May 2009 Archives

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.

THE Interns were a popular four piece student band playing a regular slot at Formby ice rink. The four students played the gig each Friday night during 1963 - 64.
Steve Kelly, of Ravenmeols Lane Formby, recalls: "In the early 60's, I and thousands of other teenagers were in groups in the Merseyside area - my band The Interns consisted of myself Steve Kelly lead guitar, John Duncan rhythm guitar and lead singer, Roger Carter bass player and singer and Mike Astardjian drummer.
"We were becoming relatively popular in the Southport and Formby area and played at other local venues such as the Ravel Club in Eastbank St, The Flying Dutchmen off London St, The Old Palace Hotel Birkdale - the infamous Klik Klik club and many others which no longer exist."
"Everybody was in a band, the floral hall was flourishing and there were loads of clubs and coffee bars to play in. There were lots of groups - The Sandgrounders were around at that time and Rhythm and Blues Incorporated were on Ready, Steady, Go on Friday nights on ITV," says Steve. But the Interns didn't make it.
Steve says: "I was 16-18 and it was ruining my A-levels. It was very short-lived, two or three years, but it was fun while it lasted. The best gig we played was The Cavern - I'm delighted to say we've got a brick in the wall."