If you recognise the images below then this page is for you. If the pictures bring back memories of days in Rainhill - even more so. By clicking either of the images you can put yourself in touch with other Rainhill exiles. You don't have to live far away; Prescot will do. But even if you live as far away as the Antipodes you can still join in.

If you click to the next page you will be asked to give some details about yourself and you can leave a brief message to be passed on to other ex-Rainhillians.

Click on either image to go to the next page.

Below are the people who would like to get in touch, and the method of contact they would like. To respond you can either contact them direct if they've put up their address or you can email the Society for details at rainhill.civic@gmail.com You can, of course, use the next page to put up a message of your own.This can be just a reminiscence or a bit of information about Rainhill that you would like to share - if you don't wish to be contacted that's all right.

If you have put a message on the page in the past could you please check that the email address you have given is still correct? It's a bit frustrating if people can't get through to someone they've been longing to contact for years because the email "bounces". Please email any changes to the above address.

NEWS Margaret Carden (neeTyson) has let us know that her email address is now mcarden@dodo.com.au Search for her name to find her message. She'd appreciate large type in any message you send her.

Name	Location	Method of contact
Jean Lightfoot	South Africa	jeangillitts@telkomsa.net
Message (This is Jean's second message) Hello, I just can't leave this site alone! Does anyone remember The Odd Fellow's Hall in Rainhill road ? In the late 50's there used to be a dance on the upper level on a Saturday night. Would love to hear from anyone who went there jiving. Also, someone mentioned Harry Anders being a toy shop, I think incorrect - Harry used to put a few toys in the window round about November and we used to pay 6 pence per week to join the Club, it was a general store, I remember a sack of broken biscuits just behind the door, and his sister Mabel lived upstairs.
January 2012 Go to Jean's first message, Jan '11
Barbara Baxter, neé Lay	Western Australia	barb.john@westnet.com.au
Message My name is Barbara Baxter my maiden name was Lay. l lived at Sandhurst Road from 1948 to 1959. My family all came from Rainhill. My grandfather, Jack Lay, and grandmother lived in Rainhill Road. l would love to hear from anyone who knew my family. l now live in Rockingham, Western Australia.
January 2012
Don Marshall	USA	donrainhill5@verizon.net
Message Don used to live in Brancker Avenue and left for the USA in 1964. He says :- "Derick Houghton's older brother Les (from the farm) was my older brother's best friend. I can remember chasing pigs around the field across from the farm many times and helpimg to bail hay. Mr Houghton came to our house every other week. The last time I saw Les I was visiting my brother who lived in Holt Lane. Some names I recall:- Norma Ellard, Muriel Swift, Rhona Roach. I welcome any contact or sharing of my information to any of the old Rainhill gang!"
January 2012
Bill Humphreys	Rainhill	billhumph@hotmail.com
Message I have lived in Rainhill since 1955. Educated at Liverpool Bluecoat School 1943 - 1950 as a boarder. Worked at Eric Bemrose (News International) as a process engraver till 1991. I have been involved in Rainhill Recreation Club for many years, particularly with tennis and bowls. Prior to that I served on the Village Hall management committee, and was active with others in raising funds to have the hall built. I Married Janet Kerr Parker in 1959, and have two children Karen and Andrew, four grandchildren; all live in the south of England. I would like to contact any members or ex-members of the Recreation Club with whom we should have many reminisences.
December 2011
Brian Renshall	Rainhill, UK	brianrenshall@hotmail.co.uk
MessageI was born & bred in Rainhill (Chatsworth Road) and still live in Rainhill. I have many happy memories of St. James church/youth club and the wonderful Harry Whitfield. I ran for Sutton Harriers and Liverpool Pembroke Harriers until old age caught up with me and I retired at 50.
November 2011
An additional message from Brian, December 2011: Does anyone remember The Rainhill Rockets speedway cycle team of the late 1950's ? They used to compete against other teams from the local area and their cinder track was on the Holt Playing fields at the back of Chatsworth Road. Any further info photos etc would be appreciated.
Dorothy Rigby, née Maunder	Rainhill, UK	Via Rainhill Civic Society
Message I was born in Sandhurst Road in June 1941 and have never lived anywhere else. I attended St. Ann's infants and junior schools, before going on to Whiston Central. I have been married for 50 years to Ernie, and we have three children and four grandchildren.
October 2011
Irene Button	St Helens, UK	ijbutton@talktalk.net
Message No Message.
September 2011
Susan Roberts	Leyland, Lancs, UK	Via Rainhill Civic Society
Message Susan Roberts, born 1956 Hi. Remember the good old days, I loved them and wish I could go back for a week, I lived in the old sweet shop come cafe next door to the paper shop. Went to St Ann's. I would love to hear from anyone who went there no matter where you are now. It would be great to know what you're up to now. I have a brother Roy Roberts he is 5 yrs older than me. My mum's name was Milly and my Dad's name was Ronnie. My brother and I used to play a lot at Dukes Clough. Any one remember that place? .If anyone has any stories I would love to share them with you. Thanks. Susan.
September 2011
June Slowey, née Cropper	Upholland, Lancs, UK	june.slowey@btinternet.com
Message My grandad is on the memorial in Rainhill. He is Thomas Wright Cropper he was killed by a U-boat in 1940 one of the first destroyers to go down. My nana lived on in Rainhill until her death when she was 90+. She lived in Rainhill Road and worked as a dinner lady in St Ann's all my school life but was a member of the Methodist church herself. If I can give any more info. please contact me and I can ask my brother Roy to help me.
August 2011
Linda Jameson, née Lamb	Newbury, Berkshire, UK	oaklands3@aol.com
Message I was born in 1943 in Whiston. I went to Halsnead School and then to Wade Deacon Grammar School. I lived in Rainhill for a time after marrying George Jameson, who lived in Rainhill. We have lived in South Africa and Zambia and have lived near Newbury for 30 Years. We still have lots of family in Whiston and Rainhill. I noticed the name John Lamb on the website. I am sure that he must be my cousin and I would love to contact him. His email address is not recognised. Does anyone know his email address? I would love to hear from you if you do.
July 2011
Daphne Wilson, née Allender	Glasgow, Scotland	daphnemwilson@ntlworld.com
Message I lived at 1 Batey Avenue from 1938 until 1949 when I moved to Liverpool and resided and worked there until I was 17, before moving to Scotland. I still visit Rainhill at least twice a year. My dad, Reg Allender, was a plumber and gas fitter and a founder member of a cycling group. I attended the school which used to be in Delph Lane, Huyton Prep School, and St Ann's for a short while. I attended the Morrison Girls School in Liverpool later on.
July 2011
Dorothy Cartmell née Tirebuck	Queensland, Australia	Dorothycartmell@ymail.com
Message I was born in Sandhurst Road in 1946. Attended St Ann's then Whiston Secondary School. Remember all the lovely times spent in the village and recognise quite a few names on this site. I married Neil Cartmell and emigrated to Australia in 1973 and have been here ever since. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
July 2011
Ian Robinson	UK	Via Rainhill Civic Society
Message Worked on Rainhill Hospital farm in the early 1960's with a lad called Billy. Henry Schneider was the manager then. Happy days.
July 2011
Dorothy Coburn-Atherton, née Fishwick	Whiston, UK	daisyco@blueyonder.co.uk
Message I lived in Trent Close from 1950 until I married. I was a pupil at St Ann's infants and juniors and still live quite nearby in sunny Whiston, so haven't gone very far. A lot of the names I remember quite clearly and often wondered what had happened to everybody who grew up in Rainhill in the 50's. What a wonderful place to live as a child then. The street games and the adventures at Dukes Clough. Yes I remember sitting on the monkey bridge letting our legs dangle down between the bars, the steam wafting up in our faces. I too can remember the smell that hit the back of your throat. Betty, who had the shop opposite the junior school. She made her own icecream, thick and yellow. The dairy farm in Longton Lane. The waiting room at the station; there was always a fire burning in the grate.
July 2011
Anne Slater, née Lowe	Rainhill	via Rainhill Civic Society
Message I am a member of the Society's Heritage subcommitee and I'm seeking information about Rainhill's past.
June 2011
Ken Leyland	Vancouver, Canada	leylandbrenda@hotmail.com
Message I was born at Whiston Hospital, lived on Dragon Row next to the Green Dragon, moved to Stoney View and attended St Ann’s juniors and Whiston Secondary. I was in Rainhill cubs and scouts with Steve Darling, John and Peter Lowe, John Lamb, etc. Used to drink in the Comic, the Vic and Maggie Sharkies, where you could drink under age. Remember going to the Cavern, Iron Door and Peppermint Lounge. Also going to the Regency and the Garrick with Eric Beesley, Mike Hart and other local unsavories. I served my time on both Tom Jones sites, played footy at the ex-servicies club and went to Longton Lane youth club. I had a great time growing up in Rainhill. The 60s was the best decade to live as a teen. I moved to Edmonton in ‘75 and then Vancouver in ‘79, where I still live and love it, but I will always be a Rainhill lad. If any of the names I have listed remembers me, drop me a line.
June 2011
Malcolm Moss	UK	malcolm@64moss.freeserve.co.uk
Message I attended St Ann's Primary school from 1950 until 1956. I have many happy memories of my time at that school and would love to chat with anybody who remembers me from that time.
May 2011
William Hughes	Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain	billandsheilahughes@btinternet.com
Message Fond memories of the village and the colourful people who lived there from 1936 to 1957.
April 2011
Eric Beesley	Georgetown, Ontario, Canada	rainhillrocket@cogeco.ca
Message Born 1942 in Whiston, moved to Rainhill Rivers Estate 1953. Went to Halsnead Primary School and Whiston Secondary Modern. Worked at BICC and Stoves. Went to Winnipeg Canada in 1967 with Dennis Halsall and Ron Berry, two Rainhill lads. Lived in Winnipeg for 15 years. Moved to Georgetown, Ontario, which is near Toronto in 1982. I still have family in Rainhill and come home a couple of times a year. Enjoy having a few pints at The Commercial or Victoria Hotel. Rainhill will always be home to me and, as you can see by my email address, is very special.
March 2011
Ken Taylor	Pontardawe, Wales	Via Rainhill Civic Society
Message I was born in Ormskirk in 1939 but lived in Chatsworth Road, until I moved to london in 1959. Lived in various parts of the country, moved to Wales in 1972. I attended St Ann's infant and junior school, then Whiston secondary modern school.
February 2011
Barbara Caffell, née Griffiths	Hamilton, New Zealand	barbreadjones@hotmail.com
Message I was born at Whiston Hospital in November 1950. We lived in King Edward Close, before moving to Sandhurst Road, the previous home of my late grandparents. I attended Longton Lane school and Whiston Girls. We emigrated to N.Z. in 1970.Yes! I remember the Monkey Bridge, also Johnny Harrison - he was in my class at Longton Lane, and lived opposite my cousins Graham, Geoff and Carol Ames in Sandhurst Rd. We all used to play street games like kick the can, vinager bottles, tag etc. and make dens on the back field...does this jog anyones memory. The Houghtons at the Holt Farm are related, as were Betty and Roy Bibby at the Holt Pub! So pleased to have found this site!
February 2011
John Caley	Limousin, France	jpcaley@msn.com
Message I am attempting to gather information on Rainhill St Ann's F.C. in order to have a book published with players' stories, match reports and photos etc. I and my two brothers played for the club during the 1960s and 1970s. I have contacted a number of players from that period but would appreciate any help and assistance in getting in touch with as many players as possible, both before and after my time, in order to gather any documentation and stories of the team.
January 2011
John Dutton	Wigan, UK	johndutton1@sky.com
Message I was born at Whiston Hospital on 23rd March 1945 and attended both St. Ann schools and then Whiston Secondary modern. I lived at 88 Sandhurst Road until I married and moved to the Wigan area where I still live. Yes I remember the monkey bridge and the choking smoke [fondly]. Remember [not so fondly] being hit on the head with a stone in a playground throwing contest. Does anyone remember a lad called Johnny Harrison? He lost an eye in a similar incident, but with arrows. I look forward to sharing more memories and updates.
January 2011
Jean Lightfoot	Near Durban, South Africa	jeangillitts@telkomsa.net
Message I was born in Rainhill in 1941 but have lived, with my husband, in South Africa for 42 years. My younger brother Alan still lives in Rainhill. My eldest brother Stan lived in Warburton Hey. Sadly he passed away in 2007 after being a driver for Sutton's for 42 years. I worked in the admin at Whiston Hospital. My mother Margaret (Peggy) Davies, was born in the Coach & Horses where my grandfather, Job Davies, was the publican and also ran the adjacent bowling green. Peggy was orphaned at an early age and she went to live with her sister Dorothy (11 Warburton Hey), who was married to Bob Frith, a well known Dairy Farmer. Peggy subsequently married Fred Spooner, my father, who was a well known motor cycle dealer in Prescot. He was already living two doors away at 15 Warburton Hey, and Peggy lived there until her death in 1989. So Peggy only moved some 200 metres in all her life. I remember lots from my very early days, for example, my first pair of shoes from Mrs Pennington's on the bridge, the penny balm cakes from Welsby's, home made ice cream from the shop which became the Post Office. May Lowe's. And life in Rainhill school - Mrs Merrick who wrapped me over the knuckles with a ruler, Miss Skeet, and Mrs Critchley, and my crush on Mr Broome! I wonder if anyone remembers Miss Wilton; she also taught my mother, and was still wandering around Prescot at the age of 93. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me from Rainhill or from Whiston Secondary Modern.
January 2011
Sylvia Howarth	UK	Via Rainhill Civic Society
Message Does anyone remember Howarths Greengrocers in Rainhill Village? There were two, but ours was the one in the centre. My parents, Gordon and May Howarth, purchased the shop after the war from a Mr and Mrs Flower, who lived on the other side of the main road in a Victorian house. My parents could only afford to buy the shop. At the begining there was an old fashioned order boy's bike but, later on, deliveries were made in various vans. It was a lovely shop at Christmas with oranges arriving in wooden boxes, each orange wrapped in tissue paper with the name of the producer and country of origin. Game,Christmas trees, holly, mistletoe all hung up outside. Toy shop next door and with the window all steamed up in winter, you could only guess at the delights within. I believe the old Rainhill Telephone Exchange was above the shop and, if my memory serves me right, the telephone number for the shop was just 29. My brother Gordy and myself both went to Halsnead then to Whiston Secondary School.
January 2011
Brian Johnson	Monteseel, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa	brian@astronet.co.za
Message Born in 1950 at 25 Trent Road, attended both the St.Anns schools in the Village before Whiston Secondary Boys, leaving in 1965. Left Rainhill in 1973 when I married and moved to Fazakerly, then Wigan and finally Sale in Manchester, before being transferred with my job to South Africa. Have a brother Ken, who is 2 years older. My mum passed away in 2008 and my dad just a few weeks ago. I have visited a few times but, now they have passed, I doubt if Rainhill will see my face again. Does anyone remember going to the Monkey Bridge, sitting there while the steam trains passed underneath and getting swallowed up in the chimney smoke? Can smell it now. Would like to try and trace Arthur Jenkins, who spent many an hour with me on the terraces at Old Trafford waiting for the trio Best, Law and Charlton to weave their magic. Anyone who remembers me please get in touch.
December 2010
Angela Lobedan, (née Williams)	Ashton, near Wigan	alobedan@hotmail.co.uk
Message I was born in 1955 and lived in First Avenue before moving to Warrington Road (opposite Maggie Sharkies). I went to Longton Lane and Prescot Girl`s Grammar School. My mother, Madge Williams, had a sewing shop above the fruit shop in the village. My father worked at Cronton Pit, and was killed there in 1970. I have an older sister Jean, and an older brother Keith. I trained to become a nurse in 1974 and later as a midwife.
October 2010
Gillian Okill (née Carey)	Shetland, Scotland	gillian@auroradesign.plus.com
Message I spent my childhood in Rainhill until 1975, when I went to university and then moved north to Shetland, where I have lived ever since. I was schooled at St. Ann's and later at Prescot Girls' Grammar, and went to Sunday School and the Girls' Brigade at St. James'. My husband and I were married there in 1981. These days, my visits are infrequent and I have lost touch with all the old friends. I discovered the Rainhill Civic Society during a recent family visit and walked and drove around the village to see what was new and what was still familiar. If you remember me and want to recall old times, please get in touch.
September 2010
Peter Leyland	Ontario, Canada	pleyland@sympatico.ca
Message I lived in Rainhill from 1949 to 1966 when, after marrying, I emigrated to Canada. I attended Prescot Primary School and Whiston Secondary Modern, also Holt Congregational Church and St. Ann's in Rainhill. The latter when I was in the 8th Widnes Scout troop along with Matt and Denis Gilsenen. For a while I also was a member of St. Nicholas' youth group. I would be pleased to hear from anyone who knew me in those days.
September 2010
Michael Thomas Doran	Rockingham, Western Australia	michael.doran162@gmail.com
Message Hi Mike Doran here. I was born in Whiston on 14/5/49 to Felix and Emma Doran and lived at 122, Windy Arbor Road . We moved to Rainhill in 1966. We lived at two addresses, Bretherton Place and then Severn Road. I went to Whiston Sec Modern, my teacher was Bill Shankland in 3R, before working as a bus conductor for St Helen's corpy, then Widnes corpy. Moved to Rockingham, Western Australia in '70/71. I came home in '74 and then in '80 with my new wife Janice and son Andrew and stayed until my middle son Kevin was born at Whiston Hospital, which mean's he's now part of Rainhill. I would love to hear from anyone that thinks he may know me or my family I have been here for 40 years and have just recently joined St Helen's Connect, so now I can keep in touch.
September 2010
John Berrigan	Whiston, UK	suenjohn3484@msn.com
MessageBorn and bred in Rainhill, in 1952, I lived on Rainhill Road near the Coach and Horses, but have lived in Whiston village for the last 30 years. I was the DJ at the Attic and St Ann's YC, and have wonderful memories of wonderful times.
September 2010
John Fairclough	Rainhill	info@fotographicimages.co.uk
Message I was born in 1943 at No 43 Rainhill Road and have an older sister called Margaret. The family moved from there in 1955/56 when my father (Bob) retired from his post as “Chief Male Nurse” at Rainhill Hospital. We ended up living in Fairclough Road, off Warrington Road. I joined St Ann’s Scout Group at the age of 7 years and when I was 18 I moved to the new open religion group, the 5th Rainhill, Widnes. This is where I met my wife Carol. We now have two children and three grandchildren. I joined the Rainhill Garrick Society at the age of 12 years. There I met John Taylor, John Harris, David Welsby and many more reprobates!! This was my introduction becoming interested in sound and lighting systems, not realising that it was later to become my profession. I started my working life as an electrician, which was really a means to an end. However, I left this industry in my late 20s to work in the music industry. After freelancing as a recording engineer for some years, my wife Carol and I opened our own factory producing pre-recorded audio cassettes. Our clients included such organisations as Sony, Warners, BBC, EMI, Polygram, Early Learning Centre, Harper Collins - just to mention but a few. This grew and grew to become the largest cassette factory in the north of England. I sold out in 2003. In the 80’s, and thanks to Carol, I adopted a new hobby, photography, and in the late 90s was operating as a semi-pro natural history and wildlife photographer. In 2003 I won an international wildlife competition, sending me to the Falkland Islands via Chile for 14 days. Following this award, and as a result of selling my business, I turned professional for my later years and am now having great fun!! I will most certainly be contacting some of the contributors to this site and would really appreciate it if the following could contact me; Dorothy Cartmell (nee Tirebuck), Max Lycett, John Lamb.
August 2010
Phil Ball	Rainhill	philbulldogball@gmail.com
Message Rainhill born and still living here, but done a lot of travelling over the years. Attended St Ann's infant and junior schools from 1957 to 1963 and then Prescot Grammar (briefly) and Whiston Higherside. I would be interested to hear from anyone who remembers me just to reminisce.
August 2010
Therese Glynn , née Murtagh	St Helens, UK	treray@live.co.uk
Message I attended St Barts School from 1959 - 1966 - thereafter I attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secondary Modern in St Helens (all girls). My grandparents lived in First Avenue Rainhill (where my mother and aunts and uncles grew up) and then in in Whiston until 1973. Since I married, I have lived in St Helens. I have 3 grown up children and 4 grandchildren. I would love to hear from kindred spirits who would like to get in touch to reminisce.
July 2010
Theresa Thomas, née Hollis	England	adt.brenig@tiscali.co.uk
Message In 1966 to 1969 I often went to my friend's house to stay. I remember we got off the train from Earlestown to Rainhill and walked a few minutes up the road to her house. I haven't seen Elsie since 1969, so would love to get in touch. Elsie Baines was her name. Other friends from Rainhill and Prescot were Sandra Barns. Doris Burke and Sue Hughes. We all went to Newton le Willows College to do an NNEB Course. I remember Rainhill as a lovely place. I now live in Essex but still go back to Lancashire to visit family.
March 2010
Matt Gilsenan	Rainhill	gillie6622@yahoo.co.uk
Message I have changed my e-mail address since I last appeared on the web site, Born in Rainhill in 1940,opposite Houghtons farm and still living in Rainhill, it is interesting to see many old Scouts writing about their life and time spent in the Village. My request for information about the Scout HQ in the Vicarage did not seem to jog anyone's memory.
February 2010
David Lord	Campbeltown, Scotland	Via Rainhill Civic Society
Message Moved to Rainhill in 1949 and attended the primary and junior schools before going to Wade Deacon GS in 1955. Left the village in 1961 to live in the Isle of Man before travelling the world with the Met Office. Many happy memories of wandering wild around Dukes Clough, Pex Hill and just about every other bit of countryside in the district. Was in the cubs and scouts and the youth club at the Methodist Church. Played for a short while for Rainhill Sports FC. Happy Days.
December 2009
Peter Cartmell	NSW central coast, Australia	cartmell@terrigal.net.au
Message I was born in 1947 and lived in Rainhill Road, and went to the infants and junior schools. I remember that in those days a lot of the Village businesses were Welsbys, apart from Kenright's and Betty Hughes's shops. I worked for the Liverpool Echo after leaving school in '62 and used to watch the Beatles at the Cavern at lunchtime. I thought they were OK, but not as good as other groups like the Big Three and Undertakers - how wrong can you be? I left Rainhill in 1970 to live in Jersey, then went to Australia and I am still here, although I have been back "home" a good few times over the years .
December 2009
Peter Rigby	Australia	rigs2@optusnet.com.au
Message I wasn't born in Rainhill, but lived in Batey Avenue from 1939 till 1953, when I moved to Whiston, before emigrating to South Australia. I'm a contempory of Keith Macklin, who became a well known sports commentator [sadly now deceased] ,Bill Price and Norman Ratcliffe, who lived respectively in Chatsworth, Sandhurst and Norcliffe Roads. I often read the the list to see if any names of my era appear, but no luck so far. I recognise many of the surnames of families who apparently still live in the area, like Ron Pye, my girlfriend Joan Lawrenson (later Mrs. Rigby), from Longton Lane. I regularly walked round the Towers and Duke's Clough, resting for a while at Pex Hill. In summer it seemed as if the whole of Rainhill was doing likewise. We were regular customers at Sutcliffe's chipshop in Longton Lane and Livesey's chippie just off Chatsworth Road. During WWII we also patronised the British Canteen on the same service road. That was a large Nissen Hut serving basic three course meals, that didn't require ration cards to purchase food.
December 2009
Stephanie Warbrick (née Baines)	Auckland, New Zealand	littlered@xtra.co.nz
Message I was born in Rainhill in 1950, went to Longton Lane Primary School and Prescot Girls Grammar School. Left Rainhill in 1969, after marrying Ron Warbrick (his family had the Builders' Merchants on the the Bridge). We went to New Zealand and joined Ron's family, Mum Dad, brother Phil, sister Evelyn, her husband,Derrick Hughes and their 2 children. I remember fondly the Youth Club at Longton Lane, going to the chip shop on Chatsworth Road (Livesey's) afterwards. Growing up in the 60's was a very interesting time. Have been on lots of visits to UK since arriving in NZ, planning on one this year at the end of Nov 2009. My mum died in 1978 and my Dad (Steve Baines, who is now 95 years old) is now here in NZ with us. Ron's mum and Dad, Eve & Bill are both dead now, but were great friends of some of the Welsby family(being in business in Rainhill). Have caught up with Geoff Lovatt, who I see is on the site. I also see a name Ron would know very well, Max Lycett. Great to see this site. Love to hear from anyone who remembers me!
October 2009
Ron Warbrick	New Zealand	rwarbrick@ohs.school.nz
Message Arrived in Rainhill as a two year-old in 1949. Attended St Ann’s and then Whiston Secondary Modern. Left in 62 and went to St Helens Tech. At the same time I worked in the family business W. Warbrick and Sons Ltd on Rainhill Bridge next to the station. I also remember hanging out around the Victoria. Left Rainhill in 69 to live in New Zealand. Returned in 78 and stay until 1981. Love the pictures of Rainhill in the one of the Rainhill Bridge I can just see the corner of my Dad’s builders yard and in the picture of View Rd, I can just see the corner of our old house at number 60. Will be in Rainhill again at Chrismas 2009. Ron Warbrick
October 2009
Ron Pye	Nottinghamshire, UK	r-pye@sky.com
Message I was directed to your web site by my cousin's husband, and reading your Rainhill remembered site brought back many happy memories to me. I was born in the village, went to both village schools and I was in the church choir at St Ann's church. I went on to be educated at Wade Deacon G.S until I started my career in the mining industry. When at church school I remember the church steeple being taken down and the stones being stacked near the main door. Pity it was not re-built. It was during the war and I used to help my grandfather push his handcart loaded with accumulators for the wireless (radios) that we charged up for people of the village. We all went to church three times every Sunday, had lots of fun walking round the Towers and the Clough every Sunday - not so built up in those days. I was in the Scouts, lots of camping in the summer and became a Queen's Scout, an honour I have always treasured. We went cycling too, meeting in Longton Lane on Sundays. If you were not there on time we went! Often into North Wales, a 100 mile ride was nothing. There was no traffic as such, the biggest hazard being the tram lines! I also played cricket on the Victoria terrace pitch, away matches met at the Vic,sometimes inside too! Of course girls came into my life, went out with a few, then met and married a wonderful girl from Prescot at StAnn's Church. We lived in Rainhill until 1967 when we moved to Nottinghamshire,(still there).Two of my daughters were born in Rainhill. They often remember some of our happy life there. In those days Rainhill was in Lancashire, I am still proud of being a Rainhillian and a Lank. I am glad I found this website I look forward to visiting it again from time to time.
October 2009
Chris Harris	UK	CHarris@htecuk.com
Message Does anyone remember Marie McCracken nee Frain. She worked in Rainhill in the late 1970's.
August 2009
Graham Stirrup	Little Langdale, UK	gwandcns@homecall.co.uk
Message Memories of late 1940's in Rainhill.It was very fortunate for me, that in early 1946, my father moved from Alder Hey to take a post as deputy and later in charge of the Laboratory at Rainhill Hospital. I transferred from a suburban Liverpool school, where I had been "written off" as far as any academic progress was concerned, to spend nearly three years at St Ann's Church school. I came home in tears after the first day as I could scarcely understand any of the local accent which was then broad Lancashire. (The ten mile journey from Liverpool then took about an hour, on the number 10 tram to Prescot and then the number 8 trolleybus to Rainhill). It was a rural Lancashire village. Here I was taught how to apply myself by the wonderful Head Teacher Miss Henrietta (Hetty)Critchley, (whom, I understand, each day travelled by public transport to Rainhill from Crosby), Miss Skeat, deputy Head, and Mr Marshall. Mr Robin Dewar, son of the Farm Bailiff at the Annexe Farm at the hospital was a trainee teacher during my final year there. We had a wonderful success rate in the 11 plus exam...albeit by much rote learning.....but it has all (well mostly) stuck to this day when I am almost 71. The day always started, (if it was not a Saint's day, when we went to church,)reciting the Lord's Prayer, the Catechism and the times table for the day. Memories of the crates of(1/3 pint) milk bottles thawing out by the open fireplaces in each classroom, (sometimes placed too close to the fire and boiling over). The moveable partition separating the two classes held in the assembly room, (facing on to View Road) The stategically placed buckets & having to move our desks with when rain came through the leaking roof.The unsurfaced playground which became a mudbath at times. The toilets with no running water.....I became quite good at being able to wait until I got home. The church choir, choirmaster MrJohn Houghton, known to us all as Chike (his favourite composer Tchaikovsky). Head chorister was David Hurst, whose father ran a pharmacy on Warrington Road near Whiston. Mr Jones, the vicar who lived with his parents in the vicarage in View Road.Many of the village shops being owned by a member of the Lowe or Welsby family.Happy memories of the freedom of the 200 acres of parkland at the hospital, such a contrast to earlier days in Liverpool.I have real gratitude to Rainhill School for sending me, in 1949, on to Wade Deacon Grammar School, University and a happy professional career.
August 2009
Morris and Judy Clegg	Henley, UK	Via Rainhill Civic Society
Message We moved to View Rd. when we married in 1958 having built a house at the top of the road. Our four children were all born during our years in the village and spent the first three years of their school life at the bottom of the road at the C.of E. school, where they got a first rate grounding. Having become a Reader shortly before moving to Rainhill, was attached to the parish church, at that time led by The Rev.Lesley Eyres. His curate was The Rev.Keith Lightfoot. Keith became the Dean of Hamilton, New Zealand where he still lives with his wife Jenny, though now long retired, and with whom I am in regular contact. Having sold my business, situated in a factory I had built in Stoney Lane, it was decided to move to Cheshire where we spent the next twenty three years in a little village called Gawsworth. With advancing years we felt the need to be closer to our family, all of whom had moved South, so we located a couple of years ago to our present home in Henley. So we see much more of them, and our eleven grandchildren, than formerly.
August 2009
Wendy Wright	USA	wendywnyc@aol.com
Message I found this site by accident but I am very pleased to have found it! I was born in Whiston Hospital and lived in Rainhill until I was 20 years old (1976). I moved to Bristol and did my nurse's training. I lived in London for 6 years then Sydney for three. I went to St. Ann's Infants and Primary schools and then went to Whiston Secondary school. My two elder sisters didn't move far from Rainhill. Sue lives in St. Helens and Chris lives in Widnes. I recognize at least two the the names in Rainhill Remembered - Jan Norman and Geoff Lovett. I have lived in New York since 1990. Before then, I lived in Australia. I last visited Rainhill at Christmas.
July 2009
John Lamb	Calgary, Canada	JohnLamb@xplornet.com
Message Have lived in the Calgary Area in Canada since 1980, went to the Old School 1951 to 1957
June 2009
Max Lycett	Orange County, California, USA.
Jan Norman	Derby, UK	Via Rainhill Civic Society
Message I lived in Calder Drive until 1970. I attended St Ann's school and youth club, then Preccy Grammar. I also went to the Attic at St James - it was wonderful, brill music. I hung around with the Vic Mods - have recently been in touch with Geoff Lovett; would love to hear from anyone out there who remembers me. (I was the one with the red hair and freckles!!)
February 2009
Joan Langlois (née Welsby)	England	langlois@tesco.net
Message Hello to all relatives and friends in Rainhill. I am John and Anne Welsby's daughter and sister of Rosemary, who unfortunately is no longer with us. I left Rainhill in 1962 having married Michael Langlois and moved south. Now living in Brackley, Northants. We have two children, Helena and Jeremy and three grandchildren, Rosie, Lily and Dylan (Helena's three). Would love to hear from anyone who knew me. Love, Joan.
February 2009
Dawn Smith (née Johnston)	England
Geoff Lovett	Brisbane, Australia	geoffnee@bigpond.net.au
Message Born and bred Rainhiller; used to live in Second Avenue. I attended both the old and now not so new St Barts primary. Then Edmund Arrowsmith in Scotchbarn Lane. I was a member of the Lifeboys at the Holt Congregational church. Then I had a few years with the Scouts (5th Widnes). Ran for Sutton Harriers until we emigrated to NZ in 1974. We then moved to Oz in 2003. I have great memories of the Attic discos at St James church on Friday nights.
February 2009
Terence Colin Steele	Great Falls, Montana, USA	tcsteele@bresnan.net
Message I actually lived in Clock Face, but my mother, Mary Elizabeth (Coleman) Steele, was born in Rainhill in 1914. My mother passed away on December 31, 2007, and never ceased to tell us of her youth in Rainhill.
February 2009
Paddy Pfeil (née Steele)	Florida, USA	Via Rainhill Civic Society
Message This is in memory of my dear mother, Mary Coleman Steele, who passed away on Dec. 30, 2007. She was born in Lea Green in 1918 and lived in a small farm cottage on the Liverpool to Warrington road in Rainhill. Her mother and father, Ellen and Paddy Coleman, used to clean the Sanctuary lamp in St. Bartholomew's- it was a big hanging brass lamp and her dad brought it home. She went to St. Bart's school, as had her mother, and visited with a lady named Lady Hamilton who lived in the cottage of Loyola Hall - the owners at the time were Lord and Lady Bretherton. At the age of 7 she was chosen to present flowers to a Princess Bleucher on behalf of the ladies of Rainhill! My great grandfather, Paddy (Patrick) Coleman is buried in the grave yard at St. Bart's
February 2009
Bob Mitchell	New Zealand
Ken Ashton	Prestatyn, Wales	kenashton@aol.com
Message Iwas born in Rainhill, at the stationmaster's house, in 1932. My grandad Fahey was the village bobby and my gran the midwife. He used to say she brought 'em into the world and he kept 'em on the straight and narrow. I went to the village school with Maggie Lowe and Ken Acourt etc, then to Prescot Grammar. Grew up in Sandhurst Road. After working at Rainhill Hospital, I became a journalist, working on the Reporter for a while, then dailies, then edited the Rugby Leaguer. I moved to Prestatyn in 1972 and was mayor of the town 86-87. At 75, I'm still working - I tutor journalism for the London School of Journalism.
February 2009
Jeanne Dimelow (née Hall)	nr Peterhead, Scotland	jdimelow@greenbee.net
Message I moved to Rainhill Road in 1947 and attended St Ann's infant and junior schools. I went to Whiston Secondary Modern for 12 months then transferred to Tower College. Moved to Mill Lane (very close to the original site of the stone cross in my mid-teens. My maternal grandmother (D. Kenwright) had a draper's shop right in the centre of the village until 1969. Moved to Aberdeen in 1976 with husband and sons, but unfortunately widowed in 1998. Have since met someone else and now live in rural Aberdeenshire growing soft fruit and veg. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me or was at school with me.
February 2009
Dennis Halsall	Canada	tivvy@mts.net
Message I moved to Canada in 1967. I used to live in Sandhurst Road and went to Longton Lane primary school. I then went to Whiston Secondary Modern. I have lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba since then. I would like to hear from anyone who knows me.
February 2009
Deborah Collett (née Seddon)	Spalding, Lincs., UK	tobytoes2@yahoo.co.uk
Message I was at St Ann's school from 1965 to 1972, before going to Prescot Girls' Grammar School. During my time in Rainhill I was a member of St Ann's church, youth club and guides. I even remember the wonderful Miss Owen. I have spent the last 23 years teaching around the country. I now live with my husband and son in Lincolnshire. Best wishes and happy memories.
February 2009
Audrey Wheeler (née Rippon)	Brighton, W. Sussex	Via Rainhill Civic Society
Message As Audrey Rippon I trained as a State Registered Nurse at Whiston Hospital in 1943-46. I would love to hear from anyone who knows me or who worked at the hospital at that time. In particular, I would like to know the whereabouts of Jean Cherry, who was in my year and married a soldier, Kit. I met my husband, Capt. Stanley Wheeler at the hospital when I was treating Italian P.O.W. He was there to arrange their repatriation. My father, Philip Rippon, used his car, a Standard drophead, to carry the Rainhill Carnival Queen and also lent his lorry for the carnival procession. I was confirmed and married at St Ann's church.
February 2009
Margaret Carden (née Tyson)	Sydney, Australia	mcarden@dodo.com.au
Message My mother was a district nurse and midwife in Rainhill for many years and lived in King Edward Road. I was born in 1942 and I went to St Ann's school and later to Whiston Secondary Modern. I left Rainhill in early 1960. I did my nurses training at Bolton Royal (1960-62)
February 2009
Peter Welsby	New York State,USA	pjwelsby@gmail.com
Message My parents were William and Dorrien Welsby. I lived on Knowsley Road from 1950 until 1962. Dad ran the grocery shop on Victoria Terrace. Mum, now 94, is still in England with my sister Christine.
February 2009
Edna Sanders née Kilshaw.	USA	mayflower7@gmail
Message Hi. My name is Edna Sanders, formerly Kilshaw. I was born in 1937 and I attended St Ann's church and was educated at St Ann's schools. In December 1957 I married an American and went to live in Georgia, USA. If anyone remembers me I would be happy to hear from them.
February 2009
Tony Downey	Lake District
Alf Hughes	Manchester	Sadly, Alf Hughes died in October 2009.
Margaret Bradbury	British Columbia, Canada
Ann Hensley (née Blundell)	Charente Maritime, France
Alan Hughes	Sydney, Australia	sba.alan@ezylink.net.au
Message Hi. My name is Alan Hughes living in Sydney Australia; landed in Melbourne in Feb 1963. The Hughes family lived in Market St,later changed in name to Exchange Place,situated almost in the centre of the village. I was born in 1937, my brother Bill in 1933. We both went to the infants school,then to St Annes. I then went to Whiston Sec Mod, brother Bill to Prescot grammar. My grand parents,later my aunt Betty, owned the ice cream,sweet shop. My aunt & uncle had the post office (then the first house at the bottom of the bridge coming into the village on the right hand side).
February 2009
Robert Harold Rippon (Robin)	Worthing, West Sussex, England	Via Rainhill Civic Society
Message My name is Rippon (known as Robin).My full name is Robert.H.Rippon. I lived in Ansdell Villas Road .Rainhill. I had 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Brothers Phillip ,Geoff,myself, Peter and Roger. Sisters Enid and Audrey.If anybody remembers me or my family please contact me. I was born in 1937 and went to St Ann's village school ,then to Whiston Central, Regards Bob Rippon
February 2009
Elaine and Malcolm (Bill) Wood	Rainhill	wmwood@blueyonder.co.uk
Message Incomers to Rainhill - only came here from Manchester in November 1967. Harold Corscadden said you had to have lived in Rainhill for 40 years before you were accepted so we're nearly there!
February 2009
Rod Hughes	Cardiff, UK	rodhughes32@gmail.com
Message I used to live in Longton Lane, Rainhill, until my mid-twenties when I moved to Cardiff (1971).I attended St Ann's church and youth club and was educated at St Ann's School and Prescot Grammar School.I would be pleased to hear from anyone who remembers me.
February 2009
John Taylor	Melbourne, Australia	john_taylor1@bigpond.com
Message I was born in 1943 and lived in Brookfield Avenue until the late 1960's. I attended both the Infant school and the Junior school in View Road. I was in the St. Anns Cubs and Scouts, a choir boy and a member of the youth group. I was an active back stage member (Stage Manager for a while)of the Garrick Society and the Operatic society. I am still in contact with some of my childhood friends and visit them whenever I am in the U.K. Some of them have been to Australia to visit. My mother (Veda Taylor) keeps me informed of happenings (births, deaths and marriages!!!!!).
February 2009
Sheila Crone	Shropshire UK	Via Rainhill Civic Society
Message No message
February 2009
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