THE recent theft of a card-laden postal van in Ainsdale is not the first time Southport well-wishers have faced a nightmare at Christmas.
A glance back at the Southport Visiter archives from 43 years ago shows a distinct lack of festive goodwill on behalf of a vandal who set ablaze the contents of postbox.
While only four cards were actually destroyed in the fire, our report made sure the tale was told in all its drama.

How the Visiter reported the post-box blaze

“Christmas wishes went up in smoke in the early hours of Sunday morning when a police constable on the beat noticed smoke coming from the pillar box at the corner of Portland Street and Shakespeare Street,” it read.
“A GPO official was rushed to the scene and found someone had put pieces of burning paper into the box and set fire to the contents.”
The act of destruction was branded “a rotten thing to do” by Mr C. J. Moore, the town’s head postmaster.
For Shakespeare Street housewife Mrs E. S. Jarvis, the panic was such she had to phone 16 of her friends to see if their cards arrived safely – followed by her sending some more, “just in case”.
Thankfully, such misdemeanours were not the only Christmas experiences of 1964 that have echoes today.

What better place than Southport for Jack and the Beanstalk in all its panto glory?

Traders reported “hectic” conditions in three big stores, much to the delight of Mr J. Adams, secretary of Southport Chamber of Trade.
And mechanical toys proved particularly sought after as gifts, while today its Nintendo and Sony games consoles on the top of many children’s wish-lists.

Brownies and Rainbows had this tree decked out – but where and when

But Christmas shoppers faced disappointment on one important front, with Southport undergoing a drastic shortage of smaller turkeys.
Festive charity was in good supply, with the Visiter’s pages filled with acts of Christmas kindness.
Take licensees Mona and Derek Horne and their customers at The Crown Inn in Coronation Walk, who ensured about 100 presents made their way to the Salvation Army Children’s Home.

Have any of these nativity stars gone on to tread the boards since?

And pupils of St Wyburn School in Birkdale performed a Festival of Carols in St James Memorial Hall, Lulworth Road, with Ellerslie Court Holiday Home (now part of the Vitalise charity) among the beneficiaries.
In sport, Southport Football Club – then in the old Fourth Division – lost three consecutive matches, including an FA Cup exit at the hands of Leeds United, then a powerhouse in the top flight under manager Don Revie.

Nurses of Southport Promenade Hospital enjoy their Christmas Party in December 1964

And as for showbusiness, some things never change.
Liverpudlian legend Ken Dodd had audiences of December 1964 well and truly tickled – with punters at The Royal Court Theatre paying only 13’6d for a night of festive hilarity.

‘I want to be a tree’ said a character in an old TV advert. Looks like these kids may have taken that on board

Do any of these images ring any Christmas bells for you? Leave your memories below. HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

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