Southport Nostalgia: 80s images of the old bridge, SDC shows, Pleasureland and Ainsdale Show

Southport Nostalgia goes back to the 1980s this week, with some unique photos guaranteed to bring back some memories. 

Do you remember watching Southport Dramatic Club performing shows? Did you enjoy days out at Southport Pleasureland? Do you remember when the coal lorry used to make regular deliveries to Southport homes? 

Let us know your recollections of life in years gone by, and please send us your old photos. 

Workers tarmac the inner circuit at Martin Mere wetland centre in October 1980

The first photo shows workers tarmacing the inner circuit at WT’s Martin Mere Wetland Centre in October 1980. 

In 1985 WWT’s Martin Mere was designated as a Ramsar site for the international importance of the wildlife there. Today the centre continues to enable people from towns and cities in the North West of England to experience the special wildlife up close.

The RSPCA Southport and District Branch Animal Shelter in Southport in May 1981

Another venue which has provided sanctuary for many thousands of animals over the years is the RSPCA Southport & District Branch Animal Shelter in Southport. 

This photo of the centre was taken in May 1981. 

The coal man delivers in Southport in January 1982

How’s this for a photo? The coal man makes deliveries in Southport in January 1982. 

Do you remember the coal man dropping off heavy sacks of coal outside people’s homes, and into coal cellars? 

Lord Fearn (left) pictured with Southport hostess Connie Creighton (right) and a rose queen winner at the Ainsdale Show in July 1984. Ronnie Fearn was a Liberal candidate at the time, and would be elected as Southport MP three years later in 1987

The Ainsdale Show is one great Southport institution that has kept going for many years. 

Here in July 1984, Lord Fearn is pictured with Southport hostess Connie Creighton (right) and a rose queen winner at the Ainsdale Show.

Ronnie Fearn was a Liberal candidate at the time, and would be elected as Southport MP three years later in 1987. 

A ride at Southport Pleasureland in March 1981

Do you remember enjoying days out at Southport Pleasureland in the 1980s? 

The iconic park, which is going from strength to strength today, used to boast iconic rides such as The Cyclone, The River Caves, The Ghost train and The Fun House. 

This ride at Southport Pleasureland was pictured in March 1981.  

A Southport Dramatic Club production of Murder With Love at the Little Theatre in Southport, with Jackie Iddon, Frank Braithwaite, Don Anderson and Margaret Tarpey in October 1981

Southport Dramatic Club (the SDC) has performed hundreds of superb plays at The Little Theatre on Hoghton Street in Southport town centre over the years. 

These two pictures show them performing Murder With Love in October 1981. 

A Southport Dramatic Club production of Murder With Love at the Little Theatre in Southport, with Sandra Unsworth and Margaret Tarpey in October 1981

Did you see this production? 

The first picture shows Jackie Iddon, Frank Braithwaite, Don Anderson and Margaret Tarpey in one scene, while Sandra Unsworth and Margaret Tarpey feature in another scene. 

Lots of fancy dress on display at this bar in Southport in May 1984

Lots of fancy dress was on display at this bar in Southport in May 1984. 

Do you recognise which bar this is? 

Can you remember this event? 

The landlords at The Windmill pub in Southport in December 1982

The Windmill pub on Seabank Road in Southport town centre has entertained thousands of visitors over the years. 

In the summer months, The Windmill beer garden is still a great place to sit back and enjoy the sunshine. 

This picture shows the landlords at The Windmill pub in Southport in December 1982.

Southport Pier, a muddy looking Marine Lake and the old Victorian bridge across the lake pictured in January 1981

Finally, we have a superb photo of Southport Pier, a muddy looking Marine Lake and the old Victorian bridge across the lake pictured in January 1981. 

A sign on the pier declares ‘no boats past here’. 

Pictured on the right is the old Victorian bridge which stood above Marine Lake. 

Fifteen years ago the bridge was demolished before it was replaced by The Marine Way Bridge. 

Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com