Formby Society Past.

The historical origins of the Society were described in the 'Short History', written by Jean Beer in 1993. (copies still available) The Society was founded in 1953, 100 years after the coming of the railway to this sleepy and then entirely rural village and 50 years after its inhabitants obtained, (with great difficulty), status as an Urban District Council. Registered as a Charity and later affiliated with the Civic Trust, the Society was founded to "foster the identity of Formby, safeguard its amenities, develop it cultural activities and encourage local studies".

After almost 50 years, how successful have we been?

In helping guard Formby's 'unique identity', we have from the beginning taken an active interest in planning issues. We obtained the establishment of our only Conservation Area, in the early 80's and are currently pressing for at least one other. We published 'Viking Village' written by founder member, Edith Kelly, in 1973 and later a 'Town Trail'. We have built up a valuable historical archive and local history library, which are both still being added to through the generosity of local people. An unique historical record of Formby's past is provided by a high quality photographic record, including over 2000 transparencies of cottages, farms, houses and lanes; the Sibley Collection of drawings and watercolours and a considerable archive of documents and maps, including the Formby Tithe Map and Schedule , a particularly valuable historical resource. Using these assets we have carred out, or assisted research on the history of many subjects such as the Formby Lifeboat Station, Asparagus Cultivation and the history of the Old Mill.

Our small museum collection in Duke Street Library, one of only two museums in Sefton, features the unique 'Formby Tapestry', created by another founder member, Lilian Rushton, which provides a visual record of Formby's history from the Vikings to the 20th Century alongside a changing exhibition relating to the history of the area, organised now by Peter Lucas.

In addition we have arranged and presented other occasional historical exhibitions or displays, such as an exhibition at the Pool Resource Centre held as part of Local History Week last May and a special display on the history of Formby Hall, presented as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebration Garden Party at Formby Hall in July.

Our contribution to the Millennium Celebration was the organisation of the Parish Boundary Walk - the "rediscovery" of the ancient Parish Boundary, encircling Formby, 14 miles in length, partly over private land and dating back in essence to the early mediaeval period. This was walked and enjoyed by over one hundred people during a two day period. Another of our traditional activities is the Art Group at present run by Barbara Mossop, which itself arranges exhibitions of Member's work, notably the annual Open Air Exhibition, held under the Chestnut Trees in Chapel Lane each summer.