A family had to fill out a full page of their census form to squeeze in all of their family details in 1961.
Former Observer photographer Garth Dawson took this picture of eight members of the Coulson Family.
Garth says he is not sure why the family’s census return was of so much interest at the time. He added: “There were a lot of them and a lot of kids but I’m not really sure why.” Since it’s likely there were other big families in the area the picture remains something of a mystery but perhaps our readers will know more. Pictured are Gillian, Pat, Stephen, Roy, Mr Coulson, Mrs Coulson and Anne.
Our next picture this week shows ladies competing in the Accrington and District Hair and Beauty Contest in 1964.
The winner was Jackie Absalom of Lonsdale Street, Accrington and runners up, left to right are Jean Whip, Connie Entwistle, Sandra Lomax and Norma Coupe.
Garth says the pageants were an annual event. He said: “It was a different time and they used to be on every year, I’m not sure when they stopped. I think they were pretty well attended and some of the girls took them very seriously.”
Our final photo this week shows youngsters from Mount Pleasant Church in Oswaldtwistle on June 26, 1968. They were snapped during their annual procession of witness on Union Road.
Garth says the younger members of the church were escorted through the streets by older members and that year’s procession was luckily held on a bright, sunny day.
Can you shed light on our mystery census photo, did you enter one of the annual hair and beauty contests or did you take part in or watch the procession of witness? Why not send us your memories for our letters page via the contact details below.
You can contact Garth on email at garth@dawsong84.freeserve.co.uk
We want to publish your old pictures. They can be from any era right up to the 1990s. Please bring them into our office at Accrington Market Hall or email us at accringtonobserver@menmedia.co.uk and tell us why they are important to you.
