Things they didn't tell you about Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme ....... the new book

 I like the way that local authors Michael Billington and Bob Potts have fallen back on an old tradition in publishing their new book, Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme, A Collection of Antiques and Curios.*

It is that simple but unique practice of inviting subscribers to donate in advance the cost of the publication and in return get both a copy and their names listed in the book.

It is a neat way of calling up some capital to fund the printing of the book, but for the historian offers up some fascinating insights into who supported the project. 

So, my copy of Reminiscences Manchester Fifty Years Ago, by Josiah Thomas Slugg, published in 1881, has an interesting list of the good and not so good who felt the book was worthy of support.

Bob Potts

And no doubt Michael and Bobs book will do the same, after all it takes “a look at the quirkier side of life in the area over the last hundred years and beyond”, and reveals things that other local history books have not deemed appropriate but are they stepping stones of history.

So here are the stories of  Lillicrap's Hone, Leeming's concrete incinerator made in the shape of a tree trunk, the reason why the local policeman  paid children for sparrows' heads and crows' legs.

And sets out to answer the questions of  “Who was the Davyhulme Yank? 

What are the “Seven Sisters”? Where was the concrete map of England and Wales? 

What was Push Plough Field? Who was Tim Bobbin? What was a “tin tabernacle”? 

Micahel Billington

And what is the connection between Hollywood actor George Coulouris (star of Citizen Cane and Murder on The Orient Express) and Urmston?” 

The book costs £15.99 and is available from Urmston Bookshop, Flixton Road, and at www.eponarecords.com  on ebay and from the Michael Billington.

Sadly Bob Potts passed away in February 2021 and the book is dedicated to him and it is to be hoped that his invaluable contribution to the book will serve as a testament to his passion and dedication for local history.

There is a list of subscribers and interested readers can contact the author to be included in this list. 

For further details contact …..Michael Billington, 07772318058,  m.billington90@btinternet.com"**

Location; Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme

* Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme:, A Collection of Antiques and Curios, Michael Billington and Bob Potts, Mike Billington and Bob Potts, publishing date, May 1st 2021

**Press release, April, 2021