Memories

An Article By Colin Lyne

I followed the Hollies in the 60s although I didn’t see much of them.  Having said that Allan Clarke lived around the corner from where I did ( about 100 yds. Away) and as youngsters we used to watch them load the “Transit” and go off to Stockport and other places.  I didn’t take any photographs in those days.  Ironically, I am now a newspaper photographer.  Graham Nash went to my school (Salford Grammar) although he was older than me. 

As for the Ordsall Primary School, that Allan Clarke and Graham Nash attended earlier, that was only recently demolished to make way for the new area of Salford “The Quays” which is very much the centre for commerce.  A sad loss of a very interesting area (Coronation Street setting) and a place called Ordsall Hall where, apparently Guy Fawkes stopped off on his way to blow up Parliament.  I bet Allan doesn’t know that. Incidentally,  I worked for the city’s newspaper “The Salford City Reporter” for a number of years.  Sadly now closed although the title is used by another paper.  Also, thinking back, I worked for the one time National Assistance Board, and was based in Trafford Road Labour Exchange,ORDSALL.  Allan and Graham would probably remember Liverpool Street, near Langworthy Road. Finally, I NEVER saw the Hollies “live” (unfortunately) but I did frequent the Twisted Wheel where I met Rod Stewart when he was vocalist with Long John Baldry.  To this day, I admire Stewart for getting to where he is today.  A far cry from the “Rising Sun” pub round the corner from the Wheel!…………Memories. 

The picture above is.......(roll of drums)........Graham Nash's back yard! Why is it Graham's back yard? The little girl on the left is Sheila Reid, who at that time was Sheila Rooney. She, along with her husband Frank,is my closest friend. Frank is Mayor's attendant for the City of Salford. Sheila can't remember why, but her parents and Graham's family exchanged houses (this was a common practice then within the Salford Authority) and she then lived at 1, Skinner Street, Graham's former house about 1960 (59ish). Graham's family then went to live in Ladywell flats, where Sheila had previously lived. The flats are still there. I will photograph them,and have them appear later.

The larger photo above is of two sisters who lived opposite to Graham at 1, Skinner Street, Ordsall. The sisters  were friends of Sheila's. Sheila is, of course, following this story with interest.

As I have said, these are all my memories, but I never really met any of the Hollies to speak to and they wouldn’t know me from Adam.  Ironically, I have had many happy times with many personalities in my time with newspapers, but never met up with members of the Hollies.  The  only time that I have seen them was at Southport last year. It’s a pity that the Reporter closed down as I could have gained access to their files which may have carried stories of the band, but alas, those days have gone.

A footnote to all this. Albert Finney (the actor) and Harold Riley (world famous artist, followed in Lowry’s footsteps) went to the Salford Grammar.  Robert Powell and Ben Kingsley didn’t go the school but they did come from Salford.  I think I missed the boat somewhere. 

E-mail: Colin Lyne                Check out Colin's Site at   http://www.colinlyne.co.uk/