I have been receiving your magazine via my sister for the last couple of years.
I was born in Holland Street Miles Platting in 1939 lived in the corner house (119) leading through to the back croft, St Mark’s junior school and the Aluminium Works. Opposite was the Primary School and Church. My sisters and I attended both the school and church and was in the Boys and Girls Brigades for many years.
My granddad had the local shop, Brown’s Grocers in George Street near the Highlander pub. My aunty Emmy also worked in there. I helped out from being about 9years old. When the shop was demolished they bought the shop on the corner of Sandal Street/Penzance Street; from the Lantberry’s (Re story Issue 19) if I remember correctly. When I was about 14 years we moved up onto the Garden Row at the top of Sandal Street, facing the Joynson Memorial Hall. My granddad George Brown had lived there for many years. My aunt Ethel (married to the very popular footballer Harry Proudman) lived in Brookhill Street and my uncle Frank (Brown) had the grocers shop near the Bowling Green. Bill Brown also lived two doors down from brother Frank on Sandal Street.
My dad before going to World War Two with the Lancashire Fusiliers was the cinematograph operator at the Victory Picture House in Varley Street. I remember seeing my first moving picture there with subtitles and somebody playing the piano! Dad worked at the Post Office in Manchester from 1948 until he retired, his name was Harry Ross. He lived over near Pitt Street before marrying mum Hilda.
I and two of my sisters went to Holland Street School, my sister Margaret still lives in ‘ Platting. After leaving school I worked for a while for Lee Bros’ Grocers in Hulme Hall Lane, Oldham Road and Moston Lane. When married to my first wife we lived over Lee’s shop on Hulme Hall Lane. I was called up for National Service in 1960 and enjoyed the army so much that I signed up for 6 years. When I came out of the army I worked in Manning’s Butcher’s on Hulme Hall Lane before moving to Rochdale, my wife and I separated ten years later. I met and married my wife Margaret who sadly died three years ago.
We emigrated to Australia in 1979. I had re-trained in the years previous and have had a very successful life in the building trade as a carpenter/joiner. I retired in 1998. Wonderful country, I never regretted coming here and my children have all done well.
A few of the people I remember; The Jackson girls from the outdoor (off Licence) in Holland Street. The Newall’s lived lower down the street, Derek Foster near the Grey Mare Pub; he moved to Failsworth later. (Daisy Nook and Crime Lake-Favourites) Also worked in Bradford Pit. Eric Gillibrand, Kathleen Walker, Stella Allen, Allen’s then Beresford’s veggie shop plus the George Inn, Chippy and lots more!
After my wife passed away I came back to visit my sisters in 2003, the first time for 24 years. There were lots of big changes, but I managed to work out where things used to be, I visited the City of Manchester Stadium and paid a visit to my passion Old Trafford, I used to go there with my uncle Harry the first match I saw was in 1948, sixpence in the boys entrance popular side. I am still and ardent follower and watch all the action from premier league on satellite T.V.
Keep up the good work, look forward to getting mags’ can always relate to something or someone. I knew Marie Pandolfo and Hubby very well Coal and Ice cream as I remember.
Thanks for all the memories keep them coming
Regards Alan Ross
