'If they took the time they'd realise, like everybody else - Fleetwood is the best place on the Fylde Coast'
When you live in a town, certain images and feelings are bound to surface the moment its name is mentioned.
We asked people what first comes to mind when they hear the word “Fleetwood” — and the result was a rich mix of memories, reflections, and pride.
Paul Emsley was succinct in his response: “Peace and quiet. I live in Manchester and holiday in Fleetwood and I really notice the difference when I come to Fleetwood.” He is right, it’s a peacful place to be.
Unsurprisingly, many mentioned Fisherman’s Friend — our most famous and much-loved export, and a name that has travelled far beyond the town itself.
Tim Priest Senior said: “I live between Fleetwood and Leeds, I much prefer Fleetwood. Cleaner streets and the loveliest people you could meet. A real community feeling.” That is also profoundly true. We are a good bunch.
Everyone has probably experienced this at one time or another... “Sadly, when I tell people I come from Fleetwood,” said Steven Mair, they ask, "Where is it?" “But if I mention Fisherman's Friend, then they have a slight idea where it is. If they took the time, they'd realise, like everybody else did, it's the best place on the Fylde coast.”
For some, the memories are deeply personal. Lorrain Guy recalled “taking the kids crabbing at the boating lake when they were little,” while Mavis Ward reflected on earlier times: “Salt-of-the-earth people, especially back in the 1950s — the days of the fishing industry, even though there were tragedies at sea.”
Margaret Vivash said: “The Maritime Museum, beautiful architecture of the houses and promenade pavement. I don’t live there but visit it every time I come to stay at my son and daughter in laws in Carleton.”
And for Kevin Dunn, the word Fleetwood is closer to home - “My dad the local bobby back in the day respected by everyone.” Many remember him fondly.
Landmarks such as the docks, North Euston Hotel, Ferry Cafe, Pharos Lighthouse - as well as the demise of the fishing industry and the current stench that’s plaguing our town were on the list.
And for Barbara Humphries, Fleetwood will always mean “happy childhood family holidays in the 50s and 60s at the Fairhaven Hotel, before it became a nursing home.”
Together, these voices paint a picture of a town shaped by its history, its people and memories.
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