These remarkable old images of Southport in the 1960s have been discovered in a loft in the town, bringing back some incredible memories for people.
They evoke happy days in the sunshine at the old Southport Sea Bathing Lake; at Southport Pleasureland with the iconic Cyclone roller coaster; the Model Village ‘The Land of the Little People’; trips via British Railways; the open air roller skating rink; numerous cinemas; and cabaret nights at The Kingsway Club, which during the 1960s hosted stars of the day including The Beatles, Tom Jones, Cilla Black and more.
Do you have memories or old photos of Southport in the 1960s? Please get in touch, we would love to hear more!
Some of the memories come from a series of Southport Guide Books from the 1960s, with the owner hoping that local residents can shed some more light on them.
She contacted Stand Up For Southport to say: “I was hoping your experience in the media might give me some insight into some items that were found in my mother’s loft.
“I have a few Southport Guide books from the 1960s. One of them from 1964 has ‘Block Ref’ written in pencil, with notes in the text like ‘block returned’, referenced on both text and photos and adverts – is this to do with the printing method at the time?
“To my knowledge neither my mother or grandfather worked in printing, so I have no idea how a proof copy would end up in her possession.
“It’s a good read though – very fitting for your Stand Up For Southport page.
“The booklets mostly advertise hotels and B&Bs, I just really want to know what the ‘block’ is referring to, guessing a printing block, and if anyone recognises the handwriting – a long shot I know – I can find out where it originated from.
“There is a note on the last page that says it was printed by Stephenson Newspapers Limited, Southport. G.115.”
“My Mum was She was born in 1934, so was a teenager in the early 1950s.
“She was born and stayed in Southport.
“Like most people born in the 1930s her holidays were in the UK, often in Butlins holiday camps, which were more refined in the 1950s, with her family.
“She loved dancing and used to jive. She started out as a hairdresser in Burtons Arcade, and she had three daughters.”
The Southport Guide Books, ‘For The Perfect Family Holiday’, give some fascinating clues about what life in Southport was like in the 1960s.
An amazing map shows Southport at the centre of the region, promoting facilities including golf plus swimming or sailing off the coast. In the catchment area are places such as Manchester, Liverpool, Warrington and Preston.
One Guide Book says: “The Essoldo Theatre on Lord Street is one of the finest theatres in the provinces where film programmes and occasional stage shows are presented.
“At the time of going to press the policy of this theatre has changed to ‘Bingo’ presentations.
“Popular holiday presentations will be provided in the Cambridge Hall, Lord Street, including Championship Brass Bands, All-Star Wrestling, Old-Time Dancing and ‘Bingo’.
“The Southport Dramatic Club, and other local societies, present attractive plays during the winter months, in the comfort of the delightful Little Theatre in Hoghton Street.
“The cinema-goer is excellently catered for, with a number of modern cinemas in the centre of the town.
“Another popular rendezvous is the Colonnade Open-Air Roller Skating Rink, in Princes Park, where spectators and skaters enjoy the happy atmosphere and ideal surroundings.
“Skating sessions take place daily, including Sundays, on a perfectly smooth floor, considered to be one of the finest in the country.”
- Do you have any memories or photos of Southport in the 1960s? Please email me at: MediaAndrewBrown@gmail.com or message me via Facebook.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
