PADGATE COTTAGE HOMES
Message Board
Guestbook
Mail Form
|
Were You At Padgate Cottage Homes?
| The purpose of these pages is simply nostalgia. But if any of the content helps you in tracing old friends or relatives, or indeed helps in any research, thats great. I'm Rod Hearne and I was resident at Padgate along with my brothers, Paul, Clive and David, and my sisters, Joy and Brenda, from 1948 until 1953. I have a few photos to share with you, mainly of the period I was there. But the archive (for archive think, more pictures and anecdotes) is in the keeping of another ex.resident, Janice Whittaker (nee Robson). Janice has no email address but can be contacted by phone at 01925 266787. Janice will be happy to share any information she has with you, or just talk about old times. If you yourself have any photos or stories to contribute they will be most welcome. You should use the mail form link on the left of the page. In 1950 the homes changed name to become known as Padgate Hall and this combined with the end of wartime rationing seemed to make the place so much happier,for me at least. By 1953 my brothers and sisters had reached their 15th birthdays, so had been released and sent out to earn a living. In July of that year our David and I were sent to a childrens home in Preston. And a month or two later Padgate Hall was closed, the remaining residents being scattered about Warrington in smaller homes. Below, rear of 2nd Home where I lived for over 5 years. |  |
|
Annual Camp
| During July/August every year we went on a summer camp to Knott-end-on-Sea. Happy days indeed. So many memories, if you were there you will know what I mean. We seemed to enjoy so much freedom, so unlike today with the 'elf and safety' culture. We were free to go down the beach with friends or perhaps there would be an organised trip to Fleetwood. Even longer outings to Heysham or the Lakes. Obviously every day was brilliant sunshine! Well that's how I remember it. Photo; 1951 camp. 3rd from left is Padgate's boss, Superintendent Mr. Aldridge, looking over his left shoulder is our Paul. The only other one I can name is John Davies in the bottom right corner. |  |
|
Knott-End ferries. Wyresdale
There were three ferry boats that sailed between Knott-End and Fleetwood. We sailed on these boats regularly for the princely sum of 2d return. The largest of them was called 'Wyresdale' and was steam powered and would have weighed about 60 tons, though to my young eyes it looked enormous. Below; Wyresdale docked at Fleetwood.
|  |
|
Lunevale
| The Lunevale was my favourite boat. She was diesel powered, and I loved the hot oil smell you got when you stuck your head down into the engine room. She would have been about 50 ton. Below; Ferryboat Lunevale, crossing from Fleetwood to Knott-end. |  |
|
Caldervale
| She was the smallest boat, The Caldervale was used very infrequently, mostly when either of the larger vessels were being repaired or during very low tides when her shallow draft meant the ferry service could be continued. Below is the Caldervale. |  |
|
This page has been visited  times. |
