No Place Like Home: Rosemary Dey loves coming home to Warrington despite leaving the town 54 years ago

Today we launch our new feature, No Place Like Home, giving readers the chance to tell us what they love about Warrington.

Whether you were born here, planted roots later in life or returned to the town after living elsewhere, we’d like you to share what makes our corner of the world so special.

To take part in future features, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk for more details.

First up, we’re featuring Rosemary Dey who is 75 and was born in Dallam.

Despite having spent the past 54 years living in the United States, Rosemary still considers Warrington to be her home.

Tell us a bit about your childhood

I was born in Dallam in 1947 and grew up in a large family with six siblings.

I attended St Alban’s Catholic Primary School and then Oakwood Avenue Secondary Technical School for Girls after taking my 11 Plus exam. I left school at 16 and worked in Warrington Co-Op offices, Rylands Brothers and finally The Mersey and Weaver River Authority.

Why did you leave Warrington?

I met my husband in The Lion pub on Bridge Street, in March 1967 and I left to live in New Jersey in April, 1968. I was 20 years old.

I have been lucky enough to come home every year, sometimes two or three times in a year, to visit my family and friends. Even though I have always been happy in the US, Warrington was and always will be home to me. There is no feeling in the world like the plane touching down at Manchester Airport and knowing I am home.

When Rosemary travelled back to Warrington in 1969, her visit made it into the Warrington Guardian

If someone was visiting Warrington for the first time, what should they do? Where should they go?

I’d definitely say that the town centre and Golden Square are worth a visit. I also love the new Warrington Market, Queen's Gardens and the Town Hall. It’s always worth checking what's on at the Parr Hall and Pyramid – I’ve seen some fantastic shows and concerts there over the years.

Which is your favourite pub?

I would have to say The Lion was always my favourite pub since I met my husband there!

The Lion on Bridge Street was the place to be on a Saturday night and is where Rose met her future husband Russell (Picture Historic England)

Where would you go for a family meal or special occasion?

There are so many good places to eat in the centre of Warrington. I love Grill on the Square and The Botanist as well as San Lorenzo and Ask. You're spoilt for choice in Warrington.

Are you a Warrington Wolves or Warrington Town fan?

When I lived in Warrington, I would follow Warrington Wolves and I still read the Warrington Guardian online to see how they are doing. It’s always great when they’re winning.

What’s your favourite building in Warrington?

Warrington Town Hall and its beautiful golden gates would be my favourite. It’s such an impressive building especially with the historic gates at the front.

The Town Hall is one of Rosemary's favourite buildings in Warrington (Picture Sean Anson Nolan)

Where do you like to go for a walk?

Anywhere along the canal is beautiful - you can walk for miles. Walton Gardens is also lovely on a sunny day, especially if you have small children.

What’s the best thing about Warrington?

The best thing about Warrington is everyone who lives there. There is no feeling like being home and hearing everyone say ‘hello love’. No matter how much it changes on the outside, it is still that friendly, down to earth place that welcomes you every time you return. I always stay at The Premier Inn on Floyd Drive and they treat me like long lost family every time.

Rosemary Dey always enjoys a trip to Golden Square when she's back in Warrington

If you could change anything about Warrington what would it be?

Definitely the traffic. It drives everyone mad! Some new shops in the town centre would be great especially as so many have closed over the last few years.

What is your best memory of living in Warrington?

Warrington was a wonderful place to grow up in. Living in Dallam, we could catch the bus and go 'up town' or walk down the street and be beside the canal. We’d make tents on the cow fields, run through bluebell woods and climb trees. There were long summer days where we could swim in the 'cut' or go scrumping apples and pears in Winwick. I remember going ‘bonnying’ for Bonfire Night and we had a competition to see who could build the biggest pile. We had no fears in those days - life was so simple.

Warrington was the best place to be on Friday and Saturday nights. The dances every Saturday were super and some of my fondest memories involve getting dressed up with my friends. You could have a good night out with half a crown!