Issue No 36 Winter 2014 - 15£2.00

Sharing Salford’s fantastic story

Join us in celebrating Salford Past and Present QUITE A VARIED COLLECTION FOR OUR WINTER ISSUE! From Ordsall to Cadishead we take a wide-ranging look across our City from the impact of Victorian industries on our surroundings to Peel Park and Chapel Street in the post-modern age. We also look back at Salford Museum and Art Gallery a century ago.

Useful contactsJohn SculleyHead of Museums, Heritage and Arts Development0161 778 0816

Peter TurnerCollections Assistant 0161 778 0809

Amy GoodwinExhibitions Officer0161 778 0883

Peter OgilvieCollections Manager0161 778 0825

Ceri HorrocksHeritage Development Officer (Learning)0161 778 0820

Amy WhiteheadLearning OfficerOrdsall Hall0161 686 7442

Luisa NeilLearning OfficerSalford Museum0161 778 0821

Naomi LewisOutreach Officer0161 778 0881

Jennifer DohertyWorld War One Co-ordinator0161 778 0801

Liz McNabb Ordsall Hall Manager0161 686 7446

Caroline StorrHeritage Development Manager 0161 686 7446

David PottsVolunteer and Training Manager0161 686 7445

Lindsay BerryHead Gardener and Trainer0161 872 0251

Amy SenoglesSales and Catering Manager0161 778 0818

Kellie BrownMarketing Officer0161 778 0819

Duncan McCormickSalford Local History Librarian0161 778 0814

Salford Museum & Art Gallery0161 778 0800

Ordsall Hall0161 872 0251

Useful websites

www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/culture – for all museum and culture related topics

www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/culture/whats-on – find out about concerts, walks, talks and other events in Salford

www.wcml.org.uk – website for Working Class Movement Library

www.visitsalford.info – what to do, where to stay and what to see in Salford

EditorialWelcome to the 2014/15, Winter edition of LifeTimes Link.

“The falling leaves drift by the windowThe autumn leaves of red and gold … “ [as sung by Frank Sinatra, Eric Clapton and Eva Cassidy]

I’m sitting in the Local History Library in Salford Museum and Art Gallerywatching the leaves spiralling to the ground in Peel Park and considering what has happened since the last edition of LifeTimes Link was published when the spring flowers were blooming. Much has occurred. Our World War One activities co-ordinator, Jenny Doherty, began work on a 2-day week basis in June. Her 2 year post is supported by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant which was promoted by the Friends of Salford Museums’ Association. Jenny is spending a good deal of her time meeting individuals and groups who have ideas for, or have already started preparing, activities connected with WWI. Supported by an existing working party, Jenny, who knows the City well, will also plan training sessions and give details of small amounts of funding for groups to advertise and promote their ideas.

The last edition of The Link was well received. The inclusion of subscription forms resulted in increased sales, but we can still do more. Similarly, the form we included for Friends of Salford Museumsbrought in two dozen new members. This is encouraging, but in a City the size of Salford I feel we should be able to nudge that number above the three figure mark. Consider that the Harris Museum in the City of Preston has 300 Friends. If you are not already a member of the Salford Friends, please take out a £10 subscription. Similarly, a year’s subscription to The Link costs just £6.

Once again, Philip and I have included here a mixture of articles concerning Salford’s heritage. Feedback suggests readers enjoy reminiscence-style articles alongside researched historical accounts. Do put on your thinking caps and submit your recollections of yesteryear in

Salford, be they of school-days, homes, families, shops, church or social activities.

The Local History Library itself made history during the summer, when it played a part in a storyline in “Coronation Street”. Filming took place over a couple of days. The café at Salford Museum and Art Gallery did a roaring trade and some of the programme’s main characters were happy to sign autographs and pose for photographs.

Seventy-six years ago, on 25th November, in Hope Hospital, Eccles Old Road, Salford, a baby girl was born. Before she had left her teens that girl, Sheila (later Shelagh) Delaney was to write a script that would send seismic shocks through the world of drama. Her play, “A Taste of Honey” used themes and language that revolutionised her genre. To mark her contribution to Salford’s cultural heritage, 25th November has been designated as Shelagh Delaney Day in the City. “Sweetly Sings Delaney” is John Harding’s thoroughly researched, historically grounded account of Delaney’s work between 1958 and 68. As the “blurb” states: “Delaney’s work scandalised her home city of Salford but established her as one of the country’s most original and exhilarating young playwrights during a period in theatre history when women writers were rare and acceptance hard to achieve.” If you have not found Harding’s work yet, seek it out. It is a good read.

“A good read” is what we hope you will find within these pages. Thank you to all who have contributed and to the staff at Salford Museum and Art Gallery and Ordsall Hall for their continuing support and encouragement.

Do let us know your thoughts and ideas. In the meantime, the leaves continue to fall and the lawn accumulates a carpet of copper and vermillion.

Please keep your contributions coming in!

Philip HeyesDon Rainger

Joint editors

WHY NOT JOIN THE FRIENDS OF SALFORD MUSEUMS?The Friends were formed over 50 years ago and have since then been at the heart of supporting both the Museum and Art Gallery and Ordsall Hall. We warmly welcome new members.

To join the Friends, please complete the enclosed application form and send with stamped addressed envelope to The Treasurer, F.S.M.A., Salford Museum & Art Gallery, Peel Park, Crescent, SALFORD M5 4WU. Annual Subscription £10 per member.

To find more details about the Friends, and what they do, please go to their Website:www.FriendsofSalfordMuseums.org

Page 4 Back to the Future-- in Peel ParkDavid Greenfield

Page 5 You WriteLetters from contributors

Page 6-7Ordsall Hall Allotments in the 40s & 50sJim Bottomley

Page 8-9 “The Way we were” - the Museum in 1913.Don Rainger

Page 10-11The Museum and Libraries in WartimeDon Rainger on the war years 1914–19

Page 11“Walkden Yard”A D George reviews A Davies’ recent book

Page 12-13Collections CornerPeter Turner on recent Museum acquisitions

Page 14The Wall Must Be Rebuilt! A Chapel St storyJen Wu

Page 15Kinder McDonald – the story of a local firm. Debbie Yates, Irlam & Cadishead LHS

Page 16-17Jack Trenbath – a soldier’s letters Part 2Paul Hassall

Page 18-19Elderly at 14!Don Rainger

Page 19Photo from the past The Friends’ Carol Concert, 1965

Page 20-21Link Listings

Page 22Mystery Pix

Page 23Local History Round Up

ContentsChristmas atSalford HeritageSeasonal s for all ages

SALFORD MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

Victorian ChristmasSat 29th and Sun 30th November12:00 – 4:00pm

Come and begin your Christmas festivities at Salford Museum. Meet Father Christmas, hear festive music in our Victorian Gallery and enjoy some seasonal refreshments in our café! With a Christmas quiz and craft activities for our younger visitors, there really is something for all the family! (£3.50 per child to see Father Christmas.)

ORDSALL HALL

Father Christmas at Ordsall HallSunday 7th and 14th December 1:00 - 4:00pm / £3.50

Come and meet Father Christmas in his grotto at Ordsall Hall and receive a gift.

Christmas ConcertSunday 14th December2:00 - 3:30pm

Listen to the festive sounds of talented Salford school children as they perform yuletide classics in the stunning Great Hall.

Enjoy home-made mulled cider and mince pies from the Ordsall Hall café to mark the occasion!

2015 Half Term & Easter Holidays at Salford HeritageWe always have fun during theholidays at Ordsall Hall and Salford Museum and Art Gallery.

2015 WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

As well as activities for children we also have a range of workshops and classes for adults – a great chance to learn a new skill in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

For both school holiday activities and workshops and classes and to find out what we’ve got coming up - visit our website: www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/cultureLook in the ‘what’s on’ section

LifeTimes Link subscriptionsWhy not subscribe to LifeTimes Link either for yourself or as a gift for a loved one? UK subscriptions cost £6 for one year and include two editions posted direct to your door.

If you require further information please go to www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/culture/salford-museum-and-art-gallery/lifetimes/lifetimes-link-magazine or call 0161 778 0818 for more details.

Basic large print versions of this magazine are available Ring 0161 778 0800

ContributionsSend your letters, articles and copies of photographs to: The Editor, LifeTimes Link, F.S.M.A., Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park, Crescent, Salford, M5 4WU

Joint Editor email: Jphilipheyes@aol.com

The deadline for items for the next issue (Summer Issue May 2015) is Friday 20th March 2015

Please note: we cannot accept any responsibility for the loss or damage to contributor’s material in the post. We cannot guarantee publication of your material and we reserve the right to edit any contributions we do use.

FINDING US ON-LINE

And accessing BACK NUMBERS of LifeTimes Link

Go to Salford Museum’s Website:www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/culture/salford-museum-and-art-gallery and follow the links to LifeTimes and from there to LifeTimes Link Magazine.

If the LifeTimes Link issue you require isn’t available to download please email lifetimes@scll.co.uk or call 0161 778 0813.

Print copies of most back numbers are still in stock – price £2 each.

OUR FRONT COVEREnjoying her work! A female textile worker tends her machine at Richard Haworth’s Mill, Ordsall Lane, Salford. Jim Bottomley’s article in this issue describes how this Mill overshadowed life in that part of the world.

Source, Salford Local History Library.

“Back to the Future” - in Peel Parkby David Greenfield, Principal Planner, Salford City Council

The Council is also proposing to bring the statue of Sir Robert Peel back to the park from his current home in Gawthorpe Hall and to restore the fountain and other features.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF PEEL PARK

See their website: www.friendsofpeelpark.co.uk

Or contact the secretary:Roger Baldry, c/o Humphrey Booth Learning Centre,Heath Ave, Salford M7 1NYThe Council’s website for the park will be updated as proposals develop:www.salford.gov.uk/peelpark.htm

PEEL PARK IN SALFORD IS ONE OF THE UK’S EARLIEST PARKS OPEN TO ALL CLASSES AND WITHOUT CHARGE.

By the end of the nineteenth century the park had for over 50 years been Salford’ main civic space with circular flower beds, a bandstand for concerts, ponds, fountains, bowling greens and pavilions. It was the place for events and for promenading. From the 1950s the role of the park declined. In spite of the building of the University of Salford on its edge, the park became lonely and underused.

In 2013 Salford City Council and the University of Salford decided to reverse this decline. The aim was to create an attractive, well used park for 21st century living; a place for enjoyment and reflection, a source of local pride. Local people set up a Friends Group chaired by Canon Andy Salmon and they have been closely involved with the development of proposals.

An initial bid to cover preparatory work was made to the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2013 under the “Parks for People” scheme. A second, more detailed bid will be submitted to HLF early next year. The grant being sought is to fund a programme of improvements and activities between 2015 and 2020. However, work will start this year with the reopening of the Irwell Bridge and improvements to the riverside path to open up views of the Park and the Irwell.

If the bid is successful, a Park Keeper will once again be based in the park. As well as keeping an eye on the park, he or she will manage a range of activities including the “Peel Back” programme looking at its history. Events from its past will be told through traditional means and on-line. The structure of the park will be restored to its 1890s condition, opening up views by woodland management, improvements to the play area and a new performance space.

The Park in the 1890s. Salford Local History Library.

Flower Beds, admirers and Park Keeper – Peel Park in the 1890s. Salford Local History Library.

The park in the 1950s. Salford Local History Library.

You Write

Chris Dillon, who now lives in New South Wales tells us how his memories of life around High Street and Clarendon Road were awakened by reading a back number of The Link. He still tries to bring Salford of yesteryear to life in his paintings:

I read your edition [Issue No 19: May – October 2006] of LifeTimes Link with interest, and I connected with many of the facts in reference to Salford.

The article by Dennis Hope, titled Salford to Queensland via Lancaster was of particular interest to me, as, like Dennis, I went to Tootal Road Mod.sec School and recognized some of his teachers. I was born in 1933. And like Dennis I attended the art college at Peel Park, where L. S. Lowry used to drop in to advise and comment on the students’ work. I met him on a number of occasions. This week-end I will be exhibiting some paintings of my early childhood memories, one of which has a similarity to Dennis Hope’s evacuation to Lancaster. My painting shows the kids on the railway platform with destination tags and gasmasks. I had trouble breathing through my mask, and it was later revealed that thousands of masks were faulty, as the filter had been fitted upside-down.

I lived in Joseph Street, which no longer exists. It was off Liverpool Street and Clarendon Road. One article in your edition refers to a pawn shop in Clarendon Road, and to my knowledge there wasn’t one in that road. It was on nearby High Street, off Fitzwarren Street, opposite the Priory pub, which is also (now) non-existent. The pawn shop was owned by a Mr Hill and I frequented the place each week to pawn my father’s suit. This is also a subject for one of my paintings.

Other paintings include Bella, the knocker-upper, Donkey-stoning the step, the Rag and Bone Man, the Chimney Sweep, etc. All depicting life in the 1930s in Salford.

If you’d like to tell a story, share memories or ask “Where are they now?” send your letters to the Editor – full details on Page 3.

Hill’s Pawnbrokers on High Street, “Hanky Park”, during the filming of Love on the Dole in 1941.Walter Greenwood in dark hat and gabardine strides out, Salford Local History Library.

Judith Redfern, one of our regular subscribers wrote in:

I am a new member of FSMA but have received the LifeTimes mag by post for many, many years.

So this comment is NOT in direct reference to the FSMA taking over editorship. It’s that what I liked most about the magazine was the everyday stories sent in by readers. Either about their lives growing up in Salford or a relative/ancestor or particular place they had fond memories about etc., photos too sent in for submission.

These last couple of years they have been sadly missing and in my view, the LifeTimes mag has suffered. I think if I’m not mistaken you can still access old issues of Life Times online and I think you’ll see what I mean.

Hope you’ll take this as constructive criticism and not moaning.

Editor responds:First, a word of thanks to all those who keep sending in their memories and photographs to The Link and which I’m sure have brought interest and pleasure to many readers.

The LifeTimes Project was conceived in 1999 as a way of recording and preserving the collective memories of Salford citizens, particularly over the earlier years of the 20th Century, and enabling Salfordians to share these. Salford has a rich heritage, both industrial and cultural, and we are continually seeking to bring more of this together. So please keep sending us your contributions and photographs! Only if we share these can we bring the past to life.

PH

Yes, you can indeed look out back numbers of the Link on the Salford Community Leisure website: salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/culture/salford-museum-and-art-gallery/lifetimes lifetimes-link-magazine also by contacting the Museum on 0161 778 0813.

My recollections of the Ordsall allotments in the 1940s and 1950sJIM BOTTOMLEY In about 1950 Dad had a dream come true when he received news that an allotment at Ordsall Hall had become available. I think that he had been on the waiting list for quite a while, and this gave him the opportunity to enjoy gardening, a rare pastime in Ordsall, where even grass was grown behind railings in Ordsall Park.

His passion for growing vegetation began years earlier when in his late teens he took a job working at a nursery in a posher corner of Salford. The allotment now took up much of his spare time after work in the lighter evenings and weekends, and I would join him occasionally, although my enthusiasm was somewhat less than Dad’s.

Dad’s plot was about 15 yards by 10 yards, or maybe slightly bigger. It had a water well in one corner (as all plots had) covered by planks of wood, which were not always replaced after a watering session, giving rise to dangers of falling in one. I’m not sure if the wells were self-filling with rainwater or whether they were sunken oil drums which were filled by hose. The plot’s position was a middle one next to the Ordsall Lane wall, in the morning shadow of one of Dickie Haworth’s cotton mills.

Why and when these allotments were established I am not so sure. I can only speculate that because only a few years earlier, the nation was encouraged to “Dig for Victory”, the then owners saw an opportunity for such a purpose, thereby escaping maintenance. The grounds were sandwiched between the run-down Hall and Ordsall Lane, across from the cotton mills. A high brick wall kept it private from Ordsall Lane and Rixton Street. Entry was via a door in the Rixton Street wall.

The Ordsall Lane wall abutted the end house of a short terrace of 5 or 6 houses which ended at Guy Fawkes Street. The end house was one that I would frequently visit. It was occupied by Fred Hopman and his family. Fred was a fellow drinker with my Dad at “The Nelson” just a short distance down the Lane. More importantly, he was the agent for the football pools, so that when Dad was late handing his coupon in, which was often, I had to run with it to Fred’s before the Friday evening deadline.

The gaunt, multi-storied cotton mill dominated the whole area, its soot-blackened walls had rows of windows on all floors, each allowing a weak yellow light to escape through the mucky glass.

In later life I would accompany my Dad to the local pub in Stretford for a game of Dominoes and where a group of us would spend Friday evenings playing with 9-spot dominoes. In those games the double nIne was referred to as “Dickie ‘aworth’s Winders (windows)”, and now, on reflection, it is obvious why it was.

In the uppermost pane of each casement was an extractor fan blowing streamers of stubbornly attached flock and humming with a constant noise, which, I am sure, would have driven me mad if I had lived across the way like Fred and his neighbours did.

Across the allotments on the western boundary was Ordsall Hall itself, then much neglected and surrounded by the urban products of the Industrial Revolution. I thought it a very spooky building, again blackened by Ordsall soot with off-white panels and leaded lights which, although more accessible than Dickie Haworth’s windows, suffered the same lack of cleaning. The remaining grounds were a tangle of overgrown shrubs and brambles, and as far as I can recall the building was only used for storage. Today, I have a vague recollection of attending a pantomime there, but it could have been at St Cyp’s (Cyprian’s) next door. Tales of Guy Fawkes’ ghost haunting didn’t engender a fondness for Ordsall Hall.

Ordsall Hall, entrance from Taylorson Street in the 1950s. This gives an idea of the wall around the allotments which Jim Bottomley mentions in his article. “St Cyps” can be glimpsed on the left. Salford Local History Library.

Thankfully, years later, somebody recognized that Salford had a hidden though neglected gem, and it has since been lovingly restored to become the Salford treasure we see today.

Although the high walls were supposed to be a deterrent against trespassing, in Ordsall high walls were seen as a challenge to the local kids. I can vouch for this because the walls around St Clements school yard were a constant

challenge to me and my pals from a very early age, as were the walls and cellars of Dock Mission. No harm was being done.

Had I lived nearer to Ordsall Hall, I too would have used the allotments as an adventure playground, an alternative to getting on a bus to Stretford Meadows, or Worsley Woods. Unfortunately, after their adventure, the local kids would take a prize home, such as a cabbage or cauliflower, which was disappointing for the growers who had put so much effort into their work.

To minimize their losses, the allotment holders tried to arrange for somebody always to be working there during daylight hours. This fell mainly to the retired, but, like crows in a cherry orchard, the kids always got a good percentage.

Dad got around the problem by “going underground”. Instead of growing vegetables that were easily recognized as those normally seen in a greengrocer’s, he grew root vegetables like potatoes, carrots and beetroot, the tops of which would not be recognized as different from flower foliage by urban “wall-challenged” kids.

Dad’s enthusiasm never waned; it was bruised a few times, but, being a grower that was to be expected; mother nature can be the cruellest antagonist.

Unlike other tenants, Dad took most of his implements home. He must have looked a bit out of place carrying his spade and fork through Ordsall Park each evening! Many fellow gardeners kept their tools in locked sheds. I cannot imagine why anyone in Ordsall would want to pinch a garden fork. What would they use it for? He did keep some things in a locker, like his watering can. I was glad about that, what would he have looked like carrying that across the Park as well !!

Imagine having your back to Ordsall Lane with the cotton mill towering above it. Ignore the hum of the fans and the engine powering the looms. Ignore the smell of timber or corn drifting over from the docks. Blinker your eyes from the slate roofs of the neighbouring streets, and you have a green oasis in a Tudor setting. Idyllic!

In 1954 we left Salford much against my wishes, to take residence in Stretford. Dad now had his own garden, over twice the size of the allotment plot where he laboured with loving care for many years.

Relinquishing the allotment tenancy, Dad gave another Ordsall resident opportunity to have a dream come true.

I don’t know how much longer the allotments continued for. The last time I travelled down Ordsall Lane, the mill had gone, the Victorian terraced houses had gone, even the docks had gone. That one-time plot of pleasure for so many is now part of a well-manicured lawn, a fine frontage to the now elegant Ordsall Hall.

When at school, I learned how important bees are in the propagation of plant life. What could possibly have induced a bee to cross a plant-less urban expanse to collect pollen and hence pollinate plants, in a small area of allotments. Such is the wonder of nature!

Jim Bottomley

Children playing in an Ordsall park, no date – Salford Museum Digital Salford collection

“The Nelson” Pub on Ordsall Lane – the late Neil Richardson, taken from Pubs of Manchester Website

West flank of Ordsall Hall. “Dickie” Haworth’s Mills loom in the background. Salford Local History Library.

WHAT THE MUSEUM WAS DOING 100 YEARS AGOA REPORT OF THE TIME CASTS AN INTERESTING LIGHT ON “THE WAY WE WERE”

by Don Rainger

Museum Entrance, Peel Park, Courtesy of Salford Local History Library

From the Reporter for the County Borough of Salford published 28th March, 1914:

John Heywood Ltd, Excelsior Printing and Bookbinding works, Manchester had just published the 65th Annual Report of the Museum, Libraries and Parks committee. It covered the 12 months ending 31st October 1913.

It was reported that during the year numerous interesting objects had been added to the collection. A new section had been established devoted to furniture, wood carving and domestic metalwork, and this had been amply justified by the interest which had been awakened. Coloured casts and wood carvings, purchased the previous year and which in appearance so closely resembled the originals in the V & A Museum were said to be of direct practical value to the designer, architect, builder, craftsman and amateur carver. The committee had added a varied collection of original carved wood mouldings from cornices, skirtings, shutters, fireplaces and architraves in English houses from the 17th and 18th centuries.

A satisfactory start had been made to forming a collection of domestic furniture typical of different periods and styles including three chairs of the late Stuart period, a Jacobean Derbyshire oak settee and a fine carved oak Jacobean bible-box. The committee was indebted to the Board of Education and authorities of the V & A for the grant of half the cost of these items.

Portraits of Sir Robert Peel by Sir Thomas Lawrence, PRA, and Lawrence Stern, by Thomas Gainsborough, RA, had been loaned to Bury Art Gallery. During the past 10 years 26 Salford pictures had been borrowed by 18 venues across the country.

Two important changes had been made from the custom of recent years (1) by permitting visitors to take into the museum their sticks and umbrellas and (2) by throwing the building open on Fridays as on other weekdays. The results had completely justified these steps. Visitors had shown a gratifying care of the exhibits and their numbers as recorded by the turnstile had increased from 62,652 in the previous year to 106,697. Fridays alone accounted for an extra 8,636 persons. Also through the kind co-operation of the education authorities, it had been widely made known that visits of well-behaved children were always welcomed. It was concluded that the “steadily growing attractiveness and usefulness of the museum in the intellectual cultivation and enlightenment of the people and the increased pleasure this brought into their daily life, accounted in no small measure for the large number of persons who now enter the door.”

by Don Rainger

How visitor numbers have grownThe Museum and Art Gallery had opened in April 1850. In that truncated year it welcomed 160,000 visitors on 129 days (daily average 1,240). It was enlarged the following year and 276,500 people attended on 188 days (1,465). The collections increased in 1852 and 303,140 visitors over 200 days gave an average of 1,520. The Museum was enlarged again the following year and 448,220 visitors on 260 days raised the daily average to 1,720. Even better was to come in 1856 with the opening of the South Wing. Although open 19 fewer days a total of just over 580,000 gave an average of 2,408 per day.

In 1857 a local artists’ exhibition, the first to be staged at Peel Park, brought in a further 308,000 visitors. The total of 888,830 over 279 days (average 3,508) was never bettered. By 1894 when registering turnstiles were first erected 153,717 visitors on 225 days (av. 683) visited the Jubilee (Loan) Exhibition of Paintings. The average had fallen below 1,000 per day in 1888 and was down to 425 in 1895. It had improved to 463 the following year, when the building was first permanently opened on Sundays.

During 1912-13 a small but interesting group of birds’ feet was exhibited, showing various modifications in form and integument [skin/natural covering], depending on the mode of life of the bird. Several additions had been made to the Children’s Room, as well as to the Arts of Life. It was stated that many objects had a direct bearing on the history and social life as it was then perceived and “lead directly to the important archaeological and ethnographical collections in the Museum, where the course of development ‘from savagery to civilisation’ can be studied in various stages.”

A number of plans, engravings and pictures, illustrating the growth of Salford and district from the time of the Roman occupation had been brought together. It was thought that it would “awaken and develop amongst the young and others an interest in the history of this ancient town.”

An exhibition of wild flowers was maintained in the Children’s Room throughout the summer. Among purchases made for the Museum was a 2nd century Roman iron finger ring found five feet down in clay in Higher Broughton.

During the year, the Chairman of the Museum and Art Galleries Sub-committee, Ald. Phillips JP, and the curator, Ben H Mullen MA, had had interviews with local education authorities to prepare the ground for an organised plan for making increased use of the museum as an adjunct to the educational system in the town. This had for many years been the ambition and aim of the Committee. Already 17 organised visits, with a total of 638 scholars and accompanying teachers, had been made.

At the lending library in Peel Park additional accommodation had been provided for the stock of books. New heating apparatus in the Museum had greatly increased the comfort in the reading room. The library recorded the occupations of new borrowers. These ranged from accountants, book-keepers and clerks (341 male, 79 female) to wood-turners and carvers (4 male). Among others included was a male chimney sweep, 2 male crane-drivers, one female corset-maker, 3 female envelope makers, 3 male lamplighters, 3 male physicians and surgeons, 4 male and 1 female sanitary inspectors, 33 male and 185 female schoolteachers, one male ships-rigger, 17 male tram conductors, one female umbrella maker and one male undertaker.

And outside …In the Parks there had been 75 musical concerts. 300 deck chairs, for which 1d (one old penny) per chair was charged for hire, arranged around the bandstand in Buile Hill Park. Bands which played included Salford Police, Salford Tramways, The Dock Mission Boys Brass Band, Pendleton Old Prize and Irwell Old Prize Bands, Salford Silver, Whit Lane Prize, The Certified Industrial Schools, Weaste Public Prize and Pendleton Co-op.

Museum Entrance Hall, Courtesy of Salford LHL

DON RAINGER... looks back on the war years at Salford Museums and Libraries, 1914 - 1919

Year to 31st October 1915. A comparison has been made of the public use of the Museums and Libraries during the first year of the War, with that of the year preceding it. As a result the attendance at the Museums shows a slight decrease.

“The attendance in the Reading Rooms shows a decrease of 1.1% and that in the Recreation Room 10.7%. In the former case, the absence of men with the Colours is about balanced by the visits of others who were anxious to consult the daily papers. Figures demonstrate that the Public Libraries are being largely used “to relieve the mental and emotional strain that is caused by the War.”

During nearly 6 months, the recreation room at the Regent Road Library was lent to the Recruiting Authorities for the purpose of enrolling men for the Army.

The Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, the Munitions Parliamentary Committee and the Parliamentary War Savings Committee were freely and willingly helped by permitting the display of numerous posters and by the distribution of many thousands of pamphlets and leaflets connected with their important national work.

The Libraries staff rendered much willing assistance to work connected with preparation for the Recruiting Canvass to take place in November. The Committee has “arranged to lend for the actual work of the canvass several of the reading rooms and recreation rooms to be used as Ward recruiting centres.”

The following members of staff have joined the Colours:

a) Charles A Crossley (Librarian) at Pendleton Branch Library – Squadron Quartermaster – Sergeant, Duke of Lancaster’s Own Yeomanry.

b) Francis Orr, assistant at Irlams-o’-th’- Height Branch Library – Private, 19th Service Battalion, Manchester Regiment.

c) William Hancock, Assistant, Greengate Branch Library – Private, Royal Scots Regiment.

d) George Preston, assistant, Weaste Branch Library – Private, Border Regiment, 7th Batallion

e) Peter Agnew, assistant, Irlams o’ th’ Height Branch Library – Lance Sergeant, 7th Lancashire Fusiliers.

f) William Frost, attendant, Peel Park Museum and Art Galleries – Driver, Royal Field Artillery.

In the following year’s report for the year ending 31st October 1916, it was noted with regret that George Preston had died of wounds in France on 27th April. He had given faithful and willing service on the staff of Public Libraries for nearly 11 years and was Sergeant when he was killed.

Francis Orr, also mentioned in the list of those first to volunteer had been severely wounded in many places, unfortunately losing the sight of one eye, while serving in France in July.

“As members of the libraries staff are called to the Colours, their places are temporarily filled by girls (sic), who are quick in learning their duties and give satisfaction.” The posts temporarily vacated by Attendants are satisfactorily filled by discharged soldiers.

“Called to the Colours.”- Minden Day in Bexley Square, 1st August 1917. Minden Day is the 1st August and commemorates the Battle of Minden, Northern Germany, that day in 1759. This scene is from 1917. Salford Museum’s Digital Salford Collection (also appears on p 29 of Roy Bullock’s Salford 1914 – 1920, a very good source for Salford in this period).

EXTRACTS TAKEN from the Reports of the Museum, Libraries and Parks Committee to the Council of the County Borough of Salford for the years ended 31st October 1915 – 1919

Greengate Library’s William Hancock had been promoted to Lance Corporal by the time the Committee reported in October 1917. Twelve months later it was noted that Peter Agnew had been commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, 7th Manchester, attached RAF and William Hancock had been promoted to sergeant.

By the time the Report of the year ending 31st October 1919 was issued, it was noted that all the members of staff from Museums and Libraries who had served with H M Forces in the War had resumed duties, with the exception of Samuel Hudson, an assistant at Peel Park Library, who had been wounded in both legs early in November 1918 and whose right foot had been amputated in the same month.

In the next edition I hope to complete the list of those staff from the Galleries, Museums and Libraries in Salford who served in World War I. I will also include the plans for a Local War Museum. This had been mentioned in the Committee Report for the year ended 31st October 1917.

The Committee had been anxious that “the town should possess a special museum in which to preserve objects of interest associated with the War… Already they have obtained many objects as gifts or on loan and they have been affiliated with the Local War Museums Association, funded with the approval of H M Government to assist the promotion of War Museums in various centres throughout the United Kingdom.”

“The aim of the Committee will be to make the War Museum educational, historical and memorial, and care will be taken when the collection is permanently settled to avoid anything that is trivial or unimportant. The assistance of the Government is promised in securing such relics (guns, etc) as may possess special local interest.”

Research into this Local War Museum, and indeed as to whether it was ever established, continues.

DON RAINGER

Women at work. A woman tram guard adjusts the contact pole on a Salford tram at Victoria Bridge Street terminus. Salford Museum’s Digital Salford Collection

David George reviews a recent book on the Colliery Workshops at Walkden:DAVIES A (2013): WALKDEN YARD – THE LANCASHIRE CENTRAL COALFIELD WORKSHOPSISBN 978-1-84868-925-1 – pp 159 Price £14.99 Amberley Publishing

The Bridgewater Colliery Workshops, or Walkden Yard, of which the entrance was on Tynesbank Road, were opened in 1875. Latterly they were the Divisional Engineering Workshops of the N.C.B. They consisted of a group of workshops around a yard with a rail siding. Most of the machine tools and forging equipment were of course modern, but the locomotive shed housed some obsolescent 0-6-0 colliery locomotives built, for instance, by The Hunslet Engine Co., particularly after the closure of the Bridgewater Colliery Railways. The foundry buildings were of an early date and a great deal of colliery equipment was handled in the shape of props, cages, wagons, tubs, winding gear etc.

Davies’ new book gives the historical background, the 1930s heyday, some workers’ reminiscences, the N.C.B. era and the final years. Final closure came in 1986. Davies also maps the location of pits, the early tramways, the old Worsley Yard and supplies pictures of the main collieries. There are some financial accounts for locos and equipment, and drawings and illustrations of the locomotives. The work carried out in each workshop is described, and some internal shots show work in progress.

Altogether, this is a very comprehensive study which adds much to our knowledge of the South Lancs Coal Industry. A three-page bibliography is supplied.

A.D.GEORGE – 09/2014

Collections CornerCollections Corner November 2014 by Peter Turner, Collections Assistant.

Several art works have been accepted into Salford’s collections in the past few months. The most recently created work is the mixed media ‘Tube Girls’ by Mandy McCartin from 1993. It was previously on display at Salford Museum and Art Gallery as part of the ‘Fellow Travellers’ exhibition held in 2007 and was purchased for Salford by a generous grant from the Nerys Johnson Contemporary Art Fund.

Tube Girls by Mandy McCartin

Salford’s social history, people, religious life and fine art are reflected in this issue’s selection of objects that have been acquired by Salford Museum.

David Moffat of Ontario, Canada has donated portraits of Joseph Foveaux Mart (1816-1890) and his wife Ann Waterloo Mart (1818-1891) as well as the blouse worn by Ann in the portrait. Painted around 1845 by an unknown artist, until recently these oil on canvas portraits belonged to the late Marjory Tilley, who was the great granddaughter of the subjects. Joseph Foveaux Mart, who was a tea merchant, lived for many years in Salford and resided at 47, Crescent at the time of his death. He was a prominent Catholic, a Justice of the Peace, a member of the first Salford School Board and a Poor Law Guardian. The portraits were probably wedding portraits,

commissioned shortly after Mart’s marriage to Ann Waterloo Barlow in 1844.

Female nude by Alan Cownie

Pat Bellotti has donated a 7 inch single record called ‘Salford’ by Klive James which was released in 1982. In the song, which appears on both the A and B sides, the singer tries “to capture in song the characters and places in Salford” which were disappearing at the time that it was recorded. The donor was given this record by the singer in a pub where he was performing his songs.

Salford 7 inch single by Klive James A watercolour by local artist Alan Cownie

has also been donated by Elizabeth Jones.

Cownie, who worked at the University of

Salford, painted this watercolour of a female

nude in 1978.

A blouse worn by Emma Leadbetter (née Hearn) 1857-1932 has been donated by Michael Rhodes whose mother kept the blouse in memory of her ‘Auntie Emmie’ whom she was regularly taken to see at the fish and chip shop on Tootal Road, Salford. Emmie previously ran the shop with her husband, but following his death, illness left her bedridden due to her large size. When she died in 1932, the first floor window of her bedroom had to be removed so that her coffin could be winched out.

Emma Leadbetter’s blouse

John Maxwell has donated a ‘Hope Chapel Salford’ white ceramic bowl which was used to christen his mother on the bed of her grandfather in 1902. It was thought to belong to the donor’s great-great-grandparents, Charles and Susannah Haigh who had a drapers business and lived at 3 Crescent. Hope Chapel stood at the Oldfield Road end of Liverpool Street.

Pauline Williamson has donated a King of Walkden costume from 1911 and a photograph of it being worn by her uncle, John Flannery, with the Queen of Walkden. The King of Walkden was consort to the Rose Queen. The costume (made by Kettering Cloth Manufacturers Cooperative Society) is still in the original box in which it was delivered to the Co-op in Walkden.

King of Walkden costume 1911

Designed by Herbert Tijon, St. Andrews Church in Eccles was consecrated in 1879, although the tower wasn’t completed until 1889. Hilary Hughes has donated a medal commemorating these events. The case which contains the medal is initialled WR, which the donor believes refers to a member of the Roe family who were influential in Salford and to whom she is connected.

First World War drummer’s badge

St. Andrews Church Eccles commemorative medal

John William Horrocks is honoured on the Andover Street roll of honour currently on display in Salford Museum’s First World War exhibition. Lillie Taylor, his daughter, has kindly donated a First World War drummer’s badge that belonged to her father after seeing his name on the roll of honour. John signed up with the Cheshire Regiment in 1914 along with his father, also called

John Horrocks and honoured on the same roll of honour. When he enlisted he was just 14 years old, having lied about his age, and both he and his father survived the war.

If readers have any comments or further information on any of the above objects please write to LifeTimes Link. Details on page 3.

Hope Chapel Salford ceramic bowl

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As Chapel Street undergoes urban renewal, and old makes way for new, an important part of its cultural heritage has been given permission to be retained - through a project entitled ‘The Wall’

Earlier this year, the Old Bank Theatre at 301 Chapel Street was demolished as part of Salford’s vital regeneration. The building was erected in 1930 by Royal Liver Friendly Society, an industrial assurance organisation set up in 1850 by nine Liverpudlian workers. No. 301 was born of the same financial crisis giving rise to 1931’s Battle of Bexley Square, only a year later, along Chapel Street.

In the wake of 1929’s Great Crash, Salfordians particularly suffered. The government was on the brink of collapse and soon to prioritise the national budget over the welfare of its people, introducing austerity measures targeting the working class. “Means-test suicides” were amongst its tragic results.

Organisations like Royal Liver, however, were created and strengthened, not simply by a working class, but by an ethos founded on collective care. During the mass unemployment of the interwar years, as many fell into arrears, it made numerous alterations to its rules so members could maintain policies. Amidst the poverty and devastation striking Salford in 1930, this sensibility, empowered by local support, enabled the building’s construction.

Its significance within Chapel Street’s heritage is as a narrator of this social history, an architectural emblem within Salford’s civic and financial centre of collective strength and care. It persevered in this pursuit until its last days, after the seat of local government moved, and through the area’s decline. Royal Liver remained until 1979, after which the building became known as a “community theatre”, with classes in drama and dance. Even in its final years of dereliction, it sheltered a community – as discovered by the demolition crew who found used heroin needles inside.

Over 2013-14, prior to demolition, and in collaboration with Salford City Council, the exterior bricks of the building’s east flank wall were hand-numbered from 1 to 4,168. After the Old Bank Theatre’s demolition, they and the stone façade were salvaged and moved 100 metres east to a plot of land opposite Bexley Square. Here they are in the process of being reclaimed so that ‘The Wall’, with the permission of English Cities Fund, can be rebuilt to stand as a semi-permanent monument and artwork for the next two years.

RESCUING CHAPEL STREET’S VITAL HERITAGE - THE WALL MUST BE REBUILT! BY JEN WU

‘The Wall’ is an opportunity not only to save this cultural heritage, but also to reinvigorate the spirit by which it was built. It has been made possible thus far by a substantial amount of voluntary work. Much more is needed however in order for it to be saved.

To help support the project, e.g. by ‘looking after a brick’, please get in touch:

e. thewallmustberebuilt@gmail.com t. 07766 130 860 facebook & twitter: thesalfordwallwww.thewallmustberebuilt.org

The bricks in the wall are numbered prior to dismantling. 13 Sept 2013. Alex Hindle.

The numbered bricks are now stacked, ready for further attention. 27 Sept 2013. Jen Wu

The Royal Liver Building, Chapel Street, when new, early 1930s Salford LHL

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KINDER, MCDOUGALL & COThe story of Cadishead Wallpaper Manufacturers BY DEBBIE YATES

At the works: Kinder & Co. delivery lorry – Supplied by Debbie Yates, Irlam Local History Society

One of the early industries to establish itself in the district was Kinder McDougall wallpaper manufacturers. The factory came into full production in 1907 on Dean Road, Cadishead, having good access to both the railways and the main Liverpool to Manchester road.

About fifteen months after opening there was such a demand for their wallpaper that they found the factory inadequate. In 1909 plans were drawn up for the extension of the works which were completed in 1910. Once completed the factory was one of the most economical and up to date factories in the wallpaper manufacturing trade. The new machinery that was installed more than doubled their output.

Both Mr Kinder and Mr McDougall were associated with the wallpaper trade for over thirty years and formed a combine which tried to monopolise the wallpaper trade. This caused an increase in prices which lead to an enormous increase in the importing of foreign paper-hangings. This in turn caused a number of British wallpaper firms to close down. Before the formation of the combine, there was very little wallpaper imported into this country.

Kinder and MacDougal managed to survive and had branch warehouses in several parts of the country including Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield. Their goods were stocked in most large towns from London to Glasgow.

During World War II, the supply of wallpaper dried up. This was classed as a luxury and so production moved over to manufacture materials to support the war effort, including parts for tanks. It was so busy that shift work was brought into operation.

By the end of the war the supply of paper suitable for the manufacture of wallpaper began to appear on the market, but it wasn’t until 1950 that Kinders were back in full production.

With the rationalisation of the wallpaper industry the printing of the paper was transferred to Pendleton. A coach was laid on for the employees who still worked for Kinders to enable them to get to Pendleton.

The Cadishead works was turned over to the making of the colours for all the paper trade. This became known as Irlam Inks.

Industrial Process: Producing wallpaper in Cadishead - Supplied by Debbie Yates, Irlam Local History Society

JACK TRENBATHLines from the Front – Part 2Jack helped distribute the rations and made frequent comments on the good standard of the food.

For quite a long time now we have been very well fed indeed. There are always some cheerful idiots who tell you that we live on Bully and biscuits. We don’t and never have done for very long spells, it’s about three months since I mealed on either of them.

As a matter of fact I don’t eat anything like all the bread I have issued.

When fresh meat is not obtainable we get “Maconochie rations” [ready prepared food] which are boiled in tins and contain a first class meal of meat and vegetables of all descriptions. They are top-hole and I prefer them many a time to fresh stuff.

For use with the brazier we have a frying pan to cook our food. This consists of a petrol can with one side cut out. All the same it acts admirably.

Once per week we get cold roast with pickles and at odd intervals steak and chips, fig and date puddings, rice and altogether better grub than we get in England.

It is amazing to see the quantity of the letters sent by Jack (and presumably he received a similar number). They were sent at regular intervals and seem to have arrived swiftly and accurately - all very welcome. Equally amazing was the number of parcels of food received by Jack:

I received the third parcel from you last night but one and the contents were fine. The bread was simply A1 and the parkin was champion. The eggs were lovely too. In fact the whole lot was past description. Last night I received one from Auntie Millie also some cigarettes from Eric. We nearly went mad at the sight of some “Three Castles”. You know I have to smoke anything I can get, and it is generally Woodbines or something worse. Here you have chaps who in civil life smoked cigars and Abdullas, begging a cigarette, however common.

A couple of quotes on parcels received:

“The parcel was A1. The strawberries and cream were top hole. The ham I have not yet cooked though it is good.”

“...............2 parcels......one containing amongst many other things a pair of socks from Sunday School – very good of them all.”

Sometimes a parcel arrived, but it was difficult to consume the contents!

Your parcel arrived just before we went into the trenches so I carried it in and opened it there, but on the way it had quite an exciting passage. We went down under one of our own barrages, something enough to turn your hair grey. The night was perfectly quiet until all the guns in the neighbourhood suddenly spouted forth together.

Paul Hassall continues the story from the Summer 2014 Link Issue

Bedlam pandemonium! Some of the guns go off with a livid yellowish spurt whilst others give out a red Mephistophelian glare and the combination was too weird for words. Overhead it seemed as if ten thousand express trains were tearing away and rending the air with an ear-splitting din. For the first time I saw shells actually on their way. You know that the friction of their passage through the air makes them red hot, and you can see them describing their important trajectories through the air.

Fritz’s line absolutely danced under the busting shells (high explosive) and the air was crowded with the red flash of burning shrapnel. However, Fritz is not yet in such a parlous state that he will stand such a bumping without replying. So over came his infernal stuff. It’s a good job for me that some of his shells don’t go off and that those that did go off sent no shrapnel in my direction. Anyway it made me sweat some.

Jack Trenbath portrait.

16

Jack’s name appears on the Salford Grammar School Salfordians Association memorial, now located in the Peel Building, Salford University. From Manchester & Lancashire Family History Society web-site. Image Copyright,© Mike Berrell.

An “amazing quantity of letters” passed between Jack and his family. Here is a letter-card sent by Jack as a speedy and (in this case) re-assuring reply. Supplied by author.

in rapid succession by countless others. Then you feel perfectly safe and give not the slightest heed to Fritz and his infernal stuff.

I am going to tell you something but I don’t want you to worry about it. The first day up here I was going down the trench when suddenly there palled upon my ears the tell-tale sound of a “Minnie”. I saw it coming straight for me; like a frightened rat I skittled away but found as usual that it had swerved and was coming in my direction. Thereupon I doubled back, stopped and ran on and then CRASH it came just behind me only over the parapet. The concussion threw me head first down the trench and I lay on my chest to be covered with the falling earth. Events moved rather quickly – rather too quickly to be healthy – it took less time than it takes to write. If you could have seen me you would have laughed. Just down the trench a working party seemed highly delighted with my feats.

The things up at Messines are horrible what with eruptions more violent than any earthquake and those “new and terrible engines of war.” These latter are I presume unknown to you except by name, though I have an idea of their terrible character. With regard to the explosions, only those who know the violence of a few pounds of Ammonal [a volatile explosive used in mining below enemy lines] can realise or form any opinion of the explosion and the hole left by them. At present we are on a similar hole the dimensions of which would astound you.

It seems like Jack’s sister wasn’t too sure of aeroplanes and told him not to stand underneath one as it might drop out of the sky! The Germans used a type of trench mortar called a Minenwerfer – “Minnie” to the allies. Finally, is a “new and terrible engine of war” a tank?

Jack was a committed and dedicated soldier. A number of times in his letters he spoke sympathetically of individual German soldiers, despite his hatred for the Bosche.

As you say they are giving Fritz a warm time of it in this part of the globe. Such a gruelling that I don’t imagine he can stand much of. The worse he gets it the sooner he will give up, although of course that is a callous sort of thing to say when you think of the individual Bosche.

Jack warned his readers to beware of exaggerated and misleading stories of the war. His foresight was spot on when he said that the “economic question” would be a deciding factor in who would win the war.

On a number of occasions Jack wrote of his attempts to obtain a Commission. The London Gazette of 13th July 1918 recorded that he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the East Lancs Regiment. Sadly only a few days later, on 8th September he died in action. His battalion had been involved in fighting at Riencourt [-lès-Cagnicourt] near Bapaume (Picardy) in early September. However, no specific fighting on the 8th September has been identified in that area and exact circumstances of Jack’s death are not known. Jack is buried at Nieppe, nr Armentieres at Pont d’Achelles Military Cemetery.

17

Initial WW1 Grave Marker for Jack Trenbath, later replaced by a standard War Graves commission headstone in the military cemetery at Pont d’Achelles.. Supplied by author.

Jack made reference to the horrors of the mud, which is well known, but did you know about the rats!

From head to foot I am one mass of mud inches thick. I have got a pair of those rubber waders which come right up the thighs and are a boon in the wet places.

The weather is very bad and the trenches are waist deep in mud. Communication is awfully bad. Still when things are like this it is generally quieter.

By the way talking about rats! They swarm in dozens about a piece of bread and provide much fun for we who have revolvers. Some of them are too fat to do anything but crawl and you can easily kick them as they pass. It is quite a novel experience to wake up and not find a battalion of them crossing your chest in column of route.

Jack seems to be intelligent and observant of the events around him. He mentions (censorship allowing) some of the new technologies of war:

Aeroplanes and aeroplane fights are common order of the day. Observation balloons lift their ungraceful shapes before our door. The night is characterised by the sharp rattle of machine gun fire whilst the vivid flashes in the sky proclaim the increasing vigilance of our guns. In the trenches when Fritz has a saucy mood on and throws all kinds of horrible things over, you suddenly hear the scream of one of our shells followed

Press notice of Jack’s death in 1918 taken from the Glossop Chronicle 20th September 1918. Supplied by author.

ELDERLY AT FOURTEEN Schoolboys help out to aid the city’s OAP’s

The Salford Companionship Circle for the Elderly was inaugurated in 1955 with the co-operation of the Welfare Department. One of its functions was to ensure that the 4,000 people living alone in the City were visited at least once every 6 months. I joined (was volunteered for) the Circle in 1963. I was 14 at the time.

There had arrived at Salford Grammar School an appeal for helpers for Salford Food Week, a street collection of Christmas Goodies which were boxed and given out to local Old Age Pensioners. My house-master, Mr E H “Ernie” Ashton immediately put my name down (“Ah, Rainger, you’ll do it, won’t you…?”) and in no time I was out on the streets around Lancaster Road, Pendleton, pushing explanatory leaflets through letterboxes under the supervision of a prefect.

The following year, I was upgraded! I was now a House Prefect and responsible for THE MAP, that is, I decided which areas the 4 Houses at SGS (York, Gloucester, Warwick and Lancaster) would collect, and made sure there were enough volunteers amongst the boys and the staff (we needed their cars to carry the food back to school).My House was York and our base was the Oakwood Hotel which stood at the East Lancs Road end of Lancaster Road.

The kindly landlord there allowed us to use the spacious entrance hall as a temporary respite. This was particularly useful, as on the night of the collection, 26th November, there was a tremendous hailstorm. Boys staggered in, white and bowed low with haversacks-full of tins, mothers’ shopping bags full of tea, puddings and an occasional unlabelled tin.

In 1965 I recorded in my diary (sounds like some great historical document, but actually an embarrassingly precocious affair recording homework done, House points scored, the weather and Rugby League scores) – Friday 3rd December, 3 van trips, estimated at 2 ½ tons of food taken to the Civic Welfare Centre. The no. 25 bus which left Manchester at 4.10 pm took 4 hours to reach the Oakwood because of FOG.

Well do I remember that night! Although most of the year’s food had been collected, we still had a few roads to complete. My little band of helpers arrived at the Oakwood in great enthusiasm, even though all homework was expected to be handed in the following day. Indeed all homework was done in those days. Off we went into the fog.My road was Welwyn Drive, at the end of which was the Swinton Park Golf Course. The fog swirled around and became denser. Street lights disappeared. I groped for garden gates and even though I carried a torch I could see nothing. Shouting to the other boys proved useless. It was only when I had wandered around for 15 minutes that I realised I was on the golf course, a good distance from the nearest house. Eventually I regained the road, collected a bagful of food and, hugging the wall, regained the relative luxury of the Oakwood, where an anxious housemaster was relieved to see me. Of course, he and the boys all enjoyed a good laugh, when I explained my late arrival.

My final year of Christmas food collection was 1966. On 15th November, I was at a briefing with Pendleton High School representatives, and staggered back with 4,000 leaflets to be distributed.

That year, we at Salford Grammar School collected 13 ½ tea chests full of food. I was privileged to be invited with representative from other local schools, to a tea party at the Town Hall with the Mayor, Alderman Bertha Davis.

BY DON RAINGER

Looking back, the outstanding features of those times were the comradeships which developed amongst staff and boys; the frozen fingers and awful weather; overloaded cars; the generosity of the householders; the pottery room and woodwork room at SGS submerged in huge bags of sugar, tinned foods and puddings – with consequent disruption of lessons; the eagerness of the sorter; and the smiles on the faces of those who received a food parcel. The green and gold blazer was a welcome sight to those who were contemplating a frugal Christmas dinner. The thank you letters we received and read out at Assembly were touching and sincere.

“They plan a good time for the old folks”. Margaret Whitehead was Mayor of Salford 1960 – 61, so this would be Christmas 1960, Cutting Supplied by Salford Local History Library.

Sharing photos

Don Rainger has supplied this press cutting from the Local History Library at SMAG. It shows one of the Carol Concerts which took place at that time in Lark Hill Place, shortly before Christmas each year. Salford Choral Society sang carols and the audience joined in with the regular favourites.

Because of concerns about fire safety these concerts ceased to be held in the Street about 17 - 18 years ago and these were subsequently held in the Victorian Gallery. Later, the Choral Society moved the venue to St Philip’s Church, Encombe Place, and the Friends sold some of the tickets for the event.

For some years, the Choral Society’s Carol Concert has taken place at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, but this year (18th December) it is back in Salford at St Philips.

For details call Sue Hilton of the Choral Society on 0161 881 4318 or e mail her on tickets@salfordchoral.org.uk (she adds: sorry no credit cards)

If you would like to share your photos with us in future issues of Link, please get in touch with us.

We do recommend you only send us copies of your photos and we will return any photos sent in.

Friends’ Carol Concert in The Street: December 1965: Courtesy of Salford Local History Library

Over my 4 years’ involvement with Food Week, I must have knocked at a high proportion of the houses in an area bordered by Swinton Park Road, Lancaster Road, Oxford Road and Light Oaks Road.

Christmas – A Humbug! No, but in those early 1960s Christmas was certainly plum puddings, mincemeat and tinned fruits.

DON RAINGER

Woodwork room, Salford Grammar School, empty of people or effects, but at Christmas time in the 1960s, these benches groaned with provisions for the elderly. Salford LHL

Link Listings

A taste of forthcoming heritage events

A full programme of events and exhibitions can be found in our twice yearly (approx January and July) Events and Activities publication. Pick up a copy from our museum or any Salford library, or check www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/culture for full events listings.

You can also find much more to see and do (as well as find out the most up to date venue or event details) at www.visitsalford.info

Remember- internet access is free at all Salford libraries and help is always available.

Exhibitions

Langworthy Gallery Immortal Love from Shanghai15 November 2014 to 15 March 2015

This exciting exhibition is a rare opportunity to see traditional Chinese art brought over especially from Shanghai. Highly respected artists Mr and Mrs Chen have been working with The Chinese Arts Association and leaders from Manchester’s China Town to curate the beautiful works you will see. Traditional Chinese skills are used including paper-cut, detailed Chinese, stone carving for wax seals and traditional Chinese watercolour painting. The artworks explore Chinese culture and traditions, exhibited alongside archive material from The Chinese Arts Association to illustrate the development of Manchester’s China Town.

This is the first time this work has been exhibited in the UK and Salford Museum and Art Gallery are honoured to host the show.

One Needs More Than Paint: Harry Ousey A centenary exhibition

28 March to 5 July 2015

Born in Manchester in 1915, Harry Ousey’s recognisable abstract paintings were considered ahead of his time. Passionate about nature and landscape, his work is inspired by places he lived, including Hayfield in Derbyshire, the coast of Cornwall and the landscape of France, where he spent the last years of his life. Although part of the art scene in Cornwall in the 1950s and London and

Paris in the 1960s, his work is little known today. This retrospective exhibition will celebrate his life in the centenary year of his birth.

North GallerySalford Art Club Annual Exhibition 201524 January to 26 April

A popular yearly event for visitors, the annual Salford Art Club exhibition will present the very best works produced by members. A mixture of landscape, portrait and still life are shown in a variety of media.

The Now, The North: Hugh Winterbottom2 May to 6 September

Take a journey through Hugh Winterbottom’s work from the cityscapes of central Manchester and Salford, out into outskirt towns like Stockport, and into the more rural villages of Derbyshire. A local artist based in Greater Manchester, Hugh’s colourful paintings show the north at all times of day and in all weathers, in his fresh vibrant style.

Bluestairs GalleryMade in Eccles14 February to 19 April

Photography students from Eccles Sixth Form Centre have worked on the theme ‘A sense of place’ for this special exhibition. The first time this work has been exhibited outside the college walls, this is a rare opportunity to see these images which reflect both Salford and Manchester.

Salford Museum & Art Gallery

Family events and activities at Salford Heritage Services

Salford Museum and Art Gallery and Ordsall Hall run a programme of activities for children and families.

Please visit our website to find out what is coming up! salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/culture. Look in the ‘what’s on’ section for holiday activities and weekend craft sessions.

Alternatively e-mail salford.museum@scll.co.uk with your contact details if you would like to join our mailing list and receive a copy of our twice-yearly events and activities brochure.

Swinton Photographic Society Annual Exhibition

25 April to 28 June

Members of Swinton and District Amateur Photographic Society present works from their annual exhibition. Showing a range of subject matter, the photographs include natural history, pictorial, human life, record, still life studies and portraiture in both colour and monochrome.

The Society is supported by Salford Council’s Community Committee

Lifetimes Gallery100 Years Ago: Salford at warUntil 15 Nov 2015

‘100 Years Ago: Salford At War’, helps uncover some of Salford’s unique stories from World War One. The Exhibition focuses on local characters, including the Broughton poet, Winifred Mabel Letts, Billy Unsworth, a soldier from Ordsall and Dr James Niven, who helped fight the Spanish Flu pandemic.

Egerton GallerySalford Then and Now by Swinton Photographic Society

8 February to 10 May

Members of the society used old photographs from Salford’s Local History Library and took current images of exact locations, or as close as possible, as they appear today. The images captured and displayed in this exhibition will not only demonstrate just how remarkably, or perhaps not in some instances, such locations have changed, but also how the people and life in Salford has changed over past decades.

The Society is supported by Salford Council’s Community Committee.

Messengers and Promises17 May to 20 September

Artist Kate Herbert and sculptor Angela Sidwell have united for the first time to create this exhibition. Together they explore human relationships with animals and how these have been presented over the past century. From working partnerships to pampered pets, the artists draw inspiration from Salford’s collections and animals associated with Ordsall Hall.

Kate has a lifelong interest in capturing movement and character with line drawing, whilst Angela creates sculptures from wood, wire and textiles.

Ordsall Hall

Albert Batty

Mystery Pix

Mystery Pic No. 1 This is a side street, with few distinguishing features. The child stands against a bill board “The sign of good bread”, which suggests this is a street off a well – trafficked road. Might it be that the building on the left is a bakery? What sort of car is it in the background – a Hillman Minx, perhaps? At a long shot – are you the boy in the picture or do you know him? Do write to us with your ideas.

Mystery Pic No. 2. Now for a corner shop, licensee’s name not clear. Here their main line is Wilsons Ales, evidently a popular Manchester product. The brewery later became part of Websters, a Yorkshire firm. The rows of houses are close together, a densely built up area. Perhaps Ordsall? Do you remember buying an ice-cream here? This shop catered for children as well as adults! Note the chewing gum machine and the approaching pram.

Mystery Pic No. 3. A well-populated class-room! This, like its predecessor, probably dates back to the 50s. Probably a primary school, perhaps the top class? There are nearly 50 children in the photo. Open plan classrooms are still things of the future. One or two of the boys have blazers (uniform: note “CCS” monogram) so this should be a give-away to anyone who went to this busy school. There seems to be someone looking in through a window. Perhaps gives on to a corridor, or even another class room? Anyone know where this is? Can you name anyone in the photograph? Were you there?

Salford Local History Library has over 70,000 photos in their collections. Unfortunately, we can’t identify all of them. Drop us a line or give us a ring if you can help!

Please send your information or comments to the LifeTimes Link, Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park, Crescent, Salford M5 4WU or e-mail Editor – Jphilipheyes@aol.com.

Mystery Pic No. 1

Mystery Pic No. 2

Mystery Pic No. 3

And finally, co-editor Philip, a former “Wogdener”, has to say in the absence of any other takers, that the answer to Mystery Pic No. 1 in Issue 34 (Winter 2013) appears to be Hilton Lane, Little Hulton, looking south towards the bridge carrying the Wigan – Atherton – Manchester railway across the road. A track off to the right once led to a farm called “Harrop’s Fold”. This gave its name to the present nearby secondary school. If you can provide any further information I’d be very glad to hear from you.

BOOTHSTOWN & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY GROUPMeetings have been held on the third Wednesday of each month at Boothstown Community Centre, Stansfield Place, Boothstown. For further information about the group, please enquire at Boothstown Community Centre

ECCLES AND DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETYMeet at Alexandra House, 395 Liverpool Road, Peel Green, Eccles, at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of the month.Membership subscription £15.00. Visitor’s fee £3.00Contact Andrew Cross 0161 788 7263email; eccleshistory@yahoo.co.ukwww.edhs.btck.co.uk

PROGRAMME FOR 2014/2015 SEASON10th Dec / Seasonal refreshment 14th Jan / The Underground Canals at Worsley Glen Atkinson

11th Feb / Buffalo Bill / John Aldred

11th Mar / Fresh Air and Fun: the North West’s holiday coast / Debbie Yates

8th Apr / What did you do in the War, Mum?Irene Cunliffe

13th May / AGM followed by a presentation of local interest (details to be announced).

IRLAM, CADISHEAD AND DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETYWe meet at St Paul’s Church, Liverpool Road, Irlam 7.30-9.00pm. The third Wednesday of each month. Members £1.00 Visitors £2.00.Contact: Deborah Yates - debbie.yated@yahoo.co.uk

PROGRAMME FOR 2014/2015 SEASON

17th Sept / AGM

15th Oct / Digital Salford / Ian Sutton

19th Nov / The Irlam Pals Recruitment in WW1 Pete Thomas and Neil Drum

12th December / Christmas Meal

21st January / Rhyl / Deborah Yates

18th Feb / The Chat Moss Project / Joanne Moore

18th Mar / Big Ben / Don Palmer

15th Apr / Haig and his Generals Richard Winpenny

20th May / TBA

17th June / Medieval Industry / Bernard Champness

Please note speakers are subject to change at short notice.

SALFORD LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETYMeetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month (except December) at Salford Museum & Art Gallery, Peel Park, Crescent, Salford at 2pmCORRESPONDENCE: Mr D Rainger, 7 St George’s Crescent, Salford M6 8JG

PROGRAMME FOR 2014/2015 SEASON26th Nov / 101 Ways to die in Lark Hill PlaceCeri Horrocks

Dec / No meeting

28th Jan / The Canal Below the City StreetsDavid George

25th Feb / The History of Trafford ParkPaul Callaghan

25th March / The Story of Worsley Green John Aldred

29th Apr / AGM & Slide Show – Salford in the 1970s / Don Rainger

SWINTON & PENDLEBURY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETYVenue: Swinton Library, Chorley Road, SwintonTime: 10.00amCost: £1.50 (Where there is a Speaker) or £1.00 (for other sessions)

Contact: Jean Appleby 0161 794 4570 or Marjory Williams 0161 793 7847

PROGRAMME FOR 2014/2015 SEASON24th Nov / Nursery Rhymes / Jean Finney

2nd Feb / My Egghead Experience / Betty Hayhurst

16th Feb / Victorian Times / Graham Stirrup

2nd Mar / All The Queen’s Men / Stephen Sanders

16th Mar / Wingates Band / David Kaye

30th Mar / History of Music Hall / David Hill

13th Apr / Kersal Vale Bee-keepers / Harry Davies

27th Apr / Coach Trip

11th May / Cotton Comes to Lancashire / Paul Cross

1st June / The Seven Deadly Sins / Rev M Burgess

15th June / A.G.M

LOCAL HISTORY TALKS AT WORSLEYTalks are held at The Secret Garden Cafe, 11 Barton Road, Worsley at 7.30pm. Space is limited so visitors MUST book in advance on 0161 793 4615

Details from David George on 0161 790 9904

26th Nov / 7:30pm / A taste of honey - Shelagh Delaney’s Salford / A talk by Naomi Lewis

FRIENDS OF THE SALFORD MUSEUMS’ ASSOCIATION – F S M AMeets at Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park. For information contact Don Rainger (Chairman) on 0161 789 2071. Details also from Jphilipheyes@aol.com and www.friendsofsalfordmuseums.org

PROGRAMME FOR 2014/2015 SEASON

26th Nov / Fusiliers Museum at Bury including tour (Meet at the Museum in Bury at 1pm).

18th Mar / 6:00pm / AGM

WORKING CLASS MOVEMENT LIBRARY Meetings as advertised at 51 The Crescent, Salford M5 4WX. For information contact Lynette Cawthra Library Manager on 0161 736 3601, or e-mail enquiries@wcml.org.uk.

Times of meetings vary: watch out for publicity or visit: www.wcml.org.uk

TALKS AT WCML23rd Nov / 2:00pmSalford Stories and Radical ReadingsPeel Hall, University of SalfordJoin Christopher Eccleston, Sheila Hancock and Maxine Peake for an afternoon of prose, poetry and drama telling the story of radicalism and revolution and the history of the original “dirty old town”. This is a fundraising event for the Library, and tickets are £12 (£8 student concessions). Tickets are available from the University of Salford online shop. Enquiries to University events team on 0161 295 5241, or email events@salford.ac.uk. Please do not contact the Library about tickets.In conjunction with Salford University, the Library is very grateful for their support.

14th Feb / 2:00pm / LGBT History Month talk 7th Mar / 2:00pm International Women’s Day talkWe mark International Women’s Day this year with a talk by Tansy Hoskins about her book Stitched Up - The Anti-Capitalist Book of Fashion.Moving between Karl Lagerfeld and Karl Marx, Stitched Up delves into the world of fashion, exploring consumerism, class, and garment factories. Admission free, all welcome LOCAL HISTORY TALKS AT WALKDEN Are arranged on a regular basis. Please watch for future announcements.

Booking advisable. Tickets cost £3.50 per talk For more information and to book, call in any Salford library, phone 0161-909 6518 or email walkden.library@scll.co.uk

LOCAL HISTORY ROUND UPThis calendar of local history and heritage activities is based on information supplied by the individual organisations, and is believed to be correct at the time of going to press. It may be advisable to confirm details with the organisation in advance of attending an event. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to include contact details in every case.Note to programme secretaries. For your group’s talks to be included in this listing please send your programme to us before the deadline as shown on page 3. Please note that some societies have their own websites.

Salford Museum and Art GalleryPeel Park, Crescent, Salford M5 4WUTel: 0161 778 0800 • Fax: 0161 745 9490Email: salford.museum@scll.co.uk

Opening timesTuesday - Friday 10.00am - 4.45pm Sat-Sun 12 noon – 4pmDisabled access, gift shop, cafe.

Museum café opening times Weekdays (including Mondays) 8.30 am – 4.00 pm Saturdays and Sundays: 12 noon – 3.00 pm

(Christmas: Closed from Monday 22nd December to Thursday 1st January inclusive, Museum re-opens Fri 2nd January)

Parking charges £2.00 for up to 3 hrs; £5.00 for 3 to 6 hrs; £8.00 for 6 to 12 hrs

Salford Local History Library at Salford Museum and Art Gallery Tel: 0161 778 0814

Opening times (now by appointment only)Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.45pm Wednesday 10.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm-8.00pm Closed weekends and Mondays

Booking for the Local History Library is essential so please telephone 0161 778 0814 or 0161 778 0800 (museum reception) to book an appointment

Ordsall Hall 322 Ordsall Lane, Salford M5 3ANTel: 0161 872 0251 • Fax: 0161 872 4951Email: ordsall.hall@scll.co.uk

Disabled access to nearly all rooms, gift shop, café

Opening timesMonday - Thursday 10.00am - 4.00pm Sunday 1.00 - 4.00pmClosed Friday and Saturday

Parking charges - £2.00 for up to 3 hrs; £5.00 for 3 hrs or more

(Christmas: Closed from Wednesday 24th December to Saturday 2nd January inclusive, Hall re-opens Sun 4th January)