I still speak regularly with my Nan who lives in Moreton. She loves the place and has clear memories of the area. Although she went through World War 2 she says that some of her best times were during that time.
She can recall that she would stand in the back garden just off Moreton cross and watch the planes dog fighting in the skies above the Mersey. On other occasions of an evening they would stand and watch the tracer fire illuminate the sky around the area. She remembers there being a Ack Ack gun and search light just off Borrowdale Road and several down by the shore.
When the air raid sirens would go off her father would hurry them all into the small bedroom and push the bed infront of the winodw. They would not come out again until the all clear siren sounded. She would always hope that the air raid sirens would go off when she was out the house, that way she could stay out with her friends. When i asked her if she was frightened she replied "No, i was young and it didnt bother me too much back then".
She has a vivied recollection of the Germans trying to bomb the "Vacuum" oil factory which she said was by St James church in Bidston. On one particular occasion a direct hit was scored which caused a massive explosion which could be seen all the way from Moreton. "It was a fantastic site" she replied, but not for the people around it.
Hi! I've just joined this site and am interested in Moreton especially from 1950 to 1970. I lived for 10 years at Lingham Cottage, Lingham Lane (when it really was a lane!). I clearly remember the dragon's teeth along the shore and the pond/lake between the lighthouse and the shore. We had a water tap in our front yard - on hot days people walking past to the shore used to ask to drink from it (the cottage now has a gate so you can't see the small front yard and tap - I wonder if the tap is still there?) My grandfather was not very friendly and would not allow people to drink but my mum and dad would. The cottage was red brick and had 2 stables that were attached. At one time there were about 11 of us living there as an extended family. Sadly my dad died in 1959 and my mum and brothers and me had to move to a council estate in Moreton. But the love of open spaces has remained with me thanks to the 10 years spent at Lingham Cottage. If anyone remembers the Smith family from back then, please get in touch.
My aunt and uncle, Peggy and Les Walker, lived at 14 Glasier Road, off Lingham Lane, until about 1970, and he was an Air Raid Warden during the war. I have a presentation ash tray from the Moreton CD Wardens and it gives the dates 1938-1967 for his service period. Is anything known of how civil defence was organised at that time? Mum was Peggy's sister and we visited from Bebington frequently. I well remember walking down the lane to the shore and crossing the railway line at the level crossing. The 600Volts live rail stopped only a few yards away at each side of the wooden walkway between the rails! Further down the lane was the brick works narrow gauge railway for the clay pit wagons, pulled across the path on a moving cable clipped to the top of the truck. There was little danger providing you kept out of the way of the trucks as they only went at a walking pace. There was something spooky about them trundling across without human control! I vaguely remember the barking dog at the farm and the dank ponds with the black water behind the embakment. There were no hazard warnings for any of the above except for the 'Stop, Look and Listen' sign at the electric line! It was quite an attractive shoreline before the 'dragon's teeth' were put there.
yes, I remember the barking dog everytime my brothers and I walked past on our way to Lingham Lane school. There was also often a large pile of manure nearby. We used to hold our breath as we ran past it! We also had to cross the wooden walkway across the railway line each day. Lingham cottage was the last cottage on the right before the shore if you were walking towards the shore from the railway line. As mentioned, I lived there with my extended family from 1950 to 1960. What period of time are you referring to?
I'm talking late '30s - '50s. I was 6 when WW2 started and put a stop to beach enjoyment. I left the Wirral mid'60s and never returned. I think I prefer to remember it as it was then. A lot of it, as seen on Streetview now, is unrecognisable from my time. That's progress! Bri
I agree. I'm going to Moreton (possibly for the last time) next week and will walk along the paths that haven't changed much (few and far between) Thank you so much for responding. Keep well.
Don't forget to take a camera! It's the best way to bring back memories in later life, when you have time to ponder and perhaps write your memories for future generations. Streetview is alright but it's the present and it's not personal. Bri
Just returned from a visit to Moreton. Found an A4 format book called Moreton Wirral - A Pictorial History volume 2 by Frank Biddle and Alan Fellowes in which there is a photo of Lingham Cottage where I grew up, and Lingham bridge where my dad proposed to my mum in the late 1940s. For me it is a wonderful find as it also includes photos of Moreton shore and embankment in the 1950s. Many of the photos are before my time but still interesting to look at.
There is a set of books by these authors I have Moreton Wirral Vol 1 and Vol 2 and Vol 3. There is also a book called 'Yesterdays Wirral No 5 Wallasey, New Brighton & Moreton' by Ian & Marilyn Boumphrey - loads of brilinat images with detailed information.
There is, or was, a shop on the roundabout at The Cross (Cobblers?) that sells old postcards, some of which are in these books. It faces what was Les Turners Ciggy shop under the (now gone) arcade.
Thankyou so much for replying. Yes, I know of vol. 1 and 3 but it was vol 2 that was more relevant. Will look out for postcards and Wallasey no 5 when next in Moreton. Thanks again.
Hi, I believe you must be the sons of Victor Smith my uncle. I lived with my mum and dad in Lingham Cottage form 1959 till 1966 when we moved to Holywell.
I agree with you that my garndad was a cantankerous old man, and lived till he was 96.
My name is Benny, and my brother and sisters were Jimmy, Ted, Pat and my mum and dad must have been your Aunty Mary and Uncle Ted.
-- Edited by Benny on Saturday 19th of March 2011 09:43:16 PM
Thanks for replying. My name is Susan and I was the daughter of Victor Smith. You and your family moved in as my mum and brothers moved out at the end of 1959. It was very hard leaving Lingham Cottage and all the surrounding fields where we played, especially having lost my dad who I loved very much.
As far as I can remember, there was little or no contact with grandad Smith once we left the cottage, though there was some contact with Vic's younger sister Dorothy who continued to live in Moreton opposite what was Lingham Lane primary school.
I would love to hear your memories of Lingham Cottage and if you and your family were happy there. I think I remember Uncle Ted. Was he best man to my dad? I have photos but have not learned how to post them on-line !
I note you left Moreton some years ago. If you ever return you will see lots of changes but some locations and buildings remain the same. Even the old red brick lighthouse still stands (though it is now painted white).
Every blessing cousin.
Note to red devil - what does right click and save mean? Is it something technical I have to do or a slang greeting ?!!! Hi, anyway !!
Susan, Nice to hear from you. Yes we moved to Holywell I think in 1966 and I am still in the area, although I did return to Greasby for 3 years where I met my wife and then moved back.
I work for Scottish Power and am based a lot of my time in Prenton. I do still see my sister law, Teddy's wife3 Nora, and Linda their daughter.
Unfortunately I am the last one remaining on our side of the family, you have 2 brothers if I can rember correctly, Phillip and Paul, are they still living in Moreton, not sure if you are?
The last time I saw Dorothy was at my mums funeral in 1987, when she turned up at landican.
I have visited the cottage a couple of times and 2 years ago went up the lighthouse, first time since myself and a couple of mates broke in around 1960 looking for bird's eggs.
I do miss the cottage, and have been doing my family tree for a many years.
I am upset that around 1980 I was in WH Smiths in Grange Road, and looked at a book, which showed a photograph of the cottage in Lingham Lane with the Smiths family standing by the shippens, I was going to buy it but bought a computer programme instead, and still have not been able to find that picture.
If you live in the Wirral area I would love to meet you, and discuss the Smiths. Look forward to hearing forrm you again.
Small - if you want the images, move the cursor over the image, press the right button on your move and select save and the images appear in your computer!!!
I'm new to the forum. My name is Lin and my mum is Dorothy Griffiths who used to live at Lingham Cottage with her father Frederick Smith. We must be related! I have just started to research my family history (which I knew almost nothing about when I started) and was amazed to come across the posts which you and Susan had put on about Lingham Cottage.
Saw your message on site. Hope you get this too, as I'm not computer literate!
Would be very happy to e-mail you with any (family) details I remember when living at Lingham Cottage. I only really remember grandad Smith, your mum and dad and Elizabeth, Michael and John (and Valerie vaguely).
Benny has not been in touch for some while but he has traced the family tree back to 1841.
Do send your e-mail, if you are happy to. Every blessing. Susan
I'm not sure how much you know concerning the Smith family so I'll just give you some basics to begin with though your mum (if she is still alive) is best placed to give you details as she will know more than me.
I was born in 1950 and lived at Lingham Cottage with Grandad Smith (Frederick Victor), my mum (Lily) my dad (Hubert Victor - known as Vic) and my brothers until end 1959 when my dad died.
During part of that time, your mum and dad lived with us and had Elizabeth. I clearly remember Michael and John and think they lived with us briefly too before moving opposite what was Lingham Lane junior school. But your mum and dad may have moved out before they were born - if so, they visited a lot. I was aware of Valerie and you but lost track of any further additions and would love to know more of your history and that of your siblings and what order you came in!
Your mum was the youngest of 6 or 7 children fathered by Frederick Smith (grandad) who was married and widowed twice (both wives were called Martha) and I believe they are buried in the same grave at Christ Church Moreton.
I think my dad was next youngest but he was about 14 years older than your mum.
Ben Smith (Benny) moved to Lingham Cottage in 1960 with his parents Ted and Mary and brothers Jimmy and Ted. He also had a sister called Pat.
I'll quote from an e-mail I received from him with some Smith family history which may be of use.
"I have traced the family tree back to 1841 where a Elizabeth Smith and George Smith lived who married John Howard's daughter Alice. I believe George Smith is our great Grandfather, and on the 1881 census John, Alice, George, along with their children Mary, Emma, Walter and Frederick Victor (our grandad)
The 1901 census showed grandad living in 34 Marion Street, Birkenhead along with his wife Martha, and children George Frederick (8), Ethel (4) and Margaret (Aunty Marie) who was 1. The 1911 census shows them living in 24 Garnett Street, Birkenhead where my dad (Ted) was born."
I think Elizabeth and George were brother and sister - so George married Alice (1st para of Ben's quote) and Alice's father lived with them
Your dad (my Uncle Bill) used to bring fresh shrimps to the cottage and we would shell and eat them. I've never tasted so good since! Your mum was my godmother when I was confirmed in 1966.
That's probably enough for now and you may already know much of this already. If there is anything specific then please get in touch.
Sorry Lin, The above was not meant for general readership. It was meant for your private message forum but I appear to have pressed a wrong button! Sorry. Susan
Nice to hear from you too! I lived in Moreton until 2008 and am now living in Devon.
I've just started doing family tree stuff and have been quite lucky to find a lot out (thought I would have more trouble due to the 'common' surnames I was looking at). Funnily enough I have found strong links to the South West on both my Mum and Dad's side so I feel as if I have roots here too.
It sounds like you moved to Lingham just as my Mum and Dad moved out. My Mum is still alive but sadly we lost my Dad.
Lovely to hear from you. Don't worry about the post appearing on main forum.
I've been doing some ancestry research and have been really lucky as I have made contact with other people who relate to 3 out of the 4 grandparents. Not bad considering the surnames I was looking for were Smith, Wood, Griffiths and Ryder!
Hi - meant to also say that I have details of the Smith side of the family back to 1736. I can't claim much glory though as I was given help by other people who had also done research.
The Smiths are all linked with the Moreton and Bidston area which I'm sure will come as no great surprise to you.
Thankyou for posting the image of Lingham Cottage. It looks a lot posher than when I lived there 50 years ago! The main cottage was red brick and the old stable was whitewashed. There was no side gate fence across securing access to the front yard. People walking past could enter the yard where there was a water tap that could be used on hot days - but only only if my grandad gave them permission! Hope you are well - and thanks again.
Apologies for not contacting you again sooner, but unfotunately through my old age I forgot what my user name was, but worked it out today thrrough trial and error. I am afraid a creature of habit and use the same names and passwords throughout wofrk and home.
Hope you are keeping well, and had a good 50th birthday party in Hoylake. Apologies for not coming but I felt a bit nervous as I did not have an official invitation, only through Carol.
Can you forward me a copy of your familay tree so I can match it with mine, which I may have lost through my computer crashing.
Is Aunty Dorothy still alive, and if so how old is she, as I said in one of my last emails I sw her at my dads funeral back in 1986.
I have a photo Grandad Smith and his wife Martha I believe this is his second wife your Grandmother, taken I believe in and around 1920, but unfortunately I don't know how to attach it.
I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Could you message me your email address and I can link you in to the tree on Ancestry. You'll be able to look at the tree and any photos on it even if you're not a member of the site.
I'm sorry that I didn't invite you personally to the party but I ran out of time trying to organise things and I only had contact with you via this forum. I had a great time but it was over too soon.
I have got a copy of that photo (I think it's a lovely clear one) and also a few other ones taken later on but not very many. It's been quite hard to get my head round all the new relatives that I've found out about. I've met up with Eddie a few times and he showed me some pictures of you with Jackie.
My Mum is still alive and she still lives in Maryland Lane. She was really happy to hear that I was in contact with you and I'm sure she would love to hear from you. Once I've got your email I'll send you her address.
I live in Devon now but come back to the Wirral to see family so I hope that we get to meet up one day soon.
I lived in Orchard Road from 1947 and went to Moreton C of E School my first teacher there was Miss Eastwood and the Head Master Mr Appleyard that was proberley 51/52. My father was a Baker and Confectioner and we had a shop on Moreton Cross called Parkinson's which my parents had during the war. My Grandfather had a farm called Yew Tree Farm down Mary Anne lane back of the Coach and Horses
I was very friendly with a Boy whoses parents owned Bells Coaches if any one remembers them
hi im new to this site but ive been looking for photos of the old shanty town around pasture Road and Moreton Shore does anyone have any or no where i can find some thankyou
There are 2 pages of photos in a Liverpool Echo glossy magazine called 'Incredible Wirral', £3 from 'merseyshop.com'. There's a whole series of excellent Merseyside nostalgia magazines on their website, and good prices too.
I remember being sent to Parkinsons' for bread. It was very good bread. A one-pound loaf cost a penny-three-farthings, and a two-pound loaf was twopence-halfpenny, I think.
Wasn't the siren attached to the Coach & Horses? A horrible noise. After bombing Liverpool, Birkenhead, and Wallasey, the German bombers would head out to sea in the process of turning back for home, and would dump any bombs they had left. A land-mine dropped in the middle of Chapel Hill Road & destroyed a lot of the houses. A bomb on Carnsdale Road destroyed two houses. As I recall, people were killed. Some years after the war, they tested the siren again, and at the sound my stomach turned over.
Saw your comments on here and found them interesting. I live in Glasier Road now and wondered if you
be willing to give me any information you have on it especially number 8 which is where I live? Hope to hear from you. My email address is ann_carlile@yahoo.co.uk
