I remember the old Alty baths, I nearly drowned in them when I was 11 and had just learned to swim. Over-confident I jumped in at the deep end and found my feet couldnt touch the floor. I went under several times and was passing out when a teenage lad came up to me, pulled me up so my head was above water level and asked if I was ok. I said no and he dragged me to the side where I gratefully clung on, moved to the steps got out, dried and dressed and went straight home. It was my briefest ever visit to a swimming pool. I was in the water around 5 minutes tops.
I did thank him afterwards but quite possibly I owe my life to him as the attendents were nowhere to be seen. If you know who you are, and happen to read the Alty website, cheers once again mate.
I would also like to add I am now a competant swimmer!
Anyway!!! I also remember going with my brother to White and Swales to hear the new Beatles single I feel fine in 1964 when I was 6 going on 7. He bought it! I also remember being a train mad little kid at the age of 4, and my mum leaving me on the station platform to watch the electrics going to Manchester and the old buzzbox diesels going to Chester. The real treat was a steam train giong through to the ICI works and Northwich Salt mines. Anybody in Sale remember Burts toys near the old Odean and Stanley Tole toys in Cross Street. What was the old bike shop called at Woodheys that also sold toys. Anybody also remember Lone-Star miniature metal train sets. I used to love playing with them when I was 3!!!