Another Mission

I was born in Atkin Street, which is now Varley Street where it meets Bradford Road.

My grandparents had the green grocers shop next to the post office on Bradford Road, and the Stacey family also had the chip shop on Ridgeway Street for many years. My aunt, Annie Coleman (nee Stacey) had the chip shop on Holland Street near to the Half Moon pub. I started school at Holland Street Board School, as it was known then. We then moved to Collyhurst where I attended St. Oswald’s school on Rochdale Road.

All my time as a teenager was spent at Gay Street Mission and it was spent with all my friends who I grew up with. Gay Street was the place to be. Many happy hours were spent in the mission hall. Lots of activities, days out to Southport, Alderley Edge, summer camp at Kirk Michael in the Isle of Man.

Also the brigade and band, which was formed in 1949 was a huge success both in Collyhurst and the greater Manchester area. I am very proud to say that I was a member of the brigade band and was the drum major for many years. I also did two years national service in the Royal Air Force.
Norman Stacey