MEMORIES of Astley Bridge when there was a shop on every corner and community spirit was high have been recalled by reader Norman Shard.

Last week Norman, now aged 81, told of a village where his parents ran a Temperance Bar and there was everything from a paper shop, cinemas and butcher’s to a dress shop and a dentist within walking distance.

Astley Bridge football ground was in Crompton Way next to a garage, he recalls.

It was a very successful club in the 1930s winning many honours including the Lancashire Junior Shield.

Norman’s father, Fred, was a player and captain and when he finished playing he took over the running of the club.

“Part of my duties at Astley Bridge Football Club was to stand behind the goals and get the ball when it went in the farmer’s field and I also had to get the ball when it went over the fence into Crompton Way,” says Norman.

Norman says he played football on the Hall i’th’ Wood playing fields which is where the police station now stands.

“There were about 12 football pitches, a changing hut and only old water to wash with after the match,” he says.

Norman used to go out delivering milk from his parents’ shop and would find milk jugs on doorsteps with a a saucer on the top to protect the contents. He would then fill the jug with milk from the cart.

n More memories next week