Many thanks to local Hoylake historian and author Jim O’Neil for this week’s Friday Photo.
Taken from the promenade between 1913-1918 in the background is the former Ellen Gonner Home (you’ll know it today as Hoyle Court – the “flats in the pink building”). The tower and spire at the corner have gone – either completely or partially, I can’t decide which myself?
In front of that is Fellowship House (it’s currently painted purple) and Jim asks: “Â The tower of Fellowship House is now a whole floor shorter but why? when? was it bombed? Any suggestions welcome! ”
Note that the toilet block hadn’t yet been built.
Jim will be launching his new book “Hoylake Then & Now” with a book signing event at Hoylake Library on Saturday 24th March from 10.30 to 1 pm. All are welcome, refreshments provided. The blurb for the book reads as follows:
“Hoylake Then & Now” is the latest book by local historian Jim O’Neil. Illustrated with 90 full colour photographs and accompanying captions this new hardback provides a real insight into the town’s past. It captures life how it once was and how it is today, comparing streets, buildings and people at work.
If anyone interested in purchasing a copy after 24th March they can do so at Hoylake Post Office and the new HELP community shop in Market Street as well as from Jim’s website.
Now this is MY stomping ground, bottom of Strand Road, spent many, many, many times down on the beach.
Funny to think those railings were the ones we clambered through. Unfortunately, one of our mega bonfires bent the railings one year (probably around ’82-84) so they had to be repaired.
I also remember digging out the ‘building of the prom’ plaque by the lifeboat station…did it state 1909 from memory?
Good days, as are these…
Nope, not 1909. See http://www.hoylakejunction.com/friday-photo-090925
Sorry to the person suggesting that the background pic is Fellowship House–THAT IS THE ELLEN GONNER HOME (was)
Fellowship house can be seen in the foreground many years ago a home for the Deaf and Blind folk of the Parish and surrounds.
oops sorry!
I’d had a correct saved draft post that I somehow hadn’t published. Hopefully it makes more sense now.
Less haste, more speed!
John
Seeing Ellen Goner Home brought back memories. My mother came over from Liverpool to look after the young children, she was no more than l4/15 yrs. old herself. Met my Dad and eventually went as maid to Margaret & Jessie Beaven who lived in St.Margaret’s Road. They both did an awful lot of charity for the poor of Liverpool and I’m sure this will be well known two of sisiters are named Margaret Beaven and Jessica after them.
A blast from the past, me and my little sister stayed at the Ellen Gonner home for a month convalesant in the late 1950’s, my memories are so vivid. Our dormatery was called Bluebell, the staff were very strict, meal times were very regimental. Our mam and dad came over from Seaforth every Sunday, brought loads off chocolates and sweets, but we had to share them with the other children. Never ever thought that I would be talking about it today.
Hi I stayed in Ellen Goner for a month and hated every minute of it. I had to go with my sister who hadn’t been well. She was 2 years younger than me. I was in Blue bell ward, my sister in Snowdrop ward. Mrs. Kay Brown
Hi Sandra, I was in Ellen Gonner 1952-3. I was with my sister too. I was in Bluebell, my sister was in Snowdrop. We were very home sick. I remember I used go on the rocking horse, wihich was by the big window in the play room. I’d wait to see if my Mum would come to see us. She did come, but we never saw her but she used to leave parcels for for my sister and I. Like you said they were shared out to other children too. Mrs. Kay Brown.
I remember the rocking horse! What a strange place it was.
Hi Sandra, new to this site. I saw your letter about the Ellen Gonner home. I went there with my sister she was 6 I was 8. I was in blue bell ward, my sister was in snowdrop. The year was 1952 Sep.or Oct. We were very home sick, as were there a month. The Salvation Army used to come on a Sunday. I would love to hear from you. Regards Mrs Kay Brown.
I too stayed there for convalescence in about 1960. It was strict and my mum couldn’t visit. I remember we had to wear a blue uniform and eat all our food. I hated it.
I was also there around that time. Can’t temember the ward bame but I remember sll the windows being open on freezing nights. How we were marched along the prom regardlesd of the westher. No visitors allowed but gifts of sweets received were shared out. I hated every minute. Still not dure ehy I was sent there!
I was also there think 1961 or 1962, remember it vividly and had our food on white tin plates with blue edging. Never reall found out why I was there mum used to say it was because I wouldn’t eat. If you saw me know you wouldn’t believe it ha . Would love some more info on this place or photos . It had massive impact on my life and not in a good way. Thanks
I was in the Ellen Gonner home for I think a month. About 1964. My dormitory was the room to the left. Largely toddlers and babies. Now I have read your posts I remember the rocking horse. My mother said she wasn’t allowed to visit, but I did write to her. I had a dreadful experience there.
My maiden name was also Janet Evans! I lived in Meols. and went to The Parade School. What. a coincidence!
Hi I would love to hear more about what happened here. My mum spent some time here as a young girl and has deep trauma. She won’t talk about it as it’s obviously impacted her. She is 83. I really want to understand.
I also spent a month there and didn’t like it I remember a beautiful dolls house in the half landing but you weren’t allowed to play with it .I think it was about 1956 when I was there