April 2009 Archives

TIM Goulbourne is appealing for information after unearthing another item from his grandfather's past.

Times Past's more regular readers will now be familiar with the story of Stewart Stoke Shaw, who served during the Great War and died a young man from the German poison in his lungs.

However, his grandson has now revealed another treasure from his family's history. The certificate on the right was awarded to Stewart on his return from the trenches of France, and Tim would like to learn a little more on its significance.

Stewart's name appears on the Formby Roll of Honour, and Tim wants to celebrate their collective sacrifice with a permanent memorial. Call him on 07812 702 856 .

And finally to Stella Maris, the Formby hotel that never was.Built in 1905 on Formby's promenade, the structure became a wind swept monument to the ambition of the men who wanted Formby to compete with Blackpool as a tourist destination for hard working Lancashire families. The folly did accept a number of non-paying guests over the years, from Roman Catholic priests and school children to soldiers during World War II, but never a paying customer.

The steps to Formby's 'promenade,' which can still be found down in the dunes, are all that remain today of this doomed venture. Many thanks to Tony Bonney of Formby Civic Society for the photographs.

PUBLIC school, war, religion and gambling all made a substantial contribution to the life of Stewart Stoke Shaw.
Times Past introduced Formby Times readers to Stewart last week, when the column launched a fundraising appeal for Formby's Great War dead.
However, the recent death of Katherine Shaw , who was Stewart's daughter, has shed more light on the life of a remarkable Formby man.After Katherine passed away, the Goulbourne family were presented with a collection of Edwardian photographs of Stewart at Charterhouse public school.
Stewart Stoke Shaw was born in 1883, and the family lived in a large house opposite St Vincent's private school on Raven Meols Lane. The Shaw's had money, but a young Stewart became estranged from his Anglican parents when he chose to marry a Roman Catholic girl.
He fought for the Liverpool King's Regiment in the Great War, where he was captured and imprisoned by the enemy.
Stewart survived World War I, but at a cost. The German gas he inhaled developed in to lung disease. Stewart knew he was dying, and his final days were ruined by reckless gambling. The war hero was buried in the grounds of St Luke's Church in 1921.
To help the Goulbourne family with their war memorial campaign for Formby, call Tim on 07812 702 856

TIMES Past is launching an appeal this week on behalf of the Formby men who fought in the 'war to end all wars.'

Tim Gouldbourne, who discovered Formby's Roll of Honour in an old house on York Road, now wants to build a permanent memorial outside Formby Library on Duke Street.
Tim and the Formby British Legion envisage a collection of floodlight black granite tablets, each listing the names, addresses and regiments of the Formby men who fought in World War 1.
Tim contacted Times Past last week, and said: "The fund raising starts here. The quotes for the work have so far been around £10,000. The memorial will include all 355 names on the manuscript, and include regiment details and addresses.
"Both my great grandfathers appear on the list. William Gouldbourne served in the King's Regiment, and Stewart Stoke Shaw died age 38 from the affects of gas poisoning.I am appealing for Formby people to help make it happen.Please call me on 07812 702 856 to get involved.
And finally, Formby Civic Society is holding a History Group meeting on Thursday at 8pm. The event, which will take place at Ravenmeols Community Centre, will explore ideas for the Heritage Panel, which will promote the diversity of the village on the coast.