THE DAYS of Formby Council were fondly remembered when one reader recognised a Times Past picture.
Formby resident Shirley Childs wrote to us after spotting well-known political characters Mrs Wright, Bunty Williamson and Peggy Beeston in a photograph which appeared in our December 13 edition.
With them are some other well-known Formby residents who stopped for a chat with the canvassers at the same time the Formby Times photographer recorded the moment for posterity.
The snapshot captures the Conservative group, presumably as they were canvassing in Formby Village. Mrs Childs, who thinks the photograph was taken during the days of Formby Council, said: “Mrs Wright lived in Kings Road, on the corner with Phillips Lane. She was a stalwart of the Conservative Association.
“Bunty Williamson, who was a Lancashire County Councillor, a Sefton Councillor, and either an Altcar or Little Altcar Parish Councillor is on the picture next to Dennis Parker, brother of Roger Parker, who was a doctor.
“The lady speaking with them was known by many as ‘Bella the Bomber’ who worked at one of the local train stations. She had a husband called Charlie who always walked a few paces behind her. I remember she was always turning around and calling to him to catch up!
“The other familiar face is Mr Pope, whose first name could be Eddy. He was one of a family of brothers who had many electrical goods shops in Formby, Southport, Ormskirk etc, which were called ‘Pope Brothers’.
“Peggy Beeston is also on the picture. She was a Formby councillor for many years before becoming a Sefton councillor. I remember she was the mother of many children including triplets.”
Joan Rimmer, who also remembered many of the same people, added: “I remember that Peggy had seven children in total, including the triplets. Bunty Williamson must have been on Little Altcar Parish Council because Altcar Parish Council is too recent. I’m sure she was also a councillor for Southport as well.
“I don’t know Bella the Bomber’s real name – I don’t think anyone called her anything else. She was a porter at Freshfield Station and everyone who remembers her will also remember her husband Charlie, following behind her everywhere she went.”
Do you know how Bella got her nickname or remember any of these Formby faces? If you recognise anyone on this week’s photos or have a tale for Times Past call Emma on 872 237, email newsdesk@formbytimes.co.uk or write to Formby Times, 17 Elbow Lane, Formby L37 4AD.

• Post to:
•  del.icio.us
•  Digg
•  Newsvine
•  Nowpublic
•  Reddit