Social life in Saltney

Last updated: 03 June 2009

your comments

Frances Parker (now Johnson) from Kinnerton
I fondly remember living in Kinnerton and attenting St Davids Saltney. The enthusiastic preparation for eisteddfods at school, singing and music especially, have left me with many happy memories. I left Kinnerton in 1965 to come to Australia with mum, dad, sisters Hazel, Glenda and brother Philip. Hi to Sandra Edwards, remember our games of tennis before school? Our mums Flo and Olive were friends from Birkenhead. What happened to Pauline, Melita, Karleen from Park Avenue; also Vivien, Helen Roberts and the Kentons from Crompton Close? I work now as a graphic artist for a newspaper in Maitland, NSW. Wonder were my friends from school, Penelope Simpson, Valerie Prescot, Cynthia Smith are now. Seems like a lifetime away. I get quite homesick wondering where I would be if I were still living in Wales.
Tue Apr 7 13:20:13 2009

Julie Railton Northwich Cheshire
My dad, Tony Dunn (known as Fred), used to live on Kynaston Drive and played for a football team in Saltney in the early 60s. Does anybody remember him?
Tue Feb 17 09:22:16 2009

Tiffany
Not much to discuss socially but I was very sad to hear about St Matthews burning down last night. I was unfortunately away from Saltney last night and had to be informed by a fellow councillor. It's a shame this has happened and I hope they find out what happened soon.
Fri Dec 12 14:38:44 2008

Alan Bate, Tasmania
I just read Andy Thacker's contribution and although I don't remember you you are correct I did work for Ken Probert. I was with him from 1970 until 1980 and Alan Duckers was my assistant when I was parts manager at Saltney, I transferred to car sales in 1972.
Wed Dec 3 08:00:39 2008

Andy Thacker from Leeds
Searching for "Border Motors, Saltney" I found this site and some familiar names. I started my first job at Border, a Datsun & Citroen dealership, in March 1980 and my Parts Manager was Alan Duckers. The owner of Border Motors, Ken Probert, gave me my first interview for the job. The name Alan Bate jogged my memory and if I'm right Alan, weren't you a salesman at Border's Citroen showroom in Northgate Street in Chester? You mention Alan Duckers. Alan became involved with a motor factors, Premier Parts, setting up their Chester branch in October 1981. It was a success and carried on until they sold out to Quicks in 1996. I worked for Alan at Premier Parts for many years and for a while they had premises in River Lane so once again I was travelling to Saltney. This was when there was a Leos supermarket on the corner! We used to visit Bill's Butty Shop - still there?, Foden's Hardware shop and Saltney Auto Supplies. Whenever I go to Chester I always leave via Saltney as I'm facinated by the place. Ironically Premier Parts' head office was in Leeds where I am now based at university.
Fri Nov 21 09:51:37 2008

Mike Roberts in Manila
Sunny Saltney by the blue Dee...lived in St Marks Rd from age of 10 1957-69 and had the best childhood a kid could hope for. Fish n chips on the Cinema Hill, ice cream factory at the bottom of the hill, the bug hutch cinema, football on the "bowlie" every single day after school...great bunch of mates and not a care in the world. Time has brought quite a few unwanted cares but I shall always see my happiest days in "sunny Saltney" by the blue Dee (I will not mention Cluttons...I can STILL smell that bloody factory!).
Tue Nov 18 10:46:38 2008

Pat Gittins (nee Vincent)
Hi Valerie. Thanks for the message, nice of you to get in touch. I have seen the history books with my photos in. My husband is also in the first edition. I will remember you to my cousin Gillian who remembers you very well. Take care, Pat.
Mon Nov 17 08:38:10 2008

Valerie Horton nee Bowbanks
Hiya Pat Vincent, I remember you very well. Your cousin was Gillian Falkner, and she lived with her grandmother near the top of Victoria Road. You were quite friendly with Dilys Liversage. Have you seen the photos in the books released by the history society? You are in there acouple of times. Memories come flooding back, the older you get.
Fri Nov 7 08:09:23 2008

Pat Gittins (maiden name Vincent) + Fred Gittins -
Re message from Gillian Jones.
Nice to read about you and to hear you are doing so well. Do you remember being our bridesmaid on 19 July 1958? We have just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary - how old does that make us all feel!
We still live in Saltney. We have 3 children, all of whom are married. We have 5 grandchildren, the youngest is 13 and the oldest is 28. We knew your parents very well. It's been nice to read your message and to remember the old days.
Mon Oct 20 08:33:39 2008

Jennie
One of the people who worked on the Saltney Carnival was Linda Lawson who is still involved with the Community Centre. I know how much hard work it takes to organise an event like this. The committee responsible worked ALL YEAR to get it all together and it takes a lot of time, commitment and dedication too if Tiff is capable of organizing this event maybe she should get in touch with Mrs Lawson that would be a good starting point.
Tue Oct 7 10:06:44 2008

Cllr T J Elliott
I really AM keen to get Saltney back to how it should be, how people truly want it. It's a shame it's not been happening so far - so here I am, BEGGING YOU LOT to contact me! Come on people, you're commenting on here often enough - come and speak to me directly! I want people to approach me and my colleagues whenever convenient - as I said in my previous comment, please don't hesitate to contact me via the webteam, they've got my address. Come on - I got elected for you guys, get me working! Come to our meetings, ask us questions, get us working for you. I can't do anything if you don't tell me!
Wed Oct 1 14:50:35 2008

Saltney Girl
I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for the new Saltney councillors...
Sat Sep 27 10:07:07 2008

Tiff - Saltney Town Councillor
Hiya guys, I'm loving the responses to social life in Saltney - I'm really keen to get the summer carnival going again, it was indeed a must go to event and it'd really bring the life back to Saltney! Obviously, you have to be aware there is a lot of planning but hey, we're new councillors, we've got plenty of time to get it done! If you've got any suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact me via the webteam.
Mon Sep 15 08:55:19 2008

Welsh Gal, Saltney
As Tiff & Veronica are now both town councillors for Saltney & one being a County Councillor maybe they could think about starting up the Saltney festivals again. As I was involved in plenty of the festivals as a young age, they were very fun & a 'must go to'.
Mon Aug 4 14:24:52 2008

Saltney girl
Maybe Tiff and Veronica would like to organise the bringing back of Saltney Carnival. As they are both now Saltney town councillors they are in the perfect position to facilitate it.
Mon Jul 21 09:54:46 2008

Sandra Jones(nee Edwards), HR KINNERTON
I remember travelling to school on the old 'bone shaker' bus. St David's High School was half the size it was now. We 'Kinnertonians' missed out on a lot of school socialising. Have now moved back to Saltney, and see 'new' faces from the old days but now more 'mature'. Would love to hear from any one who might remember
Wed Jul 16 09:04:41 2008

Paul Hughes from Elm Grove
I was born in Saltney in 1948. I went to Wood Memorial School when Mr Blackwell was the headmaster. I remember Dave Hughes from Lime Grove who has written an email to this site and it brought back a lot of memories. The days in Saltney during the sixties were terrific. I used to organise the dances at the new youth club at the top of Ring Road. Before the new youth club was built we used to use the assembly hall in St David's High School. Mr Peters a PE teacher from Buckley was the main man there then. He was a brilliant guy who also used to coach the school soccer team. I went to Germany and played for the Flintshire Youth clubs team just after the World Cup in 1966. I am 59 now and I live in Thailand. I have been an English teacher for many years but I have now retired. I most probably will never ever see Saltney again. But the memories of the chip shop, Mr Tease the milkman, Colgate the grocers green bus, Bobby Hunt and Saltney Juniors soccer team, and Saltney schools will remain with me forever.
Tue Mar 25 10:03:50 2008

Alan Bate, Tasmania
I read with interest the note from Paul Duckers. His Dad Ken and my Dad Jack were very good mates for many years. They both worked for the Rustproof and I can vividly remember taking Paul, Ken and my old man to one of the works parties. Paul's older brother Alan worked for me for a while when I worked for Ken Probert at Border Motor Co. I think he then went on to establish his own successful business in Saltney.
Fri Feb 8 08:27:49 2008

Paul Duckers, Warrington, now Cardiff
"Ian, LacheI was brought up in Blacon but my dad worked at Saltney Engineering in the 70s. All I can remember are the Christmas parties they used to have for the workers' kids.I would love to hear from anyone who remembers going to them or anyone who worked with Ken Duckers.Wed Jul 4 15:50:20 2007" Ken Duckers is my dad. Ian you can contact me via this site.
Fri Feb 1 15:11:41 2008

Netty Evans (Willis) Saltney Ferry
One word CARNIVAL please bring this back. This was a brilliant day for all. I remember St Davids school field used to be packed with morris dancers, brass bands, every stall under the sun that you could imagine. Happy days. As a kid growing up in Saltney you was never bored, didn't have time. I have fond memories of Saltney and of the Lache. The Birch Royals morris dancers - we had a right laugh, winning many competitions. Every Saturday getting on the double decker travelling up and down the country. Just a little note for H, I know where your coming from, happy times at Sainties - brilliant teachers; Mr Weston, Mr Wood, Mrs Mason to name but a few. Too many good memories to list.
Mon Jan 28 08:41:06 2008

Roy Bebbington, Summerhill, near Wrexham
Talk about memory lane. I have just thoroughly enjoyed reading the comments on Saltney. I was born at 93 Victoria Road in 1953. I still go regularly to see my mum now but Saltney has changed almost beyond recognition. Some familiar names in the list - Pauline Molyneux big sister to one of the first beautiful women I had a mad crush on, Sue Molyneux. Between Sue and Viv Wylie I nearly lost all interest in football. What about Gill Jones, a tom boy as I recall from our childhood. What did she do with those Matchbox cars I swapped with her? It would be nice to think Saltney is still a nice place to live and as to the guy who didn't believe his dad had to get a boat across the river, well, he probably did. As a paper lad back in the very early '60s I had to stand many a morning on the steps of the ferry to wait for the ferryman to come and get the papers if it was raining. Dry weather I just shouted him and left them on the steps (where the footbridge now stands) but bad weather an extra soaking while he sailed across. Thank you to all the contributors for their stories - made my day.
Thu Jan 17 08:38:36 2008

Tony from Sussex
I moved from Sussex to Saltney in 1993 and moved to a brand new house on Boundry Lane, Saltney, and paid 52000 for it, what a bargain! You couldn't get a shed for that down south. Great people you northeners.
Thu Nov 22 09:02:53 2007

Alan Bate, Tasmania
I saw the note from Clare nee Eccleston. I am sure her dad was my uncle Brian. He was along distance lorry driver, his mum and dad lived opposite the Citroen garage which used to be an old school. My grandmother was a very well known Saltney identity she lived at 1 Wood St. Everyone called her Mrs Edwards, she had a shop at the same address. My dad married her youngest daughter Rene, he worked for Massey Ferguson. Brian Ecclestone's dad was a very good water polo player and I'm pretty certain he played internationally, his name was Wilf, his wife's name was Hilda. My uncle Teddy Edwards was also very well known and was for a while the local Saltney historian. I have many fond memories of my early childhood in Saltney, especially bonfire nights when we would have pitched battles with the kids from the Lache. Your uncles Kenny and Graham Ecclestone used to keep an eye on us, I remember Graham was a real tough nut. I would love to hear from any one who recognises my name. I have been in Aus now for over 30 years.
Wed Nov 21 09:24:31 2007

Steve Howe, Hoole, Chester
As part of my attempt to track down and record the lost pubs of Chester and district, I would like to learn something of those Saltney hostelries that have vanished over the years for inclusion on my website - chesterwalls.info/oldpubs.html - your contributions, pictures and reminisciences would be greatly appreciated!
Fri Oct 5 08:44:07 2007

Veronica
I agree with Tiff and Kevin, it would be great to see the community centre and playing fields used again to support our area, this I am sure will help rebuild and strengthen the community spirit and help rekindle a pride and respect within our community and create a strong heart within Saltney. Violet Bostock used to tell me all about the good old days and she should know as her family go all the way back to Hope Place from 1792 and she was born on Sandy Lane in 1902 and never left.
Mon Sep 10 14:56:07 2007

Janet Woodall, Perth, Western Australia
I spent many years in the Saltney morris dancers - the Delwyns, with the coach Auntie Mo, and the Fennys and auntie Jean (no one was related). It was a great time, and all the families got involved in fund raising, support, and the carnivals. Would love to see any photos from the late 70's early 80's of the Delwyns. Even earlier - I remember visiting my late nan & grandad (Len & Gladys Robinson) in Vicky Road, and Mr Bradshaw with his mobile grocers. I remember the silver jubilee street party celebrations at Saltney Ferry, and the delerelict building by the Saltney Ferry bridge - which all the kids claimed was haunted. Brownies & guides at Saltney Ferry Scout Hut & play schemes during school holidays. My first job was at Leo's supermarket, before joining Barclays, Saltney, as a jnr in '84.
Tue May 8 10:20:15 2007

Gillian Jones
I was born and brought up in Victoria Road, Saltney. Like Doris, my late mother, Saltney 'born and bred'. It's 30 years since I lived there though many of my relatives still do. Saltney was an extraordinary place to grown up. Most of my memories are from the 60s: Mr Blackwell, head of Wood Memorial Primary school, lecturing us at the end of each term about the dangers of the 3 R's! He meant the road, the river and the railway! Certainly the sense of community was outstanding and made life that was materially quite poor very rich. Now, as I writer, I still use my Saltney background. I mention it in my books when I can. I wrote a story called 'Magic' for BBC Radio 4 that even mentions 'Finny' Adams the fishmonger.
Mon Mar 12 08:22:06 2007

Pauline Hickey (nee Molyneux)
I lived at 9 River Lane from 1947 until 1953 with my Mum and Dad, Bill and Gwen Molyneux, and my sisters Margaret and Susan plus David, who came along later. We then moved to Victoria Road and later to Mainwaring Drive. Our next door neighbours in River Lane were the Phillips - Ivy and Jim and their children Carol, David, Janet and Tony and Kevin. The Bennetts and Wildings also lived in River Lane and the pub at the top was owned by my Dad's Cousin (? Price). My Uncle and Aunty, Cyril and Ann Lloyd, lived on the High Street with my cousins, Maurice, Dorothy, Dennis and Richard. They ran the local coal business for many years. I can still remember Mr Teece selling milk from a horse and cart and also going to collect our own milk from the diary at the back of the pub, it was scooped out of the churn into a large metal jug. We had a very small 9" Bush television and all the neighbours crowded into our small house to watch the Coronation. I have many mnore memories, more than can be listed here.
Mon Feb 19 12:09:41 2007

Valerie Bowbanks now live in Stourbridge, West Mid
Hiya, David Hughes from Lime Grove. I lived in Victoria Road and have lots of memories of Saltney. I went to Wood Mem school, and Hawarden Grammar. If you give me your email address I will send you copies of some old photos. Val
Mon Jan 8 09:46:35 2007

Tiff, Saltney
I'm 19 years old and I've lived in Sandy Lane all my life and you know what? I wish it had half the character it used to in the 'old days'. I love Saltney, it's a lovely place to live, everyone is very friendly on my road and I have the most lovely view of the Welsh hills, but it's missing the proper community spirit it used to have. I remember the carnivals for the last couple of years that they did them, and I really enjoyed standing outside watching everyone go past my house in their full carnival outfits. I also remember when the back field behind the community centre became awash with people playing on the funfair games and riding on the merry go round. I miss that! Why can't we still do it?
Thu Dec 28 10:05:14 2006

Doreen Lawley, now Stafford
I am now 75 and have wonderful memories of Saltney. I could write a book about it when I get time with my other writing. I will remember the rag and bone man with his gold fish. The fish man from Parkgate came to Saltney station. All the best with this site, enjoyable.
Mon Dec 11 09:22:54 2006

Saltney, Chester
The company I work for occupies the top floor of what used to be The Park picture house in Saltney, which has now been converted into offices. We thought the history of this building was really interesting and we would like to obtain a photo of the cinema in its heyday so that we can frame it and put it on the wall of our meeting room. Does anyone have any pictures of this building from 1920s - 1950s? If so, please get in touch. I can only find one on the internet and it is not very clear. Thanks for you help.
Wed Dec 6 13:40:05 2006

Vic Bowkett from Chester
I worked as a HGV driver for No-nail in the very early 70s and at Edge Tpt. I lived in Victoria Rd and drank at the Corner Pin and the Social. Thanks for the site. Many good friends and memories remembered.
Wed Dec 6 09:31:04 2006

Dave Hughes from Lime Grove
I lived at Lime Grove off Victoria Road from 1949 to 1970, and still have very strong memories of Saltney. Two chippies that I frequented were Fred Price's and Cornes on High Street. We used to buy scrumps, and scollops, and eat them drowned in vinegar. Cornes's had a back room with tables and chairs and a few of us used to go in there and see who could toss the most chips into the lamp shade which hung in the middle of the room. It was a hoot then but politically incorrect these days. I went to St Anthony's school and we were called caffocks by our arch enemies at Wood Memorial. I remember the big street party we had for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth, and the coronation mugs we were given. I was 7 then. Some of the games we played as kids were grids (football with a tennis ball, using grids as goals), Kick the Can, Cricket - using rolled up newspapers as pads. The best times though were when we went to the Rec in Park Avenue. I rember that the slide was made of steel and the steps had the name 'Kettering' on them. Other factories I remember were No Nail Boxes, Rustproof Windows, The Glassworks, Cluttons Abbatoirs and The Chainworks. Then there were the Saltney characters - Who will forget 'Sorrento', walking down the aisle at St Anthony's Christmas Midnight Mass, shouting that "Time and Tide wait for no Man". Or Fred Morris who had a 'run-down' farm near the railway; or Mr Knight, the best bobby who ever rode a bike; or 'Knocker' who played dominoes in the 'Corner Pin' and got his nickname from always 'knocking' when it was his turn to play; or Reg Bradshaw who sold vegetables from a van. They were great times, and great memories. I've lived in Australia for 34 years, and have visited Saltney several times since, but now at 61, I'm not sure I'll return again. But, I have my memories, and as they say...you can take the boy out of Saltney, but you can't take Saltney out of the boy. I don't know Ron Reynolds, but thanks Ron, for the website.
Mon Jul 17 10:05:48 2006

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