Home Ties Still Pull
Happy memories of my first 26 years have been re-lived with thanks to Debbie, whom I met in Manchester Cathedral visitor centre café (good food and service).
The letters from Friends Abroad echo my memories, especially Alma Reid's The Lamp lighter and The Knocker-up (a title not to be used in Canada!) Mr. Collins' yummy ice cream and cabbage and ribs, great!
Maybe older readers will remember The Shepherd Inn in Ridgeway Street opposite St. Phillip's Church? I grew up in the Shepherd and married at St. Phillip's. I was Betty Redford; my dad was Will or Bill to the customers, many of whom he went to school with, as he too grew up in The Shepherd. My grandmother Emily is buried in Phillip's Park Cemetery.
I haven't lived in Manchester since 1955 but it's still 'home' and the ties still pull. I come and reminisce each year.
I have two books "Ancoats Lad" and "Ancoats Pubs" also "Our Kid series by Billy Hopkins-another Collyhurst boy, along with Les Dawson and Bernard Manning-quite some talent.
Long may your magazine continue.