Following on from last Friday’s photo that prompted several comments and another post, I’ve got a little treat for you!
Syd Bird, who now lives in Scotland, is the great grandson of Jesse Bird (1848 – 1932) and also the grandson of his eldest son also named Jesse (1872 – 1953) and he very kindly sent me two old photographs relating to 80 Market Street that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
The old photo of the building was taken just after construction and the advert was taken from a pre 1920’s trades directory.
I popped along yesterday to photograph the building as it is today with views of the fairly new development called the Old Stables – built in what was the old yard (rear view from behind Melrose Hall and front view taken from Ship Inn beer garden). Good to see the initialled rainwater down spout still in place !
If I remember this is where the horses for the Lifeboat where syabled
Sorry “Stabled”
In the 1970s there was an antiques business at this premises. The proprietor was Bill Bateman who was a well known local antiques and furniture expert. He was retired from lecturing in furniture design at Liverpool Art School. He was at that premises for several years until his death. He lived with his wife and daughter in Valentia Road Hoylake. His mother, who in 1966 was 93 years old was my next door neighbour in Airley Road, a real character – used to walk down to Meols most days to “see to” the “old people” who lived in the sheltered accommodation opposite the Green.
Seeing the picture of the Spitfire reminded me of ” Bunny” . Did he retire when the garage was closed? Does anyone know if he is still alive? Heused to look after my vehicles so well.
I was told that the Lifeboat horses were stabled in Brosters Bakery in Walker Street and that they would charge out of the stable and start to make their own way to the beach when they heard the lifeboat gun. Although this might just be a ‘Hoylake Myth’.
True I believe according to Syd Bird.