Pickmere lake

[Mamucium Son]

Coming from a working class family, I never really had much as a kid. Even though I'm only 45 now, I recall going to Ardwick primary with insulation tape holding my shoes together! Foreign holidays were for the mega rich, and the furthest we ever went in the UK was for a week in Torquay. Because of that I came to appreciate - and still do - the 'local' resorts. Southport - and its' key shaped outdoor lido - was a visit I always looked forward to. Just the once a year though, I mean, money was REALLY tight. Blackpool also means a lot to me. I love the place, flaws 'n' all. We used to visit the lights, and I occasionally managed to go there with my dad as a helper when he did the annual handicapped kids taxi run. There's just something about Blackpool that runs in a Mancunian's veins. I can't describe it really, but I feel fiercly protective of the place. Anyway, I'm sure that Blackpool could have a thread all of its own ...

Even nearer to home was Pickmere Lake. I went there once or twice with my dad, but then found out the way via bus, and we were off! Regular visits ensued, and the Ardwick/Salford massive dawned upon 'Picky' on a pretty regular basis. It had a Funfair, amusement arcade, boats to hire, Ice cream van, cafe, and the wonderful lake which we used to spend all day diving into to collect mussels. Not that I ever ate one, but, collecting them from the bottom of the lake was the fun. Great times were had at this place, and when I went back there about 10 years ago, I was sad to see that it had all been closed down and sold to developers. I think it is a hotel or something now, not sure, but, I would dearly love to see some photos of the place in its' pomp. Anyone know where I may find some? Oh, and any other stories of the place would be good.

[Phil Blinkhorn]

There doesn't seem to be too much around on Pickmere but I've found some bits and pieces that may be of interest:

A YOUNG mum is still holding out in her battle against eviction from a wartime chalet.

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Welcome to Northwich - wfsection-(Part: 2)

Fair Art First Photo.

Fair Art Sixth Photo

Up at the Lake: Information and Much More from Answers.com The lake pictured is Pickmere, The Charlatans are from Northwhich.

There is still some public access to Pickmere for fishing and, despite the signs which the Council admit are not legally enforceable, for swimming.

If anyone has any other info, any memories or photos, please add.

Also, I'll open this in a thread of its own if people would like to add memories of other day trip venues. Keep to the less well known such as Hollingworth Lake, Hartshead, Lyme Park, Daisy Nook/Crime lake etc (i.e. avoid the likes of Blackpool Rhyl, Southport and Belle Vue)

[aidanorourke]

Here's my photograph of Crime Lake in winter 1998. I have no knowledge of Crime Lake from my childhood and only heard about it much later. I never went to Pickmere Lake. One of my favourite local lakes is the boating lake at Platt Fields.

[Henry Mantell]

Yes I remember the boating lake as a welcome after school or lunchtime bit of diversion!
Echo the sentiments about Blackpool, it was in the 1950's of course a playground for Durham Miners and most of the Midlands too. It is still popular with lots of Scots.
Living in Pendleton we didn't have too much access to water, although watching the Irwell change colour daily and producing walls of foam at the Crescent weirs had it's devotees!
Some brave souls took to the water in a summer carnival onT'Irwell near Agecroft.
Of course all that has changed and its a shame the British Triathlon Association have taken the annual event away from Salford. Now in the 1960's who would have thought of anyone swimming in the Ship canal but the watersports centre there has excellent facilities and water quality.
But boating at Platt Fields was a pleasure. It is only in the larger parks that boating was available I think.
I never discovered any of the others.

[Phil Blinkhorn]

Apart from Heaton Park and Platt Fields there were boating lakes at Belle Vue, Philips Park, Stamford Park Ashton, Alexandra Park Oldham and Woodlands Park (note NOT Woodbank Park) Stockport

[Cogsinister]

Oh how i remember going to Pickmere as a kid.....it seemed so far out in the countryside to me a kid from langley.....

[Pushooka]

I was born 73 years ago (today!!!) in Verdin Street Northwich and many times would walk all the way to Pickmere Lake with my grandad, where he loved to do some fishing! In later years my mate had a caravan in the top field there. There was this big axle with two wheels standing in the field and my mate and I were attempting to lift this thing when we heard some laughter coming from a nearby caravan! This big well built guy came over and said "Out of the way lads" and promptly lifted it above his head with little bother!! We found out later that he was called "Dick the Doormouse"! Anyone know of him?
One of my first girlfriends was a Pickmere girl who's family I believe owned biggest part of the little fairgroung! But she threw me over for my 'best' mate and eventually married him! He's still my best mate today! But poor Elsie is long gone! Does anyone remember the grass track motorcycle racing in the big field on the right hand side of the lake?

[behr66]

It seems so many people had some great times at Pickmere, but not many owned a camera. I would love to see some old pictures of the lake and the funfair, and if anyone has any they would be willing to scan over to me I would be eternally gratefull.

Lake Pickmere 1920s








Modern






1930s

Postcard





1930s






Postcard