Birkenhead's Vulcan days are recalled

Feb 25 2009 Birkenhead News

MEMORIES is taking a final look at Birkenhead’s Vulcan Street this week.

More former residents have told us about the strong community spirit shared by those who lived in Vulcan Street and surrounding roads in Birkenhead’s North End.

Last week Carol Dobson, who was a baby when this photo was taken in the early 1940s, identified her parents Jessie and Edward Gaunt in the snapshot.

And this week her cousin Janet Dobson contacted us with some more names.

She said: “On the first row at the end is my uncle Teddy, who lived in Vulcan Street. I lived in Lansdowne Road.

“Four rows down, fourth from left, is Carol’s mum Jessie - she lived in number 37 and then 38.

“My mum Annie is also on the fourth row. On the bottom row is my cousin Billy and further along the two boys sitting together are my cousin Benny and Teddy Dobson.

“Nanny Parker is also on the photo. She was the matriarch of Vulcan Street, like Lou Beale was in EastEnders.

“We often reminisce about those days.”

More memories came from Betty Jones (formerly Hughes), who told us she recognised herself in the photo from her wartime hairstyle!

Betty, 84, from Birkenhead, said: “I was born in the old Dock Cottages in 1924 then moved to St James Road.

“In the photo I was wearing my hair in the same way I wore it in the forces.

“I think the photo was taken in 1946 because I left the ATS in June 1946.”