FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK (17th - 23rd APRIL 1973)
This week's many stories include the little Parr girl whose heart stopped during a fire, the opening of Sherdley Park golf club, the do-it-yourself tattooing craze at St Alban's in Haresfinch, concern over a tip at Holiday Moss in Rainford and more on the wrecking of the supposedly vandal-proof toilets in Haresfinch.
We begin on the 17th at the Theatre Royal in St Helens with a concert by Alan Price and Georgie Fame. Their joint gig was billed as "The Price of Fame".
This week it was announced that a Midlands firm had paid £6½ million to take over the Stoves gas cooker firm of Rainhill. In February 1970 what was believed to have been the first ever strike took place at Stoves since the factory was established in 1926. But more industrial action since then had weakened the firm's profitability and Birmingham-based Valor – a gas and oil heater company – had now snapped it up. However, the company pledged there would be no redundancies amongst the 1,000-strong workforce at Stoves.
In February I wrote how two courageous St Helens firemen had saved the life of a little girl after dashing into Tracy Topping's blazing house in Parr and bringing her out. Leading Firemen Kevin Hamlet and Sub-Officer Thomas Brannelly were the two heroes who rescued the 6-year-old from her Waring Avenue home. And then Station-Officer David McGrath led an operation to revive Tracy with heart massage and oxygen after it appeared that she was dead. On the front page of the Daily Mirror on the 18th there was a photo of a smiling Tracy alongside these words:
"Little Tracy Topping beams at a spring daffodil. It is a happy sight that seemed impossible only seven weeks ago. For at that time firemen found six-year-old Tracy slumped in her blazing home in St. Helens, Lancs. Her heart had stopped beating and there was no sign of a pulse. For three long minutes it seemed that she was dead. Then she responded to artificial respiration given by firemen Bob Brannelly and Kevin Hamlet. Yesterday Tracy was out of hospital, lively as ever, enjoying the sunshine and the flowers at a holiday home in Southport. Her mother, Mrs. Thelma Topping, 28, said at her new home in Thatto Heath, near St. Helens: “We can never thank the firemen enough.”"
On the 18th the Mayor of St Helens, Allan Lycett, opened the town's new 9-hole municipal golf course at Sherdley Park by teeing off. The Reporter wrote: "His drive down the fairway to the first of the nine holes, was watched by delighted councillors and Corporation officials. With one stroke he officially opened the golf course and luxurious clubhouse at Sherdley Park." Councillor Lycett predicted that the new venture would be a great success and Cllr. Harry Williams commented: "I'm no golfer myself. But the point is, I could be. And I wouldn't have to join a club. Every member of the public has an equal right to use this course."
Also on the 18th at a meeting of the council's Works Committee, Cleansing Superintendent Leonard Cundy criticised the public over the wrecking of the supposedly vandal-proof toilets in Haresfinch. The lavatories had previously endured such vandalism that they had to be shut for two years. They were then re-designed with hidden pipes and cisterns and washbasins built into the walls to prevent damage from hooligans.
But two weeks ago vandals had torn down the doors, smashed toilet bowls and washbasins and used aerosol sprays to disfigure the walls that had been roughened to prevent graffiti from felt tip pens. Mr Cundy told the committee members that it had been amazing that nobody had reported the vandalism as it took place: "All that damage must have taken a considerable time to do. Yet there was no message from any member of the public. There was no need for anyone to go and tackle these people. If they had telephoned the police we could have got someone for this."
Mr Cundy also revealed that a lump of concrete weighing between 25 and 30 pounds had been slammed down on the toilet bowls. "It was horrifying to me", he added. "I wouldn't have believed that anyone could have damaged the place to that extent." Both ladies and gents toilets were equally wrecked. The lavatories had now been closed once again and some committee members felt they should not be repaired. Alderman John Henebery said:
"If I had my way I wouldn't spend another halfpenny on them. I would leave them as they are and hang up a notice telling the public, “We put them here for your comfort. Look what vandals have done to them.”" And Cllr. Jack Morris said he thought the Corporation should cut its losses and demolish the building. However, on a vote of 8 to 3 it was decided to spend a further £300 on repairs in which tough, stainless steel toilet fittings would be installed.
On the 19th the General and Municipal Workers Union submitted a claim to Pilkingtons for a pay increase of £5.64 per week. That was on behalf of the glass giant's 7,400 production workers at St Helens and the 1,450 members of the union employed at other Pilkington plants throughout Britain.
The Reporter's lead story on the 19th warned against a "do-it-yourself tattooing craze" in which schoolchildren risked death or disfigurement for life. Many boys and some girls at St Alban's Secondary School in Haresfinch had tattooed themselves using an ordinary needle that was first held under a match flame, supposedly to sterilise it. Then Indian ink was smeared onto the skin and forced into punctures that the needle had made.
Second former Stuart Carney had spent nearly a month in hospital having ten tattoos removed from an arm and hand with some of the markings requiring skin grafts. The consultant involved had written to the school warning of the dangers of blood poisoning from such tattooing and his letter was read out to pupils at assembly.
Stuart from Woodville Street told the Reporter that tattooing was "the rage" at the school and former pupil Anthony Murray of Kentmere Avenue in Clinkham Wood said: "A lot of people were tattooing themselves when I was there. Half my form had them – including some of the girls." However, Mr Milles, the headmaster at St Alban's claimed the practice was widespread at other St Helens' schools too.
Another school making the front page of the paper was St Mary's Primary in Birchley. They had created an exhibition featuring a reconstruction of an old house to show what life had been like in Billinge one hundred years before. Parents had lent antique items to the school and the children had spent all term preparing the exhibition. However, thieves had now stolen most of the contents of the house.
Also displayed on the front page was an advert for "St. Helens Newest Nite Spot". That was The Knowsley Cabaret Bar at Saints' ground in Knowsley Road.
"A village fears that a massive refuse tip to be developed on its doorstep will become a smelly eyesore." That was Paul Williamson's introduction to his piece describing concern over a 300-acre site at Holiday Moss in Rainford, which was being turned into a tip. Ted Rosbotham of the neighbouring Bridge Farm was worried that rats could spread into surrounding areas, adding:
"This tip will be visible from Billinge Hill. It could be an eyesore. The access to the tip is narrow and the vehicles going to and from it will go through Rainford. I don't think you can avoid the smell of rotting rubbish, and if fire breaks out, the smoke will make it worse."
The Reporter also revealed that the St Helens Chamber of Trade was to have its first female president. Lilian Elliott the owner of the Lilian Rogers clothes shop in Duke Street had been made president-elect at the Chamber's annual meeting. In speaking to the Reporter Mrs Elliott was asked whether she would be able to cope with all the males in the organisation and she replied: "I'm all for women entering [a] man's world as far [as] they are able. I'm used to dealing with men in business, so I can take charge of a meeting in the Chamber."
I think the days have gone when people were advised by doctors to leave St Helens for the good of their health. Not that many folk were in a position to do so – but the town's atmosphere was not good for those with lung problems. The Reporter revealed that the Rev. Joseph Williams, the Vicar of St Marks in North Road, had been given such medical advice. Just what was wrong with the 63-year-old was not stated in the report but after seven years in St Helens, Rev. Williams was told he had to go. The vicar had also been in charge of Saint David's Church at Carr Mill and the Moss Bank Mission.
On the 21st an Easter parade was held at the Sutton Manor College Institute with Mary Ludden of Jubits Lane winning the £10 first prize for best bonnet. And finally, on the 22nd 'Nearest And Dearest' starring Hylda Baker and Jimmy Jewel began a week's screening at the ABC Savoy down Bridge Street. And at the Capitol, 'Born To Boogie' was shown, starring Marc Bolan, Ringo Starr and Elton John.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next week's stories will include the boy whose hand was trapped down a Kirkland Street grid, the Raven advertises for darts and domino players and the Rainhill rebellion against the building of a housing estate on green belt land.
This week it was announced that a Midlands firm had paid £6½ million to take over the Stoves gas cooker firm of Rainhill. In February 1970 what was believed to have been the first ever strike took place at Stoves since the factory was established in 1926. But more industrial action since then had weakened the firm's profitability and Birmingham-based Valor – a gas and oil heater company – had now snapped it up. However, the company pledged there would be no redundancies amongst the 1,000-strong workforce at Stoves.
In February I wrote how two courageous St Helens firemen had saved the life of a little girl after dashing into Tracy Topping's blazing house in Parr and bringing her out. Leading Firemen Kevin Hamlet and Sub-Officer Thomas Brannelly were the two heroes who rescued the 6-year-old from her Waring Avenue home. And then Station-Officer David McGrath led an operation to revive Tracy with heart massage and oxygen after it appeared that she was dead. On the front page of the Daily Mirror on the 18th there was a photo of a smiling Tracy alongside these words:
"Little Tracy Topping beams at a spring daffodil. It is a happy sight that seemed impossible only seven weeks ago. For at that time firemen found six-year-old Tracy slumped in her blazing home in St. Helens, Lancs. Her heart had stopped beating and there was no sign of a pulse. For three long minutes it seemed that she was dead. Then she responded to artificial respiration given by firemen Bob Brannelly and Kevin Hamlet. Yesterday Tracy was out of hospital, lively as ever, enjoying the sunshine and the flowers at a holiday home in Southport. Her mother, Mrs. Thelma Topping, 28, said at her new home in Thatto Heath, near St. Helens: “We can never thank the firemen enough.”"
On the 18th the Mayor of St Helens, Allan Lycett, opened the town's new 9-hole municipal golf course at Sherdley Park by teeing off. The Reporter wrote: "His drive down the fairway to the first of the nine holes, was watched by delighted councillors and Corporation officials. With one stroke he officially opened the golf course and luxurious clubhouse at Sherdley Park." Councillor Lycett predicted that the new venture would be a great success and Cllr. Harry Williams commented: "I'm no golfer myself. But the point is, I could be. And I wouldn't have to join a club. Every member of the public has an equal right to use this course."
Also on the 18th at a meeting of the council's Works Committee, Cleansing Superintendent Leonard Cundy criticised the public over the wrecking of the supposedly vandal-proof toilets in Haresfinch. The lavatories had previously endured such vandalism that they had to be shut for two years. They were then re-designed with hidden pipes and cisterns and washbasins built into the walls to prevent damage from hooligans.
But two weeks ago vandals had torn down the doors, smashed toilet bowls and washbasins and used aerosol sprays to disfigure the walls that had been roughened to prevent graffiti from felt tip pens. Mr Cundy told the committee members that it had been amazing that nobody had reported the vandalism as it took place: "All that damage must have taken a considerable time to do. Yet there was no message from any member of the public. There was no need for anyone to go and tackle these people. If they had telephoned the police we could have got someone for this."
Mr Cundy also revealed that a lump of concrete weighing between 25 and 30 pounds had been slammed down on the toilet bowls. "It was horrifying to me", he added. "I wouldn't have believed that anyone could have damaged the place to that extent." Both ladies and gents toilets were equally wrecked. The lavatories had now been closed once again and some committee members felt they should not be repaired. Alderman John Henebery said:
"If I had my way I wouldn't spend another halfpenny on them. I would leave them as they are and hang up a notice telling the public, “We put them here for your comfort. Look what vandals have done to them.”" And Cllr. Jack Morris said he thought the Corporation should cut its losses and demolish the building. However, on a vote of 8 to 3 it was decided to spend a further £300 on repairs in which tough, stainless steel toilet fittings would be installed.
On the 19th the General and Municipal Workers Union submitted a claim to Pilkingtons for a pay increase of £5.64 per week. That was on behalf of the glass giant's 7,400 production workers at St Helens and the 1,450 members of the union employed at other Pilkington plants throughout Britain.
The Reporter's lead story on the 19th warned against a "do-it-yourself tattooing craze" in which schoolchildren risked death or disfigurement for life. Many boys and some girls at St Alban's Secondary School in Haresfinch had tattooed themselves using an ordinary needle that was first held under a match flame, supposedly to sterilise it. Then Indian ink was smeared onto the skin and forced into punctures that the needle had made.
Second former Stuart Carney had spent nearly a month in hospital having ten tattoos removed from an arm and hand with some of the markings requiring skin grafts. The consultant involved had written to the school warning of the dangers of blood poisoning from such tattooing and his letter was read out to pupils at assembly.
Stuart from Woodville Street told the Reporter that tattooing was "the rage" at the school and former pupil Anthony Murray of Kentmere Avenue in Clinkham Wood said: "A lot of people were tattooing themselves when I was there. Half my form had them – including some of the girls." However, Mr Milles, the headmaster at St Alban's claimed the practice was widespread at other St Helens' schools too.
Another school making the front page of the paper was St Mary's Primary in Birchley. They had created an exhibition featuring a reconstruction of an old house to show what life had been like in Billinge one hundred years before. Parents had lent antique items to the school and the children had spent all term preparing the exhibition. However, thieves had now stolen most of the contents of the house.
Also displayed on the front page was an advert for "St. Helens Newest Nite Spot". That was The Knowsley Cabaret Bar at Saints' ground in Knowsley Road.
"A village fears that a massive refuse tip to be developed on its doorstep will become a smelly eyesore." That was Paul Williamson's introduction to his piece describing concern over a 300-acre site at Holiday Moss in Rainford, which was being turned into a tip. Ted Rosbotham of the neighbouring Bridge Farm was worried that rats could spread into surrounding areas, adding:
"This tip will be visible from Billinge Hill. It could be an eyesore. The access to the tip is narrow and the vehicles going to and from it will go through Rainford. I don't think you can avoid the smell of rotting rubbish, and if fire breaks out, the smoke will make it worse."
The Reporter also revealed that the St Helens Chamber of Trade was to have its first female president. Lilian Elliott the owner of the Lilian Rogers clothes shop in Duke Street had been made president-elect at the Chamber's annual meeting. In speaking to the Reporter Mrs Elliott was asked whether she would be able to cope with all the males in the organisation and she replied: "I'm all for women entering [a] man's world as far [as] they are able. I'm used to dealing with men in business, so I can take charge of a meeting in the Chamber."
I think the days have gone when people were advised by doctors to leave St Helens for the good of their health. Not that many folk were in a position to do so – but the town's atmosphere was not good for those with lung problems. The Reporter revealed that the Rev. Joseph Williams, the Vicar of St Marks in North Road, had been given such medical advice. Just what was wrong with the 63-year-old was not stated in the report but after seven years in St Helens, Rev. Williams was told he had to go. The vicar had also been in charge of Saint David's Church at Carr Mill and the Moss Bank Mission.
On the 21st an Easter parade was held at the Sutton Manor College Institute with Mary Ludden of Jubits Lane winning the £10 first prize for best bonnet. And finally, on the 22nd 'Nearest And Dearest' starring Hylda Baker and Jimmy Jewel began a week's screening at the ABC Savoy down Bridge Street. And at the Capitol, 'Born To Boogie' was shown, starring Marc Bolan, Ringo Starr and Elton John.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next week's stories will include the boy whose hand was trapped down a Kirkland Street grid, the Raven advertises for darts and domino players and the Rainhill rebellion against the building of a housing estate on green belt land.
This week's many stories include the little Parr girl whose heart stopped during a fire, the opening of Sherdley Park golf club, the do-it-yourself tattooing craze at St Alban's in Haresfinch, concern over a tip at Holiday Moss in Rainford and more on the wrecking of the supposedly vandal-proof toilets in Haresfinch.
We begin on the 17th at the Theatre Royal in St Helens with a concert by Alan Price and Georgie Fame. Their joint gig was billed as "The Price of Fame".
This week it was announced that a Midlands firm had paid £6½ million to take over the Stoves gas cooker firm of Rainhill.
In February 1970 what was believed to have been the first ever strike took place at Stoves since the factory was established in 1926.
But more industrial action since then had weakened the firm's profitability and Birmingham-based Valor – a gas and oil heater company – had now snapped it up.
However, the company pledged there would be no redundancies amongst the 1,000-strong workforce at Stoves.
In February I wrote how two courageous St Helens firemen had saved the life of a little girl after dashing into Tracy Topping's blazing house in Parr and bringing her out.
Leading Firemen Kevin Hamlet and Sub-Officer Thomas Brannelly were the two heroes who rescued the 6-year-old from her Waring Avenue home.
And then Station-Officer David McGrath led an operation to revive Tracy with heart massage and oxygen after it appeared that she was dead.
On the front page of the Daily Mirror on the 18th there was a photo of a smiling Tracy alongside these words:
"Little Tracy Topping beams at a spring daffodil. It is a happy sight that seemed impossible only seven weeks ago. For at that time firemen found six-year-old Tracy slumped in her blazing home in St. Helens, Lancs. Her heart had stopped beating and there was no sign of a pulse.
"For three long minutes it seemed that she was dead. Then she responded to artificial respiration given by firemen Bob Brannelly and Kevin Hamlet. Yesterday Tracy was out of hospital, lively as ever, enjoying the sunshine and the flowers at a holiday home in Southport.
"Her mother, Mrs. Thelma Topping, 28, said at her new home in Thatto Heath, near St. Helens: “We can never thank the firemen enough.”"
On the 18th the Mayor of St Helens, Allan Lycett, opened the town's new 9-hole municipal golf course at Sherdley Park by teeing off. The Reporter wrote:
"His drive down the fairway to the first of the nine holes, was watched by delighted councillors and Corporation officials. With one stroke he officially opened the golf course and luxurious clubhouse at Sherdley Park."
Councillor Lycett predicted that the new venture would be a great success and Cllr. Harry Williams commented:
"I'm no golfer myself. But the point is, I could be. And I wouldn't have to join a club. Every member of the public has an equal right to use this course."
Also on the 18th at a meeting of the council's Works Committee, Cleansing Superintendent Leonard Cundy criticised the public over the wrecking of the supposedly vandal-proof toilets in Haresfinch.
The lavatories had previously endured such vandalism that they had to be shut for two years.
They were then re-designed with hidden pipes and cisterns and washbasins built into the walls to prevent damage from hooligans.
But two weeks ago vandals had torn down the doors, smashed toilet bowls and washbasins and used aerosol sprays to disfigure the walls that had been roughened to prevent graffiti from felt tip pens.
Mr Cundy told the committee members that it had been amazing that nobody had reported the vandalism as it took place:
"All that damage must have taken a considerable time to do. Yet there was no message from any member of the public. There was no need for anyone to go and tackle these people. If they had telephoned the police we could have got someone for this."
Mr Cundy also revealed that a lump of concrete weighing between 25 and 30 pounds had been slammed down on the toilet bowls.
"It was horrifying to me", he added. "I wouldn't have believed that anyone could have damaged the place to that extent."
Both ladies and gents toilets were equally wrecked. The lavatories had now been closed once again and some committee members felt they should not be repaired. Ald. John Henebery said:
"If I had my way I wouldn't spend another halfpenny on them. I would leave them as they are and hang up a notice telling the public, “We put them here for your comfort. Look what vandals have done to them.”"
And Cllr. Jack Morris said he thought the Corporation should cut its losses and demolish the building.
However, on a vote of 8 to 3 it was decided to spend a further £300 on repairs in which tough, stainless steel toilet fittings would be installed.
On the 19th the General and Municipal Workers Union submitted a claim to Pilkingtons for a pay increase of £5.64 per week.
That was on behalf of the glass giant's 7,400 production workers at St Helens and the 1,450 members of the union employed at other Pilkington plants throughout Britain.
The Reporter's lead story on the 19th warned against a "do-it-yourself tattooing craze" in which schoolchildren risked death or disfigurement for life.
Many boys and some girls at St Alban's Secondary School in Haresfinch had tattooed themselves using an ordinary needle that was first held under a match flame, supposedly to sterilise it.
Then Indian ink was smeared onto the skin and forced into punctures that the needle had made.
Second former Stuart Carney had spent nearly a month in hospital having ten tattoos removed from an arm and hand with some of the markings requiring skin grafts.
The consultant involved had written to the school warning of the dangers of blood poisoning from such tattooing and his letter was read out to pupils at assembly.
Stuart from Woodville Street told the Reporter that tattooing was "the rage" at the school and former pupil Anthony Murray of Kentmere Avenue in Clinkham Wood said:
"A lot of people were tattooing themselves when I was there. Half my form had them – including some of the girls."
However, Mr Milles, the headmaster at St Alban's claimed the practice was widespread at other St Helens' schools too.
Another school making the front page of the paper was St Mary's Primary in Birchley. They had created an exhibition featuring a reconstruction of an old house to show what life had been like in Billinge one hundred years before.
Parents had lent antique items to the school and the children had spent all term preparing the exhibition. However, thieves had now stolen most of the contents of the house.
Also displayed on the front page was an advert for "St. Helens Newest Nite Spot". That was The Knowsley Cabaret Bar at Saints' ground in Knowsley Road.
"A village fears that a massive refuse tip to be developed on its doorstep will become a smelly eyesore."
That was Paul Williamson's introduction to his piece describing concern over a 300-acre site at Holiday Moss in Rainford, which was being turned into a tip.
Ted Rosbotham of the neighbouring Bridge Farm was worried that rats could spread into surrounding areas, adding:
"This tip will be visible from Billinge Hill. It could be an eyesore. The access to the tip is narrow and the vehicles going to and from it will go through Rainford. I don't think you can avoid the smell of rotting rubbish, and if fire breaks out, the smoke will make it worse."
The Reporter also revealed that the St Helens Chamber of Trade was to have its first female president.
Lilian Elliott the owner of the Lilian Rogers clothes shop in Duke Street had been made president-elect at the Chamber's annual meeting.
In speaking to the Reporter Mrs Elliott was asked whether she would be able to cope with all the males in the organisation and she replied:
"I'm all for women entering [a] man's world as far [as] they are able. I'm used to dealing with men in business, so I can take charge of a meeting in the Chamber."
I think the days have gone when people were advised by doctors to leave St Helens for the good of their health.
Not that many folk were in a position to do so – but the town's atmosphere was not good for those with lung problems.
The Reporter revealed that the Rev. Joseph Williams, the Vicar of St Marks in North Road, had been given such medical advice.
Just what was wrong with the 63-year-old was not stated in the report but after seven years in St Helens, Rev. Williams was told he had to go.
The vicar had also been in charge of Saint David's Church at Carr Mill and the Moss Bank Mission.
On the 21st an Easter parade was held at the Sutton Manor College Institute with Mary Ludden of Jubits Lane winning the £10 first prize for best bonnet.
And finally, on the 22nd 'Nearest And Dearest' starring Hylda Baker and Jimmy Jewel began a week's screening at the ABC Savoy down Bridge Street.
And at the Capitol, 'Born To Boogie' was shown, starring Marc Bolan, Ringo Starr and Elton John.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next week's stories will include the boy whose hand was trapped down a Kirkland Street grid, the Raven advertises for darts and domino players and the Rainhill rebellion against the building of a housing estate on green belt land.
This week it was announced that a Midlands firm had paid £6½ million to take over the Stoves gas cooker firm of Rainhill.
In February 1970 what was believed to have been the first ever strike took place at Stoves since the factory was established in 1926.
But more industrial action since then had weakened the firm's profitability and Birmingham-based Valor – a gas and oil heater company – had now snapped it up.
However, the company pledged there would be no redundancies amongst the 1,000-strong workforce at Stoves.
In February I wrote how two courageous St Helens firemen had saved the life of a little girl after dashing into Tracy Topping's blazing house in Parr and bringing her out.
Leading Firemen Kevin Hamlet and Sub-Officer Thomas Brannelly were the two heroes who rescued the 6-year-old from her Waring Avenue home.
And then Station-Officer David McGrath led an operation to revive Tracy with heart massage and oxygen after it appeared that she was dead.
On the front page of the Daily Mirror on the 18th there was a photo of a smiling Tracy alongside these words:
"Little Tracy Topping beams at a spring daffodil. It is a happy sight that seemed impossible only seven weeks ago. For at that time firemen found six-year-old Tracy slumped in her blazing home in St. Helens, Lancs. Her heart had stopped beating and there was no sign of a pulse.
"For three long minutes it seemed that she was dead. Then she responded to artificial respiration given by firemen Bob Brannelly and Kevin Hamlet. Yesterday Tracy was out of hospital, lively as ever, enjoying the sunshine and the flowers at a holiday home in Southport.
"Her mother, Mrs. Thelma Topping, 28, said at her new home in Thatto Heath, near St. Helens: “We can never thank the firemen enough.”"
On the 18th the Mayor of St Helens, Allan Lycett, opened the town's new 9-hole municipal golf course at Sherdley Park by teeing off. The Reporter wrote:
"His drive down the fairway to the first of the nine holes, was watched by delighted councillors and Corporation officials. With one stroke he officially opened the golf course and luxurious clubhouse at Sherdley Park."
Councillor Lycett predicted that the new venture would be a great success and Cllr. Harry Williams commented:
"I'm no golfer myself. But the point is, I could be. And I wouldn't have to join a club. Every member of the public has an equal right to use this course."
Also on the 18th at a meeting of the council's Works Committee, Cleansing Superintendent Leonard Cundy criticised the public over the wrecking of the supposedly vandal-proof toilets in Haresfinch.
The lavatories had previously endured such vandalism that they had to be shut for two years.
They were then re-designed with hidden pipes and cisterns and washbasins built into the walls to prevent damage from hooligans.
But two weeks ago vandals had torn down the doors, smashed toilet bowls and washbasins and used aerosol sprays to disfigure the walls that had been roughened to prevent graffiti from felt tip pens.
Mr Cundy told the committee members that it had been amazing that nobody had reported the vandalism as it took place:
"All that damage must have taken a considerable time to do. Yet there was no message from any member of the public. There was no need for anyone to go and tackle these people. If they had telephoned the police we could have got someone for this."
Mr Cundy also revealed that a lump of concrete weighing between 25 and 30 pounds had been slammed down on the toilet bowls.
"It was horrifying to me", he added. "I wouldn't have believed that anyone could have damaged the place to that extent."
Both ladies and gents toilets were equally wrecked. The lavatories had now been closed once again and some committee members felt they should not be repaired. Ald. John Henebery said:
"If I had my way I wouldn't spend another halfpenny on them. I would leave them as they are and hang up a notice telling the public, “We put them here for your comfort. Look what vandals have done to them.”"
And Cllr. Jack Morris said he thought the Corporation should cut its losses and demolish the building.
However, on a vote of 8 to 3 it was decided to spend a further £300 on repairs in which tough, stainless steel toilet fittings would be installed.
On the 19th the General and Municipal Workers Union submitted a claim to Pilkingtons for a pay increase of £5.64 per week.
That was on behalf of the glass giant's 7,400 production workers at St Helens and the 1,450 members of the union employed at other Pilkington plants throughout Britain.
The Reporter's lead story on the 19th warned against a "do-it-yourself tattooing craze" in which schoolchildren risked death or disfigurement for life.
Many boys and some girls at St Alban's Secondary School in Haresfinch had tattooed themselves using an ordinary needle that was first held under a match flame, supposedly to sterilise it.
Then Indian ink was smeared onto the skin and forced into punctures that the needle had made.
Second former Stuart Carney had spent nearly a month in hospital having ten tattoos removed from an arm and hand with some of the markings requiring skin grafts.
The consultant involved had written to the school warning of the dangers of blood poisoning from such tattooing and his letter was read out to pupils at assembly.
Stuart from Woodville Street told the Reporter that tattooing was "the rage" at the school and former pupil Anthony Murray of Kentmere Avenue in Clinkham Wood said:
"A lot of people were tattooing themselves when I was there. Half my form had them – including some of the girls."
However, Mr Milles, the headmaster at St Alban's claimed the practice was widespread at other St Helens' schools too.
Another school making the front page of the paper was St Mary's Primary in Birchley. They had created an exhibition featuring a reconstruction of an old house to show what life had been like in Billinge one hundred years before.
Parents had lent antique items to the school and the children had spent all term preparing the exhibition. However, thieves had now stolen most of the contents of the house.
Also displayed on the front page was an advert for "St. Helens Newest Nite Spot". That was The Knowsley Cabaret Bar at Saints' ground in Knowsley Road.
"A village fears that a massive refuse tip to be developed on its doorstep will become a smelly eyesore."
That was Paul Williamson's introduction to his piece describing concern over a 300-acre site at Holiday Moss in Rainford, which was being turned into a tip.
Ted Rosbotham of the neighbouring Bridge Farm was worried that rats could spread into surrounding areas, adding:
"This tip will be visible from Billinge Hill. It could be an eyesore. The access to the tip is narrow and the vehicles going to and from it will go through Rainford. I don't think you can avoid the smell of rotting rubbish, and if fire breaks out, the smoke will make it worse."
The Reporter also revealed that the St Helens Chamber of Trade was to have its first female president.
Lilian Elliott the owner of the Lilian Rogers clothes shop in Duke Street had been made president-elect at the Chamber's annual meeting.
In speaking to the Reporter Mrs Elliott was asked whether she would be able to cope with all the males in the organisation and she replied:
"I'm all for women entering [a] man's world as far [as] they are able. I'm used to dealing with men in business, so I can take charge of a meeting in the Chamber."
I think the days have gone when people were advised by doctors to leave St Helens for the good of their health.
Not that many folk were in a position to do so – but the town's atmosphere was not good for those with lung problems.
The Reporter revealed that the Rev. Joseph Williams, the Vicar of St Marks in North Road, had been given such medical advice.
Just what was wrong with the 63-year-old was not stated in the report but after seven years in St Helens, Rev. Williams was told he had to go.
The vicar had also been in charge of Saint David's Church at Carr Mill and the Moss Bank Mission.
On the 21st an Easter parade was held at the Sutton Manor College Institute with Mary Ludden of Jubits Lane winning the £10 first prize for best bonnet.
And finally, on the 22nd 'Nearest And Dearest' starring Hylda Baker and Jimmy Jewel began a week's screening at the ABC Savoy down Bridge Street.
And at the Capitol, 'Born To Boogie' was shown, starring Marc Bolan, Ringo Starr and Elton John.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next week's stories will include the boy whose hand was trapped down a Kirkland Street grid, the Raven advertises for darts and domino players and the Rainhill rebellion against the building of a housing estate on green belt land.