I was born on May 27 1941 to Joan and Walter Bowbanks. Brother Melvyn was born in 1944 and Nick was born in 1952 at 82 Victoria Road, where we lived until 1956. Earliest recollections are V. E. night music and singing and Mr Lindsey dancing
and falling over the hedge with me in his arms.
Dad worked at Vickers Armstrong, later the Rustproof, and Webbs, what an awful smell that was, then Williams and Williams where they held such wonderful Christmas parties. Early recollections are taking the home made cart to No Nail boxes and with great glee collecting off cuts of wood to burn at night on the well blacked grate, and in October collecting for the bonfire held in the
middle of the road on the corner of Irvings Crescent, and mum buying Melvyn and I 2/6 worth of fireworks each.
About 1948 a young boy was killed on the High Street, and that's when it was decided to make a path through the fields directly leading to Wood Memorial School. Wood Memorial has only very happy memories for me. The infants school, where I was the princess who wanted the moon in the school play, and Gwynfryn Rolands giving me a large balloon telling me it was the moon.
Loving every minute in Mr Jonathon's class, and passing the 11 plus for Hawarden Grammar. There was a benefactor who lived in Australia, and for many years sent every child in the school honey and sultanas.
Then in 1951 the Festival of Britain. We fortunate children caught the bus to Chester, from where we
caught the train to London. What a day we had and a whole pound spending money. Sheer bliss.
School teachers: I remember Miss Faulkner, who would whack the boys on their knuckles with a thick paint brush and Miss Roberts, head mistress of the infants school, who went through the alphabet daily making us all shout loudly the sounds of each letter and forcing us to learn the tables parrot fashion, but we have never forgotten them.
Junior school. Of course Mrs Booth who taught us all to knit, and my favourite was Mr Jonathon who got me through the eleven plus and later became headmaster. Carnivals at Saltney were always the highlight of the year, and there was fierce competition between the Infants and the Junior schools when we all competed in country dancing. To be chosen to be the carnival queen was a great honour, and I was once a flower girl. I, like many girls of around 10, joined one of the local morris dancing troupe, the Revelles, and then later the Cottillions. The Brownies of course was the thing to join at about six years and later to be flown up into the guides.
When I look back we did have a wonderful childhood in Saltney, especially when my mum became an usherette at the Park Cinema, and Saturday morning watching Flash Gordon and Nyoka we had free lolly ice. Talking of which does anyone remember Mr Evans in Victoria Road, starting selling ices from his front door, and then went on to open the ice cream factory in Top Saltney? All super memories, I hope I have stirred some for you.
your comments
Veronica Thighe, Aurora, Colorado
Message for Fred Warne asking about Alan Thighe. Alan and I were married in England in 1975. We moved away that year first to Iran then to the US. He passed away in 1999. Our son Craig found this site and we would be happy to pass on any information to Fred. Alan was often in contact with the Saltney Historical Society and I have some of the books that were published.
Mon Jun 1 08:39:34 2009
Simon Brookes (Petersfield)
Message for Paul Savage. I have a relative called Eliza Foxhall who lived in Saltney in 1861. Any relative?
Tue Apr 14 10:30:34 2009
Colin Gregory from Rossett
It is wonderful remembering the Saltney of old and the people who lived there. I remember Clive Adams as well as his sister Valerie. A bunch of us would end up playing in his back garden, pretending to do all sorts of stuff that only kids could make sense of. (I think the Saltney smell affected all of us.) I still see Mickey Hughes And Tony Lavender occasionally. It is true that we were always outside playing if the weather was O.K. and often even if it wasn't! Fishing on the cop, bike rides to wherever, shooting, (where was Knighty then?) building go-carts, getting scrap wood from No-Nail boxes to build all sorts of things, swimming at Saltney Ferry and Ecclestone Ferry, going to play football in the field at the back of our house in Victoria Rd. And sometimes daring to play it in the Lache as well, which usually ended in a fight! Then as we grew older there was the brilliant youth club at the top of Ring Road. Ah! Good times.
Thu Mar 26 10:02:22 2009
Paul Savage, Jersey
Hi - I was born in 1948 in Cable street Saltney - part of the Foxall family. I can remember Cissy Morris coming into our street with her horse and cart to deliver the milk - me and my brother would be taken for a ride with her.
Mon Mar 16 08:49:11 2009
Thompson - Stevens
Hi Val- My daughter Dawn has put me in touch with the site. I have just read your comments. They were great days, I still miss Saltney even though I moved to Birkenhead in 1966. Still visit my sister May who still lives in Kynaston Drive. After meeting in the corner pin perhaps we could have a dance off with the top Saltney group (Revells). Bet we would still win!
Mon Jan 26 09:01:26 2009
Barbara Latham alias Jones, Gloucester
What a great article. I was born in Saltney and lived in Victoria Road then moved to Kynaston Drive in 1957. Does anybody remember Joe Lovatts the butchers shop?
Mon Jan 19 09:59:38 2009
Val Bowbanks Horton ref Saltney
To Dawn Mitchel/re Irene Stevens/Saltney 1940s. Hiya Dawn, I remember your mum very well from the Cottillions and the brownies. I have a couple of photos with her on. One of the cottilions 1956 the other brownies Saltney pack 1947/8.And David Hughes arrange a date for the corner pin, I know many would go just to talk about Saltney in 1940s/50s.
Mon Jan 19 09:59:12 2009
Catherine Feely, Manchester
What great stories! I am doing research on the diaries of Frank P. Forster who was born in Hawarden in 1910 and lived in Belgrave Ave, Saltney in the 1930s. Frank was a builders' labourer before WW2, and worked for various engineering companies in Chester during the war. He was involved in a number of left-wing groups and had strong political opinions. If anyone knew Frank and would be willing to talk to me about him, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Thu Jan 15 10:02:12 2009
Dawn Mitchell from Birkenhead
I am the daughter of Irene Stevens who was leader of the Cottillions morris dance troupe. She lived firstly in Bridge Street (the Stevens shop) then in Kynaston Drive. Moved to Birkenhead after marrying in 1966. Sisters May and Peggy. May still in Kynaston Drive. Talks fondly of Saltney, would love to hear from anyone who remembers her in particular Barbara Clarke.
Tue Jan 13 14:34:28 2009
Dave Hughes from Australia
Thanks Ray Gregory for letting me know about Mike 'the accordian player' Edwards. It's a while since I visited the site, but the memories are vivid. I'll be in Britain in August 2009, staying in Gwernaffield with my big sister Carole, and I hope I can get to meet up with some friends and neighbours from yesteryear. Perhaps a nostalgia night in the 'Corner Pin' where we can walk back in time and revisit the very good times of Saltney can be arranged. It would be great to catch up. I still remember the names of every family in Victoria Road in those days, and would be happy to recite them for a pint of mild and a packet of Smiths Crisps with the little blue twist bag of salt. You had to be there. It was fantastic.
Fri Dec 5 08:44:48 2008
Valerie Pryor (nee Adams) Upton.
My brother Clive Adams has put me on to this site and yes it does bring back some happy memories! A few years back we went to the Saltney 50 years celebration for the Secondary Modern. I now have a granddaughter who attends the same school. Her two brothers have now grown up and left home. Time sure does fly! I think it was Colin Gregory who was friendly with Clive. I have fond memories of them making a den in my Dad's back garden and somewhere I still have a photograph of them with rhubarb leaves held over their heads. At one time our dog (Pat) had a large collar fitted by the vet to stop him scratching a wound on his face. It was Dick Evans's daughter Pam who brought him home saying - 'Look what someone's put on your dog Mr. Adams'. She'd just spent ages taking it off for him - bless her. Pat was delighted! It's been great remembering old times and finding out where everyone is. Thanks a lot!
Wed Nov 19 08:38:56 2008
Ray Gregory, Broughton
Strange how Fred Warne drops in for a brief chat the same day as myself. I certainly remember you Fred. I remember you had a thing about Frank Sinatra. It was many, many years later that I too became a fan. You lived next door to my grandmother whose house was attached to the Corner Pin (Liverpool Arms). I have thought of you many times over the years, as you do, wondering where so and so is. The last I heard of your whereabouts was more than 30 years ago, someone told me that you had a public house in Shrewsbury. I now know that they got the Shrewsbury bit right at least. Fred, I only recognise three of the names you mentioned. John Salt, John (chimp) Chamberlain and Derek (Dinkum) Williams. Sadly John (chimp) is no longer with us. I would bump into chimp many times while stopping at the newsagents in Broughton. He was always full of it, never a dull moment, always making you laugh. Jeff Lloyd is just the same, forever making jokes. It would be nice to hear from you again. It's nice to hear from anyone we knew in those days. Best wishes to all. Ray
Thu Nov 6 08:42:04 2008
Fred Warne, Shrewsbury
Coincidence that I find this site on the same day as Ray Gregory (who I am sure is the same person I knew so well in the '40s and '50s) has posted a comment! Thank you, Valerie, for your original article which brings back many fond memories of Bridge Street, Victoria Road, Princess Street, Park Avenue, The Cop etc. Not been back for some while but have come across some photos on a site called Geograph (geograph.org.uk) including ones of The Corner Pin (what was its original name?) and the shops in Victoria Road. Recently made contact with Brenda Swift via Friends Reunited. Anyone remember Alan Thighe, Bill Williams, John Salt, John Chamberlain, Derek Williamson?
Wed Oct 29 08:17:56 2008
Ray Gregory (Sam), Broughton, Flintshire
Sorrry I made no comment earlier. I have only just been directed to the site by my youngest daughter. I too have many fond memories of life in Saltney and I certainly remember some of the names mentioned. I was born 1941 and lived in Victoria Rd, just a few doors up from Graham Roberts and Valerie Haughton and around the corner from David Hughes. Whenever I am in Saltney and bump into someone I know I am more often than not called by my nickname, Sam. Evans the ice cream man lived opposite. Some changes have taken place over the years but I wouldn't say a great deal has changed. I have lived in Broughton for the past 37 years but my children all went to Saltney school, St Davids as it is now known. For David in Australia, Mike Edwards is still squeezing that accordian. You can usually catch him of a weekend (in the summer) on Llandudno pier. A bit far for you to travel I know. Well here's to you all. Good health and God bless.
Tue Oct 28 10:08:01 2008
Albert Wells from Saltney
Hi, I would like to know if anyone has stories about the doctor's surgery before it was sweet shop on the High St, near Harold Clark who used to sell milk?
Mon Oct 27 09:08:46 2008
Paul Hughes from Bangkok, Thailand
I was born at 5, Elm Grove in August 1948. I still remember the ration books and the blackout curtains lying in my dad's shed. I always remember my Mum asking me to walk up to the top shops (meaning the top of Victoria Road) and every time I walked up there, two brothers Freddie and Ernie Jones used to try to pick a fight with me. The streets were quiet in those days. Anyone who had a car of any kind was regarded as middle class. Reg Bradshaw and his wife used to deliver fresh vegetables to your door daily. They had a big green van packed with lots of goodies. Mr. Knight was the village policeman on his bicycle (the best policeman in the world). He used to come to Wood Memorial School and give us lectures on road safety. Corona used to deliver your pop to the door. The pop bottles had the spring loaded tops, and rubber grummets to keep them well sealed. Dick Evans had the ice cream factory in top Saltney and Dave Hughes, and then later Gary Barnes used to ride the ice cream bike around Beechwood Road and Victoria Road ringing the bell to get your attention. I remember as teenagers we all used to hang around by the phone box at the beginning of Irving's Crescent. It was the old black type of phone, and you had to put four pennies in first, then dial the number then press button A. When you had finished your call you pressed button B to get your change back. Then there was Cornes' Chip Shop on the High street (the best chips in the world) wrapped in paper and smothered with salt and malt vinegar. Next door was Johnson's newspaper shop. I worked there for about three years delivering the papers right down to Saltney Ferry. I always remember a guy called Lenny Kent used to be the manager in there. He used to work like hell to make sure all the newspapers went out on time, night and morning.
Fri Jun 13 09:11:11 2008
Steve Derbyshire, Saltney.
Just reading all these articles must make people realise what a wonderful place Saltney was to grow up. As children very little of our social time would be spent indoors, it would either be kicking a ball about on the rec or social field or down the cop fishing failing that we would be off over the fields down the common all the way to Bretton woods in hope of adding to our egg collection (don't think it was illegal in those days). Characters in Saltney; Harry Morris, Sissy Morris both ran what you could at a push call small holdings and Sorrento who somehow always managed to get home and what about old Mrs Powell in the paper shop on the High Street? As for friendships, everyone seemed to get on. Chris Marshall and I must have covered miles on foot and bicycle in search of new fishing venues. The five a side tournaments on the social were always great and when we reached the ripe old age of about 13 most of us got jobs as van lads at the Country Maid and we were rich at last! Great times I will never forget.
Tue Jan 22 08:31:15 2008
Irene Anderson
Does anyone remember Mr Luggs Shop on Wood Street? Also, June Talmage, Betty, Reg, Doris and Sonia? Thank you.
Fri Jan 18 07:31:12 2008
Alan Bate, New Norfolk, Tasmania
I read Clare Mcleod's question regarding Edwards Greengrocers, that was my grandmother's shop. She was an amazing lady with 17 children. My mother, Rene, was the youngest and married my dad, Jack Bate, in 1947. He worked for the Rustproof which in those days was Massey Harris, later Massey Ferguson. I can remember running bets for one of the bookmakers who resided in the City Arms (also known as The Fighting Arms). I can vividly remember going to see Webbs factory where they rendered down animal carcasses, and seeing old men sitting around the render pits inhaling the fumes in the belief that it helped their respiratory problems. My granddad was a master decorator and I remember him telling me about working for the Duke of Westminster painting the constellations on the ceilings of the nursery at Eton Hall. He had an enormous painting at home, No 1 Wood St, of the charge of the Light Brigade. He told me that nobody got seriously hurt in the battle because all the soldiers were armed with in those days were inflated pigs' bladders on sticks. Years later I got into trouble at school for mentioning this irrefutable fact in a history test. The closest I ever came to bloody battle experience was every bonfire night when we had pitched battles with the kids from the Lache over who owned the bonfire wood. I remember one unfortunate kid losing an eye but it didn't seem to phase us. If anyone reads this and recognises me I would dearly love to find out about the following families: Tom and Lucy Hughes, The Ecclestones, Teddy Edwards Bill Edwards, and anyone who knew my mum and dad.
Mon Dec 10 09:24:40 2007
Clare Macleod, Oakenholt
Hi just wondered if anyone remembers Edwards the green grocers shop?
Fri Nov 2 10:03:47 2007
Valerie Bowbanks
Hello Graham Roberts. Well fancy you remembering me, I remember your mum and dad so well. Aunt Edie and uncle Robert. You lived at 78 next to Sunny Morton, and Pat. Remember sitting on your wall at the back of your house, and farmer Jones chasing us out of his field many times. We moved to West Bromwich 1956, much to my father's regret but never mind. Please let me know how you are getting on.
Mon Aug 20 12:21:14 2007
Valerie Horton, Stourbridge
Hiya Graham. What a surprise to hear from you. I did do a little message before but omitted my full name. Well auntie Edie and I think uncle Robert, and you all lived at no 78 Victoria Road. I remember you well Graham sitting on the wall separating you from Sunny and Pat Morton. Mrs Hughes, Mr Hughes, George and stepson Philip in between us, originally it was Barry Davies who went to live in Rhos. Do you remmber that tyre? It was some sort of tractor tyre, the hours we all spent jumping on it, until another child threw it in the cop. Sue and Chris Lindsay I have tried to find but to no avail and what happened to Graham Davies and Phillip Wooley? I am in regular contact with Bren Swift, who has lived in Germany for 30 years. Where do you live Graham, and what has life been like? I hope it's been happy.
Mon Aug 20 11:47:55 2007
Graham Robetrs
Hello Val... I would love you to contact me... I remember you all so well
Thu Aug 2 08:29:32 2007
David Hughes from Victoria Australia
What a great article, the memories came flooding back, names of people I knew, and the taste of Dick Evans Ice Cream cones, wafers and choc-ices. I used to ride the ice-cream bike around Saltney and had a big bell to ring to announce my arrival in the street. The local children used to help push the bike up the hill, and be rewarded with a cone. I used to go to Eccleston Ferry with my Dad, Bill Hughes, who sold Ice Cream for Dick Evans out of a van. My whole family worked in the Ice Cream Factory in Top Saltney, and my mum and me used to chop the Ice cream blocks and coat them in Chocolate for choc ices. Dick Evans and his wife Marge, were family friends and lived around the corner from us in Victoria Road, next to the Davies's and later moved to a bigger House in Hough Green. Gwynfryn Rowlands was a friend and we used to play 'grids' in Lime Grove, and 'kick the can' in Victoria Road. I was friends with Mike Edwards 'The Accordian Player', John Ball, Mike and Peter Cartwright, Ken Jones, Peter Ibell, Carole Turner, Jeff Willets, Jeff Lloyd, Viv Baynes, valerie Davies, Wendy Hughes, Betty Rowlands, and I knew lots of other people in Saltney including Brenda Swift. Such sweet memories, and Saltney was a great place to live, and grow up. It was all about community back then, and everyone looked out for each other. Ooh for the magic carpet to transport us to our childhood days, and the simplicity of push bikes, the sSltney rec, the glassworks, bonfires, and the innocence of it all. Regards to everyone who contributes to this website. David Hughes
Fri Jul 27 08:08:13 2007
Brenda Dunbar alias Swift, from Saltney
What a wonderful article. It brought back some very happy memories for me. And asking if anyone remembers Mr Evans Ice Cream, I fell out of the back of his ice cream van one evening as he was giving us a ride. Tank you Val for writing such an informative article.
Thu Jul 26 08:26:25 2007
We're not updating this page but we still want your stories so get in touch or go to Memoryshare.
