WITH reference to your request for memories of Hoylake Presbyterian Church, the following may be of interest to your readers.

I grew up in Hoylake and was christened, confirmed and married in the church.

My father, grandfather and great grandfather were also associated with it, so it is well over 100 years old.

In the mid-1940s my mother Doris Jones was the caretaker.

This was a tremendous job for one person, so we all helped.

My father Bob stoked the two coke-fired boilers and my sister Muriel and I helped with dusting cleaning etc.

The first minister I remember was the Rev Hywel Williams, followed by Rev Parry-Jones then Rev PF Payne and Rev Eric Evans.

Such a lot went on in the church at that time.

We had women’s meetings, men’s fellowship youth clubs, gym classes badminton, drama groups etc.

There was a huge congregation, and on special occasions, such as Sunday school, anniversaries, extra seating had to be brought in.

We had a wonderful organist and choir master called Mr Manualand.

We could raise the roof singing the wonderful Welsh hymns. I am really sad to hear of the end of this beautiful church.

Kathleen Macaulay,

Address supplied.