ALAN WHALLEY'S WORLD

THE origins of an old-time germ-killing fluid known as Sally White still remains a bit of a riddle.

We still don't know who that particular Sally was who gave her name to the locally-manufactured bleach (now vanished from the scene) which for decades was regarded as the 'housewives' friend' throughout the length and breadth of St Helens and district.

But John Litherland, who worked there as a school-leaver in 1965, suspects that the brand name was dedicated to a relative of the bleach firm's owner, Tommy Williams.

John, from Long Meadow, Eccleston, tells us that the works was in Extension View, off Robins Lane. As a teenager he helped to make the 'deadly brew' and to deliver it around the streets of St Helens. The Sally White van was a familiar sight around the district a couple of decades or more ago.

Norman Hine of Peel Place, Gerards Bridge - responding on behalf of his wife Betty (nee Bacon) - tells us that the firm had a base at the corner of Albion Street with Campbell Street. They also manufactured liquid soap, and a chap named Percival was then the proprietor.

Remaining in that particular corner of town, Norman, now 71, reminds us of the halcyon days of Peter Street Institute's weekly hops. He and Betty used to be regulars there when the institute boasted an extraordinary band. The leader, accordionist Frank Wilkinson, was one of three Franks in the line-up. But there was something even more unusual about those music makers.

The other two Franks, whose surnames now elude Norman, were a crippled Hawaiian guitar player and a blind pianist. There was another accordionist in the band (name completely forgotten) and Norman can't recall whether there was also the customary drummer.

The physically handicapped musician wore callipers on both legs but had an indomitable spirit. Norman recalls that he had to be 'wheelbarrowed' up the staircase to the first-floor ballroom. While someone held his legs firmly, the gallant guitarist would expertly "paddle upstairs on the palms of his hands."

Norman, possessor of a fine bass voice, was once a keen member of Pilkington Operatic Society but poor health has curtailed this and most other leisure activities.

WONDER if any other folk from the golden age of the weekly hop can add further Peter Street memories? If so, please drop me a line at: Whalley's World, St Helens Star, YMCA Buildings, Duke Street, St Helens WA10 2 HZ.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.