Dear All,
I am writing with regard to Issue 26 and in reply to Sylvia Pelham's (nee Green) request for names of class mates in the photograph she submitted to the Magazine. Well Sylvia; I am on the right hand side of you, Bernice Howard (nee Connor) is on the left. I met Bernice a while ago and she can remember everyone in the photograph which was a big help for me.
She also told me about the sad passing of Bill Gent some weeks ago and I was very sad to also read about Anita Fenton who was also in our class.
In issue 20 on the first page is a picture of me with my Dad Joe Tomlinson. I would like to say we all had great teachers namely Mr. Ackerley, Mr. Fenton and Headmaster Mr. Hamer. After 48 years of living in Failsworth we came to live in Bolton but still attend the open day meeting of Have your Say. I enclose three photographs one of St Luke's football team and two of years 1947 and 1951.
(See front cover for other photos)
Dear Have Your Say,
In regards to the mention of the Mansion on Oldham Road, it stood between Gillibrands and Michell's Shoe repairer; the name of the Doctor was Dr. Menon, when he passed away it was Dr Armed.
The Rectory was between Lowe Street and Nelson Street on Oldham Road.
I hope this is some help, thank you for the magazine.
Dear HYS,
Thanks for issue 31, with the picture of my ancestors on the front page. My Gob has never been more smacked! I believe your subscribers Leonie Harratt and Vera Potts are responsible for sending it in. I recognise some of the others. My mother and father are on the right. Third on the right is Grace Pea who was housekeeper to the rector, Harry Cecil Howarth. Next is May Cropper then my Granddad George Stubbs, then my Grandma Connie Stubbs who is linking my aunty Doris.
I would like to know how Leonie or Vera knew my parents christian names?
Just to mention; I am writing my autobiography and am on about the Whit Walks, Cultcheth Military Band known as the Top Hat Band (because they all wore Top Hats) They couldn't wear them on Whit Friday as the Priests had Top Hats on, and it would have looked like a Priests band!
Editor
Re the letter from Joan Coombes nee Thornton. What grand memories she brought to mind. Her father's uncle Jim, never left the table without him saying Thank You Lord for the food we eat and God Bless the cook. (His wife and Auntie Lizzie to me)
Pigeon Fancying was the main sport in the Collyhurst/Harpurhey area. We had a large silver cup at Monsall Fancying Club, which Jimmy Thornton won at the fancying meeting.
My brother lived across the road from Joan, sadly he was killed in the War.
Thanks Joan for the flashbacks in our past life.
Les, were your pigeons blue like the famous Miles Platting pigeons?Ed
Dear Have Your Say,
I have spoken to several people about Mike Conroy's letter in the summer issue. We think the floor collapsed in St. Norbert's Hall in 1959. My mother Theresa Kavanagh was there with her friends, Mrs. Garvey and Mrs. Crolla. The three of them were dinner ladies at Corpus Christi School and looked forward to the weekly trips to bingo in the parish hall. Bingo took place upstairs in the room used for the boys club.
The hall was in a poor state and when floor collapsed into the room below it was lucky that no one in the Bingo room was seriously hurt.
The hall was condemned and later demolished to make way for the new hall that was 'State of the art' with a fantastic stage and many attractions. The Bingo sessions were part of the ongoing fund- raising campaign to pay for the new hall.
Another friend of mine, Adrian O`Riley (who sadly died a few years ago) Told of another incident involving Corpus Christi hall. During the war there was terrible bombing raid. In William Street and other places around the Church and School, many people were killed. My aunties, who lived in William Street, were left homeless and moved to Lightbowne Road as a result. Adrian's father was working at cleaning the debris, when he discovered in the roof space of Corpus Christi, a Statue of Our Lady, amidst all the death and destruction it survived without a scratch.
Dear HYS,
It's really remiss of me, but at last I've got around to writing to you again!
My cousin, Brenda (nee Rodgers) has kindly forwarded me the last two editions of 'Have Your Say'.
Firstly, I would like to point out my interest in a letter from Margaret Lord in Issue 30. Yes, Margaret, my mother is the Mary Thornton you refer to (my father died in 1981). We lived in Ryder St, Collyhurst until June 1960 when we moved to Thirlmere Drive, Langley. Mam is doing well and now lives in Withington.
We remember you and your family, especially Jimmy. He was a BT engineer. Funnily enough, I worked for BT myself after leaving school for many years (mainly in sales and later in admin for engineering staff). In fact I am married to a BT engineer!
Mam's brother (my uncle Tommy) still lives in Middleton and is still fit and well also. Brenda is the daughter of Alf (one of mam's other brothers). It was lovely to see your name in print, Margaret. I hope you and yours are healthy and happy!
Secondly, in Issue 31, page 5. There is a picture regarding a visit to you from the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Manchester, Kath Robinson. Kath is an ex-Lord Mayor of the city and I know her better as Kath Philbin (her maiden name.) Kath and her family are old neighbours of mine from Ryder Street.
I met up with Kath quite by chance about six years ago at my friend, Lorraine's birthday party. We hadn't seen each other since leaving Collyhurst! We spent ages reminiscing - it was a wonderful night! Amongst the names we remembered were the Garside's and the Schilling's.
By coincidence I have a friend, Julie, here in Stockport, who I have known for several years. I only found out a couple of years ago that she is part of the Schilling family I know from Collyhurst, but she was born after her family moved to Burnage.
I would just like to end by saying, please keep up the good work, 'Have Your Say'. You are so interesting and such a good read! So a big thanks to all involved!
Hi,
I just wanted to comment on the letter in issue 31 from Barry Fleming about fallen WW1 soldier Peter Archibald.
Whilst I am unable to help Barry in his quest, I would just like to say I found it really touching that someone would take such an initiative in trying to ensure this mans grave is looked after, and I would just like to wish Barry luck.
Dear All,
Thank you for sending me the magazine regularly. I do enjoy reading it. It takes me back to when I lived in Collyhurst, a long time ago.
Would it be possible to have Barry Flemings home address, he was inquiring about St. Oswald's Grove, where I used to live. I have a map and information that I would like to send him. It was a very interesting letter from him that you published in the magazine.
My uncle was also in the Royal Fusiliers so he might have known Barry Flemings friend, Peter Archibald, although my uncle was a lot younger than him. He was discharged in November 1919; a month before I was born. He died in 1927, due no doubt having been gassed. He must have been very young when he enlisted.
Sorry we only have Barry's email address as he is one of our 'online readers'
Dear Have Your Say,
Does anyone recognise anyone on this photo (below), taken approximately between 1958 and 1963, possibly in the Victoria Pub off Sanderson Street, Miles Platting or it could be Billy Greens pub, Collyhurst.
My mother Amelia, known as Milly is the lady in the white dress in between the two ladies at the front. Her friend I just knew as Lilly with the dark hair is far right.
Dear HYS,
I recently came across your Magazine, and found it so good, that I would like to have it delivered to the above address. I read one story from Leslie Morris, I went to school with him and his elder Brother and Sister, and would like to correspond with him and fill in a few things that he doesn't know about Failsworth.
Readers Queries
Hello,
I was wondering if any of your readers remember when Ancoats lads club moved into Bridge 5 Mill on Beswick Street.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I was given your magazine, and really enjoyed it, I went to St. Malachy's we lived in Collyhurst flats during the 60s we left when they got pulled down about 32 years ago, and went to live in Moston. We were known as the Clerkins in the flats.
Could you please ask anybody if they have any pictures of the Whit Walks from 1960 to 1966.
Hi,
I just got your address off the magazine; Have Your Say.
I lived in Miles Platting up until 1963 when the area was cleared.
Could anyone please tell me when St. Augustine's church and the houses around it were built. I lived in Lodge Street, near to Queens Rd. Also how did the area get its name?
Dear HYS,
I have really been enjoying the magazine it brings back lots of memories.
My best friend at school (Corpus Christi) was Rita Lazenby, we were always together, even after leaving school, as we then went to work at the same Factory and used to go out together in the evenings and at weekends. I often wonder about her and would dearly love to hear from her. If she does get in touch would you kindly pass on my address. Thank you once again for a great magazine.
Hi everyone,
I have recently been introduced to Have Your Say magazine and enjoyed so much the memories of yesteryear.
I hope to enjoy all the future hys mags and maybe meet up with you and the team on future open days.
My husband worked for Rhodes Removals down Collyhurst and wonder if anyone has any photographs of the big removal vans they used, or maybe names or photos of some of the men who worked for Edgar Rhodes at that time. Once again many thanks.
Hi,
I'm e-mailing you on behalf of my mum (who doesn't own a computer!) to see if any of your readers remember the clog shop on Rochdale Road, (opposite May's pawn shop). The person who owned it had grandsons that lived in Hall St, Moston. My mum knew them. They were called Joseph, Terence & Reg White. This would have been around the mid 40's.
Dear All,
Once again I am sending a donation on behalf of my son Brian Warwick, Brian can no longer write since having a stroke, but looks forward to your magazine. I wish someone from Ancoats that we knew, would write to you, as we lived there for many years.
Dear Have Your Say,
Enclosed my membership, sorry I'm late sending it. Does anybody know if Sutton Street off Bradfield Street is still standing? In Bradfield Street there was Bunnags greengrocers, on the corner in Sutton Street there was the Pawn Shop, on the opposite side of Bradfield Street on the corner was a pub called the Black Bull's Head. Then there was the Post Office and the bread shop ran, I think, by two sisters Evelyn and Elsie.
Hello all at Have Your Say,
I am searching for members of the Howard family who lived in Malham Crescent, Collyhurst, Manchester.
Dear HYS
Re-Issue 30 Frankie Barlow. I remember Frank Barlow when he visited his brother's house in Fisher Street, Miles Platting. I remember a green sports car. The first time I ever watched TV I saw the Queens Coronation in the Barlow House. Most of the kids in the street were there. I lived in Fisher Street my name is Paul Winter I lived with my Grandmother Phil Mooney at 10 Fisher Street.
Reunions: St Mary's road secondary modern
I recently met with two pupils from the same year as myself - Carole EARL and Sylvia Barrand.
We are wondering if anybody would be interested in a reunion in 2010 (50 years since we left school)!
If anybody attended the school, or knows anybody who did at that time - please contact me on my e-mail.
Elaine (nee Berry)
elaine.motler@btinternet.co.uk
