A Moment in Time - 2024
A collection of photographs taken in and around Ormskirk town centre during 2024 to reflect the many changes, large and small which capture a moment in time. The photographs are arranged in date order and relate to the month each picture was taken.
Photographs in this collection may not be reproduced without permssion.
January 2024
The former HSBC premises on Moor Street have been empty since the bank closed. This building was previously Midland Bank and before that the Corn Exchange which opened in 1896. As the Corn Exchange the exterior of the building looked very different with a half timber effect designed by Arthur Vaughan Wiggins, a decorative sign writer and glass painter. The now very narrow passageway called Market Row can be seen to the right of the building, this was previously much wider, although the Market Row street sign is still in place.
The former Dorothy Perkins premises have been vacant since the store closed in 2020, signage and window displays are still in place. In 2021 there were plans to turn the shop into a wine bar although this has not come to fruition. The site now occupied by modern shop units was once the position of the handsome Kings Arms building which was demolished in 1961 by Higson's Brewery.
The cafe on the corner of Moor Street and Burscough Street is called "Dapa" which replaced "Love to Eat", its previous incarnation. For many years the premises were occupied by H. Samuel the jewellery store.
February 2024
The new look Ormskirk Bus Station opened in 2023 has a digital sign to show the bus timetable and a bike store. This site along with the adjoining car park was once the location of the Working Men's Institute which was demolished in 1962. During the remodelling of the bus station facilities in 2022 it was possible to see the foundations of the Institute for a brief period.
Derby Street looks very much the same as it has since the mid nineteenth century. The original Commercial Hotel on the corner of Railway Road and Derby Street has since gone through many names including "The Cafe Bar". It is now known as "The Lost and Found" serving food and drinks as in years past. On the left hand side of the photograph the historic drinking fountain can be seen behind a lampost, looking a little overgrown with ivy. This has been in situ since 1858 when three drinking fountains were funded in the town by James Hardy Wrigley, this is the only one to survive.
March and April 2024
Longstanding Burscough Street business, Shepherd's DIY has closed its doors recently. For many years the shop was owned by Frank Shepherd whose father, William, opened premises in the town centre in 1932. He purchased the shop at 95 Burscough Street in 1946, the business was originally a wholsale enterprise and remained so until 1985 when Frank started the retail side. In 1987 a new wallpaper showroom was opened above the existing shop in what was once a store room. Customers could browse the many wallpaper books in comfort, which included the services of a coffee machine, whilst admiring the ancient oak beams above them. At that time an Ormskirk Advertiser article showcasing the new show room listed the staff as Steve Gay, Billy Dann, John Preden and Ethel Hay.
Before the war the building was the home of Ormskirk Farm Produce and it served as a canteen during the war.
The door of 60 Moor Street has turned pink as a new business called "Retro" prepares to open. Until recently this was the Family Eye Centre, an advertising banner can still be seen on the exterior of the building.
On the other side of Moor Street, Kut 'n' Dunn gent's barbers at number 59 is open as usual after the frontage was boarded over for some time following a car collision.
In March the historic Buck I' Th' Vine Inn on Burscough Street was offered for sale. This is the only surviving coaching inn on the Liverpool to Preston turnpike road.
Also on Burscough Street ASAP Vintage has been at number 21 since 2019 selling retro and vintage clothing from America and Europe. The shop has a very strong social media presence.
May 2024
Banners celebrating Ormskirk's ancient market and culture in West Lancashire adorn lamposts in Ormskirk town centre, placed by WLBC.
June 2024
Artwork advertising the "Fairy Wing Repair Shop", a gift shop at 2, Mystic Mews (off Burscough Street), is still visible on a wall facing the Wheatsheaf car park although the shop closed some years ago.
Derby Street
Building work continues at the former Windmill Inn on Wigan Road as it is repurposed as housing.
September 2024
Building work has started on the 1853 water tower on Tower Hill, Ormskirk.
Cafe culture on Moor Street.
The Golden Lion on Moor Street gets a new coat of paint.
Snig's Foot Hotel - now closed, most recently it was called The Market Cross
The original Church House on Church Street.
November 2024
Halifax Building Society - last days in Ormskirk
Changes underway at Joseph's jewellery shop, Burscough Street.
This striking model appeared on Stanley Street to advertise "The Back Clinic".
Chapel Street.
Derby Street.
The telephone box (still in service) on Derby Street received a new coat of paint.
Ormskirk Parish Church remembers
December 2024
Emmanuel Church decorated for the annual Christmas Festival, not even Storm Darragh could dampen enthusiasm and the festival went ahead despite other events in the town being cancelled.
The former Town Hall building in Church Street is now occupied by Kas Social. The Joni Mitchell inspired artwork was painted by local artist Angie Thompson in celebration of Kas's Green Tourism award.
