The former Woolworths in Grange Road had a crypt below the front 40 feet of the sales floor. This was accessed from the basement stockroom & the way in was an opening in the wall a few feet off the floor.Fifteen or so years ago the Woolworths property manager who looked after the store, who was a renowned practical joker (cellophane on toilet seats etc.) was due to visit to do a survey of this area, which had no lighting in it. A member of staff hid in the crypt with a white sheet over his head & I heard that the result was hilarious.
Attaching scan of a 1911 OS map of the area around St Andrews Square (it hadn't been built yet) Somebody mentioned a pub at the end of the triangle, 'The Conway Arms' otherwise known the 'Flat Iron' I seem to remember graves next to the church in Conway St. Hope the attachment appears, this is my first posting so apologies if it isn't complete.
Nice to see a mention of Thombo's Mission. They were the only toys we got at some stages. We all used have a chant "When you go to Thomson's you only get a bun, Ask Mrs Thompson to stick it up......", we won't go into it, a bit disrespectful now. This only well away from the mission by the way. They must have had hearts of gold really but we didn't appreciate that then. Some of the stuff that used to get donated was really good too and if you got a good parcel you was the source of envy amongst the others of your crowd. Used enjoy all the hymn singing and that. It gave us a happy evening during an otherwise dull existance I suppose. I remember the St Andrews Flats, my mum and dad were married in St Johns Diocese, don't know if it was in the church or what but they used to live in Oliver Street. Still pop into the Garrick Snug for a pint when I am in town now and again (Roll on next weekend)
When the patrons provided their own entertainment 'Barefoot Days' was an old favourite, sang in most Birkenhead pubs. The locals added an extra line at the end that went...... ' they were the days of the old tradition, when we got a bun from Thompson's Mission, Oh boy, What joy, We had in barefoot days'.
I always thought that they were the actual true words to the song.
Iwas born and raised in the flats,was there from 1957 till about 1971,family name was Croston,brothers,Jimmy,Ronnie,Roy,Stephen,Allen,me Raymond,David,sisters Muareen and Eileen,most of my family still residing across Birkenhead,as for me left for Canada at 19,well its been 32 yrs,i have just found this site and love it,takes me back to fond times in my life,the square will always be special to me as will Charles Thompson Mission,anyway if anyone out in cyber land remembers me feel free to contact i would love to hear from old St Andrews Square nieghbours.
Iwas born and raised in the flats,was there from 1957 till about 1971,family name was Croston,brothers,Jimmy,Ronnie,Roy,Stephen,Allen,me Raymond,David,sisters Muareen and Eileen,most of my family still residing across Birkenhead,as for me left for Canada at 19,well its been 32 yrs,i have just found this site and love it,takes me back to fond times in my life,the square will always be special to me as will Charles Thompson Mission,anyway if anyone out in cyber land remembers me feel free to contact i would love to hear from old St Andrews Square nieghbours.
Welcome to the site sir, you may meet other people you may know on here
I remember queensbury gardens my nannna used to live there on the bottom though in the maisonettes opposite the weighbridge boozer...bad times they and I was 6 then mate.