Reading the letter from Monica Drury in issue 19 it brought back memories of my early life in Worsley Street, Collyhurst. I went to Abbott Street School for a few years I still have class photos taken about mid 1940s
I remember some of the names, Patricia Clarke, Barbara Humphrey’s, Alan Jenkins, Alan Richardson, and my cousin Alan Wood [since passed away] I am back row third from right.

I remember that Alan Richardson and I pushed a lads school cap down a grid for a lark, which cost us both several strokes of the cane from the Headmaster, Mr Woodcock and 1s. 6d compensation.
Love the magazine.
John Murray, johnmurray8@tiscali.co.uk

I was born in Miles Platting in 1932. My parents owned the herbalist and temperance bar next to Blooms on Oldham Road. My father was George Lydon; he played for Manchester United in the late twenties and early thirties. My grandfather was Jack Seanor the undertaker who also lived on Oldham Road. Perhaps some of your readers may remember going into the shop for a Vimto or an Oxo drink, or even asking my mum for a herbal remedy for different aches and pains.

I was evacuated to Blackpool during the War and when I came home I became friends with Jean Sutcliffe who lived in the Welsh Shop. What a lovely shop that was! Her cousin was Renee Gorton who lived at the fire station in New Street. I wonder where they are now, does anybody know?
Joyce Hibbert, Nee Lydon

Hi I’m Ken from Leeds
I recently discovered that my maternal 4th great grandfather, a schoolmaster called Christopher Boddy, migrated in the mid 18th Century from rural North Yorkshire to industrial Manchester. He left behind a number of grown-up children, from one of whom I’m descended. However, he and his wife Jane settled with their younger children in Rochdale Road. His son, Christopher junior and wife Leah, ran at least one bakery at no. 194 Rochdale Road; - a row of shops still standing and occupied by May’s. The address 343 Rochdale Road also features. But this appears to have been demolished. Not being a local, I’m unsure whether this locality is Collyhurst or not. (Christopher the baker seems to have moved on to Ashton-On-Mersey by 1891, but may have left children behind.)

Your delightful magazine; which I’ve just discovered. Seems to be just the medium for contacting any local person who might have any knowledge of, or link with, this trans-Pennine strand of what was very much a Yorkshire family. I wonder if any of today’s Manchester Boddys know of their White Rose roots?

What do you think?
Ken Silver, kensilver@btinternet.com

Hi, trying to find my granddad Jim Seddon born Ancoats 1917 and lived in Grime Street Ancoats. If anyone as any info please can they let me know
Joanne Holmes, girlfriday47@hotmail.com

I have enclosed a photograph of the St. Phillip’s 1939 Rose Queen celebration. Which is the complete photo originally including the four pages, my sister being the one left of the Queen on the front row. Her name was Leah (sadly deceased).

The rose queen of 1939 was Betty Harrop; the maid of honour third from the left is Doreen, the queen’s sister. I am second from the left Hazel Mahon as I was then.

If any friends or neighbours recall this memorable occasion and would like to rekindle happy memories, do not hesitate to call me on 0161 653 7699.
Hazel Cleworth, Nee Mahon

I have recently been informed of your magazine, I am trying to trace my family tree; my grandmother and her family all lived on Bradford Road and Energy Street between 1900 and 1950. I remember visiting them all with my mother, when I was a young girl and also going to funerals in Philips Park Cemetery.

The families were bombed out during the Christmas 1940/1941 Blitz on Manchester and moved into one of the pre-fab’s that were built after the air raids, then they were re-housed in Droylsden.

The families were: Robinson - 42 Energy Street. White - 18 Energy Street. Hall - 9 Energy Street and Winstanley - 371 Bradford Road. My gran was Elizabeth Ann (maiden name Winstanley) She worked at Shaws Mill. Her father William and brother Thomas worked at the Gas Works in 1900-1920. If anyone knows these families I would be grateful if they would contact me.
Marie Slater, telephone 01253 777528

Mrs Edith Owen and Mrs Alice Gloag enjoy Have Your Say very much.
They both attended Holland Street School and wonder if anybody remembers them? Their surname was Nicklin their age is middle 70s. They would be glad to hear from anyone who may remember them.
Mrs. D Green

I discovered your magazine in my local library, a good read. Keep up the good work.
I am researching my family tree and would like to ask your readers if they know Doris Newby? (married name Ward) She married Thomas Ward at Saint Patrick's Church on 2/9/1934. She was my late-father's sister, my father was called Robert Newby. If any of her children read this I would be grateful if they would contact me?

Also if anyone has any memories of Albert Memorial Church, my father attended at he church and Sunday school there from 1920 - 1934. I think the church was in Harpurhey.
L. R. Newby, telephone 0161 622 1410

In response to Beryl Thorneycroft’s letter issue 19. My late mother attended Brookdale Park School in the 1930s. Her name was Audrey Bentley and she had an elder sister Reby. I have some old photographs of school classes at Brookdale Park; I hope they can be of use. If anyone remembers my mother I would like to talk to them.

My grandparents were George and Hanah Bentley And they lived at 32 Heathfield Street, Newton Heath. George I believe worked at Newton Heath Loco Works. Afterwards they all moved to Bury.
Colin Smith

I would like to get in touch with anyone from Miles Platting that may remember me I went to school at Holland Street Chuch at St Phillips and also went to Joynson Memorial (boys brigade) I lived on Energy Street from 1943 to 1956 and again from 1963 to 1965 I have a sister Dorothy who would also like to hear from anyone who remembers us.
Roland & Dorothy Needham, papermill@tnt.com