We know that Merseyside Branch was founded in 1977. However there is rather a gap in our knowledge after that, until Saturday 30th April 1994, when North West and Manchester Branches co-hosted our AGM and Card Convention at Manchester.
Now in the Card Times for December 1994 Merseyside Branch is given as meeting at "Prescot", on Saturday November 26th. Perhaps, given what follows, this was Prescot Bowls Club? Does anyone remember?
Sadly in the October 1997 edition of Card Times magazine there appears a small article headed :
Merseyside branch closes.
MERSEYSIDE branch of the Cartophilic Society has been wound up. Secretary Harry Shaw has written to the Society explaining that decreasing numbers and the increasing age of the remaining regulars have made it inevitable. "A few of us will continue to meet on an occasional basis at Prescot Bowls Club for a drink and a chat" he adds. So Merseyside goes the same way as the North West branch, which became a home-based group some time ago. The lure of the still massive Timperley club near Altrincham has probably also had some effect on the decision. And it may also have repercussions for the Society`s plans to bring the National Convention to Cheshire in April 1999. Stewards for the event are due to be recruited from Merseyside and the North West.