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Remembering Shorrocks Hill

Posted by Tom Duffy on July 2, 2009 6:25 PM

AS Formby comes to terms with last week's shocking events, this week Times Past takes a look back at Shorrocks Hill in happier times.
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The original site was built by Dr Richard Formby in 1853. Dr Richard , who co-founded Liverpool's prestigious medical school, wanted to spend his retirement years close to the sea and thought the Shorrocks site ideal.
While last week's photographs of the arson attack hit the headlines across Merseyside, Formby Civic Society have provided Times Past with a wonderful set of photographs charting Shorrocks through the years.
Perhaps the most charming photograph, which captures some of Shorrocks undeniable exclusivity, was taken in 1968.
And the 1992 photograph, possibly taken on summers morning, also captures some of this magic.
Tony Bonney, of Formby Civic Society, assures Times Past that the image dating back to 1860 is a photograph and not a sketch.
And finally, in acknowledgment of last week's theme, we include a mystery photograph of Formby Lawn Tennis Club. Times Past thinks it has a late 1990's feel to it, but Tom Duffy needs some help putting names to the faces. Please call him on 01704 398 225 or send mail to tom.duffy@liverpool.co

Story of the sands of time

Posted by Tom Duffy on June 17, 2009 5:48 PM

THE Sands of Time, written by Formby man Phil Smith, is the inspiration for this week's Times Past. The new title , which will be on sale later this week in Pritchards, reflects upon Formby's coast and its 10,000 year history.
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Devil's hole in the Formby dunes
Phil Smith, the book's engaging author, found the time to chat with Times Past about the Formby's coast line and his own life.
He said: "There is 10,000 years of history on our doorstep, so that is what the book is about. Although the Formby footprints and the history of sand mining are fairly well known, but there are some less well known features.
For example, for many years the Formby coastline was riddled with extensive rabbit warrens. The animals were hunted and killed for their skins, giving rise to a small industry in the 19th century.
Although I was born in Crosby I spent my formative years in Ainsdale, where I collected Natterjack Toads and fell in love with the coast.
I ended up teaching applied biology at Liverpool Polytechnic, and I retired in 1993.
Dr Phil Smith will be in Pritchards on Friday afternoon between 3pm and 5pm when he will sign copies of his new book. Pritchards' manager Tony Higginson, said "It is a cracking book and it is now on sale at £15.00"

Merseybeat remembered

Posted by Tom Duffy on June 11, 2009 5:29 PM

TIMES Past takes another trip to the swinging 60s this week thanks to Mr Bert Wylie.
Bert was inspired to contact Times Past after reading about The Interns and their Friday night gigs at Formby ice-rink.
Interestingly, Bert played in a band of the same name from 1964 to 1967, although his group was based across the water in Wallasey.
Bert played lead guitar in the four piece band, and performed alongside Roy ainbridge, Vic Rose and Charles Wood. The Interns played some of some of Liverpool's legendary nightspots, such as the Cavern, Iron Door and the Mardi Gras.
Today he would love to meet up with some of the Formby Interns and 'have a chat about the old days.'
He said: "My favourite bands from the 60s were Remo Four, The Undertakers and The Searchers. I left the bandin 1967 to further my career in the insurance industry and get married.
"The club scene in my day was all about the music, and not about famous faces. But I do remember The Bealtes playing the Cavern, on their return from the German tour. They were so loud, and so good."
Meanwhile, Tony Bonney of Formby Civic Society has been in touch with a couple of lovely photographs. All of Tony's images will soon be online when the society's website launches.

Pictures of Formby past

Posted by Tom Duffy on June 3, 2009 10:10 AM

DELVING into the Formby Times picture archives Times Past found these pictures.
Dated between 1968 and 1972 the pictures show a snapshot of life in Formby more than 30 years ago.
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And if you recognise any of the faces in the sepia snaps, contact Tom Duffy at the Formby Times on 01704 398 002 or email him at tom.duffy@liverpool.com.

Green roots of the past

Posted by Tom Duffy on May 13, 2009 10:10 AM

THIS week Times Past is grateful to Colin Ward for providing two charming sepia snaps from Formby's past.
The first photograph is of Formby Preparatory School on Andrews Lane, and is dated to the early 1950s. If you recognise one the faces in the picture, or remember the dog sat on the boy's lap, please get in touch.
And the second photograph was taken inside Holy Trinity Primary School, and is dated to the 1947 school year. Times Past would obviously love to learn more about this photograph, and we are particularly interested in the boy in the hooded top. How times have changed.
Meanwhile, the National Trust has been in touch with news on Formby's historic association with asparagus, which also complements this week's shop local theme.
The root crop dates back to the 16th century in Freshfield and in the 19th century the fields surrounding the village became synonymous with asparagus. By 1940 there was a 200 acre asparagus farm in Freshfield, but after the war the industry began to decline.
Inspired by this proud association, the National Trust have devoted two acres of Sandfield Farm to the crop, and their asparagus is now on sale at Larkhill Farm off Larkhill Lane until June 21.