[Darby]

Originally Posted by jambutty

That spare land where the Hyndburn Sports Centre is now we called “The Wreck” and it had air raid shelters where boy met girl and found out the difference.

Going dancing at Knowlmere St to learn how to dance. Had to learn ‘cos that’s where the girls were.

My first pint at 16 in the Australian Inn just off Bull Bridge in ’53.

Watching the blacksmith shoe shire horses also next to Bull Bridge.

Swimming at Accy baths just down from the pit and diving off the top board of the diving board into just 6 feet 6 inches of water. Then down a side street just across the road and through a ginnel to buy 1d or 2d packets of crisps. All broken of course but very full bags.

Working down Scaitcliffe pit as a pit pony.

I think you're a bit off with your directions Jambutty.

Where the Sports Centre is was called Nelson Square, and the "Wreck" was behind Hydburn Park School in the direction of Accy. But the memories remain the same.

You were 16 when you got your first pint at the Australian Inn??....why did you wait so long??...they use to serve 'em in short pants. I know...I got my first Half of Mild...at the serving window (stand outside and be served from the bar), when I was just 14. Never looked back since

Remember Mr. Smith (Supervisor) the guy who use to make the young kinds get out of the warm shower. He was OK really and helped a lot of kids to learn to swim. Did you ever dive off the Balcony?? (no! I didn't have the nerve to do it, but watched a cople of "big" lads do it!!)