OLD FRIENDS grouped outside their local, grin widely for the camera before heading off on a fishing trip.

The scene, captured by a Formby Times photographer and treasured as a newspaper clipping for decades, was sent to us by one of the angler’s daughters.

The West Point Angling Club outside the Bay Horse

Lorraine Stocking, formerly Lorraine Read, would love to hear from anyone else who remembers the West Point Angling Club or her father Bob Read, who was a keen member.

“He was a very keen fisherman, regularly fishing from the shore for shrimps, overnight lining, and, of course, cockling. He was also a keen bowler and played for the Conservative Club and possibly the Blundell Arms Men’s team. He was an avid supporter of Liverpool FC and a regular in the Bay Horse. He died suddenly in 1967 and my brother took over the business until the late 80s when he moved south to Devon.

“Dad’s funeral was held in a packed Holy Trinity Church and officiated, I believe, by the Rev. Briggs.”

Bob, a builder and property developer who ran his business from home, lived in York Road with his wife Hetty, their children Betty, Lorraine, Bob Jnr and Tom from the very early 40s.

“Betty & Bob Jnr went to school at St. Peter’s, whilst my brother Tom and I both went to Holy Trinity School and were taught by the locally famous pairing of headteacher Miss Reilly and infant teacher Miss Culshaw. Tom went on to Crosby Secondary school and I went on to the school then known as Formby Modern whose headmaster was Mr Melrose.

“Other teachers I remember include the wonderful Mrs Kenny who taught English, Mr. Burton who taught maths, Mr Tweed who taught geography and Mr Thornley who taught history. I left in 1967 to join Lancashire Constabulary as a police cadet and later a WPC in Kirkby.”

Lorraine now lives in Devon but says: “My heart remains in Formby. There are a great many of us ‘exiles’ out there who take some solace in reminiscing about the past.”

Lorraine later married at Holy Trinity, and her son was also baptised there. If you share any of her memories, or recognise anyone on this week’s photos call Emma on 872 237, email newsdesk@formbytimes.co.uk or write to Formby Times,
17 Elbow Lane,
Formby
L37 4AD.

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