Enjoy these Memories celebrating 87 years under the shelter of The Dome

New Brighton Memory project

  1. I remember happy days travelling to New Brighton on the yellow bus.  At low water I played in the rock pools near the lighthouse and sometimes had a special treat, a candy floss bought at the entrance to the funfair.
  2. Happy days in New Brighton splashing times in the outdoor lido.  Thrilling times on the funfair.  Messy times on the beach, lovely family days with picnics, ice creams and freezing cold weather!
  3. I travelled with my family on the train or ferry from Liverpool to New Brighton and we always had a great time.  Loved the Tower and fairground and open air baths – lots of great memories.  *It felt like we were somewhere exotic! Lots of happy smiling faces – felt safe, never any problems.I visited the Floral Pavillion many times with my husband.
  4. Born in 1951  – Happy memories of family gatherings at the open air baths every Sunday – sitting on top of the fountain made of rocks and then going over the road to the park and playing giant chess.
  5. My memories of New Brighton go back so far, trips with my own children and grandchildren and scooters and bikes.  Then bringing my mother, having fish and chips in the seaside cafe.  Pantomimes and shows at the theatre.  Anniversaires staying at the Travelodge opened new adventures.  Then came walks with my husband in his wheelchair.  Now just me celebrating my 76th birthday on my own, making new friends and memories.  Ps He saw his absolute Fav Film twice at the light cinema.
  6. In 1976 I was a lifeguard at the New Brighton Baths.  The next year I was a lifeguard on the promenade.  I am now 65 years old, I am a volunteer of the North Wirral Coastal Park.  The park is from the Derby Pool to the coast guard building at Hoylake.  I remember the Tower going on fire in April 1969. Hose pipes across the promenade, the building glowing red, lots of smoke.  Smell of burning wood.  Robert
  7. Always have great memories of coming to New Brighton on the ferry boat with mey Nin (grandmother).  We had wonderful days out. I’ll never forget them.  Tommy
  8. I remember well the many happy days spent in the outdoor pool with family and friends.  Ice creams on the way back to the ferry and the sun was always shining.  Sometimes as a special treat, a ride on the bumper cars in the indoor fair.  Always fondly remembered. 
  9. Family trips from Liverpool.  Coming over on the ferry.  Visiting the open air baths, the fun fair and the indoor fair in the late 1950’s.  In the early 70’s I remember driving over in my first car to visit the bowling alley.
  10. *Whenever we came to New Brighton, because we were travelling by bus we wore our best clothes and armed with a bucket and spade.  No swimming costume.  We tucked our skirts into our knicks.  Mum looked after the children and dad retired to the pub.  On one occasion my eldest sister nearly drowned but dad went to her rescue complete with pipe and trilby.
  11. I have lived in New Brighton for 55 years, but always on the Wirral Peninsula.  My first memories of New Brighton was coming in our family car with my family, we would bring a picnic packed in a biscuit tin and bottles of tap water.  We were always allowed either an ice cream  or a candy floss and occasionally a ride on the Wanters or Hobby horses in Wilkies fairground.  New Brighton has changed a lot over the years.  I used to go to the clubs on the promenade as an 18 year old, until I was about 23.  The Penny Farthing, the Golden Guinea, Chelsea Reach and the Caven.  I remember Donkey rides.  The Tower Fairground.  Going through the entrance past all the stalls, coconut shys the big wheel, helter skelter.  The summer of 1976 was  so hot we were infested by ladybirds.  I would go to the baths after work, swim across and out the other side. My son was Christened/Baptised at St Peter, Pauls in 1981 and went to their school.  He sailed his toy yacht on the boating lake.  I could go on forever about my memories of this amazing town.  Debbie.
  12. My first ‘memory’ was a photograph of me and my paternal grandparents sitting on the pier surrounded by barbed wire as it was 1942 in the middle of the war! I was about 2 months old and swaddled in a white shawl in my grandmother’s arms, and my grandfather is seated next to us in his bowler hat!
  13. When we were little we would go to New Brighton on the ferry, with my nan.  I think it was half a crown to go.  A few years later we would go in my grandad’s car to Harrison Drive.  We always had to take our shoes and socks off before we got back in the car as grandad didn’t want sand in his car.  Very happy memories .  Chris
  14. What a great idea, thank  you to all concerned. I grew up in Wallasey Village, Sandiways Road, our first home no 5 was bombed, my parents and I sheltered under the stairs, the house was demolished.  Behind the wall in the garden of no 16 Market Garden of 3 Dean brothers, Dick, Doug and Dan, who lived in cottages where the new lighthouse is now.  I remember the Old Lighthouse Pub, farm buildings and market gardens on winding Wallasey Village Rd, down to Leasowe Rd.  Also Pig Lane” -we all filled ‘pig buckets’ with scraps.  Thatched Cottage on  Wallasey Village Road. “Rose cottage?” Other memories:  Sprages Farm, Breck Road, Mother Redcaps “Galleon club”, beach huts near Derby Pool, barbed wire and inground lights on dips.  “Spiritualist” Meeting Hall corner green land near the ‘Coal office’.  Cross Lane – my horse lived in the field and the end near RSPCA.  Jean.
  15. Running down the gangway towards the incoming ferry to New Brighton at the Pier Head.  At  age 5 (late 50’s ) seemed so far away.  A family day out at New Brighton Swimming pool inspired by the divers off the high spring boards.  (I later became National World champion on the trampoline.)  The Dome always loomed large over my fun filled escapades along the promenade.  Large crowns all fighting for a spot on the Merseyside beach all forced to retreat with the incoming tides! 🙂 Wow – paradise only a ferry and bus ride from home.  Always hoping for a renaissance!!!
  16. I discovered New Brighton in 1984 when I was living in Liverpool.  It was a hot summer and we used to escape on the train and spend the day there.  I loved how the baths were such a sun trap and sheltered from the winds.  Getting chips for tea, sitting on a bench overlooking the river watching the world go by, then wandering back up Victoria Road, sometimes stopping for a pint, before getting the train back home to the stuffy, airless city had always stayed with me . Happy memories . Ali M*
  17. Just a few memories of New Brighton.  Sunday afternoons on a sunny summer day it would be crowded, that was in the 1950s.  The fair would be packed, children queuing up to have a ride on the Bobby Horses.  Then there was the Tower Ballroom, Saturday night, the big bands playing, everything finished at 11pm in those days and the last train to Birkenhead was 11pm, if you missed that we would have to walk home, and my mum waiting for me with her slipper in her hand, those were the days.
  18. I was born in Liverpool in the 1970s and New Brighton was our equivalent to a summer holiday abroad.  My mum and dad would bring my sister, brother and I over on the ferry, stopping along the way at Vale Park and the fair to get the train home.  My sister remembers me saying I wanted to live here.  After living in London, I returned to New Brighton to live in 2011 to start my own family.  Best move ever – I love it here. Jo
  19. Happy memories of coming to New Brighton from Knotty Ash for days out sitting on the beach with mum, dad, brothers and sister have our butties and tea.  Water bought from a van that sold jugs of hot water.  Went to the baths , green and cream tiles, big diving boards.   When older, I lived on Trafalgar Ave, just off the prom, I took my children along to the fair.  I also went to The Creep night club, owned by Mr Wilkie who owned the fairground.  Those were the days when people would respect each other.  Went to Liverpool to work and we went over on the ferry.  People walked around the deck. Royal Iris cruises, pop groups.
  20. I remember coming to the Dome for the first time in March 2012 when the church was being reopened.  It came as a complete surprise that there was such a beautiful baroque church here in Merseyside.- It looked completely Italian or Iberian in style.  It was an eyeopener.  Neil
  21. My special memories are finding solace in discovering the garden and statue of Our Blessed Lady in the first lockdown.  I found a deep spiritual connection here.  I felt guided and it is a place I return to whenever I need strength and clarity.  Thank you! Amen.
  22. Moving to Waterloo/Seaforth from Australia 16 years ago, if I walked to the end of my street I hit Crosby Beach.  When the tide was out I would walk out and look across to the skyline of New Brighton which seemed close enough to walk to if there was no water.  Dominating the skyline was the Dome which I thought must be orthodox or something – It looked very exotic!  Occasionally I visited New Brighton with my children and watched it transition from a rundown place of memories to a new and thriving, bustling centre with many things to offer, lovely fish and chips with an amazing view over the Mersey and out to the Irish Sea, walks around the Marina Lake and the prom and great show at eht Floral Pavilion (Love the pantos at Christmas).  Now I have discovered this lovely Mass and community at the Dome, with so many welcoming activities, I have come full circle! EMK
  23. 1992 onwards New Brighton, a Sunday afternoon treat to walk around the Marina Lake then into the funfair and an ice cream on the way home.  There were no big shops but we loved spending time there.  Ss Peter Paul and Philomena Church memory of the first Christmas Eve Midnight Mass with Canon Menney.  It was cold and dark inside the church but the atmosphere was electric so wonderful to have it reopened with the help of the Canons.  Most recently having my granddaughter’s baptism at the Shrine and both granddaughters First Holy communion, what lovely occasions, so special for the whole family.  The old Floral Pavilion had lots of charm and quirkiness, watching the children performing Oliver as one example.  Anne
  24. Very happy memories of the indoor fair and bowling alley in New Brighton!  We travelled on the ferry from New Brighton(mum,dad and elder sister) to be treated to candy floss and toffee apples.  Fish and chip supper was always a must!  Always went home tired but happy.xxx
  25. * In 1963 I was working as a seaman for the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board. The New Brighton Lighthouse was still operational then, and it needed to be repainted. Six of us seamen were sent out to paint it. We went at high tide in a small survey boat. We were accompanied by a gas fitter, whose job it was to replace the used gas bottles which powered the lights. The six of us climbed up the stairs inside the lighthouse and emerged at the top. We then spaced ourselves out in a circle on the top and lowered ourselves over the edge in bosun’s chairs. We then very slowly lowered ourselves down the sides of the lighthouse, We each carried a bucket of white paint and a brush, and we painted the lighthouse from top to bottom! It took all day to complete the job. When we reached the bottom the tide was nearly out and we were able to wade ashore for a well earned pint, carrying our shoes and socks! Leo.
  26. During the Summer holidays of the late 50’s and early 60’s I spent the time here in New Brighton, enjoying day trips at the weekend. These trips would involve meticulous preparation and packing, as we did not have a car. We would catch the bus from Anfield to the Pier Head and join the throng of people on the landing stage, all queuing for the New Brighton Ferry. The Iris or the Daffodil would set sail with a multitude of arms and legs hanging off the sides, we were crammed on like sardines. Once there we would spend the entire day at the New Brighton Pool or beach and then stroll along the front and look in wonder at the Aladdin’s Cave of gift shops, the Rock Shop, and of course the Fair! The smell of the oil. candyfloss, donuts and chips is always evocative. If we were lucky we had fish and chips for tea before heading home, weary and tired but full of fresh air and sunshine and lovely memories. We always had to fill a pop bottle with ‘sea water’ for Dad -no sun cream for us- he would use a mixture of cooking oil and sea water and sit in his deckchair in our yard at home. I am now almost 70 and have lived here since 1976- we love it! I have seen many changes but would never want to live anywhere else, with access to everywhere! Now I bring my grandchildren to share the delights of this wonderful place we call home! Christine.
  27. May 1941, German Bombers raining death and destruction over Liverpool’s docks. Running with my mother and sister to the air raid shelters under the Palace, my mother stopped us by the Floral Pavilion so we could watch Liverpool burn. It was Bonfire Night times 100! Flames licked the sky while searchlights near Portland Court swept the clouds pinpointing enemy aircraft and anti aircraft guns drilled upwards to bring them down. I had no fear though, I was wearing a colander on my head and holding my mother’s hand. Hitler would never beat us! Dorothy.
  28. I have some great memories of New Brighton Baths in the 60’s. We couldn’t afford a lilo, but on the way down Rowson Street we would pop into Appleby’s Garage where the kind mechanics would inflate an old car tyre inner tube for us to play on in the water. Bathers would sit in the sunshine on the concrete around the pool with transistor radios blaring out pop songs. For some reason ’She loves you’ particularly sticks in my mind. As young teenagers, we realised that money could be made by taking empty lemonade bottles that had been discarded back to the cafe. It had an unusual design, so that food and drink could be served to people from the street or to those within the pool. Sometimes the 2 top diving boards above the 15 ft deep water were roped off, but I never dared to go higher than the third from top anyway. A swimming contract card that gave access to New Brighton, Guinea Gap and the Derby baths could be purchased for 15 shillings (75p) for the whole year. Wish You Were Still Here, Ian.
  29. My first memories of New Brighton is sixty eight years ago when I was seven. I came on my first school trip and had a trip up the Mersey on the Royal Iris. I am still coming to this day. Christine.
  30. My memories of New Brighton are getting the overhead railway to the pier head, then the boat. I must have been about seven or eight, and was with my brother Francis who would be nine or ten. We couldn’t have been older as I am sure that boys would not be seen with sisters if they were any older. It cost sixpence, and I remember the person selling tickets asked where we were going and being happy that it was New Brighton. We had jam butties, no water and no money but I think we enjoyed watching people in the fair. I wish I could come to see your Shrine but unfortunately I rarely go out. Margaret.
  31. I remember the swimming in New Brighton Baths, also all the arcade down Victoria Road. I remember dancing at the Empress Club, also at Davy Jones Locker, RJ Club and the Grand. There used to be motorbike racing along the sand at Harrison Drive. There were beach huts along the front of the Darby Pool. Boat builder and repair workshop at Egremont. Phil and Anna.
  32. I was born in 194l and when I was 18-months old my mum and dad moved to Cressingham Road near New Brighton Station. The three of us went to Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul’s Church at the top of the big hill. In those days the school was not built so you could hire one of the many allotments that were on the piece of land where the school now stands. When you came out of church and turned right the first allotment was ours. A large stone wall ran along from our allotment to Sandringham Drive. This wall was stone and got a lot of heat during the summer. We grew every vegetable possible . Runner beans grew up this wall beautifully. We also grew flowers. We also grew Wallasey Tomatoes. Each week we took my dolls pram up the hill to go to Sunday Mass. It was full of sandwiches and home-made lemonade. We then spent the rest of Sunday on the allotment. What wonderful memories we have from that time.
  33. My memories are only recent, starting with the ICKSP taking over the running of the church and beginning its restoration. They have done an excellent job transforming it from its rundown state to its former glory and bringing it back to life and enthusing its many helpers and volunteers and restoring its liturgical traditions.
  34. I have very fond memories of coming to New Brighton with my Grandfather in the 60’s and 70’s, and he used to like looking at the ships through his binoculars. Nicki.
  35. Joytime during school summer holidays and taking part in the talent contest every week. Going to see Melody Inn Revue at the Floral Pavilion with my Mum and Dad. End of the pier show with my Granny. Playing in the sand and swimming in the Mersey.
  36. Taking my Brownie group to New Brighton was a great adventure. Travelling by bus, train and boat and finally ending up sitting on the sand. I do remember that they said that they would like to come again, and one Brownie said that it was better than Rhyl! Joan. Photo Brownies on the beach 1952.
  37. Have the most beautiful memories growing up in the 70’s and attending Ss Peter and Paul’s School and church. Outstandingly beautiful to visit for a prayer or to attend Latin Mass, such a spiritual and holy place. I feel so lucky to live in such a special place.
  38. Saved from drowning in the Summer Holidays in 1952! My elder sister Val and brother Mike used to take my younger sister Audree and I on the bus from our home in Hunts Cross to the Pier Head for the exciting ferry ride to New Brighton.Val would be about 11 at the time, Mike 10, me 7 and Audree 4’ Mum packed our lunch of sandwiches and cakes and gave money for ice cream and pop.(if flush!). The picture of the Marine Lake, or the Boating Pond as we called it, brought the memory of our trip ‘flooding’ into my mind. That trip we had enough pocket money for a paddle boat. Mike was doing the paddling and we seemed far from the shore when the water started to come into the bottom of the boat-quite fast! As it rose up we put our feet on the seat and screamed for HELP! We all thought that we were going to drown! Mike bravely decided that he would swim to get help, and he jumped out of the boat- we were all amazed and relieved to see that the water barely reached his knees!- We were safe!He took the boat rope and waded back to the boat man, pulling us to the safe harbour of the shore. We refused the offer of another boat and got our money back! Judy .
  39. New Brighton Baths! Every Summer all through the 1970’s. Bus over from Birkenhead, all day in the sun with friends, a really inexpensive day! After dark, best memories of the Stock Car Racing on the old Tower Grounds, the noise, the smell of petrol, and bonding with my Step Dad. Boss.
  40.  
    1. I would return from that Falkland war confused, and in rare moments of aloneness I would find myself asking questions that seemed to have no answers. I remember one morning, must have only been a couple of days back, taking my baby daughter for a walk. As she slept and I slowly walked, I would periodically stop, kiss her small face and giggle in happiness. It was an eternity removed from the conflict and I could hide in the simple loveliness of our walk. I guess her beauty and innocence was a gift, a God given healing gift. Spending time with my daughter was not like the pub and the booze- and there was plenty of that – that was an act and part of a show I felt I had to put on. But while pushing my baby in a pram, I felt free from it all, from the part of me that seemed like I was still there.
    2. Anyway, on this day, as I pushed my sleeping daughter through the walkway between Wentworth Avenue and Shield Road, a man I knew stopped me, and knowing I was just back he asked me what it was like. I didn’t know what to say.  I think I said something like it wasn’t good. He meant no harm, but I remember feeling like he had intruded. I quickly and politely pushed the pram on.  At that time, I felt I could have just pushed that pram forever, around and around the streets of my childhood, it was special, and oh so obviously and extremely different from war. But it was also a strange kind of reality check- a kind of shock – like too much beauty all at once. Like one moment there I was in the freezing dark chaos of battle and the next moment here I was pushing my sleeping baby on a beautiful summer morning. Time seemed compressed and events somehow overlapped. It sounds daft but I remember the roads around there: Carlton Rd, St George’s Park and the smell of mown grass. And Field Rd – where as kids we kicked a football.  All these roads for me led to my childhood, to school and the church on the hill – the roads that my daughter and I walked were all so peaceful and safe and normal. Passing a postman, saying good morning to a district nurse, a lady sweeping her garden path and the sound of a barking dog. It was where I grew up and it was like me trying to be back home again but knowing it was different, or perhaps I was different.
    3. Soon after that walk, I made my way up to the church on the hill, that church of my childhood – Saint Peter and Paul’s.  When I was a child, my mother told me about my grandfather praying there at the statue of the Virgin Mary, asking Her to bring his sons back safe from the second world war. My mum said he cried when they returned.  I knelt down at that same statue my grandfather had knelt at. Just days back from the Falklands, I knelt there with all my fears, memories, regrets, and courage.  And touched… and opened by the love and joy I had experienced in the company of my baby daughter, I too shed tears, without – at that time – really understanding why, but knowing I was trying to connect with something that was bigger than all of it. 
    4. That was forty years ago, now. Yeah, forty years ago…Kneeling asking questions: Why had I come back and some of the bravest best men I had ever known, my close friends, had not made it home? Why did I feel the way I did?  I remember the atmosphere of the church, its ambiance, a precious aloneness with a presence, the sound of my whispers echoing into its space, and the lingering smell of holy incense, that fragrance that had me open my arms out wide and catch my breath – all alone, but not alone.  It was a place where I could sit in silence and be honest about me and the way I felt. And kneeling there I was touched with a deep, intimate, and personal sense of welcome – a welcome home.  Forty years ago, now…. wow forty years. Kevin
  41. Here are some of my early memories of New Brighton as a young child of 10 years: Every Saturday my sister and I would go to my aunt’s cafe cum cake shop at 80 Victoria Road, The Golden Teapot. When the circus came to town we had an advantage view from an upstairs window, looking at the parade as it passed the cafe. The elephants walking down the road, Jumbo was one of their names.Lions and tigers pacing in their cages, monkeys swinging in theirs. Clowns, dancers, car floats, all decorated, loud music, to a child a memorable occasion. With 2s 6d in our hand we went down Victoria Road looking in all the souvenir shops and the Bingo stalls.
    1. One shop we always used to stand outside was the Eulah Toffee Shop with its rotating blades stretching the toffee,then getting chopped up into small pieces and put into small white boxes for sale.
    2. Going to the Tower Grounds, passing the donkey ride and the motor boats and all the side stalls, pick a duck, darts, hoop-la, we went to the roller skating rink,  I’m sure the wheels were made from stone.
    3. Mann’s miniature railway with its little tunnel, the swing boats, and my favourite, the waltzers.
    4. Going onto the pier and watching all the people getting off the ferry boat from Liverpool coming up the gangway.
    5. We watched Auntie Dorothy and Uncle Norman who did a show called JOYTIME for children to act, sing and dance, with a winner at the end of the Summer season. We went on the Paddle Boats on the Marine Lake. Our elder sister sometimes took us to New Brighton bathing pool and I would sit on the top of the fountain where the water came out, that was once the lads got off. We would go back to my Aunt’s cafe and tell her how many Shara-banks (coaches) were in, then she would know how to cater.
    6. We would get a bag of chips each off herand some Cream Soda pop, and we would be off again to the beach, with the stalls selling buckets, spades, sun hats and novelties. Therfewas a lovely big Toy Shop opposite the pier on the corner of Victoria Road, a kid’s paradise. Hot doughnuts-pink candy floss bought at the Palace Fair.
    7. Memory of seemingly flying high on the Aeroplane rides. Walking down Victoria Road with the hope of being bought a box of Eulah’s Toffees on our way to watching the Punch and Judy Show in the Marine Gardens. Finally running round the boating lake racing our STAR YACHT little sailing boats. Irene.
  42. Greetings, Hi There! I respond to your recent request for memories of NEW BRIGHTON! I thus contribute a condensed compilation of personal associations, mainly from the 1960’s and 70’s- coming with my compliments;I have assembled them in no particular order of preference or priority, simply a cheerful celebration of the resort- and the recollections and reminiscences relevant to the legendary leisure location;
    1. The Kraal Club, The Continental Late Extra Club, managed by John Brindle, The Riverside Restaurant, The Tower Ballroom, Fort Perch Rock with its jazz sessions, Weaver’s Restaurant, Empress Club, Indoor Fairground, Outdoor Fairground with its Chair Lift, The Pier Summer Shows featuring Eddie Mendoza, The Melody Inn Revue at the Floral Pavilion with Jackson Earle, Peggy Naylor, Jimmy Mac and Mavis White. Feature films have included several sequences shot in New Brighton, including ’The Magnet’ and ‘I Thank a Fool’. Plus multitudinous meanderings of mine along the esplanade between Seacombe Ferry and New Brighton. Thank You, Wishing the Project well, Derek.
  43. Good afternoon. I have read on facebook that you intend to have a display at Wallasey Central Library in early May., re: St Peter and Pauls (the Dome of Home) church in New Brighton. What sort of memories are you interested in?
    1. I have a wedding photograph taken on 7th September 1944 of my parents who were married by Father Mullins. My Mum was Sheila Waring and Dad was James ‘Jimmy’ Moyes of Perth,
      Scotland. He is in his uniform as he was the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Black Watch, and they met in Wallasey before the war when the Regimental Band visited New Brighton.Most of the guests were Wallasey people as it was still wartime.
    2. I also remember Monsignor Currans and his obsession with insisting that the grass at the side of the school, at that time a large hilly area, should be burnt to encourage fresh growth.
    3. My grandmother, Alicia ‘Lal’ Waring was frequently asked to play the magnificent organ and once had to cover for one of the priests who was taken ill suddenly at an important service, I think sometime in the 1950’s as I was still at the primary school at that time.
    4. I remember the May processions around the grounds of the church and school when we were all dressed in our first Communion Dresses and veils. At that time Confirmation only took place every three years in church, between seven and eleven years old, before we moved on to senior school. I do remember that it was Bishop Murphy who confirmed me and my twin sister. Christine
  44. I’m 73 and now live in Eccleston Park near Prescot although I was born in Crosby and went to school at M.T.S. I can remember my Nan (i.e. my Mum’s Mum) taking me and my little brother (now 69) and my sister (now 66) to New Brighton on the ferry to ride on the railway which was always hauled by a steam loco- great memories of a wonderful day out. I can remember it being every bit as busy as in the photo! These cards are a splendid idea. David.
  1. Please, if this is good enough, can you include in Memories of New Brighton as I saw advertised in Morrisons New Brighton. I will not get down that way for a while, and just wanted to pass on just one memory of the hundreds I have from my time in the area of New Brighton and Egremont- Out all day, home when the lamplighter was switching on the street lamps. I was born and lived in the New Brighton area until 1976, then moved to Hoylake. My boyfriend and I were taking a walk down Victoria Road and then walking home along the prom and through Vale Park. It was my birthday, (19th) and he wanted to buy me something from the little jewellers on the right hand side of the road run by an elderly lady. We were in the shop for about 10 minutes looking at various things within his budget- he had just come home from sea on leave so was able to splash out. Not seeing anything that took my eye- he suddenly said ‘Well, what about a ring- do you have any engagement rings?’ I nearly fainted, although we had been going steady for three years. The lady looked delighted, and presented us with a tray of second hand rings- as she said there was no tax. We picked one out and my ‘Fiance’ then paid the sum of £12.10s. That ring when our daughter got engaged was passed on to her after it was strengthened with my mother’s wedding ring. I’m now 84, Bill died recently and I can’t forget the lovely Saturday afternoon in 1956 and that ‘proposal’. I don’t know who was more thrilled, me or the very nice and helpful lady in the shop. Barbara.
  2. Swimming through ladybirds at Derby Pool swimming baths-probably ’76. Filming of ‘New Brighton Rock’- going to filming rather than revising for ‘O’ levels. Piles of fish on the prom after a storm.
  3. I have so many wonderful memories of growing up in New Brighton. As a singer/songwriter New Brighton has definitely inspired me and my work. The town itself, the people, the sea, and the pubs of course. I wrote a song called ‘Little Town Anywhere’ and the lyrics sum up the sense of community and support I’ve felt while I’ve been living here. There is no place like New Brighton. Cal.
  4. Yankee servicemen from Burtonwood Airbase wandering around New Brighton and the Indoor Fair c. 1946/7.
  5. Born and bred in Liverpool, moved over two years ago to Wallasey. The day out to New Brighton was a special occasion, that was in the ‘60’s. The open air baths were ALWAYS freezing, Great Days!!
  6. I grew up in Wallasey in the 60’s and 70’s. Egerton Grove Primary, Withensfield Middle School and finally Weatherhead High. I remember Summers down at Harrison Drive where we rented a chalet every year. The ABC, Phoenix, and Gaumont cinemas. Attending St Thomas church for Sunday School and Brownies. Learning to drive down in the ‘dips ’at New Brighton. Working in Littlewoods on a Saturday. I loved the library and the park. A wonderful place to grow up.
  7. In the 1960’s I remember my Dad driving the bus that was made out to look like The Royal Iris. I also have a photo of him being the bus conductor on the bus with the reigning Miss New Brighton.
  8. My friend and I went for an afternoon dip in the sea by New Brighton lighthouse when we were accompanied by an unexpected friend…. A seal!! It was magical!
  9. I grew up in Liscard, even then busy with traffic. In 1974 I started to learn to drive and my first driving lesson was with my Dad (Brave Chap) in the Big Dip car park to the left side of New Brighton swimming baths at 7 a.m.!! No traffic, no parked cars…. I had the whole place to myself!! Further lessons took place there until I passed my test and was let loose on Wallasey roads proper. Thank you New Brighton! X
  10. Taking walks along the promenade with my children. They took bikes and were taught to ride them along there. Lots of happy memories, taking trips to the beach, sometimes straight after school. In all weathers, to collect shells, play in the water, or run as fast as we could on the sand. Not forgetting epic sandcastles!Packed lunches had at Vale Park and many an afternoon spent in the playpark meeting friends, catching up with other Mums and Dads and children meeting their friends.
  11. The best bit was the Easter eggs, finding them. I want it to be Easter again when I was playing with Liz and Nina. We built a sandcastle and Nina broke it. It was funny, she was only 1. Olivia.
  12. Pocket Money at New Brighton Swimming Pool; People got changed into bathing costumes in the changing rooms in the baths. Where do you put your money for ice cream, pop etc? In the top of your costume! Go to the pool area, find a sunny spot, put towels down, go for a swim…. Oops, forgot to take money out of my costume! Me and my mates would swim around the pool with snorkels on, looking to find money. The cleaning system for cleaning the pool on a Monday morning was that the bath’s attendants would stretch a rope from one side of the pool to the other and secure it. Then using a rowing boat they would pull themselves across the pool. Using brushes they would brush the bottom of the pool towards the deep end. Any money, bracelets, watches etc.would be at the bottom of the deep end. Monday we would dive to the bottom of the 15 ft. and search for money etc. After a good week you could find £1 to £2 in money, sometimes a watch, bracelet, necklace etc. Larry.
  13. As a child growing up in Wallasey in the late 1950’s it was a treat to go to New Brighton with our father to spend all the pennies he and Mum had saved to buy rides and to play the games at the Bright Spot. My favourite was Tommy Mann’s Miniature Railway, which circuited a tree lined route passing through a fairy tunnel-magical! My brother and Dad would go on the bumper cars; my sister and I prefered the hobby horses, fire engines with a bell to ring, and the double decker bus. I can still hear the sounds of the fair and hear children squealing and smell candy floss, and of course, fish and chips. Very happy days! By Valerie.
  14. I remember day trips to New Brighton with my Mum and sister from Liverpool. We’d board the ferry with carrier bags filled with sandwiches and bottles of water, and feed the seagulls on the way over. It would be so exciting. I have a clear memory of the ferry stopping at New Brighton and the beach being crammed with sunbathers and families. I’d be pulling at my Mum’s hand, wanting to be the first off the ferry and onto the beach in the sun. Feeling the ferry bump against the huge tyres against the walls. Such exciting, happy times. I also remember the open air swimming pool and buying the most delicious candy floss ever. New Brighton seemed like an incredible place to visit when I was little. I moved here finally at age 40, 16 years ago, and love it even more.
  15. The best memories we have of New Brighton are when we first moved to our house in Monk Road, Liscard. I am from Oswestry in Shropshire and my grandfathers were both farmers. One ran the Duke of Westminster’s Estate at Eaton Hall, where he ran a dairy business and people brought their pigs to him to be killed up.  My other grandfather ran the smithy at Perth, where he shoed horses and made gates etc over an open furnace. We rented a chalet in New Brighton for the month of June and spent our holiday there with our children and family and friends who came to visit, our husbands came after work and we stayed till dusk when we went home.
  16. As a small child swimming with my parents in the BIG (cold) pool in the 1950’s and always having an ice cream after. High spot was sitting on the water fountain. Later in 1958/9 sailing my Dad’s model yacht in the small pool. I’ve still got it, it’s a 1930’s vintage. As a teenager, came most Sunday’s in Summer in my pal’s bubble car to eat a hamburger at the fair and have a game of Bingo at a ‘shop’ in Victoria Road.In the 1970’s walking along the front- heard clapping from the pool, so I peeped in to see there was a beauty competition going on- girls in swimming costumes, must have been one of the last such events. New Brighton- special place- could write a book. Bob.
  17. Growing up in New Brighton, the smells and noises of being by the river. Walking my dogs along the front and sitting on the rocks by Portland Court when I was ill, contemplating what life held for me. New Brighton Baths, hidden gem. ‘Loved it’. Going to ‘New Brighton Rocks’
  18. Being a Wallasey girl through and through, I have many wonderful memories of New Brighton.We regularly walked along the promenade and I remember happy times with buckets and spades on the sand, and especially getting excited about the donkey rides! My Dad was a lover of cars and regularly took me on Sunday mornings to Stock car racing on the Tower Grounds!I was born in the 60’s, but sadly don’t remember the Tower Ballroom or the pier, though do have a lovely picture of my Dad and brother in front of the pier, a special photo. I also loved, loved, loved the outdoor baths! We spent many days in our Summer holidays lounging around the pool and playing in the fountains. And in my later teens even visited the local hot spot number 1 place to go; The Chelsea Reach! Ahh, so many happy memories. I’ve lived in Edinburgh and London over the years and returned to the Wirral 10 years ago- where do I live? New Brighton of course!
  19. Being 4 years old in 1957, at New Brighton open air baths, I left my Mum’s side and went on the slide, unaware that it went into the water and I couldn’t swim.Seeing Mum, in the last month of her pregnancy, at the poolside trying to reach me, a boy, not much older than me, kept me afloat and pushed me to the sides. A.B.
  20. Had many a happy hour here. We used to come over from Liverpool on the ferry and enjoy a day by the sea. Now we live here- Happy Days!
  21. I’ve got many happy memories sailing my model boat with my Dad in the boating pond.
  22. Remember coming over to New Brighton as a child, spending the day in the Summer holidays at the swimming pool. Lovely childhood memories. Now I live here on the front. Beautiful place. Lyn.
  23. I remember New Brighton beach from the 1950’s when we used to visit as a girl (me and my family). My Dad drove a motorbike and sidecar. Mum rode on the pillion and my brother and me in the sidecar, him at the front, me at the back, We’d sit on the packed beach just like this. I remember a little sea wall that meant that when the tide went out the sea stayed within the wall, so we could swim in safety, or was it for when the tide was in so we didn’t get swept out to sea? We were only 7 and 9, but I do remember that wall and swimming there. There was the Tower, and a roller skating rink, but we were too young, I never did go! Phyllis.
  24. Laser Quest fun times- beating the boys. Playing at the arcades and drinking gin on the beach!
  25. I went to the Trocadero to see a film. Something hairy ran between my legs. It must have been the local cat…. I hope!
  26. My family and I moved to Gorsehill Road in April 1960. I remember sledging down Sandringham Drive during the winter of 1963 (the Big Freeze).Also travelling to Liverpool on the train to school from New Brighton Station.
  27. As a child visiting my grandmother who was a resident of New Brighton.She always had a box of Eulah sweets for us. I can remember the smell of them, a vanilla smell, and the taste. What happened to them, and why does no one make them any more? Also I loved to watch them being made in the machine in the window, they were gorgeous.
  28. Fantastic pool, wish we still had it!! I used to take my 3 children here, as often as we could go. We were here with the grandparents and we had our photo taken and we are in the book ‘The Last Resort’, and the same photo was used for an item in the Telegraph newspaper. I first came to New Brighton in 1960, I fell in love with the place, the ferries, the beach, the amusements!! So exciting. I eventually moved here to live in 1980, and now I take my grandchildren to the beach. We are so lucky to live here. Jo.
  29. My memories of this area go back many years, at least 32! When me and my sister used to cycle from Liscard to New Brighton to work at the candy floss shop at New Brighton baths. We were only 13 and 14 years old and we would open up the shop and work there all day on our own, Then the long cycle back uphill to Liscard. It was hard work, but so much fun. I always remember using St Peter and St Paul’s as my landmark, it was and still is such an imposing, yet beautiful church, which is always wonderful to see when I come to New Brighton.
  30. We’d go dancing at the Tower Ballroom and every weekend we’d say’ We’re off to the Tower tonight.’ and we’d have a great time. New Year’s Eve was something to be seen- fabulous! Music from live bands and dancing all night. A proper sprung floor too.
  31. I knew a lady whose father stoked the boiler at the Tower ballroom, he had a small house next to the pier, which came as part of the job. Another perk was that this lady and her sisters could go into the ballroom for free, and they all loved waltzing. It was there that she met her husband.
  32. When I moved from Italy it was nice to go down to New Brighton for a walk. My mother in law would take me whilst my husband worked. We’d get an ice cream. It does remind me of Catonia, how busy it would get in the Summer months with everyone at the beach.
  33. I remember the annual Wirral Show which was held on the Dips. Thousands of people would come to that, as there was so much to see- Police dogs, the R.A.F.. charities, jousting with The Knights of Arley, crafts, bands and so on, food and drink, falconry….. What a shame it ended!
  34. New Brighton was such a fun day out!We’d all look forward to the weekend, when we could go together, me and my sisters would all try our best to be good all week, so we could get some candy floss or a doughnut! Fish, chips and mushy peas were always a big hit with us. And sometimes we would walk out onto the beach to see the lighthouse, which was always fun!
  35. Well, when the weekend came we’d contact all the girls , we’d go dancing and meet wonderful people. I was dancing once and a lady asked me to enter the pageant. I was too shy, but it was so nice to be approached….. I felt very pretty!
  36. My favourite memories of New Brighton are from the 1950’s. There was a brilliant fair in the grounds of the Tower. A boating lake, cable car, wall of death, a miniature railway and many more. The ballroom in the Tower hosted lots of famous faces, The Rolling Stones, Gerry and the Pacemakers, and of course The Beatles.Sadly the Tower burnt down in 1969and the site is now RiverView Park. Nice, but overshadowed by the beautiful Vale Park.Ferry boats came to the pier, which was demolished in 1978. Fort Perch Rock was built to defend Liverpool and is now a museum. We had the outdoor swimming baths and beach, with donkey rides and children’s entertainments. In recent years 75 million has been spent on the seafront. A theatre, cinema, crazy golf and a supermarket-but no pool-still I have happy memories of a New Brighton long gone.
  37. When late at night I lie in bed, lovely memories fill my head, a fun filled day beside the sea, my Mum, my Dad, my brother and me. Brooke.
  38. We will always remember when ‘The Giants’ came to New Brighton, woke up on the beach and went for a walk down the prom! The show was amazing, and brought so many people to our lovely beach! Max, Kelly, Lex.
  39. I was with my Nan and Grandad and we went to the park, it was around this time of year and it was in Vale Park. I had been asking my Nan for ages to get one, and it was this cute little fairy in a jar and she bought it. My Grandad was with me, it was the last day I saw him until he went into hospital due to a heart attack that he had on the bus. I still have it at my Nan’s after five years, it’s like my lucky jar. Lilly x.
  40. I remember a lot of things only when reminded, but also a lot of things I just remember. The baptising of Olivia at Ss Peter and Paul’s church, first days at school for Olivia and Logan. I remember travelling in the tunnel from Liverpool to New Brighton. The tunnel was a hundred miles long!! And when on the other side it truly was and is a different world. I remember playing on the Dips, and the open air pool before it washed away. Warren; Logan and Olivia’s Dad.
  41. One of my early memories of New Brighton was going to New Brighton outdoor swimming baths. I must have only been about 7 or 8 and it was the late 1970’s early 80’s.We went with my younger brother, auntie Pat and our cousins. I remember quite vividly older teenagers diving off the highest point of the diving board, which to a 7 or 8 year old felt like it went up to the sky! I remember not wanting to get into the water because it was too cold. The place felt huge and was really packed out, it’s a shame we don’t have a similar venue today. Anthony.
  42. Although I don’t remember the pier at New Brighton as it closed in 1965. I do remember going to the open air swimming baths there with my Mum and some of my brothers and sisters. The water was very cold. It had slides and very high diving boards. When I was about thirteen I jumped off the very top board. I have never forgotten the feeling as I hit the water with a big splash. It seemed to take ages for me to float back up to the top. I didn’t ever do it again!! Colette, Henry’s Nana.
  43. I spent a lot of time at the fairground and Adventure Land when I was younger, the beach wasn’t nice and clean like it is now. When my father was younger he worked on the Waltzers. He also walked the donkeys up and down the prom. Jen.
  44. Going to the fair with my grandad and after we went bowling and we got fresh doughnuts on the prom. Billy, age 11.
  45. Things I like about New Brighton are; Sand castles on the beach, new friends, new football teams, the Dips, jumping over waves, P.E. in school, new teachers, The Light Cinema, Watching the Olympics, going swimming in Guinea Gap, walking my dog Milo.
  46. I have such fond memories of this Marine Boating Lake, although this picture is a bit before my time. I used to swim there when I was a teenager in the late sixties, if we didn’t have enough money to go to the New Brighton outdoor swimming baths, which was just next door to this lake. The boats in this picture had all gone in my days, we used canoes and paddle boards. We had a lot of fun and adventures walking around and in Fort Perch Rock which was just to the right of the lake. I always remember the smell of candy floss and doughnuts drifting across the road from the shops and the fairground. We were so lucky to live near the beach and lovely parks- ‘Great Times when we were kids.’
  47. I remember when I was learning to ride my bike in the Dips. I remember when I used to always go to the beach in the Summer holidays. I remember when my Nan and Grandad got Nipper the dog. Theo.
  48. I remember coming to New Brighton from Liverpool with my mother and sister and brothers. We would take a packed lunch and catch the ferry from the Pier Head. Sometimes it would be raining in Liverpool and my mother would want us to turn back, but we always said ‘Don’t worry, it’s sunny in New Brighton!’ I remember picnics on the beach, the sand would always get into the sandwiches! Gladys.
  49. I love a trip down Memory Lane, we had many days in New Brighton, we’d sit on the beach and take the kids!They loved the fun fair, and it was just a good, cheap day out. It was fun to go on the boat, we’d take the ferry across to go sightseeing in Liverpool and then get ice cream on the way back! I still like to go with our Sean and Paul, it’s changed so much but still has that lovely sea breeze. I love our memories there!We loved each other very much and days out meant a lot, I miss that.
  50. When we were children our parents would take us along the Pier Head for ice creams. Sometimes if we behaved well we’d get to the fair for a few rides.
  51. I wrote a book called ‘Beachcombers, Buttercreams and Smugglers Caves’. It was all about the history of New Brighton and the pirates at the caves! My uncle and aunt took me to watch wrestling at the Tower Ballroom. I loved the donkey rides.
  52. I used to love the boating lake. At the Funfair I used to enjoy the Dodgems, ghost train and the helter skelter, we’d have Punch and Judy shows. The candy floss and doughnuts were the best!
  53. It was a great time, we’d go out for dates and run in the sea! My auntie took me all the time for the day, we’d get the ferry across the Mersey.
  54. I went to school in New Brighton, lived there my whole life!I just loved it there. My cousin ran an ice cream shop and I worked there!My two friends took me to my first dancing lesson at the ballroom and that’s where I met my husband, we danced all night! The old pier was just wonderful, some lovely memories!
  55. Oh yes, we went to the Wirral Show to watch the Carnival, so there were lots of things going on. They used to have wonderful rides, pageant girls, little stalls and flowers, it was a lovely day out.
  56. Oh I just loved the Wirral Show. New Brighton used to have a wonderful Fun Fair, the children just loved it! We’d go for a bag of chips and ice cream! The ballroom was wonderful for a dance, we just loved it!
  57. I used to go many years ago. We would sit looking across the River Mersey. I loved weekends there with my wife.
  58. It was a great day out back in the day! I liked the old train and going down the promenade with the wife. When my legs were better I’d take my bike and cycle along.Its changed so much now and I barely recognise it. We’d walk on the beach whilst the tide went out!
  59. Oh I just loved the ferry! We would take it most days for work. ‘Ferry across the Mersey!’ It was one of the best days out!
  60. I remember the old Pier Head, I loved New Brighton, the beach, walks, all of it! It was a great day out!I used to go every Saturday night with the wife! We loved taking the kids for an ice cream.
  61. We loved the days down the promenade with the children, we;d go every couple of weeks and go to the funfair. The Kids loved going on the donkeys, and when I was a girl I’d dance at the ballroom.
  62. Some time in the 50’s an unusual contestant joined the New Brighton Bathing Beauty lineup. No make up, bare feet, and a black regulation swimsuit. At the end she raced over to the pool and jumped in- to a loud cheer. A true bathing beauty!
  63. I remember my sister and I used to come down to the ferry on a Sunday and go over to Liverpool for a day out.You could get a label printed from a machine on the Pier Head. The old landing stage was painted green and cream and all the buses stopped there.
  64. Since day 1, Rockpoint has been the one place where my family has come together as one, and I can’t thank the staff and live acts enough for that!!! Thank you!
  65. One of the many happy memories of my visits to New Brighton was on a Saturday night. A group of us in our early 20’s would travel on the no.11 bus from Tranmere at five o’clock in the evening. We would start the evening in the bar on the pier which was very popular and seats were at a premium. To get one you had to be there by six o’clock. By 8.30 enough beer had been consumed and we would make our way to the Tower Ballroom, with a ride on the ‘Dodgems’ on the way. Bill Gregson and his band were at the Tower Ballroom. This was the late 50’s and he would not allow ‘Jiving’, if you did a spotlight would shine on you, how times have changed. When the dancing finished it was a quick dash for the last no. 10 bus to Birkenhead and hope you could get on it. A great evening and happy times.
  66. I lived in New Brighton for a few years. Had a flat in Gorsehill Road 1979-81. Went to Mass at St Peter and Paul’s. Many fond memories of this wonderful town, even though they say its heyday has passed. New Brighton is still our fav. day out. Hope the Seacombe Ferry is re-opened for this Summer.
  67. Bring back the rowing boats! On the park lakes too! Good outdoor exercise and you can get a whole family in one.
  68. My Mum and Dad’s wedding in the 1950,s, but I wasn’t there!
  69. My husband took me here for a date 36 years ago. Lovely day and memories.
  70. Well, looking at this packed pool here, I would have been about five years old when I was brought here from Liverpool- it was absolutely FREEZING!! Good fun though. We would have come across from Liverpool by Ferry, they still came to New Brighton then. I can recall coming with my lovely Nan, sat on the beach, and then 5 minutes later am covered in tar; she wasn’t happy, and neither was I!! Still visit a lot, love it.
  71. Several piers were damaged by severe storms in the 1970’s. Two on the south coast were completely rebuilt. New Brighton suffered only minor damage but the gov. Would not approve any funding for repairs here. Scrap merchants moved in in 1978, Outrageous!
  72. New Brighton Pool….As children we remember the ladybirds in ‘76! We worked here from 1881-84. We remember crowds of 15,000 people and gorgeous weather. One of us was a lifeguard and one worked as a cashier/ first aider. It was a great Summer job whilst at University! Long days! We had coach loads of people coming every weekend from Birmingham and Dudley.   Mike and Lynn.
  73. I remember great times in New Brighton, growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, particularly when my Dad took my brother and I, us of primary school age, to the Tower Grounds to watch ‘The Rakers’, New Brighton Football Team play- my Dad paid to get in, but always lifted us little uns over the turnstile to enter!A greatly anticipated moment came to the Tower Grounds in 1971, the arrival of Liverpool F.C,’s new signing, Kevin Keegan- New Brighton versus L.F.C. reserves- my brother and I were then too big to lift over the turnstile!Of course, New Brighton’s masterpiece, the baths, that was an incredible day out. Leaving school in June ‘75, a trip to the baths with mates, I remember the no. 1 song of the day blaring out ‘I’m not in love’-10C.C. Maybe not in love in ‘75, but IN love in ‘79- Jenny and I on our very first date at the Riverside, June’79- a heavy rock music evening with ‘Dick Smith and the Dole Queue’ band being the main act – lucky I survived because Jenny can’t think of anything worse than heavy rock! Such innocence!
  74. Wallasey was a great place to grow up. 15s (79p) for a contract from April to September which got you into the three bathing pools: Guinea Gap, indoor; New Brighton- mostly for non residents, and the Derby Pool, where the village people went!! I remember the chute and the upstairs cafe which had rubber steps which had a distinct smell and were hot on your feet. I remember also the chalets- what a crime they were not restored after the storm!I remember too the Gala in Central Park with its spectacular firework display. I can’t forget the outdoor fair on the Tower Grounds and the man who let us rollerskate on the way back from taking the 11 plus test at Riverside Primary School- I went to Marymount but we had to go to Riverside for the tests.
  75. I remember my Mum: she was a nurse in a building by the old Floral Pavilion and when I used to go with her there I used to run down to the shore and jump off the wall into the sand to see my uncle who owned the donkeys and I used to walk them and one day the donkey ate a £5 note which was a lot of money in those days; I also used to work in the baths, it was lovely memories, now all gone, SAD;   
  76. I met my partner in New Brighton back in 2011. (we’re still together……)
  77. I remember going to the Music Room on the pier, had some fabulous times there, really happy times.
  78. When the present church was being paid for and weekly collections taken, an old man we knew told us that Father would stand and frown if he heard coins going in, and frequently reminded the congregation- ‘This needs to be a silent collection!’ Somehow they raised the funds.
  79. Long beautiful sunny days in New Brighton Baths with several family generations- Happy Days. Dancing in the Tower Ballroom with my husband, married 62 years!
  80. I have photographs of myself as a baby sitting on a bench on New Brighton Pier. I was with my parents and grandparents in 1935. We had holidays in New Brighton , and when I was 14 my parents moved us all to open a Guest House here. I can remember roller skating along the promenade with my younger sister.
  81. As a child we lived in the midlands and would holiday in New Brighton- crowds of people everywhere. We later moved to New Brighton and raised our family there. We loved the Tower Ballroom and the open air baths, the baths were cold, but so popular!
  82. I loved the music in New Brighton. Fort Perch Rock and the Tower Ballroom were my favourite places, I saw many great acts there. The Beatles played New Brighton often.
  83. I might have been in this picture- a beautiful baths.
  84. Susan’s memories of New Brighton are going to the seaside with her mother and father, making sandcastles with a bucket and spade and going to the fairground. Susan said it was always good fun.
  85. The Dodgems at the fair. The little railway with fish and chips afterwards. We went on the motorbike to New Brighton every week with friends. I remember all the people there, it was a popular place. Plenty of pubs to visit in New Brighton, and walking along the prom.
  86. I remember seeing the children play in Vale Park and the rose garden, and had a milkshake in the cafe. I remember the ferry took about 10 minutes from Liverpool to New Brighton. I worked in Liverpool for about 25 years. People walked around on the ferry, ‘doing a bracing walk’ after being stuck in the office all day.I got the train or the bus and got off at Victoria Station and walked down to the pier. When I was younger I liked building sandcastles on the beach and walking along the prom.
  87. David remembers going to the seaside when he was young and enjoyed walking along the beach.
  88. Joan remembers going to New Brighton when small with her Mum and the beach, sitting on a picnic blanket and playing with her sister with a bat and a ball.
  89. Paul worked just by New Brighton at Seacombe at Gandi Fraction, a factory for brake pads. Paul used to go to the Floral Pavillion to see Rock Concerts and remembers some of the concerts being put on by children from Dad and her sister. When she was little she remembers drinking lemonade on local schools. Paul said his uncle Jack, who lived in Moston, Manchester, used to love visiting New Brighton when he came to visit. These are his ‘lasting memories’, those of Uncle Jack there.
  90. Roz used to go to New Brighton with her husband- they used to walk along the promenade. Roz said’ We used to hire a deck chair and sit on the beach and I remember getting ice creams from the ice cream man who used to cycle round on a bike selling them.
  91. John remembers going on the ferry and visiting New Brighton. Going on the fair and the helter skelter. He remembers going to watch Ken Dodd on the Floral Pavilion and Joe Loss Big Band also Billy Cotton’s Big Band. John also remembers going to a variety of clubs and pubs and also the Tower Ballroom.
  92. Fran used to go to the top deck on the ferry where everyone used to walk around, or they would jog or run. Fran said she never ran ‘I used to walk around the top deck if it was nice and on a cold day I would be getting warm downstairs below deck. I used to work in Liverpool at the Tower Buildings in the office’
  93. Val remembers visiting New Brighton with her parents when young, and having picnics on the prom, Val remembers having her ham sandwich taken by a seagull (The bare faced cheek of it! Val said).
  94. Muriel remembers going to New Brighton with her Dad, while her Mum cooked the Sunday Roast dinner.She remembers going on the Big Wheel(Which she got on for nothing) as her Dad was the local coalman.Muriel said they had chips in newspapers on the way home, and she passed this tradition on with her own son and daughter , who in turn passed it on to her grandchildren, two granddaughters and two grandsons.
  95. David remembers going to the fairground with his Mum when he was young and his favourite rides were the Waltzers, Helter Skelter and the Big Wheel. David enjoyed the stalls and he won by throwing the darts into the balloons. Some years later David was asked to be the Punch and Judy puppeteer on the beach in New Brighton, but he already had a job.
  96. Irene remembers her mother taking her to New Brighton onto the promenade. ‘We had no money, of course, but we made do with sandwiches mother made. Dad was in America, so we went when mother had the time to take us. We always had an ice cream though.
  97. Hilda remembers going to New Brighton on the bus as no one had a car back then, she made dripping butties and jam butties as times were tough. ‘We had picnics and we walked and we went to the cafe on the front and spent coppers in the arcades’.
  98. I take my kids to the arcades and the beach! My puppy bear loves to paddle in the sea off the lead. I also buy candy floss every time I go there!
  99. Ken remembers going to the Empress Ballroom in Victoria Road on the motorbike on a Friday night. Ken also remembers walking along the promenade to get fish and chips. Then he would walk down the prom to the end of Harrison Drive. ‘Happy Memories’ said Ken. Ken then sang ‘Ferry Cross the Mersey’ when he remembered the ferry.
  100. Tom remembers visiting the Marina in New Brighton and watching the children in the small boats. Tom remembers walking along the prom with his wife and having a lovely time.
  101. Mary said’ Outside at the New Brighton Baths were always cold. There was a place aside for picnics at the back, with a cafe, and we would stay there for the whole day’. Mary remembers walking down the pier at New Brighton and liked to go on the rides. Mary seemed to remember music at the end of the pier. ‘I do remember we always had a hat on and white gloves with our best dress, then, when we got to the shore afterwards, everything came off so we could go into the sea and play.’
  102. My memories consist of going to the arcades with my Nanny Connie and playing on the slots while she played Bingo, also going cockling with my Mum and Dad and bringing them home and putting them in the bath to soak, cooking them the next day, putting them in big jars of vinegar in the larder.Also having paste butties on the beach, complete with sand as a side! Lovely Memories,
  103. Lovely fish and chips in the cafe on the corner painted green. Blustery winds standing at Perch Rock and ice cream promise if we walked the full length of the promenade without complaining! It never happened and we got the ice cream anyway!
  104. Flying kites, sword fighting with sticks, eating too many sweets till you were sick, rolling down hills, building big sand castles, family memories everlasting. The Wirral Show where my brother broke his toe and I was sick from the rides. The cold sea water, lots of seagulls. Pantomimes at Christmas. Fish and chips, candy floss and lots of fizzy pop.
  105. In about 1956, as a child, I was part of a demonstration given in New Brighton Tower Ballroom by The Women’s League of Health and Beauty. 9 black, silky bottom, white, silky top with badge, bare feet) There must have been hundreds of us on that vast, polished floor showing our exercises and our ’best’ walk, filing across it. Happy Days.
  106. I remember the open air swimming pool- the Lido-in New Brighton. We lived in Walton and would visit in the Summer in the 60’s.It felt like the sun was always shining, and was wonderful fun. There were always lots of children having a great time. My younger sister Helen is wearing a striped red and white costume 9 even though the photo is black and white)- and she looks so cute. A memorable day. Debbie, living in Scotland now. Helen is round the corner in Reedville.
  107. My name is Christine, I was born in 1960, New Brighton has been such a wonderful place throughout my life. I loved swimming in the Derby Pool and enjoying fairground rides in the Tower Grounds.I also have loved many a performance at the Floral Pavilion too. It’s a place I love to walk, along the front and up along Victoria Parade looking in the shops.I now love enjoying New Brighton with my 2 grandchildren, Alfie and Daisy. They especially love Vale Park and the Fairy Glen, my cousin also looks after the gardens in the park. Fond, forever memories.  
  108. As a teenager I remember the Fairground opening on the Easter weekend after the winter close down. I lived near Liscard and on Easter Monday my friend and I would go down to New Brighton to witness the rivers of people disembarking from the New Brighton Ferry and surging up into Victoria Road and along to the Fairground, so exciting!! Early 1960’s.   
  109. I was at Maris Stella High School in the 60’s and heard many tales of girls bunking off school to go to New Brighton Baths during the Summer months. My recollections were of very cold water and very white bodies. I once went to a dance in the Riverside Ballroom which was part of the baths complex.
  110. Memories as a teenager with not much money walking from Egremont to New Brighton. Watching people on roller skates on the rink there. Forward in time take my children to New Brighton baths then chips and maybe some pennies for the arcade. As my kids got older the Derby Pool and how we would spend the day sitting on the grass. Happy memories through my childhood and my children’s childhood.
  1. I remember my mum, who is now 89 years of age taking us to New-Brighton beach. We spent a lot of time in the school holidays there.  I have very fond memories.  I was nine years old when this photograph was taken. Our family may have even been on the beach.  Wynne  ( PIC NB BEACh 1961)
  1. Although I lived in Wirral, I was staying with my cousins in Liverpool. We caught the ferry to New Brighton and went to New Brighton baths.  It was a beautiful day and the baths were crowded (as this photo shows!)  I was 10, so this was in 1961.   Was so excited about the whole experience.  Liz Smith
  2. I loved going to New Brighton. We lived in Liverpool, so it was a long journey. I used to go to the funfair with my husband.  We won some nice gifts.  I still have a Mexican dog who is 70 years old. GREAT TIMES.  Margaret
  3. My memories of New Brighton as a child were paddling on the beach. Enjoying the fairground.  Later in my teens going dancing at the Tower Ballroom.  Then in the 70’s taking my sons to watch the stack car racing and the bumps and thrill of the banger.  Nice to see New Brighton is still popular today.
  4. Have walked here on coastal walks a few years ago. Wendy
  5. I remember going on the little train and seeing Snow White and seeing the Punch and Judy show.
  6. I can remember in the early 1950s going to New Brighton to dance at the Tower Ballroom, we had an old motorbike and in those days we did not have the leather gear so I would be freezing cold when I got home.
  7. In the summer months we all went to the outdoor pools with sandwiches and a bottle of water, so that we could stay all day. The elastic in our swimming costumes worn out on the knitted ones, which both became saggy.  The water was always cold.
  8. I was born in Bebington and New Brighton was the seaside place we went to as a treat. I don’t think I thought it was too wonderful .  On a visit (holiday) to Pembrokeshire when I was older, I was amazed to see a lovely poster advertising NB.  I didn’t realise that it was so famous in other parts of the country. 
  9. I walked often from Seacombe to New Brighton and would pay a penny to sit on the scales while the weights were put on the other side to weigh up and let me know I’d eaten too much !!
  10. My mum and dad told me when the tower Ballroom was burnt down.
  11. I was 8 in 1972 I remember sittin up on deck with my mem travelling from Woodside to liverpool. Sometimes we travelled inside if the weather is blowy
  12. The Tower Ballroom, The Swimming Pool, Miss New Brighton contest, The roller rink, the fairground. Harrison Drive Swimming pool boating Lake Park with Bandstand and in summer holidays children’s show.  The Tivoli theatre.
  13. Spent many days with the family. Remember Aunty Ivy slipped getting in the pool.  Broke her arm.
  14. Had wondrous days out with my family
  15. I remember the Tower Ballroom being burnt down. I was in my 30s
  16. Fairground, outdoor swimming pool. Theatre 1950
  17. Dad was a Japanese Prisoner of War on Java. He was repatriated in Singapore October 1945. Set off for home by sea. Because of security passengers were unaware which port the ship would dock to take on fuel and food etc. One morning Dad went up on deck and saw the New Brighton Tower, he then knew that the ship would dock in the port of Liverpool. He cried when he saw the Liver Bird, there were times when he thought that he would never see it again.He was a prisoner of war for 3.5 years, Dad and his wife (our Mum) were reunited. I was born in 1946 and my sister born in 1948, just in time to benefit from NHS Benefit. The above are our parents’ memories.This photograph is mine and my sister’s memories of days out on the beach with masses of sandwiches and NHS orange juice, we remember many picnics on the beach.
  18. My childhood memories of New Brighton are mainly of the open air swimming baths. Rain or shine my friends and I would buy 2 save away for the bus and travel from New Ferry with our packed lunch and spend the whole day there.  I remember this Miss New Brighton competition where the girls would walk around in their bikinis and sashes.  Great Times!!!
  19. Have wa;ked here on coastal walks a few years ago. I also still walk frequently from New Brighton . M Wharton
  20. Spent most of my young days here with friends and family. Great fun sitting on the fountain at the edge of the pool. Not showing on this picture.  What a boon it would be now  Jean
  21. The magic of the fair in New Brighton, with the modern music ( of the time) and the fit young men pushing the walkers. No money for food – just enough for the two goes on the rides.
  22. My memories of New Brighton are playing with my son, then ¾ years old on the beach, watching the ferry boat from Liverpool arriving at the pier, going for donuts at the Fair. Swimming pool visits to the outdoor pool, Riverside Dance Hall overlooking the swimming pool, visiting the Tower Ballroom where Frankie Vaughan was singing, watching Peter Catchpole on his Wall of Death Motorbike. Marine Lake was busy with pedal boats and the person in charge was a Mr Mann (we called him Mr New Brighton). Miss New Brighton contests at the pool. Tivoli Theatre, Wilkie’s Circus. I worked at The Midland Bank in Victoria Road for some years and met many interesting local people. Happy Memories.
  23. When I was a young girl I used to go to New Brighton with my six brothers and sisters. We used to walk from Tranmere with jam butties and a bottle of water.We spent hours on the beach and taking delight in running in and out of the sea with our saggy costumes on.We walked around the outside fairground wishing we could go on the rides. If we were lucky somebody would kindly pay for us to have a ride. Good Days.
  24. When I was very young we used to go to New Brighton. We used to go to Roller Skating. We had no money so the Fair was out. Then sometimes the baths, on a nice day that was wonderful, I learnt to swim there quite young. Please excuse the writing, I’m 84 now but I remember all those happy days.
  25. My best memory of New Brighton is open air swimming, cycling with friends on beautiful sunny days with a picnic and some money, and spending the day swimming, sunbathing, playing All Day. Then sometimes in the evening there would be a group playing music, and we would be sunbathing, dancing and singing, then trundle home after a wonderful day in the sun, by the sea.
  26. My Mum used to go to the New Brighton Baths, she spent a lot of Summer days there with her brothers and sister. It first opened on the 13 th of June , 1934, it was known as the world’s largest aquatic stadium in the world. The first New Brighton bathing contest was held there. A massive display of Gymnastics was shown by Wallasey school children in the empty pool. My Dad also used to dive off the diving boards and once he hit the bottom and smashed his nose. Hurricane storms sadly destroyed the pool, so they shut it down in 1990. An end of a saga.
  27. I remember when I went crabbing with my cousin once in 2021, and afterwards we went swimming in the River Mersey. I also remember finding out about my baby brother being born at Cafe Cream.
  28. My memory is of Bubbles.
  29. I was born in 1949 and lived in New Brighton. Until I was 7 years old, St Peter and St Paul’s was my parish church. I remember the crib at Christmas and how wonderful it was. The hill was very steep for a pair of short legs, but the church was wonderful, full of light and sounds, singing and organ music. I went to Maris Stella Convent High School and my best memories are singing in the choir and wondering why my headmistress Sister Mary Carmel did not fall backwards over the low edge of the church’s choir loft. She conducted us with such energy! Plain chant became a pleasure to sing in such surroundings. 
  30. As a child I would spend many weekends playing at the arcades on Victoria Road, and on the beach. My Mum and Dad were married at Ss Peter and Paul’s church and I was baptised and had my Holy Communion there. My Nan would spend every Sunday at Mass at church. 
  31. I would love going to the bowling alley, arcade, beach, adventureland and shopping.
  32. Picnics on the beach, ice cream on the prom.
  33. I remember paddling in the water with my Mummy, Daddy and my cousin Theo. I remember going to Bubbles with my cousin Georgia and Theo, we also went to see the pantomime, and getting fish and chips. Francesca.
  34. I remember eating ice cream at Cafe Creame and playing at the park with my dog called Summer. I also enjoyed going to the Light Cinema and going to Bubbles.
  35. I remember going to New Brighton baths when I was a girl.
  36. When Mum and Dad first moved to New Brighton there was no Morrisons or shops by Morrisons.
  37. I remember when I was little I made sand castles with my Nan on the beach. Anah.
  38. I remember doing the footings to build Morrisons Supermarket. Dad.
  39. My memories of New Brighton are of eating fish and chips on the promenade, and visiting the fairy garden in the park. My first memory of the church is of seeing the green dome while driving along the front with my family in our car. My Mummy and Daddy remember going to the pantomime at Christmas and playing in Adventureland. In the Summer they remember going to the Wirral Show. Evie.
  40. During covid lock downs we went for lots of walks along the New Brighton front. We had a lovely time as a family making memories.
  41. I love living in New Brighton. As I get older two things I will always remember about New Brighton are Spending lots of time playing and having fun in Vale Park in lockdown. 2. Having my artwork painted on one of the walls in Victoria Road by Tom Blackford.  Seb.
  42. When it was my birthday I went to Portofino and I had lots of fun, the cake was delicious. When my uncle was a boy he went to see the Wirral Show, my Mummy also went to it and went on rides.
  43. I go bowling and get Turkish Delight ice cream. I love it and I love New Brighton, it’s the best.
  44. My Nanny and Grandpa remember The Beatles playing at the Tower Ballroom and on the ferry.
  45. Nanny and Papa got married in Ss Peter and Paul’s church and it was in 1999. Mummy and Aunty Eerin were both bridesmaids and lots of our family came and it was all one big party!
  46. I love going to the band stand. Once I performed a song there. My Mum liked the Wirral Show. And I like chippys on the prom. I loved when the Giant came to town. I love going to Vale Park. Wilson in the garden is the best. I like to visit Bettuy the seal. I ride my bike to the little house with my Grandad. The beach is so so fun. I like the dips I play football there. 
  47. My memories are going to New Brighton playing on the beach and getting an ice cream.
  48. I love going to the beach, I love living in New Brighton. I will always remember spending lots of time in Vale Park in the lockdowns.
  49. I went to my cousin Saoirsir’s christening on 20. 11. 21. It was a beautiful day.
  50. We love going paddle boarding in the marine lake on sunny days.
  51. Childhood memories of a family day out to New Brighton. Getting the ferry from the Pier Head and enjoying a day on the beach. Finished off with fish and chips and if we were lucky a visit to the arcade.
  52. I remember when our class went to the crib before Christmas. I also remember when I went to the circus in 2021.
  53. End of school term, bbq on the beach by Harrison Drive. Playing with friends long into the evening. Mums all waking up the next day as red as a lobster.
  54. After a long day at school my daddy takes me and my sister to New Brighton. On a hot day we get an ice cream and sit on the rocks. We play in the sand and walk along the shore with the dog. She LOVES to play on the beach.
  55. My memories of living in New Brighton was when we went swimming with my mum’s friend and my brother tried to drown me!
  56. I remember going for lots of walks on the prom and getting ice creams. Playing on the Black Pearl is great fun too!It was funny when my daughter cycled into a lamp post just past Vale Park!
  57. We remember spending hot days at the beach with picnics and splashing about on our body boards! The pirate boat by Vale Park is one of our favourite places to pretend we are pirates!
  58. My first job when I was 16 years old in 1990 was working in Wilkie’s Fun Palace. I worked in Adventure Land, and also on the dodgem cars. I remember lots of fun and laughter and children. There was also a circus held there in 1992 and I had to open the gate to let the elephants in!
  59. When I was 4 I learnt how to ride my bike without stabilisers on the dips. I always loved playing on the Black Pearl pirate ship. I can’t wait for them to build it again.
  60. I remember the excitement of boarding the ferry to New Brighton, once there we would have a picnic on the beach and then go to explore the rock pools while my parents relaxed in the sun.
  61. Oh the joy of a bright Summer Sunday. We would go to early Mass and Dad would sometimes say, ‘Who wants to go to New Brighton?’-’ Me’ I would shout, jumping up and down with excitement. Mum would make the sandwiches and off we’d go to catch the bus to the Pier Head. The best bit of the Pier Head was running down the ‘rolling road’ to the landing stage. We would board the ferry and always went upstairs so we had a good view of New Brighton as we approached. As an eight year old this was the most exciting thing I could imagine. Whoever saw New Brighton first won a sixpence, and it was always me who won! We always had to queue to get off and there’d be lots of pushing and shoving. But there before us in all its glory was the most exciting place on Earth. We could see the crowds on the beach: children splashing and swimming, Dads paddling with their trousers rolled up- Heaven, I could hardly wait to get there and put my ‘cosie’ on and jump into the cold, grey water, which to me looked like the Mediterranean. I always spent my sixpence on an ice cream or a candy floss on our way down the steps to the beach. We’d have our sandwiches and a drink and then I’d change into my swimming costume and run to the water’s edge; Why did it never feel cold, the way the sea does now that I’m an adult?The one and only time that we had a camera with us to record my swimming was the time Mum had forgotten my ‘cosie’, but it didn’t matter, I just tucked my dress into my knickers and I was away. What happy, happy days.

 

  1. It was early Summer and I was 14, just the age for becoming interested in boys. My friend and I would get the bus from our Liverpool home to the Pier Head, to board the New Brighton Ferry.It was so exciting, at last we were allowed to go without an adult- we felt so grown up!As the ferry approached the pier in New Brighton we could hear the music from the fun fair, smell the candyfloss and the fish and chips. We headed straight for the hurdy gurdy of the fair, where we wandered around the rides, keeping our eyes on the lookout for 15 year old boys who might say ’Hello Girls’ .We’d take a ride on the dodgem cars and would squeal with laughter as the other cars would bump us deliberately. We would go on as many rides as we could before our money ran out, making sure to save some for our fish and chips later. Exhausted by the excitement of the day we would take our fish and chips to the bench along the front and watch the world go by. BLISS. I went to New Brighton many times in my youth and never realised that just behind us, up the hill, was one of the most beautiful churches in the North West, Ss. Peter, Paul and St Philomena’s- The ‘Dome’. How did I miss this extraordinary church, why didn’t anyone tell me to take half an hour out of my day to visit this beautiful, sacred place?
  2. I grew up in Wallasey and save for a brief stint away for Uni. have settled in New Brighton. I remember going to Vale Park with my Nana and getting fish and chips from the Mediterranean chip shop on the front. It hasn’t changed, and is just as good now as it was then.
  3. I’m fairly new to the area but already have many good memories. Such as the fun and silly time it briefly snowed and I convinced my partner to walk down to the beach with me as I’d never seen snow on a beach. It was really cold and very windy. We laughed a lot though at the ridiculousness of leaving the warm flat for the walk. It’s one of my favourite memories though.
  1. The big fairground was very good.
  2. I remember school at St Peter and Pauls. My friends and my house.
  3. Chasing seagulls and eating ice cream and candy floss. Watching the boats going up and down the river.
  4. A day out at New Brighton bathing pool with the children. Jam butties and a bottle of water. Happy Days!
  5. I love it with all my heart! Thank you! X
  6. Tower Ballroom 1959. Every Saturday I danced at the Tower Ballroom. Taken there on the back of Brian’s motor bike. Dancing in the Tower to The Beatles, Danny Dee, Joe Lass wearing very high shoes. Open air baths.
  7. I remember this cinema, I assisted there as a child, and also nearby was the Court Cinema.
  8. I remember going to the beach with my Mum and sister with a packed lunch and ice cream.
  9. I love the church, and the flowers.
  10. Had many happy memories, enjoyed swimming in the sea, and going to the fair. Fish and chips and walking down the prom.
  11. Rosemary has happy memories of being taken to the beach as a child, then taking her own children.
  12. Eileen has happy memories of taking her children to the fair, and enjoyed building sandcastles on the beach. Eileen used to make sandwiches and take drinks.
  13. Irene has fond memories of going on the Royal Iris and going on ferry trips across the Mersey.
  14. Happy fun day with my family.
  15. Getting married at St Peter and Paul’s church. Imelda
  16. The swimming baths outside in New Brighton.
  17. Lovely seaside and rock shops.
  18. Betty enjoyed taking her own children to the beach to build sandcastles. She used to take butties and sometimes got fish and chips.
  19. Margaret’s memory is of her father taking her and the family to the beach, used to take butties and a flask. Many happy childhood memories.
  20. Our weekend place was the fairground. The ghost train, the hall of mirrors and the man who guessed your weight. My favourite was the big wheel.
  21. Memory Lane! From all the Care Team and Activities staff; We thoroughly enjoyed experiencing New Brighton through our residents’ eyes! Their beautiful memories will be cherished by us. It was so lovely to hear about their special family moments and day trips. Steph, Anne, Adele, Activities Team Bebington Care Home.
  22. Looking forward to Easter when the outdoor baths open, both the Derby and the New Brighton pools.
  23. I really miss going to New Brighton and seeing friends there.
  24. I worked as a volunteer in the cafe, serving soup and washing dishes, often wandering around afterwards. There’s a statue there with my name on.
  25. All the residents really enjoy taking part in this activity. Brought back loads of memories. Thanks! Cathy, Activities Coordinator, Lighthouse Lodge Care Home.
  26. I used to love ‘Tommy Mann’s’ train on the front in New Brighton , near the Tower Grounds. I always felt so grown up getting on the train on my own and waving goodbye to my Mum and Dad! I must have been about 6 or 7 years old( 1963-1964) and thought that the puppets in the glass cases inside the tunnel that the train went through were brilliant! I walk past the site most days, and the memories always come flooding back! Janet.
  27. I remember the Marine Lake being very busy. There were small rowing boats for two people, and larger ones for four.There was also a motor boat and a launch giving trips around the lake. When I was about 8 or 9 years old (1937/38) I was on the wooden platform at the lake with friends, fishing for cod or whiting. Unfortunately I fell into the water, wearing a heavy coat and boots too!A kind man who was passing jumped in and pulled me out, which was a relief because I couldn’t swim!And to make it worse I got a good telling off when I got home! Les.
  28. Girls, Water, plus Fun and Diving. Loved it- 1977-1984. And after the storm!
  29. I always used to go sit on the beach. I remember kid’s holidays, and ice cream. Nancy.
  30. We didn’t have a lot of money, but it was always a lovely day.
  31. Lots of fond memories of the Penny machine, I remember the smell of fish and chips.
  32. I was in ‘Ferry Across the Mersey’, I saw the ad for extras in the Echo. I had a new turquoise blouse to wear- and slept in rollers the night before. I arrived at Woodside at 8 am. It was crazy, but I was selected to get on the ferry and sit on the top deck, my Beatle hair cut and new blouse must have swung it! The sun shone. We went up and down the river as Gerry walked past on the top deck, singing. A very ‘With It’ young woman, a man with a dog, and several other paid extras wandered about and we got a free lunch. Then the sun went in. I couldn’t put my coat on-continuity. So I got colder and colder. I saw myself on the big screen at the Gaumont on King Street, but when the video came out I was left on the cutting room floor! Barbara.
  33. Our father remembered coming over to New Brighton on the Ferry from Liverpool when he was a boy in the early thirties. He and his friends found a clever way to get chips for free. They would go to the fish and chip shop in Victoria Road and march up and down outside it singing ’O there’s no chips like Bell’s chips 25 Victoria Road’. Eventually the owner would come out and give them chips as a reward! The Victoria Parade housing development now occupies the site of Bell’s fish and chip shop. Joyce and Derek.
  34. I met my husband up a tree in the children’s play area. We had to make sure the ‘parky’ (Park Keeper) had done his rounds. I was 9 and he was 10. We are in our 70’s now, and married. Christine.
  35. I can remember the old indoor fairground at Wilkies with the Superjets and Carousel. The rides were very old in the 1980’s. I also remember the vertical drop slide that was part of the replacement Adventureland. When you went down the vertical drop you banged the back of your head as you reached the bottom. I used to go to the old Granada Bowl too.
  36. My late mother attended the old Ss Peter and Paul’s and then the 1930’s one once it opened. She recalled Father Mullins, whose grave is in Rake Lane cemetery- he was very keen on the new church, and exerted endless pressure for funds. My late father and his mother and father lived at 63A Wellington Road, down the road from Ss Peter and Paul’s- I visited them continuously until after my grandfather died in 1980. From its front windows we could see the old car park and the bathing pool, but more importantly the sea wall and the sea and shipping beyond. My mother had visited the Winter Gardens Theatre nearby in her youth, while my grandparent’s housekeeper went there when it was the Legalite Casino Club. Many happy memories, and I would also frequent Vale Park and the promenades. Joseph.
  37. I came to see the fairies, I miss Francis, my best friend. I had fun. Millie.
  38. My Dad used to go down to New Brighton Pier and bury money, (sixpences, three penny bits and pennies ) under the pier in the sand. Then he would take me and my sisters down there half an hour later and tell us to look for money in the sand, as people would drop money out of their pockets and it would slip through the gaps in the pier above.We spent ages digging for money and it was brilliant when we found our money treasures. Deb.
  39. Jiving on the end of the pier on a Saturday night.
  40. I was brought up in Wallasey and we always visited New Brighton. It was a fabulous place with the Pier, the Tower Grounds and the 2 Swimming Pools.I particularly remember the little train with figures of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I remember the ferry boats from Liverpool bringing over hoards of people, what a great place. Ingrid.
  41. We moved over to New Brighton from Smithdown Road, Liverpool, in 1969 just before Christmas, and settled on Rowson Street by the Sandridge pub. Our childhood was pretty much defined by regular visits to our doorstep ‘playground’ with our Auntie, parents and sisters. My first abiding memory of New Brighton was seeing the remind of the Figure 8 Big Dipper still standing, derelict, on the Tower Promenade- having closed shortly after the Ballroom fire earlier in 1969.It looked really sad, and I remember saying to my elder sister ‘I wish that Big Dipper was still running!’We used to visit the Pier and Fort Perch Rock as well back then- as well as the two small outdoor Children’s Fun Fairs (by Marine Lake and Floral Pavilion), in addition to The Bright Spot, The New Palace and all the shops along Victoria Road. For me the golden era of New Brighton then was the whole of the 1970’s, going into part of the 80’s- before the gradual decline set in. They were certainly happier times!!  Martin.
  42. I was at Ss Peter and Paul school when it first opened. In later years I sailed with the Harrison Line, sailing from or into Liverpool. The green dome was one of the great landmarks seen from the Mersey.    Stuart.
  43. There were lights in Vale Park in the Tree Walk, illuminated squirrels that gave the effect of running up trees.
  44. My Mum Joan in around 1946 when she was 10 years old would go to the fairground with her friend Thelma. Thelma’s aunt ran the Moon Rocket ride and so they had unlimited goes.There was another ride that she was too scared to go on, the Loopla Plane. This suspended riders upside down, the more they screamed the longer they were suspended! The bonus for children was that money would fall from the riders’ pockets, which they dutifully removed- not my Mum of course! Jane
  45. I was at Ss Peter and Paul’s school from 1951-58, I started at the old school in Rowson Street. My grandkids don’t believe me when I tell them that we had chalk and slates when I started. Pauline.
  46. As kids living and growing up in New Brighton living on nearby Rowson Street in the early 1970’s my sisters and I would always venture up St George’s Mountand then marvel at the church on top of the hill, which we likened to our own St Paul’s cathedral (at least we got one of the saints’ names correct!) before traipsing down the long hill of Atherton Street to New Brighton Station to take the train tio either Liverpool or Birkenhead for shopping trips whenever the occasion allowed us to. Atherton St my younger sister and I always nicknamed’ The Streets of San Francisco’ as the vertiginous incline always reminded me of the same sort of view of the namesake Californian city as seen on the T.V. programme that starred Michael Douglas at the time.Occasionally my elder sister would forego the climb via St George’s Mountand instead cut through adjacent St James Road, and I was always disappointed because I wanted to see the church every time and walk the ENTIRE length of that stupendous hill down to the station!On bikes, however, it was a different story, as we would not be quite as daredevil enough to simply let our two wheels roll us unhindered down such a steep incline. I think Ormiston Rd., Sutton Rd., and Manville Rd. were steep enough for us at the time! Martijn.
  47. I attended Ss Peter and Paul’s school from 1953, Monsigneur Curran headed up the church then, a very old man who the children adored.Miss Mc Cabe was the headmistress of the school, followed by Mr Downs.I married Peter at the church in 1969. Chris.
  48. I also went to school with Chris. Monsigneur Curran was loved by everyone. I had my first Holy Communion there and was in the May Day processions. I got married there in 1971. My parents married there in 1945. Pauline.
  49. It was a great honour to be chosen to crown Our Lady in the May procession. Our Maureen did it once, and I was a train bearer once also. Chris.
  50. What a wonderful project! Danda
  51. What a magnificently evocative photo looking down at the packed amusement park and promenade/pier area from the Big Wheel.They really were incredible times, given how busy the resort was. I would guess that was the late 50’s going into the early sixties, a few years before my birth at any rate! Martijn.
  52. My mother ran a guest house in New Brighton in the fifties when the resort was very popular. It was the time of Wakes Weeks when towns had different weeks for the factories closing down for Summer holidays. Stuart.
  53. I used to live in Egerton Street and could climb the wall in the back garden and get into the fair. We used to look under rides and find money and then go to the donut stall and get a bag of bits for next to nothing. In the late 50’s and early sixties I spent all my summers in the fair. Phil.
  54. We were better than Blackpool in many ways. We were far cleaner, less expensive, plenty of free things and things that cost little. Swimming Pool, Boating Lake, indoor and outdoor Fairground, pitch n’ put, Floral Pavillion with 3 plays a week, matinees at the Cinema, Vale Park’s Joy Time and Sunday Music in the Park, myriads of pubs, 4 or 5 clubs, Bingo, Leisure Parks, Bowling Alleys, Cafes, Tea Rooms, restaurants, chair lifts, not forgetting beach, sand and sea. Ferry rides, Saturday night Disco Cruises, B and B or B and B with evening meal.   Phew!! Suzanne.
  55. I used to work in the Kentucky Derby in the late ‘60’s. Happy Days! John.
  56. I was there one of the years Violet Carson presented the Miss New Brighton prize. Cy Grant was one of the other judges that year. Dave
  57. I remember seeing the first Transistor Radio on the counter of the gun shooting stall. The first one I had seen. Marion.
  58. I remember the 22 Rifle Stall, the live rounds. The guns had a 3 foot chain on to stop you from sniping people. No chance nowadays! James.
  59. We used to climb through the Figure of Eight structure at the fair in Winter until chased away. Terry.
  60. Elephants walking up Atherton Street from the circus at the Palace, heading for the stables on Mount Road. Can you imagine this scene happening today? Lynne.
  61. At the Open Air baths the water was always ice cold, but it was simply the best place in the Summer, we loved it. Tracy.
  62. As a kid used to go to the Open Air Baths in the Summer Evenings, cheaper, and the water had been heated all day by the sun.
  63. Hot Summer of ‘75. Going to the baths to revise for ‘O’ levels. Hopeless! Too many distractions!! Colin.
  64. I was the Red Cross Cadet at the First Aid Post every Saturday, aged 11. Terry.
  65. The Open Air baths was freezing cold always. Still loved it there. Can remember some fountains. Lynne.
  66. I do remember a sweet shop where I bought an Aniseed Ball for a farthing.   Michael.
  67. I remember the Rotor at the fair. You could climb up steps on the outside and watch from the top. The floor would drop away, and everyone would be left ‘stuck’ to the drum. Didn’t go on it myself, probably too scared! Carol.
  68. Oh Yes, I remember those days! Debbie.
  69. Fabulous Happy Memories of Birthday visits to the Lido. Karen, now living in Portsmouth.
  70. Brill memories of New Brighton baths. Fab Times! Su.
  71. I remember the fairground and the little train, the building of the ‘Ski Lift’ up to the top of the Tower base- never went on it- but the tower itself was well gone before my time. The main street was thriving in those days. I recall ‘Old Mac’s’ 9I think that was the name) next to Woolworth’s. We had booked a day trip to Paris by train (!) and decided that we needed some plastic macs (all the rage in the’60’s!) to take with us, Old Macs came to the rescue.
  72. If only places and memories could be frozen in time, wonderful pictures that take me back to such a happy time in life.   Thank you. M.
  73. I love going on the ferry. I remember having a  picnic in the park with my Nanna and going on the swings. I loved to go to Joy Time, and sitting on the beach chairs. Alex.
  74. Remember catching the ferry from the end of New Brighton Pier in the 1960’s. So many happy memories of going on a boat for the first time. 2022 is a nostalgic revisiting of some of the places from my childhood.
  75. Visiting New Brighton on holidays in the 1960’s was magical. Living in the midlands and having parents who didn’t have much money to spend, to visit my sister who lived on Magazine Lane and have access to Vale Park and the Tower Grounds was a different world for me!
  76. My Dad taking me to Vale Park rose garden when I was seven years old. It was early morning and then we walked to Fort Perch Rock and he’d written in the sand ‘I love Jess and John’- me and my brother!
  77. My Mum and Dad met at New Brighton, during World War 2. My Dad to be was Robert Redmond O’Fallon (Bob), born 3 rd April 1924. He was serving in the army during the war, and attained the rank of Sergeant. My Mum to be was Cecile Primrose Prowse, from Walton, Liverpool. When he was home on leave, Bob came to New Brighton with another soldier, and Cecile came here with a friend. They met on the Dodgem cars. Cecile dropped-or maybe pushed?- her handbag, and Bob retrieved it for her. They got talking, and as they went home, Bob realised that he had met the girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. They married in 1948, and I was born in 1949. Together forever now, Bob and Cecile,  Love to you both.     Christine.
  78. Outdoor fair ground with plenty of sand pitches where the kids could sit in and play for hours without paying any money. The Tower Ballroom at the end of the pier, where you went on a Saturday night. A.
  79. Fun family days out at New Brighton. My big sister taking me to New Brighton baths and saving me from drowning, teenage years spent with school friends. Bringing my son here to enjoy the beach and fairground, venturing around the castle, exploring all the hidden areas inside the grounds. Relaxing peaceful walks with family and friends still to present day. So many happy memories. Thanks. Angelina.
  80. I grew up in New Brighton during the 90’s, so a lot of the photos on display are outside my timeline! One of my fondest memories of New Brighton is walking along the prom with my grandad, an old sailor who met my grandmother in the ballroom in the 50’s. He would walk along with me every Friday after school, sharing almost unbelievable tales of the bustling pier, beloved cinemas and a dazzling night front. It’s beautiful to see his memories in the flesh in these photos.
  81. I was the seventeen year old photographer who took this photo on the Royal Daffodil in 1972. I was taking my 3 year old sister Christina for her first ever Ferry Across the Mersey. Back then I was training to be a photographer and always had a camera with me. We were sitting there when suddenly the three children came running along the deck, I quickly lifted my camera and took this one shot, capturing the moment in time. I have lots of memories as a child going to New Brighton with my Mum and Dad, especially the baths and fun fair (Bernard Rose, Photographer)
  82. Remember this scene well. We shared a trip on the ferry with Gerry and his music. He was very pleasant and jolly.  Dorothy and John.
  83. Today brought back some special memories of a happier world. We didnt have a lot of money, but it was always a lovely day. Lots of fond memories of penny machine, smell of fish and chips.
  84. I moved from the U.S. to London and then 5 years ago moved to Hamilton Square, Birkenhead, and my best memories before and during the lockdown are my bike rides down along the prom to New Brighton and eating fruit curry chips whilst looking at the beautiful view of the lighthouse.  Alison.
  85. My best memory of New Brighton is being a translator and P.R. Coordinator for the Liverpool Giants and literally walking in front of the Old Man for 3 days- starting out by finding him washed up on the beach and strolling around New Brighton  and then walking to Liverpool!   Alison.
  86. In the 80’s spending all day at New Brighton Baths during the school holidays. Going through the turnstiles and seeing that huge blue pool was such an exciting thing! We would meet all our friends and have a whale of a time- packed lunch, a big bottle of juice and mums and dads wouldn’t see us until tea time!
  87. I love my memories of travelling to New Brighton with my Nan for a day out. It was always so exciting getting the bus from Seacombe ferry along King Street, and trying to see the River Mersey at the bottom of the streets. My biggest and best memory was doing this in the Summer of 1976 when the ladybirds arrived during the heatwave, still makes me smile.
  88. New Brighton Baths, need I say more! All the kids from our street would get the bus from Seacombe ferry and spend long hot days there during the Summer holidays.We’d take some butties and drinks and stay until it closed. Special memories of a special place!
  89. I remember the pier only a little. My Nan told me years ago a man used to jump off it into the water.The Tower Ballroom which I went to only once as a child to watch my older brother sing in his school choir. (Gorsedale School for boys). They sang Hiawatha.
  90. I remember walking as a little girl along the promenade from Seacombe to New Brighton. The beach would be full all the way. Many day trippers from Liverpool, who took the ferry to New Brighton.
  91. I went to the fairground in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and remember going on the swing boats that were at the front.
  92. It was in the 1960’s I went to the baths. You went in through a turnstile to get in and out. You could access the shops selling ice creams etc. from in the baths, and also the pavement outside. They held Miss New Brighton.
  93. Amazing times on the beach with the kids and the dog!
  94. Running with St Mary’s down the prom!
  95. Spending time with friends every Summer. Eating lots of ice cream. Happy Times.
  96. Absolutely loved it when my parents brought me over to New Brighton from Liverpool when I was young. My brother and I knew we were getting a real treat visiting the fairground (that seemed massive back then!) and playing in the arcade, followed by fish and chips-lovely!
  97. Performances at the Floral Pavillion;  High School Musical, Bugsy, Wizard of Oz, School of Rock, Legally Blonde.
  98. Performances in New Brighton with Creative Arts pupils.
  99. Performing ARTS staff night out, 2017, Best Time Ever.
  100. Memories of my little daughter playing in the sand and always running away from the water as it was coming in.
  101. I love going to New Brighton and spending the day on the beach, watching the sun go down is always magical.
  102. I loved being taken over on the ferry when I was little to get an ice cream and play on the beach.
  103. The best memory I have had of New Brighton was going to the fort to watch bands play…..walking across to the fort and getting pelted by sand.
  104. Walking along the front…. Going to the pier and sitting on a bee….screamed all the way home.   L.
  105. I recall many long summers in the open air baths. I also recall the devastating storm in 1990 that destroyed the baths. As a youngster we were allowed to walk around the derelict baths by the workmen who were making it safe.
  106. The Wirral Show was a fantastic event.
  107. Special memories of going to New Brighton Baths during the Summer. Spent whole days there, took a picnic, loved the slides and fountains. The water was always so cold but we loved it. It was always crowded and we would always meet lots of people we knew. Really wish it was still there.  Debbie.
  108. I remember when I was younger there used to be an event on the dips called the Wirral Show. It used to be on every Summer, and was the best time when off for 6 weeks from school. I used to love all the fair rides, and remember being devastated when finding out it wouldn’t be on anymore.
  109. Building ramps in Vale Park circa 1981 for our BMX bikes. Meeting there early in the morning and playing all day until the sun went down. We would watch ‘Joytime’ in the afternoon and cycle around the prom to the Palace and spend 10p on an arcade game called ‘Kung Fu Master’. If it was a hot day we would have a swim in the river  and walk home drenched but happy, pushing our bikes up the hills to home, hoping our mums wouldn’t be too cross with us and we could do it all again the next day!! 
  110. I went to SS Peter and Paul’s school and have such lovely memories of school days there. We went to church a lot, but one of my most vivid memories was doing a reading at a funeral service (or mass) for a soldier that had died during the Falklands War. His name was McLoughlin and I felt very honoured to do that. He was a local lad and I will always think of him and his family for the sacrifice he gave to others.
  111. Lots of lovely memories from when I was a little girl in the late 60’s, of picnics on the beach- being chased by my nan- who loved picking up huge crabs and terrifying us!Also New Brighton Baths, where we would spend most days every Summer….
  112. I remember getting the ferry to New Brighton with my Grandad. We would get changed in the cold on the steps before getting into the freezing cold water! Happy memories of long afternoons, staying in the water until we came out wrinkled. Also spending time on the beach with the obligatory bucket and spade!  Happy Days.   Jan.
  113. I remember going to the Kraal club on a Sunday afternoon to listen to music and dance, it was for younger teenagers. As I got older I spent many happy evenings at the Krall listening to the Outkasts group and Pete Price DJ ing.
  114. My best memory would have to be taking my young children crab fishing for the first time in New Brighton. A day spent competing for the biggest catch, followed by sharing a delicious fish and chips on the opposite side of the road.
  115. Walking through Tower Grounds past Fair and Roller Skating Rink we came to Rock Point Cafe Bar, a piano was being played by a lady. An M.C. invited customers to sing and gave them a big build up.The fairground was huge, with figure 8 roller coaster plus many rides for adults and children, latest records were always being played at the fair. We danced many times on the big round floor of the Tower Ballroom. Outside at edge of Tower Grounds a steam train picked passengers up to ride around the grounds.New Brighton pier had a bar, plus dancing during Summer with a band playing, refreshments were available at the cafe. The outdoor swimming pool held competitions for Bathing Beauties every Wednesday, competitors came from far and wide, also a competition was held for young children in party dresses, it was well attended by spectators. Refreshments could be had from the bar and cafe. At the front entrance to the Pool on the promenade there were a few shops built in, selling gifts, beach accessories, New Brighton Rock, sweets and ice cream, and of course, Tourist Information.At the Palace building further along the promenade there was plenty of indoor entertainment for both adults and children if weather was wet. All good for holiday makers and day trippers. This was between the late forties and late fifties.  Margaret, aged 88.
  116. New Brighton Station situated at the lower end of Atherton St. meant we could go from Liverpool to see excellent shows at the Winter Gardens Theatre, just around the corner in Wellington St. The Floral Pavilion theatre on the promenade held Jackson Earle’s Melody Inn shows, twice nightly, 6pm. And 8.15 pm. The programme changed on Thursdays, so holidaymakers could see two different shows in a week. There was also a Tivoli theatre near the entrance to the Fairground. Victoria Rd. main shopping area had a Woolworths store plus a good variety of smaller shops.It had hotels and guest houses, pubs as well as a cinema.There was a good signed block of toilets at the lower end of Victoria Rd always spotlessly cleaned by a lady and gentleman on duty. It was well used to clean children up after playing in the sand on the beach. The New Brighton Ferry was very popular with day trippers to and from Liverpool during the fifties.   Margaret  aged 88.
  117. In the late 1960’s up to the late 1970’s, playing football in the Dips at Harrison Drive with my Dad. Picnics in Marine Park, building sandcastles on the beach. ‘Joytime’ in Vale Park, walking on the prom from Seacombe to New Brighton. The outdoor fair which was on the front overlooking the Marine Lake, and lots of ice cream!
  118. 1980’S, The Nightclubs, ‘The Chelsea Reach’, ‘RJ’s’ and ‘The Grand’. Two restaurants in Victoria Road, a Chinese and an Indian were the only places open to eat late at night, and the Taxi office was where the Post Office is now. Many a good night out in New Brighton!
  119. I remember when I was about 2 or 3 climbing up the big slide at the pool and coming down into the water. I was rescued by a swimmer and handed to my parents who had seen me slide down but not climb up! I was scared of water for a long time!
  120. As a firefighter at Wallasey Fire Station we were asked to provide ‘rain’ for Gloria Gayner who was performing live at New Brighton Baths. We didn’t need to as it was typical British Summer weather and poured down all evening.
  121. Another occasion whilst in the Fire Brigade was during a particularly stormy night ‘rescuing’ a chimney pot from one of the houses in Belmont Road. The wind was so strong it blew the ladder footers away, I dropped the pot, the ladder started swinging and the Station Officer shouted at me in very colourful language to stop messing about!
  122. The Wirral Show was always a highlight-stalls, classic cars. Always seemed to be hot and sunny when the show was on. The Open Air Baths was so exciting, although I never did jump off the high board! The indoor fair when it had the Waltzers and the Spaceship, I love the place more now though. Aaren.
  123. Too young to see the Beatles at the Tower Ballroom, I did see The Kinks, The Searchers, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, Vince Earle and the Talismen among others.
  124. Going to the baths in 1976 and getting sun stroke! 
  125. Happy family memories of New Brighton filled with love and laughter. Picnics on the beach and ferry boat ride there and back. Priceless! Sandra.
  126. My childhood days were spent in New Brighton, really happy days. Love you Nan, miss you.
  127. On a family day out in the early sixties I had the idea of taking off one of my shoes and balancing it against the wind on one of the round railings of the promenade. Instantly it dropped into the foaming waves below and disappeared from sight. A passing lady told my parents that I deserved a good smacking, but luckily they were more amused than cross with me. My Dadda, as I called him then, said he would go and retrieve it when the tide went out. Later on, he walked onto the wet, wide beach with its rocks and rock pools, walking in a straight line and becoming a small figure. And then he suddenly stooped down, picked it up, and waved to us with it. I don’t know how he knew where it would be, but he seemed to know exactly its position. Always I am impressed when I think of that, and I was impressed then too. I didn’t mind all that much about wearing a soggy shoe all the way home. Derek.

 

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