by John Hendon
GRAPPENHALL Local History Group has produced a second book of pictures from the past, following the success of “A Selection of Local Images”, published some 12 months ago.
“A Second Selection of Local Images” has again been put together from old photographs collected by the 80 members of the history group, now in its 11th year.
Some modern pictures are included for comparison purposes.
The group has now published four books – two anthologies of memories and two of photographs. Together they make 
up a unique record of the history of Grappenhall and surrounding areas. The editorial team of Margaret Fellows, Ian Gault, Ron Phillips and Carole Whibley have plans for more in the future.
The earliest pictures date from before 1890 and show construction of Latchford Locks.
There are pictures of Grappenhall Village around 1900, an early drawing of Grappenhall Hall and, of course, several pictures showing activities at St Wilfrid’s Church and school
An interesting pair of photographs from the mid-1930s show an unofficial swimming pool off Broad Lane and there is a fine shot of Grappenhall Home Guard taken outside the Rectory.
Grappenhall Independent Methodist Church also figures prominently as do organisations such as the long vanished Darby and Joan Club, the Women’s Institute, Rotary Club of Warrington and Miss Holden’s Keep Fit classes for girls.
Long vanished village shops, Thelwall Railway Station and, ironically, Grappenhall Library, now threatened with closure, are all shown.
The book is available at £4.50 from the library or by calling 01925 263712.
Pictured: Top: Church Lane, Grappenhall. Lower picture: An artist’s impression of Grappenhall Hall.
