I'll drink to that !! by neiwil
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Description
When America invaded Britain during WWII, they brought nylons, gum, some amazing aircraft, soapbox derby's and ten pin bowling. At wars end they went home and most of their bases were closed. Some enterprising souls took the bowling lanes from these bases and put them in disused theatres and dance halls and Britain fell in love with bowling.As the popularity of bowling grew, more venues were needed and a well established US firm, 'Fairlanes' saw an opportunity to expand. One of the first, possibly the very first, purpose built bowling alley in Britain rose up from a derelict piece of land on the banks of the River Mersey. Opened on October 19th 1963 by Douglas Fairbanks, a US movie star and one of the founders of Fairlanes, it was by all accounts ' A Grand Day '. After a few years Fairlanes was sold to Granada Entertainments who ran it until the late 70's. Seeing a decline in bowling, Granada sold all their bowling alleys and New Brighton was sold to a Manchester businessman who spent a little under £1,000,000 renovating the buisness including the introduction of computerised scoring. In 2004, as I've already covered, the Bowl was demolished and rebuilt , to bring us to today, our 50th Anniversary..
Above is a scan of an original opening day flyer, signed by Douglas Fairbanks. I found it ( framed) behind a filing cabinet in the office when we were clearing out for the demolition. The owner said "chuck it in the skip"...I thought that a rather cruel description of my admittedly rather old Ford Escort but I threw it in the boot anyway....
In other news....Today is also my 10th Anniversary here at Rendo!! were does the time go ???
Comments (13)
Froggy
Excellent information and background to an activity we take for granted today. 10 years eh? Well personally, I am glad to have you as a web pal (and your comments too!) Informative, original, generous and funny - just a few ways to describe the Neiwil experience here at Rendo!
neiwil
Thanks Karl, it's the many friends, like you, around here that make it all worthwhile...
ronmolina
Interesting info!
ArtistKimberly
Delightful,
fly028
Great story and....Happy (rendo) birthday!!!
GrandmaT
A priceless memento! Glad you saved it. Congratulations on sticking with Rendo for 10 years!
Maxidyne
"Where does the time go" indeed! This is marvellous Neil, it's beyond belief that he should say "chuck it in the skip".!!!! Still some people have no heart for history. Couldn't help but notice the 'free bowling instruction classes', do you still offer them now. also were the centre to open today would you offer all those free prizes :) Keep this safe mate!
flavia49
CONGRATULATIONS!!
UVDan
Hey that autograph should be worth some money!. Time goes faster as I get older.
Mondwin
Brilliant info my friend!!!!Bravissimo!V:DDD.Hugsxx Whylma
coyoteviper
so much of history gets tossed without any thought. bravo to you for finding it. an happy 10 yr anniv.
Tamarrion
Had no idea they were international! There's been a Fairlanes bowling alley in town for as long as I can remember. Heck, there were two at one time!
tigertim
Fantastic memorabilia Neil, totally priceless, made even tastier by the signature!!.. 10 years.. time flies when you are having fun!
debbielove
A little piece of History Neil.. Well posted and so it should be.. It all to often disappears without a trace.. Thanks for showing us.. Rob