David Hoyle

It feels like only yesterday I was chatting with David at the Lytham Hall Courtyard Café on a chilly day, yet somehow, it must be couple of years. Time really does fly. I’d been holding onto this “Who’s Who” piece on David, waiting for the perfect moment to share it….. then not sure whenever that was?

While you might not know him as “Mr. History,” you may recognize him from his legendary “Dad Jokes” across local Facebook groups

David’s roots are firmly planted in St. Annes so definitely ‘SandGrown’. One of four brothers, sons of the late Frank Hoyle, a man with a big personality who ran a very successful business simply called “Franks” on Victoria Street, Lytham. Franks sold everything from tents and awnings to gas bottles, and Frank himself was a well-known figure in the area. Both Frank and his wife, Jos, were active Councillors, involved in many “firsts” for the council, including town twinning and the formation of what became the Ratepayers Party.

One year, Frank  served as the Mayor’s Consort because the elected  Lady Mayor was unmarried. This meant he enjoyed a year of being wined, dined, and chauffeured around. It speaks volumes about his character that, as a thank you when the Mayor left her role, Frank bought her a dress with matching handbag and shoes – a common gesture back then. What no one knew, however, was that he’d bought his wife the exact same outfit! As they say, the crowd went wild.

David is a natural storyteller, clearly well-practiced from his regular talks on local history. His passion for the subject was sparked in an unexpected way. A pair of local brothers, who ran a “rag and bone man” operation out of a tiny Daihatsu van (David hilariously describes them as “big fellas that had to get out the van in complete synchronicity in order to not tip over!”), stumbled upon a suitcase full of old postcards of the area. Knowing Frank’s interest in local memorabilia, they brought it to him. But it was David who became utterly fascinated, and that moment marked the beginning of his love affair with local history and research.

David’s connection to Lytham Heritage also came through family. His mother, Jos, worked at the Heritage Centre. When she unfortunately broke both legs after falling off a ladder (in the days before strict Health and Safety regulations, no doubt), David stepped in to help. This was the start of another significant “era” for him, leading to his becoming an Archivist. When he’s wasn’t working at Westinghouse BNFL in Salwick, he dedicates countless hours to the Lytham Institute (the old Library).

The archives are a treasure trove, housing a vast collection of maps, drawings, photo albums, ration books, and general family memorabilia, either donated or discovered locally. Each item is meticulously logged. The most extensive collection is every single issue of the Lytham St Annes Express since 1899. These were once stored in the cellars beneath Lytham Baths, but thankfully, they were moved to a safer location before any disaster struck. Volunteers also assist with researching local family trees, a truly rewarding activity.

The Lytham Heritage archives are run by just five dedicated volunteers, and they are always looking for more help, whether it’s “behind the scenes” or front-of-house at the Heritage Centre (open year-round), the Windmill, and the Old Life Boat House (open seasonally).

The Heritage Society has seen a decline in members over the past three years and is actively hoping to attract a younger membership. Membership is a very reasonable £10 per year. If you own a business, you might also consider sponsorship. You can find more information about membership on their website: https://lythamheritage.uk/lhg/membership

Although it’s called “Lytham,” the Lytham Heritage Group was established in 1987 to preserve and promote the history and heritage of the Ancient Parish of Lytham, which encompasses Lytham, Saltcotes, Ansdell, Fairhaven, Heyhouses, Kilgrimol, and St. Annes.

For more local history resources, check out these Facebook Groups:

You can also find a treasure trove of information and old images at https://amounderness.co.uk/.

If you’re interested in booking David for one of his engaging talks, visit his website: http://davidhoyle.co.uk/