Monday, 30 July 2012


Wincham Hall about 1900 originally a tudor building, home of the Townshends Edward who also called himself captain was there in the 1881 census. The Townshends were successful salt mine owners at least three mines were named after them. The hall was   also home to Henry Neumann the salt proprietor Neumanns flash is named after him.
It was a girls school before the war, during the war American troops were stationed there. In the 1950's the phoenix youth club a highly successful club  operated in part of the property a modern addition which is on the far left of todays hall I can remember peering through the window sometime in the early 1960's the floor was littered with trophy's the hall had changed hands and the youth club had gone. I think the chimney is all that is left of the old building.

 
 
 
This bottom picture is dated 1935, look at the well worn path on to the brook.
 
 
 

Friday, 8 June 2012

Plumly works

Girls day out Plumly works the gable end in the back ground is the end house in Ascol drive. The Ammonia Soda company was taken over by Brunner Mond around 1914, forced out of business in reality and soda ash production ceased this picture 1914-18 the plant was making explosives. It would have been a bumpy ride look at the solid wheels on the bus and hope for good weather.

Sunday, 3 June 2012

Holford mill wheel

Close up shot of the mill wheel showing a composite wheel cast iron inner and outer rims.

Holford mill wheel

Another shot of the mill showing the under shot wheel.

Holford Mill

This is Holford Mill known to locals as Malkin's mill, the picture is taken from Holford Hall side looking back to Ascol drive date wise 1900. The mill was a popular picnic area in the 1950,s all that was left then was one of the vertical mill wheels was still standing and the mill pond which is  to the right of the picture was a large pool since silted up. The mill was an  important building in its day, it had four working grinders each fed with its own sluice also it had a special track running though the long wood direct to the mill. There has been a mill on this site since Saxon times. Earnest Malkin old malky to the locals was living and working in the mill aged 22 with his parents 1911 census.
Roberts bakery I would think 1900-20 period

Sunday, 20 May 2012

Lostock infants school 1908 the girl third from right second row is Mary Billington. They are all dressed in their Sunday best. All the lads could have been involved in the first world war, no doubt a few have their names are on the war memorial in works lane.