Meccano Ltd, Binns Road, Miscellaneous

Greetings Further to Terry's Post #18, I could not agree more that something positive could have been done to have saved some of the old innards of the factory, but at that time, it was simply rubbish to be cleaned out and dumped unfortunately. However, what I found amazing when I 'dragged' my family to Liverpool in August 2005, long before the advent of satellite navigation systems, (I printed out maps off Google before we left home) although I was able to find Binns Road as it is located not too far from the end of the M62 motorway, but I was very surprised that there was not one plaque, sign or public notice of what took place at the site of the former factory. I brought home a fragment of brick which could have been off anything, but to my mind it is a fragment of the old factory. One would have thought this location would attract some more tourists, (like about a dozen methinks!) but that is apparently how the Fathers who run the city must think that it is simply not worth worrying about. While there, I also took my family to one street that is very important to Liverpool and the music world and I quote from my diary which I wrote at the time: We then drove to West Derby to locate the home of Pete Best the original Beatles drummer as it was here that the Beatles started playing as a group in a small coffee shop set up by his parents in the basement of the family home. We found Hayman's Green, but could not locate the house as there were no signs to indicate this unique piece of Liverpool music history, so we gave it away. I think those who run Liverpool seem to think the Cavern Club is the only place worthy of promoting! But what about Meccano whose employment meant a lot to Liverpool in the first half of the 20th century. As for the entrance into the factory, I am glad I was vindicated by Jan O who confirmed the location of the main entrance into the factory where visitors and official guests made their entry into the Works. The staff entrance (and other unofficial guests) was to the left off the private road, although there were several other staff entrances that were used. Regards Bruce H. (150) 20181202/1342/1180

Indeed John - I have already done so - am still waiting to hear from the 'Visit Liverpool' website. But it would be far better if you could also write as well as stirring up some interest with those who live in the UK rather than some colonial beating his drum from way out here in the Antipodes! Try this address that will get you to the website: info@marketingliverpool.co.uk I am not sure who exactly operates 'Visit Liverpool' which I am sure has the blessings of the City Fathers. Such an approach may be better than addressing the issue to some bureaucrat. Bruce (150) 20181402/2022/1181

I think it has more effect when the DTCA as an (UK and worldwide) organization and representative of all Dinky Fans comes with a proposal to the city council of Liverpool to place a column with plaque at the site of the factory. The best thing would be if this were to be done in collaboration with the HRCA. That puts more weight in the scale. Jan Oldenhuis, 14-2-2018

Both suggestions have merit. I agree that an approach from DTCA & HRCA combined would carry more weight but I suspect that Liverpool city fathers would say 'You pay for it and we'll put it up!'. Maybe a poll?

Perhaps there are culture funds or historical societies in Liverpool or the surrounding area that recognize the historical value of such a memento and want to contribute financially to the realization of it. Jan O.

Judging by the article on page 3 of the latest Journal which depicts a Meccano Liver Bird, the powers that be clearly have an interest in Hornby history, so they may well be amenable to some sort of permanent plaque. Regards Mark

It may be worthwhile contacting the editor of the Liverpool Echo newspaper, or the local radio stations and trying to gauge the level of interest of Meccano's ex-employees and Liverpudlians in general regarding the proposal.

Right-o chaps - it seems that we are all on the same page. The executives of both the DTCA and the HRCA should unite their forces and make a joint submission on behalf of both associations to the Council of the City of Liverpool, keeping all the local newspapers informed of what is being proposed and the benefits that would accrue for all concerned. The benefits for the city is in attracting more visitors and for residents to being reminded of what was once a wonderful Factory of Dreams in their midst,. For the Associations and the collecting fraternity, possibly valuable contacts with those who once worked in this factory or their descendants with the acquisition of memorabilia including photographs and hopefully, something that was borrowed! Another final outcome is the longterm establishment of a decent, proper and recognised institution into which both associations can deposit historical items associated with Meccano and maybe even a small collection of what Meccano produced. Such a depository would eliminate the concerns of many who would like to donate material for fear that 'someone' may pilfer any valuable items. A win-win for all concerned. Now an approach should be made to the executives of the DTCA and what better person to do this but our very own Jan Werner who not only is an Honorary Life Vice-President of the Association but one who contributes greatly to the improvement of this website by his frequent contributions.. Sorry Jan I am passing my baton over to you, having done my job by sowing the seed! Regards to all Bruce (150) 20181502/1130/1182

The history of Meccano Limited continues to fascinate me. So I have 2 Meccano catalogues UK:1938 A Wonder Book of Toys ref. 13/737 / 1.150 Eng with shop stamp: Meccano Limited, Binns Road, Liverpool 131938-1939 The Stars send their Message ref. 13/638/1150 U.K. with shop stamp Meccano Limited, 175 Regent Street, London, W.1, Telephone: Regent 3345.The Meccano Binns Road Liverpool factory is of course known to me. A lot of information has been provided on this subject, but what role did Meccano Limited, 175 Regent Street, London play in this whole? Was this just a kind of showroom, like Hudson Dobson on 200 Fifth Avenue New York?Jan Oldenhuis, 30 May 2018.

Jan-That is most interesting......I dont remember hearing about Regents Road before. Maybe someone else can weigh in with some information about that address...... Best regards, Terry

Regent Street is a fancy shopping district, home of the Hamleys toy store, Libertys, and other stores, so this would have been only a showroom. Would that we had photos of it!!

For the purposes of perceived prestige, lots of companies around Britain had a London address on their letterheads, often no more than a rented office. The modern-day occupants of 175 Regent Street (the worlds' most exclusive shopping street, managed by Crown Estates) are T.M. Lewin, high-class shirt makers. They are sandwiched between Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors, both high-profile brands. Meccano Limited, as a company known around the world, would almost certainly have had a display widow, with the office above. Images of today's Regent Street can be found on the internet, or Google Earth Street View.