1948, Father Fairclough requested that a men’s concert party be formed. Ernest was chosen as the producer. Parishioners today still recall the wonderful ‘pantos’ that he wrote and produced. A talented man once said: "I have enjoyed the work very much, a grand set of lads, too."
Postcard seven a classic Long Street scene came from Little Allerton, Nottinghamshire. Written on the reverse of the card is a rather intriguing message from a poor woman who would not leave her home without her hat. It transpires she had a medical problem which prevented her from wearing her hat. The message reads: "You will think we have forgotten all about you, but I have not been well since our holidays and am better now. I have not been able to go out with my hat on for ten weeks and the doctor thought I should have the bone taken out of my chin but he has cured it without so I am very glad." I wonder what it was that caused this woman so much distress? The card was sent from 280 Grimshaw Lane which today is occupied by Taylor’s television repairs.
Click on 'View gallery' to see all the pictures ...
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The photo of Junction Station brings many happy memories. I have spent many an hour in that sigal box with the late Eric Coates. We used to climb the wall and shout to the signalman to see if it was safe to cross the lines it was a good night out.
These adventures are now far gone from today's youngsters. Pity.
The coal waggons could well be on Oldham Road. I remember the coal going to the Sudan, rex, and Don Mills. There was a little tubby man about 5ft tall. He managed to get on top of the cart and sit on the side. When he we empty he stood in the cart.
It must have been hard work as they would have to shovel the coal into the cart by hand and they was always fully loaded.
B. Partington.
6/06/2008 at 20:14