July 2009 Archives

THIS week Times Past brings to life the world of 19th farming with a beautiful set of photographs set deep in the Altcar countryside.

John Goulbourne and the Swift family spent a week gathering hay in David Robinson's field without the obligatory tractor or combine.
Instead the horse power was provided by Molly, John's 18 year old pony.
Times Past is delighted with the photographs, and cannot help but to some of the romantic scenes created by Constable and Turner
John, who lives at the bottom of Engine Lane, said: "Gathering hay by hand is supposed to increase the chances of a good second harvest later in the year.
"It really is a historic activity, and it was practised throughout the 19th Century in Formby up until the 1950s.
"We would like to thank David for letting us work in his magnificent field.
"Ben loved the work, and he is now looking forward to owning his own pony any day now.!"

THE lost world of Formby Tennis Club in the 1970s has been brought to life thanks to Norman Alexander.

Mr Alexander, of Gores Lane, provided the charming sepia snap from 1974. The retired pharmacist , who has lived in Formby for 43 years, found the time to chat to Times Past about his memories of the tennis club around the corner from his home.
He said: "The photograph presents bitter sweet emotions for me, because some of the dear people on it our no longer with us.
"However, I have many fond memories of Formby Tennis Club in the 1970s, and I wanted to get in touch to chat about them. I remember playing tennis with Liverpool FC striker John Toshack on a couple of occasions. He was ok at tennis, and a really nice guy. He lived in the village, but I cannot remember where.
I also enjoyed the odd game of badminton with Ray Clemence at Victoria Hall.
The tennis club was a really friendly place, and is full of fond memories for me. Although I am no longer a member, I still enjoy Wimbledon on the box. I was supporting Andy Roddick on Sunday. I think a British player will win it one year. Our players just need to show a little more committment.
If you recognise any of the faces on Normans old photograph, please get in touch with Tom on 01704 398 225 or mail him at tom.duffy@liverpool.com
Meanwhile, Reg Yorke has been in touch with news on a forthcoming Formby Civic Society event. The group will be meeting at 10.30 am on July 19 at Firwood Gate for a guided walk of the Formby coast. For more information phone Reg Yorke on 01704 872187 or e-mail yorke@briardale.co.uk

AS Formby comes to terms with last week's shocking events, this week Times Past takes a look back at Shorrocks Hill in happier times.

The original site was built by Dr Richard Formby in 1853. Dr Richard , who co-founded Liverpool's prestigious medical school, wanted to spend his retirement years close to the sea and thought the Shorrocks site ideal.
While last week's photographs of the arson attack hit the headlines across Merseyside, Formby Civic Society have provided Times Past with a wonderful set of photographs charting Shorrocks through the years.
Perhaps the most charming photograph, which captures some of Shorrocks undeniable exclusivity, was taken in 1968.
And the 1992 photograph, possibly taken on summers morning, also captures some of this magic.
Tony Bonney, of Formby Civic Society, assures Times Past that the image dating back to 1860 is a photograph and not a sketch.
And finally, in acknowledgment of last week's theme, we include a mystery photograph of Formby Lawn Tennis Club. Times Past thinks it has a late 1990's feel to it, but Tom Duffy needs some help putting names to the faces. Please call him on 01704 398 225 or send mail to tom.duffy@liverpool.co