Bits and Pieces

1963

JUNE 3: Enjoying the traditional Whit Walks in Collyhurst are smartly dressed youngsters Terrance Coltan and Deirdre Cairns, both aged seven.

The first Whit Walk in Manchester took place in 1801. It was held to encourage community activities – as well as keeping people away from the nearby horse races on Kersal Moor!

The walks were a welcome break from the daily grind of work in the mills and factories.

In the 19th century, Whitsun became a recognised holiday week with workers taking canal and boat trips and then cheap rail excursions.

1955

MAY 16: Manchester City’s Maine Road ground looks more like a mud bath after the Rugby League Championship Cup Final was played on it.

Local team Oldham lost to defending champions Warrington 7-3 in a tight match hugely affected by the harsh playing conditions.

Warrington captain Albert Naughton is being chaired off the field by his team-mates while a young fan carefully keeps hold of the cup base.

1948

MAY 26: A solitary fan braves the sodden terraces at Old Trafford in the hope that the tour match between Lancashire and Australia will finally get under way.

He was unlucky as the first day was lost to rain. But in the next two days, 19-year-old Lancashire spin bowler Malcolm Hilton caused a sensation by taking the legendary Don Bradman’s wicket twice in the same match.

Bradman was out for 11 in the first innings and was stumped for 43 in the second when he fell over swinging at a delivery from Hilton.

The match ended in a draw.