Outside Norman's pub sometime in the 1960s searching for its name

I like this picture which is from Andy Robertson’s family album.

It is one of those that could have been taken at any time from the early decades of the 20th century and perfectly captures that pub world which is fast disappearing.

Here we have a group of locals standing outside the main entrance sometime in the late 1950s or early 60s.

Often the photograph was a prelude to a pub day out.

We called them Beanos or Jolly’s but whatever the name, the day would be the same consisting of a trip out to the seaside or some notable place with stops at pubs on the way, a prolonged stop for a meal and of course crates of beer on the coach.

Many were all male with “the ladies” having their own exclusive days out which might be a little more sedate but not much.

For many on the trip it would be with the same group of people you worked all week with, spent evenings in the pub together and more than likely lived close to.

These days out would always throw up a host of stories ranging from leaving Harry behind in Southport to the day the coach broke down outside the White Lion just four miles from home with no alternative but to pass the evening in a strange pub.

And it is these tales of days out with a crate of pale ale along with the strange events of the vault after closing time that Peter and I are looking for to fill our new book on the pubs of Manchester.

So anyone who would like to share a picture or some tales stories of their favourite Manchester pub please contact us on either 07808987110 or 07521 557888.

And along the way there may even be someone who can tell Andy the name of the pub in his picture.

There is a clue perhaps in the sign for the Ribble bus company but that is about it.

Although we do know is that just second to the left of the Bass sign almost blocking out the man next to the sign is Norman Sharples who was born in 1893.

Not much to go on but a start.

So until someone comes up with the name of Norman's pub I shall just fall back on that outrageous promotion for the book on Manchester pubs.

So far we haven't ruled out any of the traditional city public houses, which include those iconic tiled ones to the equally fondly remembered watering holes beside our stations and theatres.

Picture; from the collection of Andy Robertson