*click for larger version
I’m taking a guess that this photo is from the 1970s? It’s no earlier than 1973 because that car indicating right is an Austin Allegro and they didn’t start making those until that year.
Spot the former Co-op where Wetherspoon’s is on Market Street today. And spot the old Co-op logo on the signage which is of course a design that the company is currently bringing back. There was a Hoylake Co-op butchers too years ago. And at one time there was a Co-op on the corner of Wood Street.
The pedestrian crossing was there then, though the zebra markings and the Belisha beacons have gone. Did you know that the current crossing has secret buttons? And there was a pillar box that’s also no longer. I can’t spot much else – can you?
Now, back to the Co-op. Yep, there have been lots of rumours that the current Co-op (revamped not so long ago) at the end of The Row is going to relocate to the now-closed Blue Anchor. It’s my understanding that the Co-op group is the landlord of all the shops in The Row, but not the flats above them. I’m not sure if the Co-op owns all, some or none of the rear car park? There’s no for-sale or to-let board outside the Blue Anchor, which strikes me as a little unusual. But nothing much seems to be happening does it …perhaps there’s nothing to the rumours?
I remember the co-op on the corner of Wood Street. I remember the money whizzing along in a metal container to the cashier at the top of the shop. Also to this day I can remember my mums dividend number!
In the Co-op I had that first ‘where’s my Mum’ moment, when you can’t see where she is. Your whole world spirals downwards as you look around to find her… Quick, head towards the window (second isle), turn right, she’s there… and breathe. Remember the ‘Freezer shop’ up, past Threshers? Also Kwik Save? Fryer’s TV shop? The Dry Cleaners with the terrifying dog in the window? The Antique shop at the end f Lake Place? The DIY shop over the road the TSB?
Just seen this photo which brought back lots of memories. My husband and I ran the Thresher’s Off-Licence in Market Street from 1980 to 89. I can remember the Stanley Hotel becoming Flat Foot Sams, the wonderful carnival processions and the superb Lifeboat Open Days with the Red Arrows zooming low over the beach (wouldn’t be allowed now).
Remember the Meatball in the background. Had the best crisps. Remember the smell of the herbs aswell inside. Remember the motorbike shop aswell, further up by Lawton’s (was it) freezer shop.