Hi

I am Hag Fold born and bred and visit Mum and Dad every week. It
will always be home to me. As my parents are very elderly and
practically housebound, I don't hear much news now. I read the
Journal but that seems to be full of adverts and little news too.
They are lucky if they have one delivered!

In my teens I was a member of YPFS (Young People's Friendly Society,
I think!) held at Church House. Also fond memories of being part of
the St John's Ambulance Brigade team which were very successful in
competitions. I wonder if there is still the interest in First Aid
and team competitions in Atherton? Eileen Wilkinson was our leader
and Dr Cecil Thompson used to undertake our badge tests. Formby Hall
used to hold parties for underpriveledged children and I loved
helping out there. I was also a member of Briarcroft Club. We had
great fun there. I used to go to the Hag Fold Working Men's Club
with Mum and Dad and remember the club being built. During
construction there was someone injured or killed. Very good acts
appeared there and of course the bingo organised by the committee.
What amused me the most at the time was how everyone had their
territorial table where they sat and woe betide anyone to sit on
their table. I remember when the stage layout moved from the top
end of the room to down the side and oh what a calamity that was. It
caused chaos and raised a few blood pressures.

Many of my childhood buildings have disappeared. I remember the fire
station with its rail at the front. On my way home from school I
could not resist swinging upside down and then continue on my way.
It was a ritual you just had to do. I used to go to the swimming
baths near to my Primary School on Lee Street with friends. At the
time I probably didn't understand but some of them were Catholics and
they couldn't pass the local Church without calling in and crossing
themselves. I remember quite vividly that this put the 'fear of God'
in me and I wouldn't dare do it because I was C of E. I never set
foot inside that Church. Funny how childhood thoughts can be so
compelling.

The Temperance Bar has long gone. The variety of drinks made from
herbs were great eg sarsaparilla, Vimto, dandelion and burdock, lemon
and ginger, ginger beer and cream soda to name a few. The old sweet
shop which used to be set back opposite my old High School (HF) was
magic to a child. Sadly, these type of places don't seem to exist
anymore.

Atherton will always have a place in my heart. I have fond memories.










--- In hagfold@..., "Dave" <binnit1@...> wrote:
>
> Hear Hear!
>
> Come home now.
>
> Dave
>
>
>
>
> --- In hagfold@..., "Steve Glover" <stevie2112002@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Phil, I'd just like to say that you are doing a magnificent job
for Hag
> > Fold. Ignore what other people on other groups may say. If it
wasn't
> > for people like you, Hag Fold would be a poorer place.
> > Keep up the good work. We need more people like you.
> >
> > Steve (who doesn't live in Hag Fold but appreciates the work that
Phil
> > does.)
> >
> >
> > --- In hagfold@..., "Philip" <philip.warburton3@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Its about time somone had something to say about Hag Fold and I
don't
> > > mean sarky comments. Is there anything interesting going on
anywhere?
> > > Births Deaths and Marriages anyone?
> > >
> > > Phil
> > >
> >
>