Flowery Field Demolition Stirs Memories

Today post comes from Marjorie

Here are some photos I took when they were demolishing Flowery Field School, in the early 1990s  I was sad to see it go as I had spent many happy hours there.

This one shows the Infant department on the left and the Junior department on the right.

This shows the gates at the end of the street. Behind them is what used to be the junior boys' playground.

This is a view across the junior girls' playground.  The building on the right was the cloakroom which had rows of pegs on which to hang our coats.  At the far end are the remains of the toilets, girls on the left, boys on the right.  This playground seemed enormous when I was at school there and I was surprised to discover how small it really was.  There used to be a "Scholarship Board" which hung on the wall of the hall, upstairs, with the names of all past pupils who had gained a scholarship to the Grammar School, in the days before the eleven plus exam. Does anyone know what happened to it? Or to the large memorial in the Infant department which was, I think, to one of the Ashton's?

St Georges addition

This photo was sent to us via email  by John T.
It shows the present  St Georges school being built prior to the demolition of the old school building.




The new building was built in 1978.

Many thanks, John ! :)

Water Street School

Here are two great photos sent to us by Marjorie Robinson.

They show different views of Water Street School.
This building was also the former Wesleyan Methodist School and the Art rooms for Greenfield Street Boys School at a later date. The upstairs rooms were the "dole office" aka social security office for "signing on" for benefits.
After the social security office moved to Beech Street sometime after 1978 it was also the home to Powerhouse Gym and Central Furnishing Company.

Marjorie also included this lovely story.

"After emailing you, I saw that it said Victoria Jubilee, Wesleyan Methodist Schools. My father was born in 1913 and often told me tales about the Headmaster, Mr Tickle. On one occasion, he came into the room and said to my father "What are you doing, Davies?" my father, who was not misbehaving at the time, replied, "Nothing, Sir." and was told "Come out. You should be working." He got caned for nothing at all and always thought it was unfair. Mary Tickle, the head's daughter, was on the same class. She taught me History later, at Hyde Grammar, and we kept in touch. She sent me a lovely letter when my father died.

I remember going in there with my mother when it was the dole office. It had that musty smell of old schools. I never knew it had been part of Greenfield St."

Front View


The Water Street side of Greenfield Street School shown to the left of the photo.


A photo  from the Jubilee Wesleyan School era

Many Thanks Marjorie. Great photos ,as always :)

Godley School Classes From The 1920's

This photograph is a wonderful insight into school classrooms in the 1920s. The school shown is Godley School on High Street.

This picture was sent to us, with some others, from Stephen Burton who tells us that his mums older stepbrother is in the photo and sadly he passed away not many years later.

Many thanks to Stephen

Barry Lewis (Floweryfield School Pictures)

First is the Floweryfield secondary football team in 1959.  Rear row l-r Mr Burns, Stan Mills, David Neale, Ken Lee, Derek Morley, David Scott, Geoff Shawcross, Mr Heatly.  Front row l-r ?, Peter Cocker, Arthur Chesworth, Steve Brock, David Gooding, David Sowter.

Second picture shows four teachers from Floweryfield secondary in 1960.  Mr Cotton (head Master) Mr Burns, Mr Freestone, Mr Hampson.

Flowery Field School Class Photograph 1929

                    

David Stafford contacted us and wondered if we would like to show this picture...  I wrote right back saying yes of course... pictures such as this are perfect for us. 

David says:

"A picture of a class from Flowery Field school on Well Meadow. Class standard 6 May 1929.  My aunty is in the picture, she is on the second row up from the bottom, second from the right. Her name was May Slater lived at the paper shop on Ashton Road Facing the old Hyde Spinning Company later Senior Service factory. Her married name is May Smith she is still fit and well living in Hyde. Has anyone got any relative in the picture?"

Thanks

David Stafford

Thank you David, we are always pleased to show such pictures, so if you have anything you would like to share please get in touch with us at hydonian@gmail.com and feel free to add names to any of these children above... and if you are one we'd love to hear from you.

Flowery Field School

Flowery Field  School  Centenary

1830 - 1930

We have many visitors who grew up, went to school and worked around Flowery Field, I hope this is of interest to you. We would like to do more about this area so please feel free to contact us with pictures, postcards, publications and of course your memories. 

Class 3A Flowery Field Secondary School.(October 1946)

Back Row. Jean Shaylor. Marjory Prest. Ethel Burdikin. Bertha Cooper. Marlene Hunt. Jean Thackwell. Dorothy Cash. Joan Bowden. Joan Yates.

Middle Row. Maureen Harrison.Barbara Wood. Joyce Rhodes.Shirley Whittle.Joan Whyatt. Brenda Pennor. Doreen Pollitt. Florence Hodgekiss. Margaret Groom. Margaret Sykes. June Gregory. Headmaster  R.C.Williams.

Front Row. Joyce Birchall. Mary Cooper. Margaret Roberts. Inez Barlow Mary Walker. Miss Agnes Horne Joyce Higgins. Doreen Heys. Renee Barber. Alwyn Hurst. Alice Taylor.

Just before Christmas we were contacted by Roy and Jean Barnett from Australia who have been enjoying reading the blog... and sent this message and photo.  

I am in contact with one of your contributors here in Australia (Henry Smith) who enabled me to find your Blog. As a native of Hyde with many happy memories it is a pleasure to add to your wonderful collection of photos and information to be preserved and in safe keeping to the beneficial  my home town. Well Done!        Jean Barnett(nee Thackwell)

Roy and Jean also sent another couple of pictures and we will show them again soon.  Thank you both.

Leigh Street School.

Leigh Street Council School was opened on 7th November 1908.
According to Thomas Middletons "History of Hyde" the cost of the building and site and furnishing was £18,230 12s. 7d



It was a school that comprised of Infant , Junior and Senior buildings.
It replaced St Thomas C of E School which was located on Thomas Street.
My Grandma was in the first intake when it opened and was in the same class as Harry Rutherford - Hydes own esteemed Artist!



The Junior and Senior buildings were joined by a door in the hall - This door was behind the stage. I once had a go at opening it but was disappointed to find it was locked. Probably for the best! If I had been caught by the Senior headmistress ,Miss Knowles or "Fang" as she was nicknamed ,I would have been in a lot of trouble!

The Infant building was in grounds of its own. The little infants used to gaze through the raiIings at the "big" junior kids in the playground next door in wide eyed wonderment.I have strong memories of the first year class - Miss Shaws - It had a coal fire burning in it - that definitely wouldn't be allowed today! We used to sit round this fire for story time in the afternoon. We were also made to have a little nap in the day where all the little kids used to put their head on their hands on the desk and shut their eyes....great stuff!



In a council leaflet from 1983 there was an announcement that Leigh Street, Greenfield and Flowery Field High Schools were planned to be closed at the end of the summer term 1983. A new High School was planned to be open in September 1983 on the site of the existing Flowery Field School, at the time no name had been chosen for the new High School. High Technology School was the name they eventually decided on.

Leigh Street School closed due to old buildings and being on a cramped site with no room for expansion.


Aerial View of Leigh Street from the 1970's.

Thanks to Carl Rogerson and Beryl and Dave Williams for these photos - Appreciated, as always :) Also thanks to Sarah Lamb for additional info.

Greenfield St School for Boys. UPDATE

This post just keeps on going
We will update as we get pictures and such like sent in.  

The above picture as been sent to us by John T. it's from around 1960,... ten years before I first walked through the school gate.. when I was a first year, I was one of only two wearing short pants.... I had more fights in the first two weeks than the rest of the years put together..  John's picture is also of interest as it shows the House Badges.. Anyone care to name them?

HOW THE SCHOOL LOOKED

December 12th 1929 saw the opening of Greenfield St School for Boys in Hyde. This was the school where the boys from Hyde, who were not going to Hyde Grammar School, usually went. Sadly, all that remains of the school are stories & memories. It was demolished to make way for the new Asda Store which was built around 2001 ,after Hyde Technology school was favoured as the school to send boys aged 11-16 to. A new Greenfield Primary School opened on Queen Street for children aged 4 -10.

The school motto was ASPIRE!

Great posting Nancy... here is a list of a few of the teacher that I can remember... it would be good to here any story's about and from them.

Mr. Christy Head Master
Mr. Evans Deputy Head Known as Grasshead
Mr. Pangbourne R.E.
Mr. Jenner History
Mr Howes Geography
Mr Wainwright Technical Drawing
Mr. Robinson Woodwork
Mr K.G. Jones Spent his days between the class room and Gus Demmy Book Makers
Mrs Casey English ( Cheers Duncan ) ;o)
Mr Swouter Maths .. Postmaster Gee Cross
Mr Hawkins Metal Work Peter & Paul Hawkins dad... and my uncle. Rough File, Smooth File, Draw File Polish.

Mr Grabner P.E. Played for Hyde United..... I used to go to watch him play so I could call 'HIM' useless for a change.

Mr Partridge P.E Ronnies Gradners Sidekick.
Mr Mellor Science
Dr Doom...? Science However he never killed someone is beyond me. Mr. Wedster
Mr Grimes Music Known as Porky Grimes
Mr Beasley English Drank in the Bush Inn
Mr Peace Art I thought he was great and I've had a drink or two with him since.

There was a lanky blond chap who was very fond of a sly and not so sly drink... Another English teacher who was excellent but his name escapes me.. he also taught at Strangeways Prison. ( Before you ask.. Yes he did teach me there )

I'm sure there's others I should know but can not think of at the moment.... It would be great to hear some storys about and from them..

Greenfield Street School Football Team.

Nick Hunter. Kong. Ian Gembelzyk(gemmy) Frank Fekete. Stuart Wainwright

2nd Row Brian Burgess, Graeme Morris. Neil Laxton Tony Leigh.Mick Frankish,

Front Row Graham Hancock. Gary Drabble.Sebatiano Rubicondo (RIP)

(Cheers John For the names.. )

Some old faces on here ..see who you can spot.



We have been lucky enough to have been sent this 1976 3rd year football team sent in by Peter Maugham....

Peter has this to say... " I've attached a pic of the football team, pretty sure this was the 3rd Year, probably taken in 1976. The lad with the question mark I remember now, he was called Roland Evans."

Enfield Street School Gee Cross

Enfield Street School Photo's

I've reposted this again as more picture and a few names have been added.. we might be able to get them all named soon... just need one of us who are in the pictures to still have a good memory.. ;o)

I think this is taken in 63-64... as my older brother John is on this... he is the 4th from the right on the 3rd row. Coming back towards the right is Brian Howarth, and Mick Gee.. Sat down on the end of the front row .. far left.. is (Baby) Nigel Pattison... and 3rd from the right is Phil Ratz. I would be pleased to know the names of any others on this picture.



This would have been around the same date as the picture above.. this is the infant class.. The teacher on the left is Mrs Cliff.. and on the right I think she was called Mrs Lucas. The 3 lads on the right of the back row are David Gee, Steve Mitchell, and Roger Jones (RIP). Next row down I'm 3rd for the end on the right.. The other two who's names I can remember are sat at the front.. 3rd from the right looking very smart is Steve Taylor, and on the very end (right) is David Ogden. If you know any other let us know please.

I think this was taken 66-67 Thats me on the left end of the back row... Steve Michell is next to me.. move six to the right and thats David Gee. I know part of the names of most on here but not 100% so again please fill me in on this. I remember going through these pictures with my mum just before she died in 1991... I came across this on and noticed I was wearing a boy scout jumper.. complete with badges.... I told mum I could not remember ever being in the boy scouts.. she chuckled and told me that was correct.. I'd never been in the scouts... but Eddie Piper who lived on Farm Lane had, and his mum used to pass Eddies old cloths on for me... ha!

Back Row: Chris Douglas, Richard Platt, - Valentine, Nigle Bowden, Ronnie Smith, Steve Gee, and David Richardson.

3rd Row: -?-, - King, Dave Gee, - Hitchcock, Tom Wigley (me), Ian -, -?-, David Billinge, Mike Sherstone, Roger Jones R.I.P., Billy Howarth.

2nd Row: Head Mistress Miss Hall. Julie Cliff, -? -, Linda Curtis, Janet Dumbar, Julie Walker, Deborah Booth, -?-, -?-, Diana Wood, -?-,

Front Row: -?-, Wendy Simpson, Susan Ollerenshaw, Judith Buttery -?-, Gillian Robertson.

My thanks to Stephen Whoolley for helping with the above names.... it would be great if the rest could have there names included.... I recall them all from my childhood but alas their names escape me now.

More info .. this time names and more pictures from Wendy Johnson(Simpson) who now lives in Canada.. thanks Wendy for sending the three pictures below.

Can you put names to any of the above in Picture 1

Can you put names to any of the above in Picture 2

Can you put names to any of the above in Picture 1

Thanks again to Wendy for sending in these... no all we need to do is fill in the names ha!

The Mechanics' Institute

Historically, Mechanics' Institutes were educational establishments formed to provide adult education, particularly in technical subjects, to working men. As such, they were often funded by local industrialists on the grounds that they would ultimately benefit from having more knowledgeable and skilled employees. Such philanthropy was shown by the likes of Robert Stephenson, James Nasmyth and Joseph Whitworth, luckerly for Hyde we had Benjamin Goodfellow. These first Mechanics' Institutes were used as 'libraries by the adult working class, and provided them with an alternative pastime to gambling and drinking in pubs...

Tall Building In The Background

Hyde Mechanics' Institute was founded in 1850. It was built on the former site of Hyde Lane Independent Chapel, which was purchased by Mr. Benjamin Goodfellow (the founder of an engineering works on Mottram Road).

Mr. Goodfellow financially supported the Institute during its early years when its position from a monetary standpoint was anything but promising, and on several occasions he defrayed the deficiencies in its funds. The old building was succeeded by the fine building in the pictures above in 1861. Part of the expense of the new building was met by a public subscription and a series of Penny Readings helped to wipe off the debt of £1,200 with which the building opened. The Mechanics' Institute played an important part in the development of old Hyde, particularly in the education of general knowledge among the working classes. In 1894 it was transferred to Hyde Corporation, and became the precursor of the Technical School and Library.

Mechanics' Institute Medals

PRESIDENTS OF THE HYDE MECHANICS INSTITUTE.

1851-2 BENJAMIN GOODFELLOW, Esq.
1853 EDWARD CLARKE, Esq.
1854 JOHN TAYLOR, Esq.
1855 DR. FREDERICK TINKER.
1856 DR. THOMAS ALCOCK.
1857 THOMAS HOWARD, Esq.
1858 THOMAS THORNELY, Esq.
1859 JOSEPH HIBBERT, Esq.
1860 JOHN SIDEBOTHAM, Esq. .
1861 THOMAS THORNELY, Esq.
1862 THOMAS MOTTRAM, Esq.
1863 JOHN ALCOCK, Esq.
1864 JOHN BROOKS, Esq.
1865-6-7-8-9 & 1870 THOMAS ASHTON, Esq., J.P.
1871 THOMAS THORNELY, Esq., J.P.
1872 JOHN ALCOCK, Esq.
1873 GEORGE B. GOODFELLOW, Esq.
1874 JOHN BROOKS, Esq.
1875 CHARLES HIBBERT, Esq.
1876 PETER GREEN, Esq.
1877 WILLIAM BERRY, Esq.
1878 JOHN C. HIBBERT, Esq.
1879 HERVEY SMITH, Esq.
1880 EEV. W. H. LOWDER, M.A.
1881-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 T. GAIR ASHTON, Esq., J.P.
1889 ALDERMAN PETER GREEN (Mayor).
1890-1891 DR. F. H. TINKER.
1892 T. GAIR ASHTON, Esq., J.P.
1893 THOMAS BROWNSON, Esq., B.A.

Taken in part from 'Annals of Hyde' By Thomas Middleton.

Most of the surnames above can still be found around Hyde today... either as Street names, or in the phone book... What gets me is the date all this was going on... the thoughts behind it... how men with money were trying to better the working classes... I'm sure it must have been met with resentment by some.

I came across the following information about Benjamin Goodfellow, if anyone had an appropriate surname it's this chap.. ;o)

Benjamin Goodfellow was not only one of the industrial leaders of Hyde, but ranked with the most noted British engineers of the nineteenth century. Beginning life in a humble way he became foreman mechanic at Ashton’s mill, Flowery Field, and whilst occupied there his genius showed itself in the invention of Metallic Piston Packing for steam cylinders. Mr. Thomas Ashton then helped him with a loan, which enabled Mr. Goodfellow to commence business for himself. He took a small works in 1838 until his trade established, and then he built extensive works in Mottram Road, Hyde, where as an engineer and boilermaker, he carried on trade with practically every country in the world. Anxious to place educational facilities within the reach of the poorest, Mr. Goodfellow founded the Hyde Mechanics’ Institute in 1850; and in many other ways proved a great benefactor for the our town.
Mr. Goodfellow built a large mansion known as ‘Lumn Bank’ which was later used as St. Thomas’ vicarage, it stood in extensive grounds off Mottram Road, and he resided in it until his death in 1863, at the age of 51. He was a man of enterprise and exceptional ability, Mr. Goodfellow left his mark on the history of his time.

Taken in part from ‘The History Of Hyde’ By Thomas Middleton

Thanks To Eric Downs for the Two views of The Institute.

Much Appreciated !

Whit Walks

Some say the origin of the Whit Week processions of “Sunday school scholars” (which are still held to this day) date back to 19th July 1821 when there was a procession of the children of Manchester to commemorate the coronation of George IV. Other Scholars have traced the first “walks” back to around 1800, arising out of the Sunday School movement started in 1784. In Manchester, children were traditionally gathered in St Ann's Square to mark the anniversary of the Sunday School but the gathering was later moved to Albert Square.

Each Whit Friday, local churches or chapels in the region employed bands to lead traditional processions through the streets. Whit Friday was the "Scholars' Walk", when the girls would have a new dress and the boys would have new trousers, and neighbours, friends and relatives would give a penny for their new clothes.

St Georges Parade with their banner

just above Queen Street and the Co-op.

During the 19th century Whitsuntide became an accepted holiday week for all, with the mills shutting down and the workers taking canal boat trips and later, with the coming of the railways, cheap rail excursions, mostly to Blackpool it seems!

Hyde Chapel walking down past Enfield Street School.

Approx 1975

The Zion Congregation with their banner circa 1975.


Painting of the original Zion Congregational Church by my Dad.

White Terrace, Apethorn Lane

I believe one of these was used for a school for the mill workers children at one time, but I'm not sure if it was for Apethorn Mill, or Gibralter Mill that was next to the river.

O.S. Map 1897

.

White Terrace and the Coloured Cottages on Apethorn Lane are in view here.