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My name is Sandra Vilosky. As a child, I lived at 11 Erlmere Drive, Heaton Park. I went to the school in the park. I lived there until I was about 16; and then my mother, Rose, got a transfer to Blackley.
I remember the Phone Box on the corner of the big opening (the other end of the wall, was called the little opening /exit) onto Bury Old Road. I remember the Ostrich Hotel, the Off Licence, Harold's the Fishmonger, (I think); I remember, Sheepfoot Lane. I remember the Terminus Bus Stop at the big entrance gates to Heaton Park. I remember the inside of the Prefab, which I loved; and I can wander around in my minds eye, from the built in cupboards in the bedrooms, to the ones in the lounge room, and kitchen/dining room; plus the cooking range with built in under bench fridge. Outside, was the Coal shed, and a huge back garden, which my father, Harry, tended so lovingly. Later on, I remember a man called Jock, who was a gardener, and who also lived on the estate, showing me a handful of worms; which I absolutely hated, and to this day, cannot stand.
Of the park itself; I fondly remember The Heaton Belle Steamer; my. Wonderful grandfather often took me on for a ride, and even a second ride! Costing 2pence a ride, then an ice cream, and onward past the beautiful Rhododendron bushes; walking slightly uphill to our destination, of the Glass Cafe, with the stone Lions at top of the steps, on either side of the cafe entrance; then a cool Lemonade, and another ice cream, then we would follow the path round past the Bandstand, past the animals; and out through the large gates; then onto a number 35 bus to grandparents house in Waterloo Road, off Cheetham Hill Road.
I remember, some people who lived in Erlmere Drive, I think the name was,Mr and Mrs Bernstein, and opposite Mr and Mrs Peacock, and their daughter Ann. Ann had a record player; and we would listen to records such as Elvis, and Pat Boone, while Mrs Peacock baked Scones and buns. Directly opposite me; was a family with two boys, I think they were Jeffrey and John; I think the family name was Leah. I remember, at one time, a little girl called Mary, who wore a Caliper, lived next door to my right, or left if I was standing in front of my front door. I would climb over the back fence to play with her.
I used to gallop everywhere on an imaginary horse; I remember, a little girl on the estate, called Jean Moran! She had a very cool dolls pram, but her mum would not always allow her to bring it outside.
On the other side of the estate; near the little Opening in the wall; I would visit my mums friend Carmel and Tommy Baker! They had one son called Paul. I loved Aunty Carmel and Uncle Tom. They had a huge Sheep Dog called Cassie. I also remember, a little friend called Rachelle Donna; her father became the Mayor.
I have a brother called Raymond, eight years younger than me; and he used to ride his bike around the estate. Whenever we couldn't find him, we would know, there would be a fair in the park, and that's where he'd be.
The reason I wrote all this, is to maybe jolt someone's memory; but also, I enjoyed my walk down memory lane.
Anybody, who may remember us, or people I've mentioned; and would like to catch up; can write to
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