Heaton Park Prefabs

[Barbara.H]

Having wandered off-topic on the Wedding Photo for Kooky thread, thought I had better start again here.

Around the end of WW2, my mum and her parents moved, or were moved, into the 'temporary' prefab housing built in the grounds of Heaton Park. Grandad was still there when he died in 1960!

Does anyone have photos of the prefab estates there, or has anyone encountered websites with references to the prefabs? I couldn't see anything on the Manchester Image Collection, or on Heaton Park's own website apart from a short mention. I have fond memories of visiting Grandad in his prefab but they are a bit hazy as I was only 4 when he died. 

It's as if the prefabs never existed, yet hundreds of people must have lived there. Would be delighted if anyone has any memories of them to share.

  Barbara

[tony h]

Hi Barbara,
Sometime around 1962\4 i went to an 'experimental school' in Heaton Park, from Hulme, St Lawrence's primary Not sure if I was gifted and talented or in need of special needs

I remember some prefabs off Sheepfoot Lane where the experimental school was, Round ones like you said, but I don't have a clear image in my head, just a hazy memory, perhaps it was the 'experiments' they did on us. Do remember the food though, and the smell of cabbage and mashed potatoes, but I seem to recall it tasted good. Also having a nap in cots in the afternoon

I've looked on images manchester but can't find pictures.

Will keep searching

Tony

[Barbara.H]

I have seen a faint outline of the estates on an old inch to the mile map, and I think there were two; one off Sheepfoot Lane and one off Bury Old Road. I have my mum's last ration book (about 1952) saying Erlmere Drive, off Bury Old Rd, Heaton Park. So yes, they were around that part of the park. They were little round metal-roofed huts with plots of garden fenced off with wire, so they looked like allotments. 

I think I've heard of that school (in hushed whispers, in our playground in Longsight...  ) No really, was it one of those outdoor ones where you had lessons outside to get the fresh air or something like that? 
Our infant teachers used to make us put heads on desks and 'nap' too, I think they just wanted to go out for a smoke..

  Barbara

[Barbara.H]

Picture of your old school notice board in the image collection Tony!

http://www.images.manchester.gov.uk    Ref:  m64467.jpg  Parkside School

Sounds like one of those Summerhill-type places, says "learning by discovery situation motivated by the environment"

and here's another one of the children!   m64473.jpg

they could visit you as follow-up, see how you turned out 

[liverpool annie]

I don't think I've ever seen "round roof" ones !! ... I can't even imagine them !! 

http://viewfinder.english-heritage.org.uk/story/printer_friendly.asp?StoryUid=44&totSlides=15

http://www.maraid.co.uk/blog/category/architecture/

Annie 

[uk2003]

Heaton Park as seen by Google earth

Tony - Dot went to Parkside as well (small world)

Ken

JPEG REMOVED "BREACH OF GOOGLE EARTH COPYRIGHT"

[liverpool annie]

Hi Pal !

Haven't "seen" you in a while !! 

Do you remember round roofed prefabs too ??

Annie 

PS Poor Dot ... if she went to school with TH !! 

[Barbara.H]

Wow Ken, that probably is where they were - thanks very much!

Round arch-shaped things like Nissen huts, Annie - I think Heaton Park was given over to military training during the war, and these were left over, so they used them for council housing.

Like this one    I think they put more windows around the sides. I used to think it was like a gypsy caravan when I was little, I loved it!

 Barbara

[liverpool annie]

OK Barb !

I haven't seen those ... but we had little huts in the garden that we used as coal sheds !! 

I have a picture somewhere ... and I can't find it !! 

I'll post it when I do ! ..... my Mum was thrilled to bits with ours ! some time ago we had another thread about prefabs and Pat Reid lived in one in Ireland .... so they were all over the place !!

I just came across this .... there's a book just out about ours in Belle Vale !! 

I have to see how to get a hold of one !! .... I've just spend the last hour on here ! 

sorry off topic AGAIN !!!!!!

http://www.thescousehouse.net/index.php?act=idx

Annie