On some old maps & field systems you come across the name 'sitch' or 'sytch', refering to a type of ditch which is usually dry in summer and wet in the winter. These sometimes get mistaken for streams.
The new houses have a dual sewer system the rain run off was supposed to cleanse the Fender.The washing machines in the extensions ect should be going into the soil grid, alas a lot went for the nearest grid and the Fender never came alive again.I have two small ponds with loads of frogs and newts They are still here they just need a decent enviroment to flourish.
The old brain is creaking. I recall reading somewhere that the area around the Flatt Lanes was known as the Town Fields hence Townfield Lane. Anyway as I recall the area was very popular at weekends, especially before everybody had car. On Saturdays & Sundays there was a steady stream of people up and down, not only to the Oxton CC and Ranks Sports ground. When there were more cars about the lane used to get blocked with them, at that time it was only half the width it is now, also unmade. The loss of such a great amenity is tragic. Also the residents of the Woodchurch estate used it as well. It had become that popular that the council decided to install street lighting in about 1960 - gas lamps would you believe !!
Map of Townfield Lane, about 1912. Maps I post will usually take a good degree of enlargement/reduction using Ctrl +/-. Unfortunately, the top of Townfield Lane is on the edge of the map, top right corner; you can see St.Saviours church marked in the margin. The map just includes the junction with the Flat Lanes.
Seem to recall that Oxton Crocket Club on Townfield Land held a charity match in the early 70s with a youthful David Gower playing. Was there a stile at the bottom of the Lane?
Thank you very much. This shows the top before 1 & 3 Bidston Rd were built (about 1920). I have an aerial photo, but it won't upload. Says its too big but isn't - blast it !!
Yes Fred Truman and Ken Cranston used come sometimes.
Used to watch Ken Cranston when he played for Neston. The ground was, of course, at Parkgate. I used to buy a bag of shrimps & sit on a bench & watch the game. My father was a leading light at Mersey Park Cricket Club.
Didn't know Mostyn House school had closed. In re: potted shrimps, our local fishmonger in our market still has them; not from Parkgate tho'; Morecambe Bay.
