June 2009 Archives

THE Sands of Time, written by Formby man Phil Smith, is the inspiration for this week's Times Past. The new title , which will be on sale later this week in Pritchards, reflects upon Formby's coast and its 10,000 year history.

Devil's hole in the Formby dunes
Phil Smith, the book's engaging author, found the time to chat with Times Past about the Formby's coast line and his own life.
He said: "There is 10,000 years of history on our doorstep, so that is what the book is about. Although the Formby footprints and the history of sand mining are fairly well known, but there are some less well known features.
For example, for many years the Formby coastline was riddled with extensive rabbit warrens. The animals were hunted and killed for their skins, giving rise to a small industry in the 19th century.
Although I was born in Crosby I spent my formative years in Ainsdale, where I collected Natterjack Toads and fell in love with the coast.
I ended up teaching applied biology at Liverpool Polytechnic, and I retired in 1993.
Dr Phil Smith will be in Pritchards on Friday afternoon between 3pm and 5pm when he will sign copies of his new book. Pritchards' manager Tony Higginson, said "It is a cracking book and it is now on sale at £15.00"

TIMES Past takes another trip to the swinging 60s this week thanks to Mr Bert Wylie.
Bert was inspired to contact Times Past after reading about The Interns and their Friday night gigs at Formby ice-rink.
Interestingly, Bert played in a band of the same name from 1964 to 1967, although his group was based across the water in Wallasey.
Bert played lead guitar in the four piece band, and performed alongside Roy ainbridge, Vic Rose and Charles Wood. The Interns played some of some of Liverpool's legendary nightspots, such as the Cavern, Iron Door and the Mardi Gras.
Today he would love to meet up with some of the Formby Interns and 'have a chat about the old days.'
He said: "My favourite bands from the 60s were Remo Four, The Undertakers and The Searchers. I left the bandin 1967 to further my career in the insurance industry and get married.
"The club scene in my day was all about the music, and not about famous faces. But I do remember The Bealtes playing the Cavern, on their return from the German tour. They were so loud, and so good."
Meanwhile, Tony Bonney of Formby Civic Society has been in touch with a couple of lovely photographs. All of Tony's images will soon be online when the society's website launches.

DELVING into the Formby Times picture archives Times Past found these pictures.
Dated between 1968 and 1972 the pictures show a snapshot of life in Formby more than 30 years ago.

And if you recognise any of the faces in the sepia snaps, contact Tom Duffy at the Formby Times on 01704 398 002 or email him at tom.duffy@liverpool.com.