The Fylde & Wyre Antiquarian

Well it's not gone but this was taken in the busy years. I don't know when it was taken but at a guess it's the early 60's.

Originally there was a school on the site, Testimonial ?, and that was replaced by the building that you mention. That was the Church army Youth Club of which I was once a member in the early 70's. My Dad played football for them in the 50's but it was the original building then.

Does that help ?

I have no idea but I'd guess at late 60's.

Could be worth looking up, I suppose.

Some little info that may or may not be of use.

A new beginning for Fleetwood

From the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, first published Friday 14th Jan 2000.

A NEW retail development which is set to transform Fleetwood town centre was launched this week.

The Mayor of Wyre, Coun Harry Taylor (pictured with L-R Mark Dransfield, Mayoress Francis Taylor and Coun Pat Callow), officially kicked off the first phase of the development on the site of the former Church Army building on Lord Street.

The 13,000 sq foot development by Dransfield Properties plc will combine retail stores with office and leisure facilities.

Work on clearing the site begins on Monday and it is expected to take six months to complete this phase of the development with shops open for trading by July.

The ground floor will include a Poundstretcher and a Your More store and the first floor is to be let for office and leisure use, while the second phase involving a Morrisons food store is expected to be given the go-ahead soon.

Speaking at the launch Mark Dransfield, managing director of Dransfield Properties, said: "I am sure the development will be a success and it will be a major boost for Fleetwood.

"We have already fully let the ground floor and are confident we will have clients to fill the first floor within the next few months. "If everything goes to plan, by the end of 2001 Fleetwood town centre could be completely transformed.

"Every town needs an anchor to attract shoppers and that is usually a food store. The second phase of our development which includes the Morrisons store will provide this."

"If this store performs as well as our other stores have done it will be a great success." The project won the praise of Mayor Harry Taylor who said: "This development marks another major step in the rejuvenation of Fleetwood town centre.

"I was delighted and honoured to be invited to dig the first turf. "I would like to pay tribute to all the officers who have worked so hard on this and to the councillors who have supported this project from day one."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.

"...while the second phase involving a Morrisons food store is expected to be given the go-ahead soon."

Another anchor with no chain attached courtesy of the brilliant, but predictable, town planning committee.

Church Army Youth Club

There's a blast from the past. It was definatly there in 1970, as I used to go there for the 64 club, which was an attempt to replicate the 59 club, a motorcycle club in London set up by a vicar.

I think I can remember the patch. a number 64 in green on a white background. Or t'other way round. It was a long while ago and before my time.

Right second time Martyn, white numbers on green. I had a lapel pin but Iv'e not seen it for years.

Hi - me again. This is from my book:

"1846 - The Fleetwood Testimonial School for Boys and Girls was opened on West Street – now called Lord Street. The building was converted into a Youth Centre in 1964."

Could this be why the badges showed the number 64???