A FORMER Crosby resident who has relocated to Bristol has been sharing her fond memories of the area after a recent visit.

Crosby was the childhood home of Margaret Conlon in the 1940s and 1950s.

While on a visit back to the area in June, Margaret picked up a copy of the Crosby Herald and began reminiscing about her former hometown after reading our Memories feature on Central Buildings.

She said: “I recall choosing from Cannels – in 1957 – a special anniversary present for my parents.

“I have a lasting image of that silver tray, with its outstretched handles, perched on the sideboard waiting to slide into action whenever visitors came to tea.�

Margaret also remembers roller-skating past the shops on 36 to 42 Liverpool Road in her “young days�.

She added: “I remember a branch of the district bank.

“The building had a quaint but somehow ornate appearance, its name having been chiselled into the freestone above the windows.

“On the odd occasion I would accompany my father into the quietness of the small banking hall and wait.

“I watched as paperwork and money moved across the vast expanse of polished counter.

“Everyone seemed to speak in hushed tones – never knew why.�

Margaret spotted Frank Schofield’s sports shop in one of the pictures we printed, dubbing it “that Mecca of all things sporty�.

She added: “It was from there that I chose my first tennis racquet with its nylon strings – fairly innovative in 1952.�

Since leaving the area in 1960, Margaret has been on many summer holidays back to the area with her family as they grew up.

Margaret has shared her memories with them including her description of Crosby beach and how it was “years ago�.

She said: “In my mind’s eye, I can still see those concrete pyramids as we used to call them – scaled down versions of the real ones of course.

“They were dotted everywhere along the shoreline – some in groups, others poised at strange angles – part of the wartime coastal defences I understand.

“There’s a lot to be said for a journey back in time now and again and thanks to the Crosby Herald’s article, some of those stored memories from my youth resurfaced.�

Margaret is now asking Memories readers for their help in putting together a picture record for that era.

She would like copies of any photographs taken during the 1940s, in particular those of the roads and avenues in The Northern Road and Endbutt Lane vicinity.

If you can help Margaret, contact her at mail@designcoop.co.uk or comment here.

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