EWM READER MESSAGES UPDATE NOVEMBER
2003 PAGE THREE
Subject:
Old Manchester?
From: Debra Thompson <Debra@thompson81428.freeserve.co.uk>
Hi, I am so fascinated by all the amazing pictures and stories found on the
Eyewitness website. Although, there is one place in particular that I am interested
in that doesn't seem to be shown on your website, The Ritz Club (Whitworth Street),
I would really love to know all about this building / club / ballroom its history
in particular, as a regular attendee of the club, I am extremely interested
in its history I find it amazing as a building and can imagine all the history
and stories its walls hold. Any photographs, information would be gratefuly
received..
Kind Regards
Debra
Someone who
goes to the Ritz? You must be a young person, i.e. more than five years away
from your bus pass! It's nice to see a member of the young and cool generation
showing an interest in the heritage of our city! I don't honestly know very
much about the Ritz. I'll see if I can...
Hi, I enquired about "The Ritz" on Whitworth Street, just as an update I would
like to let you know that I have found 2 pictures of the interior from 1927
and one of the exterior from 1965, I have also taken a up-to-date picture of
the exterior myself. All knowledge of the building I can get is off the net.
I also read that it was opened in 1924 as a ballroom... but whilst walking through
it on Saturday *whilst refurbishments were happening* I saw a signature on the
floor with the date 1903? I also wrote to a architectural web site, and they
told me it was built in 1927-8 by Cruickshank & Seward who also worked on post-war
university and UMIST buildings. So I am a little confused. as to whether the
signature on the floor was a fake. I was also, just wondering if you have ever
heard or come across anything to do with a Octopus *or* Octagon, magazine, was
a little publishing house in Hulme in the past. Could have been something to
do with a social group ? If you could let me know anything on this I would be
very grateful. Thanx Debra Thompson.
Well you've
answered the question yourself, and I've learned some interesting facts! Thanks
very much. Sorry I don't know about the Octopus magazine or Octagon magazine
but maybe someone out there can help.
Subject: Eyewitness Manchester/Question
From: Shannon Blosser-Salisbury <shannonblossersalisbury@yahoo.com>
Dear Mr. O'Rourke,
I 'm a big fan of your gorgeous website! I have never (yet) been fortunate enough
to visit your beautiful city, but I am sure that I will one day. I certainly
have more incentive after viewing the pictures and reading the stories on your
site.
I am an American girl who started genealogy research on my family a couple
of years back. The first section I wanted to tackle was the dark side of my
family (always the most exciting). My grandfather was born illegitimately in
1922 in Chicago, USA. He knew his father, but his mother apparently left immediately
following his birth.
Delving into her family, I found out that they were from Manchester. Her name
was Mericourt Webb and she was the granddaughter of Thomas Webb of Molyneaux
& Webb Flint Glass, Ancoats.
The family is so intriguing and I wondered if you are familiar with one of a
few places related to this family: 1) The Molyneaux & Webb factory, 2) "Roseneath"
a family home at #1 Crumpsall Ln., Crumpsall. 3) "Morningside" a family
home on Fairfield Square, Fairfield, or 4) "Abbey Hey House", Abby
Hey Lane. I 've seen listed variously as being in Gorton or Droylsden (very
confusing to someone not living over there). I recently found a modern reference
to "Abby Hey House, Gorton Park Nursing Home". Could it be that the
old home was converted? All of these buildings would have existed during the
late 1800's and early 1900's. I 'm not sure whether they still exist or not.
If you know of any of them, could you please tell me a modern address for them?
If you happen to be in their area, could you take photos? It would mean a lot
to me to see where these grandparents, aunts and uncles lived.
Thank you so much and keep up the good work!
Shannon
Thanks for your
message. I'm familiar with all those localities, though to find the houses would
take more time. Perhaps someone can help. I'll keep an eye out for them on my
'rounds'.
Subject: <no subject>
From: William Edge - Hamilton Grant Software Ltd. william.edge@hamilton-grant.com
Hi Aidan,
Do you have any information on the old Atora suet factory which was based inside
an old mill in the Openshaw district. I'm trying to track it down (if its still
standing) as I am related to the original Hugon family who started the brand
Atora. Perhaps you could post something on your website in case anybody associated
with the company is still around (it would be at least 40-50 yrs ago though).
I would be very grateful for any information you have.
Thanks.
Will
The name Atora
is very familiar, but I don't know the location of the mill in Openshaw. Can
anyone help? Have you tried the Manchester Central Library Local Studies Unit?
Subject: Princess Road Tram & Bus Depot
From: Arnold <rusholme@cv.quik.com.au>
Dear Aidan, I have just been informed that in about 3 yrs tlme Princess Rd
bus depot is to be demolished.
Princess Rd Depot is very dear to me having spent the last three and a half
years of my working life in Manchester and the UK. I have told you before those
three and a half years were the best years of my whole working life. I only
lived 3 minutes walk away from the depot, towards Wilbraham Rd. To hear this
devastating news is to say the least very sad. I am told that they will not
be demolishing the clock tower facing on to Princess Rd.
So can I ask you please Aidan to find out all you can about the depot and put
it on your Eyewitness in Manchester series. I do know that the depot opened
in October 1909 for the old M.C.T.D. Trams. Many thanks for your help in solving
my query about the old trams running through St Peter Square, and as you said
they did run through the square.
Many thanks Aidan keep up the very good work that you do. I have nowhere near
finished my model of the old Piccadilly Gardens and surrounds but will send
a photo when it is finished.
Fom Arnie an old but very proud Manchester born and bred Mancunian
The closure
of bus depots is an ongoing trend. There are simply less buses on the roads
than there were in the heyday of trams and buses from the 30's to the 60's.
Parrs Wood depot is Tesco supermarket - after a campaign by locals the clock
tower was retained. Where Birchfields Rd depot used to be is now a small retail
park, Salford Tramways Depot is now a housing development, but Regent Rd Depot
is still there though not in use. Queens Rd is the headquarters of FirstBus
and Hyde Rd depot is used by Stagecoach. I will keep an eye out for Birchfields
Rd depot and try to get some photos.
Subject:
MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL
From: FRANK PRIEST <frank.priest@ntlworld.com>
HI AIDAN I HAVE JUST FOUND YOUR REVIEW ON THE CANAL TRIP .IT TOOK ME RIGHT BACK
TO 1962/63 WHEN I WAS A DECK BOY ON THE S.S.MANCHESTER PROGRESS. MY FIRST TRIP
DOWN THE CANAL WAS MORE
LIKE A MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR. MASSIVE FLOATING PNEUMATIC GRAIN ELEVATORS, A FLOATING
DOCK!!! MILE AFTER MILE OF FACTORIES [PROBABLY LONG GONE.] I CAN REMEMBER MODE
WHEEL LOCKS, THE BARTON SWING BRIDGE, IRLAM LOCKS, LATCHFORD LOCKS, RUNCORN
LAY BY, THE DISUSED PARTINGTON COALING BASIN, NUMEROUS BRIDGES, STANLOW OIL
DOCKS AND EASTHAM LOCKS.
I LAST VISITEDTHE DOCKS IN 1983 TO TAKE SOME PHOTOS. I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT!!
NO SHIPS, JUST A DERELICT WASTELAND. THE ONLY PEOPLE WE SAW WERE THE POLICE
AS WE WENT IN, AND THE LOCK GATE STAFF AT MODE WHEEL.
THANKS FOR YOUR EXCELLENT ACCOUNT OF YOUR TRIP,.LOOKS LIKE I WILL HAVE TO DO
THE SAME. MY MEMORIES OF MANCHESTER ARE.....A GREAT CITY WITH GREAT PEOPLE.
BEST WISHES
FRANK PRIEST
I went on the
Ship Canal Cruise for a third time in September and as ever it was fascinating
and the time flew. I unreservedly recommend it to anyone! I love the bridges,
here's Latchford Locks and the high level railway bridge sadly disused but still
there!
Subject: Flixton Bridge
From: Syd. Bardsley <sydney.r.bardsley@ntlworld.com>
Hi Aidan,
I have only just discovered your website so I am sure that you must have had
many replies to your question about why the word 'Flixton' was chipped from
Flixton Bridge at the bottom of 'The Mile Road'.
However, if you haven't received an answer to your question, this is what happened.
I was a child growing up in Flixton during World War II. Early in the war the
Council removed all road signs and direction signs giving place names in case
of a German invasion. They even chipped away the more 'permanent' names like
the word 'Flixton' from the bridge over the Mersey. I enjoyed the website and
the photographs, especially the one of the 'New Curzon', I remember going to
the Saturday matinees there.
Keep up the good work, I will be a regular visitor to your site.
Regards,
Syd. Bardsley
That's bizarre
- You would think that if the Germans had ever invaded they would have had maps.
Thanks very much for explaining this one. You're the first person to contact
regarding this.
From: florencegrady <florencegrady@clear.net.nz>
Subject: Music
Hello Aidan,
I have just been reading your story on musical influence on your life. I thoroughly
enjoyed it, the pictures of yourself are excellent, and must admit you have
not changed a great deal, just got taller. The music I loved was skiffle Lonnie
Donegan Ken Colyer etc. I also had a great love of Frankie Lain. , I have heard
him sing 'And they called the wind Maria', not sure if you would be old enough
to remember him. Keep up the good nay very very good work.best wishes Florence.
Subject: Manchester Loop Line
From: Deirdre Berriman <d.berriman@mmu.ac.uk>
Priority: normal
Dear Sir I am a resident of Burnage and I walk my dogs along the Fallowfield/Levenshulme
part of the loop (which I enjoy very much). I was wondering if you knew how
I could get a route map as I would very much like to walk 'the distance' but
I 'd also like to know where I am whilst walking. I 've rang the ramblers association
and they could not help but I stumbled on you website (which is very interesting)
and wondered if you could help.
Regards
Mrs Deirdre Berriman
For all details
regarding the South Manchester Loop Line, please contact Costel Harnasz, the
chief Loop Line campaigner. His phone number is... Yes, the line should never
have been closed. If it was a Metrolink line, the city centre would be about
17 minutes away from Levenshulme and and 15 minutes Fallowfield, not a half
an hour bus ride in rush hour traffic.
Subject: Didsbury
Hi Aidan
Thanks for the photo of Fletcher Moss Gardens. I also enjoyed looking at your
other photos of Disbury, they brought back memories.
Cheers
Sylvia
Ah yes, Fletcher
Moss Gardens, I go there quite often, it's a wonderful place.
Subject: Eyewitness in Manchester
From: ItaOReilly@aol.com
Just to say how much I enjoy your website, I lived in Ardwick for many years
and was delighted to see such great photographs of well known places. Thank
you for giving much pleasure to us Mancunians.
Ita O'Reilly
It's nice to
know people appreciate my efforts!
Subject: Holts Brewery
From: NiftyWonderbug@aol.com
Hi Aidan. I 'm researching for an article on Holts Brewery for Family Tree magazine.
I would be so grateful if your readers could provide me with memories from earlier
days. What games were played in the pubs? Were there any memorable landlords,
or characters among the customers? Holts Pubs in the area include the Golden
Lion in Old Market Street, Blackley; the Blue Bell at Blackford Bridge, Bury;
Church Inn, 1 Gaskell Street, Newton Heath and the Eagle and Child, Higher Lane,
Whitefield. There were many more. What was the beer like? I 'm told it was -
and is the best. Any contributions used will be acknowledged in the article.
Mari Norman
Not so long
ago I remember drinking pints of Holts at a pub in Sale with my photographer
friend Mark Fildes. A pint cost 89p - This was around 1990. Holts breweries
are in Moss Side and Cheetham and they have made great contributions to hospitals
and cancer research.
Subject: Ardwick
From: Forcharless@aol.com
The pub that used to commemorate the place where Man City played (you have a
photograph taken just before demolition) was called the Hyde Road and had one
of the best Sunday football teams in the 1950's. The picture you showed of Dark
Lane reminded me of the school in the lane where as kids we renovated the basement
and turned it into an indoor football pitch in the mid 1950's. It had the most
unlikely Dickensian name of The Dark Lane Ragged School! No kidding! The name
was carved in stone above the main door.
Charles Smith
Charter Street
Ragged School is still going strong next to St Michael's Flags, now sadly bereft
of its flags. Thanks very much for your contribution, very interesting.
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Subject:
Old Manchester?
