Issue 113 – December 2015
INSIDE THIS MONTH
VILLAGE LIFE By Stephen Guy, West Derby Society CHRISTMAS 1929 was celebrated in a world threatened by economic upheaval and the rise of extreme nationalist forces in Europe. The Wall Street Crash in October had sent shock waves around the globe and controversial figures such as Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini were making political gains. At home, English turkeys were cheaper than the previous year – an eight-pound bird now cost just two shillings (10p). The West Derby area was growing rapidly with new housing estates around Queens Drive and Norris Green boosting the population. There was still plenty of open land around Eaton Road and Honeys Green Lane although work had started on the Blackmoor estate. West Derby Village businesses, including a new cinema, were boosted by the growth in residents.
Cars were booming and planners feared the Village would be swamped by increased motor traffic. A new by-pass was planned running from Blackmoor Drive, across Town Row to Parkside Drive. It would then cross the Earl of Sefton’s estate and link up with Muirhead Avenue East. Some old houses off Sandfield Park East and Town Row were demolished. The plans were eventually abandoned and South Parkside Drive ends at a stone wall. In 1929 the top grocers was W Brooks & Co in West Derby Village, patronised by Lord Sefton and other well-off families. Adverts from contemporary publications make fascinating reading. Mill Lane bristled with diverse shops and businesses: “Shillington’s bacon and hams need no disguise. Its rich flavour and mild cure stamp it as the best bacon in the district. Telephone Old Swan 504.”
High class fruiterer and florist T R Young declared: “Orders called for and deliveries daily. Floral designs made at the shortest notice.” Millichamp’s offered special prices for dances, whist drives and parties: “Visit our tea gardens at rear of premises.” No doubt they catered for many events at the Village Hall (pictured) a focal point of the community for generations. Cold weather meant huddling around an open fire. Coal and coke merchants E Tunstall & Sons, based at West Derby Station’s coal yard, promised: “We supply the best parlour and kitchen coal at the most reasonable prices.” If your boots or shoes sprang a leak in the snow J Meachin at 86 Town Row would fix them. Join the West Derby Society at its next meeting 7.30 pm on Wednesday 16 December at Lowlands, 13 Haymans Green, Liverpool L12 7JG.
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