February 2009 Archives

THIS week Times Past takes a look at the lost world of Formby's old ice-rink.
Freshfield Winter Sports Club stood on Green Lane, opposite the Grapes Pub.
The club was established by Mr Alex White, in the 1960s. Mr White was a butcher by trade, but his wife, Sheila, was a champion skater and passionate about the sport.
Mr White bought the old Embassy Cinema on Green Lane from Wigan Entertainment Limited, and set about ripping out the seats, screen and fixtures.
The ice-rink floor, which was 80 feet by 65 feet, was built out of cork, bitumen, 10,000 feet of piping and 3 inches of concrete.
Apparently an old egg packing station existed under the old cinema, and this was used by the new owner to house ice-making machinery. The old balcony was converted in to changing rooms and skate hire store.
The club also featured The Alpine Retreat, which served up coffee, snacks, grills, open sandwiches and of course 'The Alpine Steak.'
Memories of Freshfield Winter Sports Club, which served Formby during the 1960s, are now fading. However, Times Past has managed to locate a Formby Times clipping, which shines a little light upon this lost world of ice.
The article, which is probably from the early '70s, reports on the closure of the old ice-rink,and highlights some of the controversy surrounding the fate of the site. Mr and Mrs Nightingale, ofGreen Lane, are quoted as saying: "Facilities for the young in particular are badly needed here, and I feel some sort of centre for sports should open at this site"
And Mrs D Walker, of Ryeground Lane, reflected fondly on her memories of the ice-rink. She said: "We had a lot of fun in those days, and I'd be delighted if it became an ice-rink."
Remarkably, there is also a quote from Councillor Eric Storey, the then chairman of Sefton's Police and Resources Committee. He said: "The council is keen to provide amenities in Formby, and the swimming pool is top of the list."
And if you have any golden memories of the ice-rink on Green Lane, please get in touch. You may have enjoyed an Alpine Steak, or even taken part in the club's Skate 'n' Dance Nights with local pop bands, or the Housewives Class on Tuesday andThursday mornings.

JOAN Mills contacted the paper last week to respond to a Times Past photograph, and in doing so has provided a lovely insight into her life in art.
The photograph that appeared in the last week's column was taken at the opening of the Association of Formby Artists new studio in Freshfield. The year was 1971, and the line-up was: Eric Gerrard, Mr A. McKillop, Councillor V. Burke, John Moores and Julia McKillop.
Joan remembers the event for a number of reasons, including John Moores' appreciation for the mince pies that were on offer. Although the studio was little more than a hut without running water, Joan has fond memories of it, such as their summer barbecue in 1980.
She said: "I remember that day in July. Robert-Kilroy Silk, who lived in Formby at the time, attended with his wife. He was nice, and danced to the Beatles' records we played.
"It was a shame because we were happy there and forced to move out due to a succession of arson attacks.
"Today I am a volunteer with Conquest, and teach disabled people to paint and draw. I have a lifetime of memories from my relationship with art in Formby.
"It's a shame because many of the people I knew have now passed away. I remember Henry Wilkinson, who was such a talented sculptor, and of course Muriel Sibley, who was my friend."
And finally, Cannon Raymond Lee has been in touch, with some comprehensive feedback on a Times Past photograph. The picture was taken on November 17, 1974, on the departure of Reverend Ian Elliott from St Luke's and All Saints in Crosby. The line-up was; Bill McIlvean, Miss Connie Miller, Jeoffrey Stubbs, Reverend Raymond Lee, Mrs Ronnie Elliott, Gerald Taylor, Rev Ian Elliott and sons Michael and Peter.

THIS week Times Past delves into the history of Formby Police Station. The police station, on the corner of Church Road, dates back to 1894.
The land which used to be owned by Reverend Lonsdale Formby and John Formby esquire of Formby, was purchased by the County Council in 1892 for £100.
By the end of the 19th century, seven officers were based there serving a population of approximately 5,524.
In 1974, with the local government reorganisation, the station and its officers fell under Merseyside.
During the Second World War an anti-aircraft gun was positioned in the back yard, and gun slits were carved in its southern perimeter wall. The front of the station was sandbagged, and armed guards patrolled the site for the duration of the war. Officers were issued with guns during air raids.
A booklet, issued to mark the station's centenary, recalls how a German pilot was captured after parachuting to safety in Altcar. He was kept in the cells until collected by the authorities.
Formby Times old boy Pat O'Neil has been back in touch. Pat, who edited the title during the 1950s, now lives in Australia. Pat would love to track down the film of the Queen Mother's trip to Formby in 1954. Apparently it was recorded by Liverpool University staff - can you help? Call Tom on 01704-398002.

THE threat posed by Nazi Germany to Formby is the theme of this week's Times Past, ahead of Reg Yorke's talk tonight at St Luke's Church.
Although the thought of Nazis on Brows Lane seems closer to The Eagle Has Landed than real life, it was once a distinct possibility. We know that Hitler wanted to invade Britain at the start of the war, and many feared Formby's beach was the ideal landing stage for the Nazi war machine.
Formby's coast was particularly well defended, and some of the crumbling ruins from this lost world are still standing. The pillboxes that surround the village are a concrete reminder of the threat posed by Hitler and chums, and the structure that stands where Downholland Brook meets the Alt is a good example. It is a 'Type 28a' pillbox, which would have been used by British infantry to blast anti-tank shells at the advancing German armour.
Dr Reg Yorke will tonight present 'The Coast at War', looking at our coastline during wartime Britain.

Meanwhile, Ann Batchelor has been in touch with some charming memories of Formby School of Dancing. The eagle-eyed reader spotted her photograph in our bumper Times Past Extra from January 14, and has identified the full line-up - from the right; Jill Hunt, Marjorie Townsend, Ann and daughters Hayley and Tracey.
Ann remembers the big day as a Christmas sale in aid of Formby's elderly community. Sadly, Marjorie Townsend has now passed away.
Although Jill Hunt founded the dancing school, Ann took charge in 1971. And Ann's daughters have inherited their mother's passion for the performing arts. Hayley now runs the school, and sister Tracey teaches drama. Although Ann has now retired from the school, she still designs costumes and teaches the occasional class.
We have more snaps for readers to identify - email us at newsdesk@formbytimes.co.uk or call Tom Duffy on 398002.