Our nostalgia quiz this week focuses on Manchester in the 1950s – a time when post-war austerity finally lifted, TV came into people’s lives and Britain’s first motorway was opened in the North West.

Why not test your knowledge of the decade and compare your score with friends? It’s just the tonic for the continuing lockdown. But be warned – getting 10 out 10 won’t be easy!

Many of the questions in our quizzes are based on Clive Hardy’s Around Manchester books from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. They’re packed with memories and unmissable pictures from the M.E.N. archive.

The books are on sale now for £14.99 including postage and packing. Just go to inostalgia.co.uk or ring 01928 503777 to place your order.

 

Bill Haley and the Comets performed at the Odeon, Manchester, in February 1957. In what year did their signature hit Rock Around the Clock go to Number One in the UK?

Bill Haley relaxing backstage at the Odeon, Manchester, February 1957
Correct! Wrong!

Which North West town’s bypass became Britain’s first motorway in 1958?

Correct! Wrong!

Singer Tommy Steele, pictured with Sophia Loren, played Manchester in 1956. In January 1957, Steele’s version of Singing the Blues knocked another artist’s recording of the same song off the top spot in the charts. Who was that artist?

Popular singer Tommy Steele and Sophia Loren, November 1957
Correct! Wrong!

In which year did gifted footballer Duncan Edwards, one of the famous Busby Babes, play his first senior game for Manchester United?

Correct! Wrong!

Parbold actress Dora Bryan married which cricketer at St Thomas’s Church, Werneth, Oldham, in February 1954?

Correct! Wrong!

In which year did the prototype Avro Vulcan bomber, built at Chadderton, make its first flight?

Built at Chadderton, the Avro Vulcan bomber prototype, September 1958
Correct! Wrong!

Manchester City goalkeeper Bert Trautmann, famous for playing with a broken bone in his neck in the 1956 FA Cup final, made how many league appearances for the Blues?

Manchester City goalkeeper Bert Trautmann in action, August 1951
Correct! Wrong!

Paulden’s Department Store on Stretford Road, Manchester, was engulfed by fire on September 8th 1957 in the biggest city blaze since the Blitz. In what decade did founder William Paulden first start trading?

Fire rips through Paulden’s store on Stretford Road, September 1957
Correct! Wrong!

Who was the director of the classic film Hobson’s Choice, shot extensively on location in Salford in 1953? It starred John Mills and Charles Laughton.

Correct! Wrong!

In what year did Bolton Wanderers’ centre forward Nat Lofthouse famously bundle Manchester United goalkeeper Harry Gregg into the net to win the FA Cup Final 2-0?

Correct! Wrong!