Here's an enlarged section of the map showing the Arno. Unfortunately it doesn't go as far as Woodchurch Rd. but it shows 2 old Quarries in the Arno & South of that is a property called the Hermitage, with glasshouses in the grounds, then just fields. The access to the Hermitage appears to be from the top of Holm Lane. There's 5 or 6 properties there now, but with a different access. http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&cp=swwhwhgrcdfg&scene=29158088&lvl=1&sty=b
It's been a while since the last post here but I've only just come across this forum so here are a few recollections.
I lived on Temple Road and went to Birkenhead School so passed the Arno every day. I used to love playing there as you could go down from the formal gardens area into the old quarry (down the path that's visible in the game of quoits). With its rock walls and various hillocks it was great for playing soldiers as well as rock climbing. You could also get in the back way from where the school playing fields were if you didn't mind a couple of fences. There was also a very small public garden in the triangle where Ingestre Road bends to the right (150 on the map) which was called the Little Arno - not sure if that was the official name.
I often went home from school down Duckpond Lane which we also called The Cinder Path. I remember the duckpond being at the bottom on the left (heading towards Woodchurch Road) behind the Rootes car showroom (which was called Kirby's, I think). I don't remember whether there were actually any ducks. My recollection is that there several ponds in the field on the other side of the Cinder Path where we used to fish for sticklebacks - but never caught anything other than fat wormy things that we thought were leeches.
Welcome to wikiwirral JohnnyG, from another old Birkonian. What years were you at the School? I lived not far from you; Ben Nevis Rd. Hope you'll find lots here to interest you.
I went to St Saviours Primary School, the old one that was right next to the Arno. We used to go into it every lunch break to play . It seemed like a huge quarry, with rugged terrain to us small children. We didn't play in the beautiful gardens at the front, we went around to the back of it. It was a great place to play. Must say, we were very lucky to have been able to do this. If it was nowadays we wouldn't be allowed to.Probably be against Health and Safety regulations.
Hi, Lyn; it was an old quarry. I loved to play there. Last time I was there, a few months ago, there was no sign of any restrictions, thank goodness; it does our kids no good at all to wrap them in cotton wool.
Hi Chris, I could't agree more.I think kids need to let of steam and play. I don't mean go crazy or anything.I honestly don't remember anyone injuring themselves, other than a grazed knee or elbow.I think the worst thing I seemed to do was get scratched on the yellow gorse bushes that seemed to be all over the place!
1) I seem to recall that the plot marked 150 in the triangle formed by Holm Lane/Mill Hill was also a public garden lots of rhodedenrons (?) some benches etc it was maintained as well as the Arno. Sorry didn't read all the posts - yes I think it as called the Little Arno, bit it may have been some sort of memorial garden.
2) The entrance to the Hermitage I think was opposite Point of Air. It had big sandstone gateposts. One of the sites that got blitzed.
3) Was St Saviour's parish hall somewhere near the Arno ?
This is my old stamping ground lived at the top of Townfield Lane where Townfield Court now stands.
St Saviours Parish Hall was further on up the road from the Arno. It was next door to my old primary school,St Saviours Church of England Primary School.We used the Parish hall for lunch time,school concerts and country dancing. The school was demolished , not sure if the Parish hall is still there. Lyn.
RE Masterbun's question about the St Saviour's Parish Hall. The Parish Hall is no longer there, it is a car park. There is no trace of any of the lovely buildings that used to stand there. Lyn.
