ISSUE No. 33 SPRING 2003

The Newsletter of Wigan Heritage Service 1 FREE From the Editor WELCOME to the latest edition of Past Forward, which has a wealth of articles from Ephemera from contributors new and not so new, including a number of letters written in response to Derek Cross’s enquiry about Winstanley Hall a couple of issues ago. I am sure that Derek never imagined that this would lead to such an the Archives enthusiastic response Time does not stand still, and there is sad A grand job by news as well as happy. Sadly, Tom Bennett, a Laura! very good friend of the History Shop, died at Christmas. We will miss him. Over the last year But on a happier note, we welcome two Archives volunteer Laura new members of staff. Claire Hawkins is our Binion from Tyldesley has new Community Outreach & Education Officer, been reboxing and and she has settled in well into her new duties, checking the contents of particularly in promoting the Parish Map within the rather large Peace the local community. Amanda Bradshaw has and Ellis (Wigan) just begun as a part-time Heritage Assistant; solicitors deposit. We are she will work three days a week, two in very grateful to Laura for Archives and one in the History Shop. Her the work she has done, presence in Leigh will enable the Archives especially now that she searchroom to be open three days a week. has finally completed More good news. Past Forward on tape this mammoth task. has proved very successful; cassettes were Peace and Ellis of Laura Binion with the re-boxed Peace & Ellis archive. distributed free as part of Wigan Library’s King Street, Wigan were Housebound Service, and feedback will be an important long collection, retaping New Age very positive. A number of cassettes were also established company of bundles within boxes as sold to other readers. My thanks to my friends solicitors, up to their she progressed. Technology in Making Waves in Leigh for all their help here closure in 1963. Their Importantly, she also A public access - it’s been a good bit of teamwork! material covers the kept a keen eye out for computer and printer is I had the privilege of being closely involved period 1364-1958, evidence of deterioration now in place at Archives, in the Mapping the Millennium celebrations in encompassing numerous of documents, usually by allowing internet access 2000, and so am particularly pleased that, estates in Ashton the visible presence of and the use of various thanks to the hard work of Yvonne, Claire, Billinge, Hindley, mould spores. By doing database CD ROMs. For Tony, Terry and many others, it has finally been Lowton, Manchester, this, she has identified those of you new to possible to display the entire Parish Map for 20 boxes which will need Newton, Pemberton, computors they are small the first time under one roof. The Wigan on the conservation attention. Standish, Westleigh, plastic boxes full of wires Map exhibition will open very soon after the Wigan and Wrightington. publication of this issue of Past Forward - see and electrical circuits There are records of Help is at which destroy your hours p20 for further details. I would strongly urge all the Holt Leigh, Kenyon those readers who can get to Wigan to visit of research when they of Swinley, Lathom, hand this unique and exciting exhibition - each map decide to. They also emit Markland, Rylands, Scott, is well worth seeing on its own, and the effect Just started as Heritage low level radiation which of all 28 together will be stunning. Diggle, Clayton, Baldwin, Assistant is Amanda some say gradually raises Also within the currency of this issue, we Lindsays, Earls of Bradshaw. Initially her men’s voices! will be celebrating 75 years of Wigan Athletic, Crawford, Kingsdown and post will be for two Seriously though, and hopefully, after many recent near misses, Wood concerns. The years, with Amanda they are an extremely holdings also include promotion at long last to Division 1 - as I write, working Wednesdays and powerful tool for colliery companies Latics are 12 points clear at the top, so every Thursdays at Archives research of all kinds, records from Richard reason for optimism. See p21 to find out how and one other day at the especially the amazing Evans of Haydock, Ackers you can help us with the exhibition. History Shop. By doing search facility called, of Whitley of Abram and so we will be able to I am delighted with the progress made by all things, Google. By Bickershaw, Wigan Coal open the Archives Service the Friends of the Heritage Service. As you typing in a word in will see from p21, tangible results are now and Iron Co, and the additionally on Google you are searching emerging from all the hard work put in by Philip Sankey Brook Coal Co. Wednesdays as well as and by some very dedicated volunteers. If you The Peace and Ellis the current Tuesdays and over three million web feel you could make a contribution, do not deposit numbers 453 Thursdays. sites worldwide and it gives you the results hesitate to have a chat with Philip. boxes in total, over 300 Amanda lives at Do keep sending me contributions for Past of which are the original Lowton and has a keen instantly. Forward - without them, the magazine would ones in which the knowledge of and Heritage Assistant not be the success it has become. collection arrived, in interest in music. Stephanie Tsang will now some cases going back to Interestingly, she spent be able to use this during COPY DEADLINE 1942. As such they are two years in the USA in quiet periods to carry on Please note that the copy deadline for of a non-archival nature, 1995 - 97, working as an her work of putting the issue no 34 of Past Forward is ie not made of acid free au pair. She is looking collections onto 6 June. materials. forward to working with databases, rather than Laura set to, the public and the battling for access to the All comments and correspondence should be carefully re-boxing the collections. office computer! addressed to: Editor, ‘Past Forward’, Wigan Heritage Service, Market Suite, The Galleries, Cover: A happy group of Wiganers, including some from Ince, Wigan WN1 1PX enjoying a holiday at Lands End in 1948. (See letter from Neil Cain on Email: [email protected] page 36). 2 I was very saddened The thought of to hear of the death taking up a wartime over Christmas of flight engineer in my Tom Bennett, a regu- MR. TOM BENNETT plane, as a gesture in lar at the History We all started New Year on a information with his long lost return for what he Shop. Initially, back very sad note with the news Australian cousin every step risked during the war, entered my in summer 2001 that Mr Tom Bennett, a of the way. This culminated a mind and he agreed when I first came regular researcher at the few years ago with him enthusiastically. across him while History Shop for many years, travelling out to stay with her After introducing working at the had died, aged 78, over the - as he put it, “the trip of a him to the flying History Shop, I lifetime”. Christmas period. instructors and engi- thought, “who’s this He also enjoyed local This did not so much come as neers and taking him nosy old man who a surprise, as his health had history, and his researches keeps butting in up in the control clearly been failing over the into the Santus story, old tower, we took the when I’m trying to preceding weeks, but newspaper advertisements, help people?” plane up, heading nevertheless we all felt a family connections and the towards his flat in I was soon to great loss. Tom Bennett was family tree also meant a lot to realise how knowl- central Wigan. A cir- someone whom we had seen him. He had spent all of his cle or two around edgeable and helpful three or four times a week at working life making the he was, especially to there, then off to the History Shop, and he had famous ‘Uncle Joe’s’, and Ashurst Beacon, those new to family become part of our lives. received fitting testament to history or with limit- Burscough, Southport His genealogy research, I his efforts by being featured and Euxton muni- ed time available for know, brought him great in their last publication, ‘A their research. His tions site (being pleasure and, as I only found Sweet Story’. demolished at the connections with out recently, had been We will all miss Tom, but time). ‘Uncle Joe’s Mint inspired by an appeal in the are glad to say we knew him. Once we had Balls’ also fascinated local press. An Australian ex- A strong contingent of reached 3000 feet I me - a right typical pat had asked for relatives staff, Friends of Wigan handed over the con- Wiganer I thought! still living to contact her Heritage Service and fellow trols to Tom. This A few months down under and Tom Bennett researchers from the History pleased him no end, later, by chance I responded. At her request he Shop attended the funeral and soon he was heard of his wartime sought out the History Shop and service at Wigan smoothly and safely service as a flight and undertook research into Crematorium on 9 January executing turns and engineer in their family, sharing his 2003. climbs. We then Lancaster bombers headed off to Darwen and other aircraft. and Blackburn, over When I mentioned sure, oil temperature Bolton and Leigh, that I fly an aircraft and pressure, vacuum then back to Barton. myself we soon got suction for the gyro- I was relieved to on very well. I would scopes, hydraulic round off the trip meet him in the pressure and many with a nice smooth nearby café for a other fine adjust- landing! Tom later drink and a chat ments. told History Shop before the History I have always had staff that he consid- Shop opened. Those enormous respect for ered me a good pilot, chats were of all the wartime sacrifice which pleased me no manner of details of of Tom’s generation end! flying, navigation in World War II. In I had a thousand and technical aspects the 2,074 days and and one questions and also the various nights between 3 waiting for Tom, but sorties he went on. September 1939 and sadly not to be. He Tom told me that 7-8 August 1945, a had kept his wartime as flight engineer he total of 387,416 sor- flying log book and would stand along- ties were flown by other items such as side the pilot on take Bomber Command medals, and told me off, operating the and over 955,000 that he was keen that four throttle levers tons of bombs were we should have them while the pilot pulled dropped; 8953 air- in the Archives and back on the elevator craft were lost and Museum collections. stick and operated Sadly, these have not 55,573 aircrew made Flight Engineer Tom Bennett, during World War II. the rudder pedals. the ultimate sacri- come to us after his During the flight his fice. death. I hope, howev- job was to constantly To put yourself in determined as ever, searchlights found er, they have sur- monitor and make the frame of mind is truly inspiring. them, followed vived to keep the adjustments to the where you know the Tom mentioned that immediately by anti memory of this char- condition of the four chances of returning he had been on 15 aircraft attack. Tom acter alive. 2000 hp Rolls Royce from each sortie were bombing sorties, and was indeed lucky to Alan Davies Merlin engines. This very slim, yet you on a number of occa- have survived so Heritage Officer included fuel pres- still head off as sions the German many missions. (Archives) 3

THE SEXTON’S DAY REGISTERS FOR WIGAN ALL SAINTS PARISH CHURCH (DP 24 / 6 / A 1-12) During Ken Taylor’s work on the by Ken Taylor Space for further burials was Wigan All Saints registers for the becoming limited with bodies Lancashire Parish Register being tucked under structural Society (see Past Forward 30, p3), he became features of the church, window bays for diverted on discovery of the 18th and early example. I personally have a slightly 19th century Sexton’s notes. The Sexton in Barchester Towers vision of the Sexton those days was the general dogsbody, having himself in typical early 19th century attire, care of the fabric of the church and its grave digging in the morning then a spot of contents, plus bell ringing and grave bell ringing. Later clay pipe in hand in the digging. nearby inn at lunch, recalling his valiant That he took the trouble to make a note of attempts to squeeze another body into grave his work, especially the burials and grave number 110. Another spot of bell ringing after digging, is understandable, as we get a vision lunch, then another grave to dig, more bell of Wigan All Saints rather like Stanley ringing in the evening, then round off the Spencer’s resurrection paintings of Cookham night with a few jugs of Aspull Ale, recalling churchyard, with bodies packed into the day’s events. Where are these characters overflowing graves going walkabout in today? search of better accommodation! A.D.

These are not people are berried.” As permission of the Accounts, we are transcriptions. They are important, however, person owning the occasionally given lists of people in the was for him to record breadth. information about the registers kept by the the state of the breadth Although the Sextons. The one most Sexton of All Saints, and the space left in it registers cover the responsible for the Wigan, “to find where and to record the period 1765-1824, most registers was probably entries cover only the James Latham who 30 years from 1765. seems to have been Some years (1769-1773, helped and succeeded 1791 and 1792) are not by either his brother or PARISH VIDEO even mentioned. his son. He was trusted There are over 3000 to settle large accounts; STANDISH entries, but as there we hear of the cost of were some 300 to 400 his new clothes and presents burials a year, it is spades, the lace round obvious that not all his hat, repairs to his The History of Coalmining burials were recorded shoes and on one in the Borough of Wigan by the Sexton. Some occasion his salary of £2 registers duplicate 10s. Titles include records in another He also received register. There are 12 extra payments for Nothing Too Serious? registers, although such work as emptying there may have been the bone house. He also (The last working year and closure others which have not may have been the of Bickershaw Colliery) survived; some are in owner of property better condition and adjacent to the Blue Scars, Black Diamonds fuller than others. Many Churchyard, for it was have had pages land belonging to a (A History of Mines and Miners repaired. Volume 7 is a James Latham that the in the Wigan area) duplicate of volume 5 Church acquired when (in two parts) and is not included. it needed extra space Only some registers for graves. Despite his Also available indicate the part of the rather unorthodox church covered. spellings he was The Standish Chronicles literate. At a time when Part 1, Part 2 James Latham - 80% of those signing the (A General History of Standish) marriage register were Sexton unable to sign their names this was a In a different section For more details: 01257 422108 considerable of the church archive, the Churchwarden’s Ô 4

achievement and one, parents. A miscellaneous where people is berried going from Wigan Market perhaps, not list has been made under flags.” The registers riding a race which turned immediately expected which lists those tend to cover different to a fever in the brain.” from an 18th century mentioned as already parts of the church and We also are given Sexton. occupying the graves. churchyard: eg. the West details of neighbouring Names are not listed of End, the Middle Aisle, the property: “Ann Darbisher those giving their Curges flats, and so on. lies close to Parson Lever’s Using the permission or whose Typically an entry garden wall with feet to Registers property is mentioned names the person buried, the gutter that goes as a ‘marker’ for the the father and the state of through the wall. Betty There are problems location of the grave. the grave or ‘breadth’ Jones lies in the fourth in using this archive. All the information which is the Sexton’s breadth to the hearse The Sextons all wrote has been placed on a terminology for a grave: house and next to very clearly but the computer spreadsheet. December 7, 1787 “Martha Fairclough’s old jobbers.” spelling is frequently It is hoped that this will wife of James Heyes. We We hear of the ‘unconventional’ and be made available to had a great deal of trouble particular wishes of can make identification those wishing to do with this grave. We took up relatives -Charlotte difficult. The initial ‘H’ further research and a big corpse to put it in Wigan, Marketplace: is often missing, so that therefore to access the beside other children. She “There was but one coffin Hodgkinson can appear information in different lies seven feet to the top of in the breadth and we took as Odgkinson ; ways. her coffin. Will hold four or it up and put it in again by conversely, often ‘H’ is Although five more with taking these desire of Mrs Wigan. She added so that Alker occasionally details are coffins up again.” lies 9 feet deep. Mr Banks appears as Halker. The provided of the December 1813: paid me for clearing this West End of the church deceased that are not “Alexander Wilding, grave. Mrs Wigan ordered is the West Hend. given elsewhere, this is Standish, lies atop of his him to give me 2 shillings People are frequently unusual, and for most sister, Jane Blinkhorn.” extra which he did.” Alice placed with their “eads family historians the 1774: “Elizabeth Bibby: “I was paid two next to the church details are likely to add Bullock was a little days work for taking down Porch.” only a little colour woman but had a large the tomb and setting it up More worrying is rather than provide coffin.” again.” that names are often valuable additional As well as the actual left out. My impression information. Even so, entries of the burials, we These registers were is that the Sexton was family researchers with also hear of the problems produced by an given the name of the ancestors buried during of moving bones, replacing interesting man with person being buried by this period may well coffins, of difficult ground, an intriguing job. He a relative and only later find a look at this collapsing graves, disputes has given us details not was it recalled for entry archive to be over ownership of the only of those he was in his register. Even interesting and possibly breadths. We are given burying but also of more of a problem is rewarding. details of the occupants of bodies he was having that many names are K.T. the graves as well as their to move, of people different from those in nicknames or pet names. living close to the the parish register. Pet Of one he buried the church. There may also names, such as Molly Sexton commented: “It be the opportunity to and Sally, tend to be Some was though hard drinking work out the positions rather more common in Extracts from threw him into a fever.” Of of the graves inside the Sexton’s entry, John Lowe, liquor and outside the though this is not the Registers merchant, he wrote: “He church. I am sure that invariably so and lies atop of his father. He this archive has scope sometimes the Sexton 28 November 1779: John died of a fever aged 29. His for a very rewarding can be more formal Golding: This “lad met first complaint proceeded piece of further than the Parish Clerk. with a great accident by a from a fall from a horse research. In my lists I have small piece of iron which checked the entries was flung at him by against those in the James Atherton and "… acquire your own piece of history …" parish register and I which was his end. The have tended to use the iron went through his Heritage Estates UK name in the official thigh and mortified. There parish register, but was a jury went through making a note of the this which brought in The perfect gift for any occasion name used by the accidental but was a great for anyone with an interest Sexton. I have tended to while before they could retain the pet names. agree so that it was after in Wigan As well as the lists of 10-00 before he was each register an buried. He was a Roman.” www.heritage-estatesuk.com alphabetical list of all This is a typical entry the entries has been in the Day Registers of the Tel: 00 44 1942 770202 made. There is also a Sexton of All Saints, Fax: 00 44 1942 770205 simplified list which Wigan. E-mail: [email protected] records only the names Essentially their Contact: Richard Weston of those actually buried purpose was, as the Heritage Estates UK, Caroline Street, Wigan, Lancashire, England, WN3 4EL and not their spouses or Sexton puts it: “To find 5

Letters from the Front Local men in the Boer War 1899-1902 (Episode two) ‘Black week’ wounded all over the field and by they had been out in the burning THE first disaster was at Fred Holcroft sun of the day and the cold of the Stormberg on 10 December 1899 night. If some of our fellows had evade capture and turned up when General Gatacre, instead of been seen to at once they would unhurt next day. In all he spent 21 have been saved.” remaining where he was, years in the regular army then attempted to surprise the Boers by worked in the Orrell collieries and a night march and a dawn attack. Another Wiganer in played for Pemberton R.F.C. When Derbyshire’s regiment – 12th Misled by his guides Gatacre was the First World War broke out he defeated with the loss of over 700 Lancers – Private Abraham enlisted in the 5th Manchesters Woodbine, another reservist from men killed, wounded and and was killed at Gallipoli, aged prisoners. the Wigan Borough Police, was 45. unhurt when two shells exploded Gunner Thomas Edge of 77th On 11 December 1899, not on either side of him. Private Battery, Field Artillery wrote to his knowing of Gatacre’s defeat the Lawrence Grundy was again sister Mrs. Rigby of George Street, previous day, Lord Methuen made wounded, this time losing the use Hindley: a dawn attack at Magersfontein of his arm for a few weeks. “We had a night march and and was decisively repulsed with Four days later, on 15 December came into action at day break. the loss of over 900 men. Once 1899, Buller, stung into action by The guides led us into ambush, more the British soldiers suffered these defeats, also attacked a well- the general trusted the wrong out in the open. prepared Boer position and was sort. General Gatacre shot one of Corporal Thomas Derbyshire defeated with the loss of over 1100 the guides straight off, the other wrote to his grandfather at men and 10 pieces of field artillery. got away or he would have been Amberswood Common: Two Wiganers wrote home shot. It’s a wonder the battery “When we tried to shift them describing their experiences. was not captured as we were they simply cut our fellows down Private W. Banks of the Border under heavy fire all the time.” like grass. They fell in Regiment to his parents at 68 hundreds. It was something Clayton Street, Wigan: The Royal Irish Rifles lost terrible to see. We kept finding “We advanced on the open plain heaviest as they advanced furthest our fellows for two days after the and the enemy opened fire on us before the trap was sprung. Private fight. There were killed and with a big gun called Long Tom Thomas Banks wrote to his which killed about 30 of the widowed mother, brother and Dublin Fusiliers. We then sisters in Wigan: opened up in extended order and “We marched all night advanced on the Tugela River. intending to drive the enemy By the time we got there our off the hill before daylight but losses were heavy. Our regiment we were deceived by those lost 53 killed and wounded, our trusted to guide us to the division losses were 1200. The enemy. They led us four miles bullets came down like rain but out of our way so that we did we still kept going on to that not reach before daybreak river. We got there at last but when the Boers were on alert. found we could not get across. We were taken within 200 We had to retire and while doing yards from the hill before we so they kept firing shells at us. It knew anything. Their shots made me think of home when I began to fly all around us and saw men in their prime we were ordered to retire. We dropping down dead and THE BOER WAR: ‘Black Week’, December 1899 lost 11 officers, about 28 men wounded. If I get home I shall killed and wounded and 300 count myself a lucky man.” taken prisoners including our colonel.” Corporal Thomas Griffin, who omitted to give his Private William Moss of the regiment, wrote to his mother in Royal Irish Rifles was posted missing but he managed to Ô 6

Spring Street, Wigan: defeated with the loss of over 1800 many men sick in my life. The “We were in the battle of men. food is something grand, there Colenso. I shall never forget Private Walsh of the is something extra every meal. that day, such a sight I never Lancashire Fusiliers was in the As soon as the weather permits want to see again – men and thick of things: we will have musketry and horses falling like rotten sheep. “We left camp just as it got dark. physical drill. They are a funny I watched the Irish Brigade The march was slow going. The lot on board, Welshmen who advance. I have often heard of ascent proved hard climbing as can hardly speak English and the Connaught Rangers so I the hill was covered with great Scotchmen the same.” watched them closely. They boulders of stone. We carried began the battle by lighting our rifles with bayonets fixed Corporal Knowles of the their clay pipes. Every man was and everyone keeping strictest Lancashire Yeomanry from smoking as they advanced and silence as so much depended on Poolstock had a smoother voyage: met a hail of rifle shots and this. At last we gained the top at “The sea has only been choppy cannon shells. Poor fellows. about three or four in the about twice, otherwise it is like After three hours they had to morning. A sharp challenge sailing on a canal boat from come back – what was left of came from a Boer sentry and he Eckersley’s Arms to them.” fired his rifle. This was his last Bamfurlong. It is a splendid and he was quickly bayoneted. sight at night time to see the One of the Connaught Rangers Immediately everyone jumped phosphorous fish shining like who miraculously escaped death up and charged. The Boers ran stars in the water and in the was Private Patrick Quinn, aged leaving horses, clothing, and day time watch the porpoises 34, of 232 Glebe Street, Leigh. other things behind them. At jumping about two feet out of Another Border Regiment daybreak the mist cleared and the water.” soldier, Private Thomas Ashton, the Boers returned in numbers wrote to his brother at 18 and began to creep up the One of McCabe’s men, Private Farrimond’s Yard, Schofield Lane, hillside and deliver a very hot K. Ball from Standish, described a Wigan: crossfire. The general in variety of incidents: the ‘Crossing “It lasted 11 hours and we were command was shot. Our colonel the Line’ ceremony at the in the line all the time. Our took over and was wounded. We regiment lost 41 wounded and 8 were now losing officers and Equator, a burial at sea after one killed. Bullets were flying all men heavily. Our losses were of the men died, boxing matches, around us in hundreds and it severe, a great deal being concerts, and entertainment. For was horrible to see fellows lying caused by the Boer guns which Trooper Arthur Ashton, of 15 wounded and dead, the had got the range and were Cottam Street, St. Helens, in the wounded crying out for water raking the trenches. The Boers Imperial Yeomanry there was and you could not help them. If were now so close that bayonets more work to do, looking after the we had moved our heads up too had to be fixed to keep them horses: high we would have been shot. I back. At last reinforcements “There is a pleasing absence of shall never forget it as long as I began to arrive and late in the sickness among the men. I live. Eleven hours without food afternoon orders were given to cannot say the same about the or drink. The first thing after retire. That night when we poor horses: we have been on was a drop of hot coffee and formed up we looked like a board 19 days and lost 31 rum.” small detachment.” horses. The poor things bear up heroically under the great When the news of these After four months of fighting hardship. They look so disasters reached Britain the and thousands of casualties, the pleading with their tired- government decided to replace British were no nearer to relieving looking brown eyes and we can Buller with Field Marshall Lord the besieged towns. do but little for them. They Roberts, fondly known as “Bobs” to have learned to know when the his men, with Field Marshall Lord bugle sounds ‘feedup’, and they Kitchener as his second-in- Impressions of war make a terrible noise neighing command. Before Roberts arrived and kicking the stalls. We have Buller had another try relieving For most local soldiers the about 25 horses on deck for Ladysmith by attacking Spion Boer War made a lasting impact fresh air and it has done them Kop*, the highest hill in the on their lives. For many it was good. mountain range blocking his path, their only foreign travel and the One of them died this morning but on 24 January 1900 he was sea journey was especially and we threw it overboard memorable: straight away. I was nursing it *Dealt with more fully in Wigan Colour Sergeant McCabe of the all Friday, it had inflammation Heritage Service’s publication: The Wigan Volunteers reflected: of the lungs. I had to steam it Devil’s Hill – Local Men at the Battle “We have had a very rough time of Spion Kop. of it, up to now I never saw so Continued on page 8 7

Boers as experts. Private Boone in any thing like that invariably reckoned that: says it was done on purpose.” Letters from “They [the Boers] are shots and no mistake.” Similarly, Private Tom Allen of the Front the Shropshire Light Infantry Others, to mark their disgust wrote to his parents in Leigh: Local men in the Boer of the Boers, wrote that they were “You wanted to know how the War 1899-1902 bad shots. Private Cassidy, Boers treat the wounded. They Lancashire Fusiliers, of Shaw’s treat them very well. They are a ––––– Yard, Scholes, claimed: brave people but they fire on the Continued from page 7 “As for their shooting, well they Red Cross and stretcher are not as good as people bearers. These may be suppose them to be or their mistakes, of course, but you by making it inhale steam from bullets would have hit a few have the truth.” hot bran. It was hot work under more of us. Of course there are a vertical sun. Throwing horses some good shots among them Irish Volunteers overboard has caused several but they are all old hands. The sharks to accompany us. The rest couldn’t hit St. Patrick’s The Boer armies contained officers shoot at them.” chapel at forty paces.” about 3000 foreign volunteers including Irish nationalists only Once in action the soldiers Boer tactics aroused further too keen to fight the British. soon conveyed their feelings when controversy. Not signatories of the Private A. Jenkinson of first under fire. Private Boone, Geneva Convention, the Boers Earlestown, serving in the Rifle 12th Lancers, 78 Firs Lane, Leigh had never shown many scruples Brigade, wrote to his friend recalled: against the natives, and their lack Thomas Bugle of 11 Haydock “It is fine excitement to hear the of military niceties angered their Street: bullets whistle over your head, opponents who accused them, “We have just nabbed 25 knowing that perhaps the next often justifiably and sometimes prisoners and a nice lot they one is for you. It makes you not, of firing on the Red Cross, are. Most of them are our own jump about lively and no firing on the white flag and using countrymen – well, Irishmen. mistake. But so long as you illegal dum dum bullets. You may be surprised at this don’t get hit it’s all right.” Private Mulrooney’s ire was but it is the truth….they will roused: get ‘Home Rule’ shortly when It was not. Private Boone was “The Boers are about the worst we relieve Ladysmith.” hit in the finger and hospitalised. people I ever met with. When Corporal W. Wood of the Royal our stretcher bearers went out to Private E. Madden of the Lancaster Regiment wrote home fetch in the wounded they fired South Lancashire Regiment wrote with mixed feelings: on them, and they fired on the to his mother in Scholes, where “I daresay you would like to ambulances carrying the there was a large population of know what my feelings were on wounded. When we were beating Irish extraction, asking her to first coming under fire. I can’t them they showed a white flag pass a message to a friend: say much about it. I only in token of surrender and when “Tell Paddy a pint or two would remember a bullet hit a man on our troops went towards them to go down high here….and tell my right and I though the chap take them prisoner they fired on Paddy if I see any of his chums that did it was a sneaking brute us unaware. They are the most with the Boers I shall surely and I ran for the top of the hill treacherous people in the put a hole in them.” and commenced to shoot at world.” everything that moved.” Less humorously Corporal P. The ordinary British soldier Quinn, himself of Irish descent, Gunner Edge remembered: was extraordinarily fair-minded. wrote to his wife at 23 Miry Lane, “…..the bullets and shell Signaller J. Woods, 14th Lancers, Wigan: dropping all around us. It’s a wrote to his brother in Wigan: “…..After the war change your funny sensation to hear the “…..Another two minutes then nationality, I am. I have had humming about your ears. It’s another shell. This one dropped the pleasure of shooting my not a pleasing sensation at first dead into the field hospital. You own countrymen. Irishmen. but you get used to it. I felt a bit ought to have heard the Traitors I must call them.” sick at first but it soon passed ejaculations of scorn, disgust away.” and anger from our chaps on In the next issue, Fred looks seeing this. Of course it was at the mens’ living conditions Surprisingly, they disagreed fired at long range and the and the besieged towns of over the quality of Boer Boers may not have seen the Red Kimberley, Ladysmith and marksmanship. Most saw the Cross flag, but Tommy of course Mafeking. 8

ONE MAN’S MEMORIES OF WIGAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL IN THE 1930’s

Wigan Grammar School Form 5C, Spring Term, 1935. The form master (extreme right) was W. Williams. Names in quotation marks may not be entirely accurate.

The Pupils Back row, left to right: “Geoffrey” Hampson, Brock Mill Lane; ? Shannon, from the Scholes-Darlington St. area; Sidney Taylor, Barnsley Street area; ? Rothwell; ? Saunders, “Chapel Lane”; Les Gee, “Mesnes Road area”; Jack Fairhurst, Westwood Hotel, Poolstock; “Frank” Finch of Parbold; J.E. Rigby; L.A. Wood. Middle row, left to right: ? Seddon, “Whelley area”; ? Stridgeon, Darlington Street area; “Norman” Shallicker, Westhoughton; Sidney Willgoose, Barnsley/Hodges Street area; Arnold Morris, Darlington Street area; ? “Hurst”; Walter Greenlees, Hallgate; George Raymond Unwin, Mesnes Road area; Tom Warburton, town centre area; Edgar Barry, Whelley area; Roland Kenneth Harrison, Parbold. Front row, left to right: William Guy, Pemberton; Eric Neild, Clayton Street area; ? Winstanley, Orrell; William Smallshaw, Seven Stars Road; John Melling, Darlington Street area; ? Pughe; Leslie Hewitt, Queen’s Hotel, Wallgate; Roger Taylor, 18 Poolstock; “Stanley” Greenough, Scholes area; “John” Lynch, Scholes area; Roy Ellam, Gidlow lane.

MY recollections of a But I do admit to Liver Oil factory in Brock Fairhurst, whose situation of 67 years ago writing critically of the Mill Lane. At one period widowed mother kept the must be faulty, in some quality of teaching that we when Geoffrey was a small Westwood Hotel in instances, greatly so, and it received at the Grammar boy, my mother worked at Poolstock. He used to boast follows that in recollections School in those days. Jeffreys Miller. of being the only pupil ever where I am ‘judgmental’, I Hopefully, what I say will to have stayed in form four whose family could be unjust. But in no be accorded as little or as Saunders, for four years!! Killed in had a fruit business in the instance do I write of my much credit as it merits. 1942 in the Japanese war. Market and at the top of schoolfellows uncharitably (Second only to Gee in the Chapel Lane. with intent. The Some Fellow-pupils card’ league). recollections I adduce are Gee, (a ‘card’) whose Finch, and Fairhurst at consistently fond, indeed Hampson, whose father family I think were painfully so if lingered over. owned Jeffrey Miller Cod auctioneers. Continued on page 10 9

World War II, Leslie Hewitt was caught and paid the at 14 years of age. At the ONE MAN’S (q.v.) told me that Willgoose consequence. I can still see same time he was the victim MEMORIES OF was desperately ill and that the ghastly expression on his of his own character. WIGAN GRAMMAR “they were praying for him face as he was marched out Determined to make a career SCHOOL IN THE at the Parish Church of the examination room. at sea he took an 1930’s services”. Then news of his Later in my life, I reckoned apprenticeship in the ––––– death came through. that he came from a merchant navy at 15 and, Sidney’s father worked at distinctively Christian leaving school prematurely Continued from page 9 Walkers Foundry at family in Parbold which for this, incurred financial Springfield. His mother I would of course intensify penalties for his parents recall seeing once when I the shame. After the episode from the local Education one period were ‘buddies’. had called at the house for he dropped science for Committee. Within a year, For a particular house something or other. Looking Greek and Latin which was claiming that the terms of match, Finch (Bridgeman) back in mature life I knew providential or fortuitous his indentureship had not was standing as Umpire that my unkindness had because he became a been met, he quit his ship as while Fairhurst (Bankes) been unforgivable; in old clergyman. He was curate of it lay anchored off Brixham, was batting against a gangly age (now) I can scarcely St. Mark’s, Preston during smuggled himself ashore fast bowler. Prior to the bear to reflect upon the the war and took a Ph.D., under the tarpaulin covers of match, Finch had agreed to degree of the loss sustained from London University in a small motor boat and drop his handkerchief at by his dear parents. 1951. But by then he had returned to Wigan. Soon some point as a signal to Ned Greenlees was an moved to Canada, where after his unexpected return Fairhurst that he would no- affable, good-to-know sort eventually he became home, his father took his ball the next delivery so that of chap. His people kept the Professor of Old Testament own life. Leslie duly wired Fairhurst could clout it for newsagent’s shop in at Wycliffe College, Eric who was now in the six with impunity! Hallgate. Toronto, of which city’s Civil Service in London. cathedral he also became “Father hanged himself: Fairhurst socially was a Because of our initials, honorary canon: altogether come home at once”, Leslie protective figure towards me S-T-U, from my first day at some redemption! dictated to the girl behind but academically a deadly school in 3C, I sat between the counter. “I can’t send influence: his indifference to Ray Unwin and Smallshaw. Smallshaw, I am in this”, she protested. “Well achievement inevitably Unwin and two others in touch with still by Christmas he has done [i.e. hanged filtered through to me. Yet in that form were fee-paying card from him to me and by himself], hasn’t he?” was the light of the end he met, and had come up, as fee- birthday card from me to Leslie’s phlegmatic who can say anything of him payers did, through the him. We played rugger response. of a derogatory nature? Linacre forms. I think that together for Walker’s Old Unwin’s father was an Boys after we left school. In By now Leslie was Stridgeon, I read in the work, he was at Rigby’s, working cruelly long hours Daily Telegraph, years after auctioneer. I came from a very different background Solicitors, Library Street at the Standish Bleach school days, of the sterling and I was at Lancashire Works, but with the qualities of Stridgeon’s minus the sort of character training that Unwin had Associated Collieries, first outbreak of War in 1939, the father, a serving soldier who in Manchester than in King Civil Service opened its rose to the rank of Sergeant- received. But looking back at Unwin standing alongside Street West. He volunteered doors of entrance more major. The last time I saw for the army early in the War widely and Leslie followed Stridgeon junior we were in me in the 5C photograph, several tiny incidents and and was taken prisoner in Eric into that service. line together for the booking the North African campaign. Subsequently, I saw each office at the Court Cinema. phrases involving him and me come back and I realised Returning he moved from brother but once. Eric was World War II had begun and one post to another, always I decorated for his bravery on to the general dismay the how sweet a nature he had. I never once heard an think advantageously, motor torpedo boats in the Soviets had just invaded reaching executive level. He Adriatic. Leslie, of a Poland. But Stridgeon was uncharitable word from him, not even when I had starved was a good influence on me. different temper, called buoyant. “It will even things unexpectedly at the office, up a bit”, he suggested. A him on the wing through a Leslie Hewittt was the rugger match nor, in one just before I myself went chip off the old block? younger of two brothers away. He summoned me to crucial match, when I with whom I went through Shallicker and I sat dropped the ball several meet him in the downstairs together, by a window, in 5b, elementary school vestibule where I was times with him unmarked (Poolstock) and Grammar under form master Gilbert. outside me. apprised that he was taking a He (Shallicker) was a great School. Their father was shore job in the Navy. “Let fan of Bolton Wanderers. Warburton once landlord of the Queen’s the Germans come”, he confided that membership of Hotel in Wallgate. It was explained was his Willgoose evokes the All Saints’ choir entailed mother, though, I think from philosophy! Eric, now tenderest of recollections. practice from 6.00 to 7.30, whom they derived their happily married and living He got a sort of crush on me Monday to Thursday, and considerably academic in Catford, I saw in 1950. and I used to try to “freeze” 8.00 to 9.00 on Friday each ability. Eric, my age, was He told me that he earned him off. Of course, such week. already forging ahead of us. county caps at rugger from things were transient and But Leslie, 18 months both Lancashire and Kent. harmless and, with passing I think that it was in 1935 younger than his brother, Then, by now stationed at months, paths diverged and that Harrison (who came was also exceptional enough Hurn airport, he died interests waned. Then, some from Parbold), attempting to to obtain school certificate time before the outbreak of use a crib in a science exam, and attain to the sixth form Ô 10

tragically, barely 40. Mrs. applied and human – evoke while I was still an infant in was 75 years of age, I assume Hewitt perforce moved into a the warmest gratitude: Gore, arms, he had been compelled that such was pedadogic council house when her Skirrow, Williams, and to leave the country and rhetoric from Mr. S., or that husband die. At third son was Wallace, among others. mother perforce moved in assessment was not his Roy, possibly even more “Joe” Boswell (“the older with her parents. This meant strong point. talented than Eric or Leslie. you get, the more shall I treat that the background against What a mother! you as adult”) chalking on which I was supposed to S.W. Whitehouse the blackboard, not his make the most of my time at Academically, Lynch became head in succession to customary equations, but the the Grammar School was found the Grammar School a “Johnny” Moir in 1931. I latest cricket score from that grandfather and struggle, I think. I was struck am not sure that he either was Australia similarly evokes a grandmother both had left meeting him now and again ever on the wavelength of smile. school at eight and my on the early train to my sort. When in middle life That said, some, highly mother at 13. To them Manchester with the he became a clergyman, I qualified though they might Grammar School education incongruity of things: he was ventured to write to him and have been, just could not belonged to another world. a labourer at the Irlam Steel willy-nilly gained some teach. They did not How could they react to my Works, I had a clean collar support for some of the communicate. One or two, consistently poor reports and tie job. I did not possess impressions I have outlined alas, lacked both other than by shocked a particularly good outgoing above. One surprise with qualification and ability. But silences or sighs and tears? character in those days, but which Wigan presented again I find my impressions What I wonder in the somewhere within, I felt for Whitehouse was that of 70 different from those of my years of my maturity is his position. I wonder what Roman Catholics in the erstwhile fellow pupil. One whether an elected Education became of him. student body. In Worcester of my form-masters was Mr. Committee in a town such as such would have been Ellam’s parents (father Gilbert, whose particular Wigan then was could nothing like the incidence. was a miner) and sister made triumph according to Bert possibly possess the insights He claimed, however, and I great sacrifices for his was to get 28 distinctions out requisite to their position. have no reason to doubt this, education. That he should of 30 in the Matriculation Some councillors would that he tackled this well by become a doctor was his exam. Throughout the year in have been in a position giving the Catholic boys mother’s fixed idea and which I was under Gilbert’s similar to that of my people. their own daily assembly. determination. I imagine it tutelage I do not recall How could they understand What else I think he was a hard go for Roy but he receiving one word of what Grammar School recollected was that because did succeed and later became encouragement or education was about or what of the poverty there was a doctor in South Africa. congratulation; yet at the qualities were needed to across the town, enforcement year’s end, I stood second. teach in such places? They P.S. I should add of those of school uniform was out of (After the nadir of 5C and the valued education, of course of my fellows I have not the question. Personally I departure of Jack Fairhurst, I they did, but more as a Holy enlarged upon that the recall his being quite free began to shape). Grail than as a discipline omission is due no more than with the cane and retain a I’ve also long since with acquired skills. Yet, it to vagaries of memory. strong sense that once one concluded that which side of has to be said that Bert was in the study, there was the tracks a pupil came from Ollerton’s home also was on no possibility of a speech on The Staff made a difference. Boys our side of the tracks: his behalf of the defence. Guilt from more advantageous people were no more was assumed. A few years ago, through homes, through ingrained advantaged than were mine. S.W.W. himself had the good offices of Past instincts and acquired And how splendidly he took served in Liverpool diocese, Forward, I picked up the confidence, would be easier his chances! Clearly, a Bath and Wells and address of one of your and more attractive material balanced reading of my Chichester. As his son, contributors Bert Ollerton. for toiling teachers. This is memoir will involve due Everard, was in business in He and I began at the not my imagination. Some reservations. Let me Bury St. Edmunds, he Grammar School together in 25 years after I left school, at conclude. himself moved there late in 1932; now after a gap of 60 a reunion, “Paddy” Gore, life. 40 miles away I asked years, over a few months we also once my form-master, “I can’t place your him over to tea in my wrote to each other. As lamented the disappearance Vicarage. He spoke highly memories and such like were of Woodfield Preparatory face!” (as did Ollerton) of H.W. exchanged, I was impressed School (whence came the Lemon, the Latin master and by the use that Bert had made Grammar School’s fee- Towards the end of my informed me also that of his education and the solid paying pupils) because, said time at school, on an another of my form-masters, sort of achievement Gore, from Woodfield they occasion when I failed to E.D. Preston, had been subsequently that marked his could expect leadership answer a question put to me, ordained and was now a professional life. What also material. W.S. Savigny, the French canon of Hereford Cathedral. struck me was the respect Nowhere was the Master, declared for the But “I can’t place your face”, with which he referred to opposite of this more plain benefit of the form in general he admitted. It was not members of the staff we had than in my own home. Father and mine in particular, surprising: on the five shared at the Grammar had attended grammar school “Taylor doesn’t know, he occasions when I visited his School because, as my until his own father’s death never did know anything and study, it was not my face that judgements had matured, I had taken him prematurely he never will know he was addressing!! had become increasingly away to find employment. In anything”. As subsequently I critical of them! The his married life, following a took degrees from three Revd. Roger Taylor memories of some – solid, series of misdemeanours, universities, the last when I Lindsey Nr. Ipswich 11

Michael Worthington-Williams tells the story of a little known car made in Wigan. Fewer than 100 Westwoods appear to have been built between late 1919 and 1924. The rise and fall of the ‘Westwood’ (reproduced with kind permission from The Automobile, Sept. 1998) ONE of the most Autocrat, Austin, Vauxhall, fascinating aspects of Swift, Beardmore, motoring history is Calthorpe, AC, Singer, the incestuous Horstmann, Wolseley, relationship which Humber, Sunbeam, sometimes existed Overland and Rover. In fact between ostensibly Timberlake’s company was separate car makers destined, as H. H. and companies. Often Timberlake Ltd of Wallgate, the link was through Wigan, to continue in the main distributors. business until the mid-1970s This was the case with at least – and probably later Lea-Francis, Vulcan – with agencies for Austin, and Ruston-Hornsby. MG, Wolseley and Rover. Sometimes it was the At least two cars had designer who was the been completed and were common denominator, available for test in mid or perhaps there was a January, 1920. The Motor shared director. On other commented on the degree occasions, companies An early Westwood open tourer. Note the ‘W’ on the of tune of the engines and struggling to make a radiator honeycomb. their efficiency. Parbold, a precarious existence notorious test hill near might share the same formerly worked for Walker predicted, nevertheless, that Wigan with a gradient of premises. In the case of Brothers. deliveries in quantity would one in six for some the Westwood car, made The Westwood took its start to come through within distance, was climbed by in Wigan, Lancashire, name from the Westwood six weeks. A limited liability both cars using second gear there were connections House estate in Wigan. It company was formed on 1 and ‘without the slightest with other makes of seems likely that Timberlake January 1920. suggestion of strain’. The vehicles. These were not was one of the backers of reporter went so far as to only through designers, the company, as well as Man of substance say that, had the ascent not but also main dealers their factor. The first order been made from a standing and directors. for a Westwood car was That Timberlake was a start, there was little doubt An unlimited company, booked in November 1919. man of substance and that the majority of the the Westwood Engineering It was agreed that delivery integrity is a matter of climb would have been Company of Britannia would be within three record. He was already a achieved in top gear. Works, Lower Ince, Wigan, months. On 14 January director of Vulcan, of The Westwood was was formed in 1919. It was 1920, The Motor reported Southport. From 1928 generously equipped for the certainly placing orders for that this promise had been onwards he was destined to period. A handsome engines with Dormans of met. This was particularly be Chairman of Lea-Francis, dashboard of polished Stafford prior to November commendable, bearing in who had trading links with aluminium housed a that year. Unusually, these mind that the moulders’ Vulcan through their speedometer, clock, oil orders were channelled strike had been continuing London distributors, C.B. gauge and lighting switch through H.H. Timberlake of throughout the winter and Wardman. Timberlake was a panel. The bonnet was also 28 King Street, Wigan. He had not been resolved at the Vulcan agent in 1920, of polished aluminium and was a prominent motor time the first car was although oddly enough he the bright-work was nickel agent in the town who also delivered. The Motor did not represent plate. Paintwork was in supplied Dorman engines to commented favourable on Westwood. That situation grey, with the domed wings the makers of Pagefield the business ethics of the had been remedied by and the valances in Westwood Engineering trucks, Walker Brothers, of 1922, though his company contrasting black. The Company, praising the fact Pagefield Ironworks, Wigan. also handled sales of a host upholstery was in high that no agents had been There is another apparent of other makes, including quality antique grey leather. appointed and no deposits link between Westwood and Albert, Crossley, Delage, The two seater body had a taken in view of the Pagefield. The Westwood Hammond, Hupmobile, distinctly sporting car was designed by one Bill uncertainty that the strike Calcott, Belsize, Arrol- Williamson, who had engendered. It was Johnston, Hotchkiss, Ô 12

appearance with an for the revolutions to be competition with 147 there was little wrong with upswept tail unencumbered kept up. In other words, it motorcycles, 69 light cars the cars themselves, these by the spare wheel, which had good low speed torque. and cyclecars and just two prices were too high. This is was carried on the offside The accessibility of all other larger cars, both of reflected in the fact that in running board. The overall components and lubricating them Morris Oxfords. Heavy May and June of the same length of this version was points was lauded. The rain, sleet and gale force year, ‘shop-soiled’ examples 12ft. 10in. – quite generous brakes were found to be not winds contributed to the of the two seater were proportions for an 11.9hp only particularly efficient, hazards on the 400 mile being offered by the trade model. Post-war inflation but also silent. Both the trial, prompting The Light for as little as £395. Shop- dictated a price of £550 handbrake and the pedal Car and Cyclecar to dub it soiled was a popular even for the two seater, operated internally the most strenuous 24hr trial euphemism within the trade whilst a four seater tourer expanding brakes on the ever held in England. for unsold stock, and was and coupe were available at rear wheels only. Beggar’s Roost was used to circumvent the £625 and £675 respectively. The car used for the test included in the route for the Motor Trade Association’s Production would was one of the first two first time. The Westwood strict rules preventing cars appear to have been on an seaters made. It had already was the only four wheeler and accessories from being extremely modest scale. been subjected to months of to achieve non-stop ascents sold at below manu- Chassis numbers ran from abuse before being taken of some of the more wicked facturers’ recommended list A.50 up to A.141 for the over by The Motor’s tester. gradients. Baker was prices. 11.9hp model, from 1920 to This explained a certain awarded a Silver Medal for 1923. But it is by no means looseness of the gear lever his efforts. ‘Open to offers’ certain that all the numbers in the gate and a tendency But times were difficult allocated were in fact used. to backlash on the steering. in the British motor trade. In September of the Dorman’s engine records The Ferodo-lined cone Competition was fierce, not same year, a private indicate that only 57 11.9hp clutch was found a little only on the home market individual was advertising engines were supplied up harsh, with a tendency to but from American imports, his royal blue Westwood to 1923. In that year the squeal if engaged suddenly which were on average 20 three quarter coupé with company was reconstructed in top gear. The per cent cheaper in 1922 Bedford cord upholstery, as The Westwood manufacturers confirmed than they had been the interior lighting and cushion Engineering Company that they were working to previous year. William tyres. He had only just (Wigan) Ltd., at the same eliminate these problems. Morris, having already made taken delivery of the car, at address, and a number of Springing, whilst adequate drastic price reductions in a cost of £675. ‘Suit doctor’, changes were made to the with a full load, was found advance of the 1922 Motor he wrote hopefully, adding specification of the car. to be a bit hard with only Show, shocked everyone by that he was ‘open to offers’. two up and no luggage. making further cuts less By November, 1922, Smith’s Best performance A top speed of just over than six weeks later, on the equipment, including 50mph was recorded, quite eve of the Show. A four speedometer, clock, and The year 1920 was a fast enough for any road seater Cowley now cost horn, was standardised on significant one for the hog. The Sthenos £255 and a two seater only the Westwood. Westwood. F.W. Slatter put carburettor returned 26mpg £225. The Oxford two seater In 1923 prices started at up the best performance on at an average speed of just was listed at £330, with the £370 for the chassis and formula at the Middlesex over 20mph. The test was four seater at £355 and £390 £450 for the two seater and County Automobile Club’s conducted over ordinary for the coupe. Westwood sports models. The All- hillclimb at Handpost Hill roads with no freak surfaces just couldn’t compete with weather was £465, while the near Northaw in June. This or gradients, and the car these prices, and did not coupé varied according to feat was trumpeted in was found to ascend a one appear at the 1922 Show. specification. By mid year advertisements throughout in 12 hill comfortably in top The Dorman engined the chassis had been June and July. The publicity at over 20mph. It achieved cars, known as the A series, reduced to £310, the two campaign culminated in a 25mph with ease in second were still available in seater and four seater full road test in The Motor in gear on quite steep hills, December 1921. On the tourers to £395, and the the latter month. At the time and was found to suffer no 16th of that month, Reginald coupé to £470. This had of this test, the two/three loss of road speed when an Foden of Sandbach (and little effect on sales, and seater Westwood still cost upward change was made presumably of the famous once again the firm did not £675, a figure drastically whilst still climbing. Foden wagon works) exhibit at the Show. By this reduced by the time of the registered chassis number time, the concessionaires for November 1920 Motor Jesse Baker A148. Another, owned by London and the Home Show, as the recession W. Bolton, was entered in Counties were Bonallack began to bite. In 1921, the well known the MCC’s London to and Sons of 268 Romford In fairness, however, The trials competitor Jesse Baker Edinburgh Run on 2nd Road, Forest Gate. Later Motor was fulsome in its was recruited to drive an June, 1922. Out of 392 they were to be better praise for the car, saying 11.9hp Westwood in the competitors there were 133 known as commercial ‘there is little doubt that the MCC’s London to Land’s cars and 20 cyclecars. The vehicle suppliers and popular car of the future End Trial. A native of Westwood completed the bodybuilders, and makers will be built on lines Wigan, Baker had make his event successfully. of the Minnow minicar. somewhat similar to the name riding Scott, Triumph Prices in October 1922 Despite minimal Westwood’. The Dorman and ABC motorcycles in were £370 for a bare advertising, the Westwood engine was said to pull trials, and Scott Sociable chassis, £485 for the All- continued to receive regular almost indefinitely in top three-wheelers. For the weather and £465 for the gear, with no crying need 1921 event he was in sports two seater. Whilst Continued on page 14 13

The rise and fall of the ‘Westwood’ ––––– Continued from page 13 reports in The Autocar and The Motor, all of them complimentary. However, 1924 saw the failure of Westwood Engineering Company (Wigan) Ltd. and the formation of a new firm, Westwood-Ince Ltd., still at the same address. The specification was also changed again to give a larger overhead valve engine. Still made by Meadows, its dimensions were 75mm by 120mm, giving 2120cc. A four speed The Westwood Engineering Company’s Britannia Works, Lower Ince, Wigan. gearbox in unit with the engine replaced the probably aimed at attracting The last report of any £580 for the saloon and separate type. Like the advertising). When The length appears to have £385 for the sports. Most engine, this was of Autocar said that the been in The Autocar for 24 listings cease with 1925, Meadows manufacture. Westwood was comparable October 1924. The Wigan although Fletcher’s Motor Similarly, the Westwood in performance to many Directory for 1925 gives the Car Index continues into back axle was replaced by a cars of considerably higher address of the Westwood 1926, showing wire proprietary Timken unit. cost, therefore, it carefully Motor Company as detachable wheels to be Despite the economies, omitted to say that it was Warrington Road, Ince, available as an alternative prices were unaltered. The also comparable to many Wigan, but this may be the to the steel artilleries in the range was increased to which were cheaper. same address as Britannia final two years. include a two door coupé Works – a bridge over the Any report of insolvency (the earlier version had only Company’s last gasp canal is still known as has so far eluded me. It one door) at £485 and a Britannia Bridge. may be that the Westwood’s saloon at £495. Although the controlling It would seem that no backers were wealthy A coupé tested by The company was Westwood- serious attempt was ever enough simply to call it a Autocar in February, 1924, Ince Ltd, the stand taken at made to build commercial day, pay all the creditors proved good for 53mph the 1924 Show, and all the vehicles. At least one was and shut their doors. (the roads were too wet for advertisements, were in the built, however, on the A Timberlake, certainly, higher speeds, it was name of The Westwood type chassis. Listed as a continued in business for explained). This indicated Motor Company, 19cwt goods vehicle, it was over 50 years more. greater potential. No gear presumably a subsidiary, or registered TC 493 to one It would not seem that changing was required until it might indicate that the Lily Florence, Benfold, of there was anything wrong a long, twisting gradient of company also had a Stanningley, near Leeds, in with the Westwood other one in seven was separate engineering 1922. than the fact that the encountered. Comfortable division. Certainly, with In June, 1924, Motor methods used for its cruising speeds of 35- Westwood production totals Technical Records, a card production precluded it 40mph were maintained, running at an estimated 57 index type of buyer’s guide from being made in but when traversing some for the A series and only 36 listing, indicated that saloon sufficient numbers to of Lancashire’s worst for the M series (from what prices already quoted were produce an economy of potholes, some damping of can be gathered from the to be disregarded, and scale enabling it to compete the semi-elliptic springs was Meadows and Dorman would be given on with Morris, Austin and thought called for. The engine records), the application. Even as late as other mass-producers. It clutch and gear control company would have 1925, all braking was still was a familiar story in the could ‘scarcely be needed some other form of on the rear wheels, and 1920’s. Fletcher’s simply improved’, but the ignition income to keep afloat. As it there was no real change in says in 1927 ‘We cannot control of the lively is, 1924 may be seen in specification. Prices are trace that this car is now Meadows engine came in retrospect to have been the quoted as £395 for both two being manufactured’. In for some criticism. company’s last gasp, though and four seater tourers, realistic terms, that had Road tests of this kind in they continued to advertise £500 for the All-weather, probably been the case in those days tended to be in both The Autocar and £485 for the coupé, £495 for 1926, even if the car was over-kind (they were The Motor through 1925. the three-quarter coupé, available on paper. 14

Following on from the article in the last ‘Past Forward’ the following are two more short biographies of women writers associated with the area. ‘In Their Own Write’ Dora Greenwell (1821-1882) Alan with his parish work so was Of the five children born to Women Writers probably well known in the area at William Thomas Greenwell and his the time. Dora and her mother then wife Dorothy (nee Smales), Dora Associated with moved back to Durham for the next was the only daughter. She was 18 years. brought up at Greenwell Ford, the Area After her mother’s death in 1871 Lanchester in the County of Dora moved south, living in Durham. Her father had been a She modelled her writings on the London, Torquay and Clifton. In squire, magistrate and Deputy works of Tennyson and Elizabeth later years she became an Lieutenant of the County; Barrett Browning. By 1848 Dora’s outspoken critic of vivisection and consequently the family were first volume of verse entitled Poems a campaigner for women’s suffrage, regarded as being comfortably off. was published. It was reprinted two although because of her declining years later as Stories that Might be health she was unable to take an True: with other poems. active role. Towards the end of her After her father’s bankruptcy the life she is reputed to have become family were forced to move in with addicted to opium, and died in 1882 each of the clergymen brothers in at the age of 61. turn. For two years Dora and her Besides counting Josephine parents lived at Ovingham Rectory, Butler as a close friend Dora also Northumberland with Rev. Dr. formed a friendship with Christina William Greenwell, the eldest son, Rossetti, whom she met at Bell who was later to become a minor Scotts, and Jean Ingelow. Obviously canon and librarian to the dean and the friendship was mutual, as Dora chapter of Durham Cathedral. He was one of the small band of women also had an interest in archaeology, whom Christina addressed by and contributed to various academic Christian name. One description journals such as Archaeological, that we have of Dora is, “tall, very Numismatic Chronicle, The Journal slender with a gentle hesitating of the Royal Archaeological Institute manner and soft cooing voice. Eyes and Transactions of the Durham & not black, but dark luminous brown Northumberland Archaeological and wonderfully vivacious.” Society. As a result of his research References to her work can be found in: Dora Greenwell of Golborne he was elected a fellow of the Royal The Penguin Book of Victorian Verse. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. Society in 1878. It was while Dora Modern biographical information can be However, by 1848 the family was residing at Ovingham that she obtained from: fortunes had dwindled and her struck up a lasting friendship with Dictionary of British Women Writers, father was declared bankrupt, so Josephine Grey (afterward known as Oxford Guide to British Women Writers they ended up selling their home to Josephine Butler) of Dilston to and Christina Rossetti by Frances Thomas (1992). pay off the debts incurred. whom she dedicated some of her Earlier publications about Dora’s life Initially Dora was educated by a early prose work. include: governess at home, where she learnt By the 1850’s, the family was Memoirs of Dora Greenwell by W. Dorling to speak French and Italian once again on the move. This time (1885) Dora Greenwell by Henry Bett (1950) fluently. Furthermore she was able they settled with Alan Greenwell, Dora Greenwell: a prophet for our own to read German and Spanish and who had become the first rector of times on the battleground of Faith by had reasonable understanding of St. Thomas’ Church at Golborne. Constance L. Maynard – Allenson, 1926. Latin. Besides knowledge of modern Their stay here lasted about four languages, she taught herself years until Alan resigned his living A sample of her poetry is now philosophy and political economy because of ill health. During her given. before beginning to write poetry. time here she helped her brother Continued on page 16 15

Or stones on some desolate home. Her poems appeared in the highway breaking; Leigh papers and in journals Far up on the hills, where no foot published in various parts of ‘In Their surprises Lancashire. The dew as it falls, or the dust as A flavour of her writing can be Own Write’ it rises; found in the following poem, Women Writers To be crouched with the beast in written in memory of Annie Texter, Associated with the Area its torrid lair, daughter of Mr. Texter of ––––– On drifting on ice with the polar Bradshawgate. Continued from page 15 bear, With the weaver at work at his To a Departed Friend quiet loom; Annie, dearest Annie, thou hast A Scherzo Anywhere, anywhere, out of this left a vacant place; room! (A Shy Person’s Wishes) Nevermore on earth we’ll see thy With the wasp at the innermost beautiful young face; Amongst her other writings were heart of a peach, Never more on earth we’ll hear ones entitled On the Education of On a sunny wall out of tip-toe thy voice so sweet and low; the Imbecile (1869), and Single reach, In joyous happy tones no more to Women and the East African Salve With the trout in the darkest hear its music flow. Trade (1873). She was also a well summer pool, Endured bravely was the pain, so known Victorian hymn writer, With the fern-seed clinging hard to bear, we know. whose best known work is entitled I behind its cool Taken in thy happy youth from am not skilled to understand (Hymn Smooth frond, in the chink of an those who loved thee well, No. 55 in the Christian Hymnary). aged tree, Ever in their hearts to feel the In the woodbine’s horn with the grief they cannot tell. drunken bee, Elizabeth Jackson ‘Xalted high above us, henceforth With the mouse in its nest in a Although Elizabeth Jackson was thy home will be; furrow old, born at Irlam around 1857, she To thee revealed the glory which With the chrysalis wrapt in its spent her early years at Leigh, after mortals cannot see; gauzy fold; her father John had taken up Evermore to dwell with Him who With the things that are hidden, residence at Hope Carr Hall, from gives and takes away, and safe, and bold, where he farmed the land. It must Resting from thy labours at the With things that are timid, and be assumed that she had left home close of life’s brief day. shy, and free, by 1891, as she is not recorded on Wishing to be; the census of that year for Hope Elizabeth also made notes of her With the nut in its shell, with the Carr Hall. It is also possible that by father’s reminiscences before he seed in its pod, 1908 or 1909 she had married a died in November 1911. Entitled With the corn as it sprouts in the Harold Waterhouse. By 1924 they Reminiscences of One who lived in kindly clod, were living at Ivy Bank, Fulwood Five Reigns, it provides us with Far down where the secret of Road, Tarleton. Whilst very little is information about his life. The beauty shows known of her life, she died at St. following is an extract from this In the bulb of the tulip, before it Annes-on-Sea in April 1950. Her transcript: blows; body was brought back to Leigh My happiest period of With things that are rooted, and where she was interred in Leigh churchgoing centres around the firm, and deep, Cemetery with the members of her Leigh Parish Church. The Vicar, Rev. Quiet to lie, and dreamless to family. However, there is one Canon Stanning was a direct speaker sleep; uncertainty about the information but I always liked him. Although his With things that are chainless, recorded in the cemetery register as university career had been so and tameless, and proud, it gives her occupation as a brilliant he rarely diffused much With the fire in the jagged spinster, which would assume she oratory. He left that to some of his thunder-cloud, was unmarried rather than curates notably Dr. Momerie. I know With the wind in its sleep, with widowed. he quoted Carlyle and the Higher the wind in its waking, Elizabeth was a prolific Pantheism at great length. The M— With the drops that go to the authoress and a member of the family stand out clearly. The quiet rainbow’s making, Lancashire Authors Association. grace with which the ladies of this Wishing to be with the light She published under the non-de- house entered the church was an leaves shaking, plume ‘Hope Carr’ after her Leigh Ô 16

education. But this charm of none the less deplorable. if he had escaped Scylla he might deportment was a family asset. The Mr. Hewlett was the Rector or have fallen foul of Chrybdis, as Mr. graceful stroll of one of Leigh’s Vicar; at the time of our residence Wetherall died shortly after us greatest benefactors was in the locality he had ministered leaving and the Estate came into unforgettable – there was over fifty years and was most highly the hands of a Syndicate. something about his refined face esteemed. Almost his last Father’s activities at the Rowe and quiet elegance of dress that was appearance was at a confirmation Farm, Risley took the usual form of unexpressably reposeful. No ornate service. I well remember seeing him his ruling passion in life – land monument marks his resting place come into church – a feeble old man improvement. The cost, unlike Hope but his generosity and beauty of life in his black Geneva gown with his Carr, fortunately being partly leave fragrant flowers of memory hand on the lawn sleeve of the refunded. that can fade or pass away. nobly statured, kindly faced Bishop The history of Newchurch has My elder brother dying at the Fraser. One tottering on the brink of often been recorded, but the few Higher Barns, Astley and having a the grave and the other – to all relics of Sainted Bishop seen at the lease in the farm my father took it seeming – in the mental and Rushen Castle, Isle of Man, brought over for a few years leaving a physical prime. Truly in the ‘midst his association with this parish workman in charge of Hope Carr. of life we are in death’. Dr. Hewlett vividly to my memory. I pass briefly The Ley or Park – 40 acres – formed died within two months of the over our residence at Risley, so a quarter portion of the land and celebration and Bishop Fraser many sad events were registered was finely wooded. The Ley road within six. there, not the least a very serious divided this from Astley Hall [now I look back with pleasant accident which happened to my the Leigh Sanatorium]. The Hall, memories of our four years’ father on the Central Station, Church and quaint old rectory are residence in Astley. My sister and I Manchester, in his seventy-fourth the only interesting features of were amongst the first members to year, which left him rather lame – Astley and Morts Grammar School. found the Tennis Club at Tyldesley. otherwise he kept his other faculties Mr. Wetherall owned the Astley In the meanwhile the Leigh unimpaired wonderfully, his Estate at that time and Corporation (then Local Board) had memory unclouded to the last. He consequently was our landlord. He bought Hope Carr for an Irrigation was never much of a church going had a delightful personality. I farm; and the members of the said man, but amongst his last words remember him once inviting my Board intimated pretty plainly that were, “if there is any truth in sister and myself into the Hall and our residence there was absolutely Christianity, I shall see your mother showing us his exquisite old china, desirable. My father had made so again”. In this hope he died. His art treasures, old oak furniture, and many improvements there that he death occurred at Hebers, Middleton war trophies. He belonged to a race felt loth to give it up altogether, on November 15th 1919. In his of soldiers. His father [Sir Edward while on the other hand he was ninety-fifth year he “fell on sleep” Wetherall] I believe distinguished reluctant to leave a good landlord and crossed the “Great Divide”. himself in the Peninsular Wars. Mr. and what is next best a good agent, Elizabeth Jackson Hope Carr Wetherall was also at that time the Mr. Selby. However, he did give the Tarleton Nr. Preston President of the Primrose League Higher Barns farm up and soon and whilst we lived at Astley gave found he had made a mistake. If the Should anyone have any further two ‘Fetes’ in the beautiful grounds. Farming Committee had been information about Elizabeth But each were overshadowed by sad formed of the traditional butcher Jackson’s life or her writings, then calamities. The day before the first and baker they might at least have I would love to hear from them. had occurred the Wood-end Colliery been expected to know something Besides the full transcript of the disaster, its proximity being too about agriculture and stock, but reminiscences of her father’s life, close not to cast a terrible gloom. when it was composed mainly of the following are a list of small The second was held a year later retired weavers and tailors the case volumes of verse which can be on Queen Victoria’s first Jubilee. On was hopeless and emanating from referred to at Leigh Local History Library: this occasion an Astley man named these an official who could hardly Taylor was killed whilst engineering tell a wheat field from an oat field, Poems (1908) the fireworks. No blame could be or a potato from a mangel wursel. Poems on Nature and other Poems attached to anyone for this What would you friction was a (1909) melancholy occurrence as the victim foregone conclusion. After the Verses (1910) Thoughts (1913) had been warned repeatedly not to courtesy of Mr. Wetherall and his venture too near the fuse trail or agent this arrogance of officialdom Tony Ashcroft whatever the technical terms are for “dressed in a little brief authority” Leigh Local History Officer firework ignition, but that made it was a disagreeable revelation. But (Tel 01942 404559) 17

Clog Dancing – a forgotten side of Wigan’s heritage?

THE TRADITION of clog- 1950’s, it has become clear dancing (step-dance in clogs) by Alex Fisher that the ‘competition clog- has often been connected worker from Leigh Street, ‘Championship Belt’ dance’ had some very distinct with the following factors:- a decided to combine their two characteristics. It was always history of mining, textiles, or young families, and teach Clog-dancing probably danced to a dotted hornpipe other heavy industry, the them to clog-dance. The reached its peak of popularity rhythm and each step (being 8 wearing of clogs as footwear Eight Lancashire Lads, as a between 1870 and 1905. bars long) had to be repeated and the importance of the song and dance act, existed Existing in the industrial off left and right sides. music-hall as a source of for over 30 years and regions of Britain, as well as a Dancers performed from a entertainment. Wigan seems nurtured such stars as Charlie dance form, it was also narrow base, sometimes a to qualify in all three of these Chaplin, Jack Edge and considered a sport, and was pedestal, and could be areas but in terms of Tommy Handley. often associated with boxing expected to display up to 20 documented evidence, there The history of clog-dance, and wrestling contests as it continuous steps. They were is little that reflects the and how it developed into became traditional to judged on timing, beats, importance and the extent of such a complex and highly compete for a ‘championship carriage, execution and this unique dance originality. Beats form. The purpose of were made using toes this article, therefore, as well as heels and is to generate some each routine had to awareness of the finish with a step history and social called ‘hopping significance of clog double-shuffles’. dance and, as a result, Despite revivalist perhaps gather claims that clog- together memories of dance had regional clog-dancing actually characteristics, taking place in the competition steps Wigan area. seem to have Although, during developed a the latter part of the uniformity that 19th century, clog- encompassed all dancing was often would-be champions linked with music- and, although clog- hall and ‘the dancers also professional stage performed to waltz, act’, the skills of the rag-time, and popular art were usually song, it was the passed on through ‘competition clog- families and working Pupils from Eccleston Primary School enjoy their first hornpipe’ that remained the communities. Bearing this in taste of Clog Dancing. mark of true merit. This mind, the strongest, and Photo courtesy of Chorley Guardian. attachment to the ‘hornpipe’ possibly the only piece of provides a link with a evidence that connects clog- skilled activity, is not well belt’. This competitive aspect previous step-dance tradition. dancing with South documented, but there is no most certainly propelled its Lancashire is the story of The doubt that due to its development, for in 1880 the ‘Clog Hornpipe’ Eight Lancashire Lads. associations with early legendary Dan Leno had According to research done music-hall and ‘northern become the first Clog by Tony Ashcroft in the industrial culture’, it was, like Dancing Champion of the References to clog 1990’s, this internationally many other ‘popular’ dance World. This competition, held dancing in the early part of acclaimed music-hall act forms, considered an in Leeds, gave rise to many the 19th century are scarce originated in Golborne in unworthy art. Kershaw similar competitions in cities but include a ‘clog hornpipe’ 1891. Bill Cawley of 22 Bank (1995) describes how, in the such as Manchester, Salford, performed at the Theatre Street, an ex-collier who late 19th century, new Liverpool, Bradford, Royal, Edinburgh in 1819 worked at Golborne Paper licensing laws and a drive for Newcastle, Sunderland, (Flett & Flett 1996), and a Mills, apparently used to ‘respectability’ forced many Belfast, Glasgow and ‘clog-dance’ performed at the supplement his wages by music-halls and variety London. Old Leeds Theatre in 1822 clog-dancing at weddings and theatres to omit clog-dance From material that has (Kershaw 1995). More other functions. He and John acts, thus confining it to the been collected from clog- detailed evidence has been Willie Jackson, a white lead lower priced establishments. dancers since the early Ô 18

Dancing Marleys, A New England found in Boston, USA, and Downham and Accrington else. Family Tradition of “Lancashire Clog”: features a ‘champion single were interviewed (see Pilling I hope that this article Issues of Ethnicity and Family Identity Clog Dance on a slab of 1959, 1967 & Flaherty 1968) may raise awareness of the in American Wooden Shoe Dance, Dr. marble’ in 1850 (Barrand as well as a barge dancer from important attachment Anthony G. Barrand, 57 Washington 1993). Going back a further Burscough (Arthur 1980) and Lancashire has to its ‘clog- St. Brattleboro, VT 05301-3355. Flaherty, E. “Memories of a century, we find a similar a puppeteer from Liverpool wearing’ heritage and Lancashire Clog Dancer”, English fascination with the ‘solo (Hollis 1983). Sam Sherry of consequently to its clog- Dance & Song XXX, 2 pp 42-46. hornpipe’, only this time Lancaster (b.1912) has also dance history. This is a call Flett, J. & T. (1979) Traditional performed for royalty. contributed much to clog- for new evidence to be Step-Dancing in Lakeland, English Folk Dance & Song Society, London. Evidence suggests that dancing in Lancashire, collected and compiled so Flett J. & T. (1966) Traditional elaborate hornpipe dances teaching regularly right up that future generations will be Step-Dancing in Scotland, Scottish were created by English court until his death in 2001 (see able to celebrate the legacy of Cultural Press. dancing-masters, and solo Sherry 1971). the clog and the fact that it Hollis, M. (1983) “Bert Bowden, hornpipes also started to As can be seen, not much produced a dance form of Liverpool Dancer & Entertainer”, Instep, 10 pp 10-11. appear on the playbills of evidence has come from unprecedented skill and Kershaw, C. (1995) “They’ve London theatres as entr’act Wigan and district, but the complexity that should take done me, they’ve robbed me, but entertainment. existence of The Eight its place amongst the nation’s thank God, I’m the champion still!” During the 18th century, it Lancashire Lads must most treasured cultural Clog Dancing in the Victorian Music indicate that there was plenty Hall, in Adshead-Lansdale J (ed) seems that ‘step-dancing’ expressions. Border Tensions: Dance and became a national craze for of clog-dancing going on. I Any enquiries regarding Discourse Proceedings of the 5th professional dance-masters have been working as a clog-dance taster sessions or Study of Dance Conference, were in great demand not freelance Dance Artist if readers have memories of University of Surrey pp 199-207. only in the fashionable towns specialising in clog-dance in clog-dancing occurring in Metherell, C. (1994) An Introductory Bibliography on Clog and cities, but in villages and the South Lancashire area for Wigan and district, and Step Dance, based on the large country houses. By the just over 12 months, and have particularly before or just holdings of the Vaughan Williams end of the century, however, already encountered people after World War II, please Memorial Library of the EFDSS step-dancing had become who have memories of write to: Alex Fisher, 40 English Folk Dance & Song Society individuals clog-dancing in London. very unfashionable amongst Middlewood Close, Pilling, J. (1959) “Buck and the wealthier classes but in the 1950’s and 60’s in places Eccleston, Chorley PR7 Wing”, English Dance & Song XXIII, 1 rural areas like Cumbria, like Appley Bridge, The 5QG or Email: pp 25-7. Devon and East Anglia it Rigbye Arms, High Moor and [email protected] Pilling, J. (1967) “The Lancashire persisted for another hundred The Highfield Social Club in Clog Dance”, Folk Music Journal I,3 Pemberton. BIBLIOGRAPHY pp 158-179. years. The South Lakeland Arthur, D & T, (1980) “Bill Sherry, S. (1971) “Lancashire hornpipe steps, collected in My work, so far, has given Gibbons, Barge Dancer”, English Clog Dancing, Notes on Clog the 1960’s (see Flett & Flett me the opportunity to offer Dance & Song XLII, 2 pp 10-12. Dancing” Folk Music Journal, II,2 pp 1979) were passed down clog-dance taster sessions to Barrand, A & Smith, K (1993) The 122-126. through generations of dance- schools in Eccleston, Coppull, masters and demonstrate a Wigan, Standish, Aspull, clear link with the step-dance Lowton, Leigh, Platt Bridge, tradition, but even though Golborne, Abram, Ince, clogs were everyday Marsh Green, Worsley BOB DOBSON footwear, they did not Mesnes, Whelley and develop into the competition Tyldesley, and where funding Publisher and Book Dealer clog-hornpipe. Factors such has allowed, to develop these as heavy industry and urban- into longer residencies with living were to fuel this next St. Jude’s, Worsley Mesnes LANCASHIRE stage of development. No and with Eccleston Primary more dancing-masters and and St. Mary’s, Eccleston. YORKSHIRE & CHESHIRE formal classes, clog-dancing The level of interest and became a route to fame and support at each school has I buy, sell and search for second-hand fortune for many a working been excellent, and because I man. provide clogs for each books relating to these counties: I search workshop, children from Year for books: I issue lists. I buy quantities of Clog dance revival 2 to Year 6 have enjoyed the novelty of wearing clogs and other books. As a popular dance form, making plenty of noise in clog-dance declined after them. I may be sounding a World War I and it was only trifle over-romantic here, but LIST OF MY NEW PUBLICATIONS after World War II that Folk the experience seems ON REQUEST Collectors recognised its suddenly to connect those worth as ‘traditional’ dance. young people with a very Luckily, clog-dances were special part of Lancashire’s BOB DOBSON still to be found in areas like heritage because although, as “Acorns” Lancashire, Durham and we have seen, clog-dancing 3 STAINING RISE Northumberland and much occurred in other industrial STAINING material was collected. In areas, the wearing of clogs, it Lancashire individuals in appears, was far more BLACKPOOL FY3 0BU Nelson, Colne, Blackley, widespread in South Tel: (01253) 895678 Failsworth, Blackburn, Lancashire than anywhere 19

HISTORY SHOP NEWS Wigan on the Map Exhibitions at This exhibition will open on 16 April in Throughout our discussions on how the History the Wickham Gallery, and run for the to present the Parish Map, one idea has next two years. This will be the first repeatedly come to the fore. It is our Shop 2003 time that the Parish Map has been shared view of our communities that is displayed in its entirety, and it should important, not our differences. Our past Currently showing in the Taylor Gallery until be a spectacular sight! The Map history has shaped our present, and 21 April, is Ancient Seats, which charts the (consisting of 28 large textile panels), what happens now will shape our future was given to the Council in April 2000 history. In this, we find our common development, heyday and decline of the old by community groups and Soroptimist ground. This theme is very important to halls and country houses of the district. The International (Wigan Branch), and has the exhibition, and will be the focus of story of the bricks and mortar mirrors the previously only been displayed in small many of the events and activities we social changes which have taken place over sections in local libraries and the have planned, both educational and fun! the last century in the ‘country house‘ History Shop. (see the article by Claire Hawkins, our lifestyle. There are some fascinating Community Outreach and photographs of the interiors and gardens of Education Officer opposite). these houses, as well as tales of mystery and If you want to know what intrigue. In addition, several prints and the Parish Map is really all watercolours from the Heritage Service’s fine about, then pay us a visit and art collection eg Standish and Haigh Halls, join in our activities. You will are on show. not be disappointed! Ancient Seats will be followed by You are Each month in 2003 and My Sunshine – 70 Years of Wigan Athletic. 2004 we will feature a All of you Latics fans will understand the different ‘parish’, with events significance of that title, but for the and activities at the History uninitiated, the song of the same name can Shop and in your area. There be heard resoundingly wherever Wigan will be an update on this in the Athletic are playing. The exhibition, which next issue of Past Forward. runs from 10 May to 16 August, celebrates the founding of the club 70 years ago, and 25 years in the football league. Of course the SUMMER 2003 question on everyone’s lips is will they or PROGRAMME won’t they (win promotion to the First April – Launch of Wigan Division, that is!)? on the Map – the Parish Wigan Photographic Society will be Maps will be on show staging their annual show in late August, as together in one place. will Atherton Photographic Society Easter Holidays family immediately after in September. These two Shevington Moor Parish Map activities on Wednesday local clubs have very different photographic 16th and Wednesday 23rd, styles, and it is fascinating to see how they The whole project was originally 2.00-4.00p.m. each present their own unique view on the art part of Mapping the Millennium, Wigan May – Parish of the Month: of photography. Council’s Millennium celebrations. Atherton. Come to The History Shop Our final temporary exhibition of the year Community groups were asked to depict and see what the people of Atherton is Paintings of Wigan and Beyond by the in textile form those aspects of their put on their Parish Map. We will also well known local artist Gerald Rickards, community which they held most dear. be at the Atherton and Hag Fold scheduled for November. The exhibition will However, one of the reasons the Street Festival, with lots of fun local feature paintings of buildings and places he Soroptimists undertook the project, was history activities for the family. has visited recently, and includes the series to encourage the community spirit they which has been reproduced in the last few felt was lacking in our borough. June – Parish of the Month: Wigan Town Centre and Mesnes issues of Past Forward, and further works of Although the Millennium is now the Haigh Lily Ponds. history, we feel that the aim of bringing Park. our communities together is still valid, July – Parish of the Month: Focus We are now planning our exhibition and that is a primary objective of this on Leigh and the Leigh Parish Map, programme for the next few years, and are exhibition. When you visit, be sure to just in time for the Leigh Carnival particularly interested in hearing from read the moving introduction written by on 26th - 27th. community groups who have great ideas for Marion Andrews (Parish Map Co- August – Parish of the month: exhibitions, and would like to use our ordinator), which captures the Scholes (see next issue for details). friendship which developed between temporary exhibition space. If you are members of the work groups, as a result For further information please interested, please phone Yvonne Webb at of the shared goal and hard work contact Claire Hawkins (details the History Shop (01942 828123) or email needed to produce these giant textiles. opposite). or write. I look forward to hearing from you! 20

HISTORY SHOP NEWS Did you put Wigan on the Map? FRIENDS OF WIGAN HERITAGE SERVICE Hello readers! My name is Claire and I was delighted to join the team at Wigan Heritage Great news from the Friends this time indexes! Christine can be contacted at Service in January as the new Heritage - the 1861 Census index is now the History Shop on 01942 828128. Officer, with responsibility for Community finished and ready for use. The other major indexing project Outreach and Education. I would like to hear A full paper copy of the Friends of which we are hoping to set up through from anyone who was involved in making Wigan Heritage Service index for the the Friends is the indexing of the Wigan the Parish Map. Please tell me about your 1861 Census is now on the study shelves newspapers. At the History Shop we experiences, who you collaborated with and at the History Shop. This is great news for archive the Wigan Observer and have what happened next? Now the map is on all local genealogists as it means that the copies on microfilm going back to 1853. display in full for the next two years, would whole of the 1861 Census for our area Fortunately the vast majority of these you like to be involved again in some way? can now be searched by surname to issues have been indexed and so it is If so, please contact me: Claire Hawkins, make sure that no branch of your family possible to access some of this Heritage Officer (Community Outreach and goes undetected. information. There is, however, a gap in Education) on 01942 828128; Email The news gets better for our records from the early 1950’s until [email protected] or write to me c/o The researchers, as the whole of the index is the 1990’s. During most of this time local History Shop, Library Street, Wigan WN1 now available on CD ROM. This is cuttings were taken from the 1NU. thanks to the dedication and hard work newspapers, but to complete our index of the project’s supervisor, Barbara and make more of the information more Davies. Not only has Barbara handled permanently accessible, we would like to Calling all Latics fans, we the allocation of areas covered by our fill in this gap. volunteer indexers, she personally has For this we need volunteers. Once need your help! then inputted all the data and created again, as with the Census indexing In May 2003 we are staging an exhibition at the area files. At her own expense she projects, we will be asking people to work the History Shop marking 70 years of the has now provided the History Shop with from microfilm, compiling an index with a Latics, 25 of these in the League, and copies on multiple floppy disk and now a fixed set of criteria for inclusion. This hopefully marking the end of a glorious single CD. A big thank you is extended index will initially be manually compiled, 2002-03 season. The exhibition will feature from the Heritage Service to you, i.e. on index cards, but if the project takes treasures we have managed to find either Barbara, and I’m sure a huge debt off then work could begin transferring our from our own collections, the collections of recognised by all our researchers whole newspaper index onto a database. the National Football Museum in Preston, or present and future! THANK YOU. Anyone out there who is interested, from the club itself. We need to hear from The next Census indexing project is please contact Philip Butler at the History you if you have any club memorabilia, already well under way, the 1841 Census Shop (01942 828128) as soon as photographs, or memories and stories index. Most areas are already allocated possible. about the club, which we could use. and are being administered by Christine Now is your chance to get in touch and Watts here at the History Shop. Should • The next Friends Meeting is be a part of this exciting new exhibition. you be interested in giving your time to scheduled for Saturday 3 May at Leigh Contact Philip Butler at the History Shop this project please do still get in contact; Library - please let us know if you would on 01942 828128. there is more work after the main like to come along. All are very welcome. allocation, and in the future more Family Fun Activities FRIENDS OF WIGAN HERITAGE SERVICE in the History Shop Easter Holiday – Wednesday 16 and Name ...... Wednesday 23 April, 2.00-4.00p.m. Address ...... Arts and Crafts Maps (ages 3-7), Globe Making (ages 8-12) ...... And drop in and see the brand new Interests ...... “Wigan on the Map” exhibition. Tel: 01942 828128...... Whit Half Term Holiday – Please enclose £5 subscription for one year’s membership. Cheque/P.O. payable to Wednesday 28 May, 2.00-4.00p.m. Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust.. Please return to the History Shop, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU. Create a Craft Collage (all ages), also Remember your subscription entitles you to a priority mailing of Past Forward three visit the “Wigan on the Map” times a year, starting with the currrent issue unless you request otherwise. exhibition and make your own N.B. If you do not wish to cut this coupon out, a cheque along with your details on plain version to take home. Tel: 01942 paper is fine. 828128. 21

Wigan Town Hall The Wigan Town Hall drawing is 1. Initial letter, which surrounds a portrait of Charles the Borough. One of a number displayed in the II in the 1662 Charter. Town Hall. something of a departure from the 2. Lancashire rose, which can be seen in various 16. The Wigan and District Mining and Technical original plan to produce a design that places, including the new Coat of Arms. College Coat of Arms. The 1950’s crest replaced would feature different areas of the 3. Doorway, leading to the present Council Chamber, an earlier badge but retained the same Latin borough for each issue of Past Forward. which was once the Technical College hall. inscription ‘Lux ex tenebris’. Yet it does seem appropriate to have a 4. Mountain ash or Wiggin Tree; a pun on the name 17. Steps leading to the main entrance to the Town of the district. As featured in the Borough Coat of Hall in Library Street. Sometimes described as composition, not only centred round the Arms. Wigan’s grandest building it was completed in present Town Hall in Library Street but 5. Initial letter, which surrounds a portrait of James II 1903 when larger premises were needed for the also containing references to the history in the 1685 Charter. highly regarded Mining and Technical College. A of the town. 6. The corner doorway to the previous Town Hall in good example of the decorative use of red brick The style of drawing follows a similar Rodney Street. Built in the 1860’s it replaced the and terracotta, probably products of local ‘New’ Town Hall and Moot Hall. Sometimes, brickworks at Orrell or Upholland. project which I recently completed for the probably because of the size, unfavourably 18. The Mayor’s Chain of Office, as encased when not 75th anniversary of St Luke’s at Orrell, compared with other northern town halls of the required by the Mayor. which was reproduced for the cover of the same period. It does, however, have some 19. Two details from the lower sections of the parish magazine, and later followed by interesting architectural features, not least the high impressive stained glass windows that are an important feature in the new Council Chamber. two larger paintings. level wrought iron and the emblem with the Moot Hall crest. Previously the College Hall, which was used for As usual the preliminary work for the 7. The Moot Hall as featured on the town seal and assemblies, examinations, speech days and composition was interesting and other insignia, including the old Wigan Grammar dances. enlightening. The aim of avoiding School badge. The early 15th century building 20. State Sword, a gift from Charles II in 1662. More lengthy outdoor exploring was also was near to the Parish Church at the Market Place than four feet long it has a two edged blade with a silver band bearing the arms of the king and of Sir achieved. The amount of time involved end of Wallgate. The upper floor was the seat of local government. The arched ground floor was at Roger Bradshaigh, who was twice Mayor of the with research, however, certainly did not some time occupied by shops. Borough. decrease and typically I had to try hard to 8. The Town Hall of 1720, located in the Market 21. Football boots, size 11, a reminder that more than avoid getting distracted and drifting too Place. The Council Chamber was on the upper 50 years ago the college steps were often the far away from the main subject. It was all floor, with a turret and a stone badge portraying the meeting place for sports teams travelling to ‘away’ fixtures. very interesting and the help received arms of George I above. The railed balcony was a favourite place for political speeches. The ground 22. Decorative rails, which are on all the landings both at the History Shop and at the Town floor, known as the ‘Shambles’, was occupied by overlooking the main stairway. Hall was much appreciated. butchers’ shops. The building was demolished in 23. The Greater Mace, an emblem of mayoral As for the drawing itself, the Library 1882 to make way for street improvements. authority, given to the Council by Alexander Holt 9. The Coat of Arms of the Metropolitan Borough, in 1653. Along with the town’s lesser mace it Street entrance to the Town Hall was an appears to have been made during the obvious centre piece. It has featured in created when 14 former districts were brought together in 1974. The lion is taken from the crest Commonwealth and converted at the Restoration many of my decorative paintings, of the Borough of Wigan and the crowned castle into an emblem of royal authority. including five recent compositions for the from the shield. The sparrow hawk occurs in the Borough Chamber of Commerce Awards. arms of the Borough of Leigh and in the crest of It also occupies a prominent position in Atherton UDC. The motto ‘Progress with Unity’, an the Charter Mural in the History Shop. attempt to represent the drawing together of the 14 different authorities Deciding what to include from the 10. Initial letter from the 1973 Charter of Elizabeth II. interior proved somewhat more difficult; 11. Initial letter from the 1836 Charter of William IV, sometimes helped by my memories of which granted the Borough a separate court of when I was a student there, whilst at other Quarter Sessions. times I had to avoid being over influenced 12. Tiles on a section of the small staircase. On the wide corridors where their brilliant dark green by the building I once knew so well, gloss was once an eye catching feature they can rather than the building as it is today. still be detected beneath a few coats of paint. Each time I walk into the Council 13. The oldest of the three pairs of halberds. Bearing Chamber I think of that Saturday morning the initials H M, they were probably presented by one of the Mayors in the 15th century, either Hugh when I saw all the desks arranged in long del Marsh or Humphrey Mather. The practice of straight lines, waiting for a great number placing a pair of halberds outside the home of the of 10 and 11 year olds to sit down and current Mayor no longer survives following an take the scholarship exam. Some years incident when they were illegally removed. later, when I was an art student, I saw the 14. Two of the stained glass windows on the main staircase. Positioned alongside window ledges room many more times and I also got to that are low enough and wide enough to act as know the rarely visited Board Room, now seats, it is amazing how they survived when the the Mayor’s Parlour, which was the venue building was occupied by hundreds of students! for occasional sports club and students 15. Silver gilt casket presented in 1908 to Alderman association committee meetings. Robert Richards when he was made a freeman of

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In issue 28, Hugh Heyes told the tale of an American B24 Liberator bomber which crashed in Aspull in August 1943. Hugh was 10 years old at the time, and was one of the first on the scene. He now lives in Massachusetts, USA, and has carried out research into a number of other American plane crashes in the Wigan area. Here he writes about the crash of a North American F-86F Sabre in Billinge in 1956. The day a North American F-86F Sabre jet crash-landed at Billinge

AT APPROXIMATELY 1335 hours on 22 March over the Irish Sea. They did Lt. Stockdale’s aircraft flamed see an airfield on an island but out. Then according to 1956, a flight of three North American F-86F the runway was too short, so eyewitness and newspaper Sabre Jet fighters of the 45th Fighter Day they contacted the tower for a accounts, he tried to make a Squadron, 17th Air Force, left Bordeaux, France DF steer. The tower told them forced landing on what had to tune into a marker located a been a reclaimed ‘open cast’ on the next leg of their Ferry Flight from Sidi half mile from the end of the site. The aircraft, with Slimane, French Morocco to the Scottish runway. (It was subsequently undercarriage down, came Aviation headquarters at Prestwick, Scotland. determined that the airfield down low over the New The purpose of their flight was to deliver the last they observed was located at House Farm on Winstanley Jurby on the Isle of Man). Road at a height of about 60 three aircraft from the squadron. Unable to get a positive feet, touching down on a fence The leader of the flight Trouble identification off the marker near to where the Chair Wood was Capt. James M. on the radio compass, they now stands. After again called for a steer. overshooting the pasture he Hambrick in aircraft No. Whilst over-flying Burtonwood heard the call was aiming for, Lt. Stockdale 52-5355. The No. 2 Burtonwood area, the flight and asked if they were in touched down in a recently aircraft, No. 52-5425, leader experienced trouble trouble or needed a steer. Still ploughed field. The was flown by 2nd Lt. with his radio compass and attempting to locate itself, the undercarriage and wings were subsequently handed the lead flight spent some time in the sheared off, the fuselage Norman L. Wells and the over to the No. 3 aircraft, No. 3 aircraft, No. 52- area maintaining VRF before rolling and careering across flown by Lt. Stockdale, to accepting a steer to the field at an angle of 30 5373, by 1st Lt. Wendell lead the flight to Prestwick. Burtonwood. According to Lt. degrees. B. Stockdale. The flight When they thought they were Stockdale, it was at about this After rolling over a path would take them over Prestwick, Capt. point in the flight that they number of times, the fuselage over Cherbourg, Hambrick attempted to collectively agreed that they went through a wooden fence contact the tower and after were lost, so the flight leader on the other side of the field Southampton, numerous failed attempts by Burtonwood and onto declared an emergency. and ended up on its side in a all three pilots, they finally On heading to drainage ditch 100 yards from Prestwick. The flight was made contact on the guard Burtonwood, they then Moss Vale Farm on Upholland estimated to take channel. The tower asked the climbed to around 17,000 feet. Road. The aircraft was a approximately 1hr flight leader if he could Maintaining this altitude for a complete wreck after 40min; each aircraft penetrate VFR, to which Capt. time, following steers given travelling a 100 yards or so carried fuel for two and Hambrick replied by Burtonwood and across the field. Pieces of the “negative”, whereupon the estimating that there was now aircraft were strewn over a half hours flying time. tower cleared the flight to As they taxied out to the a possibility of exhausting 200 yard area. The nose was at penetrate on the Prestwick their fuel before arriving at one end of the field, with the runway, the No. 2 aircraft range. During the descent at experienced problems Burtonwood, Capt. Hambrick undercarriage and wings some about 15,000 feet, the tower decided to let down, 20 yards from the fuselage. retracting its dive brakes and contacted the flight and it was decided to return to the maintaining VRF below the The whole area was littered notified them that the range clouds. The flight continued at with shattered perspex and ramp. However, the pilot had been turned off. (Lt. managed to retract the brakes approximately 1,500-2,000 ballast bags. The pilot’s Stockdale believes the range feet, in the hope that they helmet, cracked down the and the flight turned around had actually been turned off and took off in five second would spot a suitable landing middle, was lying on the when the radio compasses strip en route to Burtonwood. ground near the fuselage. intervals climbing to 38,000 indicated station passage). When the alarm was given, it feet. (This was later to prove Electing to continue was treated as a general crucial, as the extra fuel used without the benefit of reliable Head injuries emergency. Six fire engines here might have allowed Lt. navigational aids, they and two ambulances from the Stockdale to have had enough descended to around 2,000- At 10 or 12 miles from surrounding districts were at fuel to make it to the 3,000 feet. When they broke Burtonwood, at 1555 hours Burtonwood Air Base). out of the clouds they were and approximately 1,000 feet, Ô 24

the scene with commendable the gun sight. The helmet, speed. although it was split down the Lt. Stockdale crawled middle, did limit the damage from the wreck with serious to my face. I incurred a facial injuries, two fractured fracture of the right zygoma vertebrae and several arch and maxilla, and my lacerations, abrasions and right sinus was crushed. I bruises. He managed to also fractured two vertebrae stumble across the field to Mr. and had many cuts and Hornby who was coming to bruises of varying severity, I help him; then he passed out. was very lucky that the He was removed to Wigan fuselage did not come to rest Infirmary by one of the upside down, I was bleeding ambulances which had to be profusely; had it taken a long towed out of the field by a time to right the plane and get tractor after it got stuck in the me out, who knows what muddy field. He was might have happened? I think transferred to the Air Force I used a couple of my nine Hospital, Burtonwood at lives that day! approximately 1823 hours, I managed to get out of the then later to the Air Force The crashed Sabre jet in a field at Moss Vale Farm, Billinge. aircraft by myself and sat on a Hospital at Wimpole Park Lt. Stockdale refused to bale out, thus avoiding Billinge Hospital rock. A farmer working in an near Cambridge. which he thought was a school. adjacent field called the 25 year old 1st Lt. Wendell emergency services. The Stockdale, from Columbia, what happened). rotation motion to the aircraft. ambulance was there very Pennsylvania, was In February 2001 Mr. The mud piled up in front of quickly and I passed out hospitalised from March to Stockdale recalled the event the wheels, causing first the shortly after it arrived. As I May of 1956, after which he as follows: external fuel tanks and then recall, I regained returned to ground duties in “After flaming out, I the wings and undercarriage consciousness in the base French Morocco, before loosened my seat belt and to be sheared off from the hospital at Burtonwood. I returning to the United States. harness in preparation for a fuselage. The wingless credit Mr. Hornby, Mr. Alker Due to his head injuries and a low altitude ejection. As I fuselage then began to spin and Mr. Boardman for saving period of amnesia, he was not lowered my head in like a football, in the process my life. I was told that one of immediately allowed to return preparation for blowing the of which the headrest and them called the ambulance to flying status. It was canopy, I noticed what I canopy were sheared off as the whilst I was still in the air. approximately a year before thought was a village and fuselage spiralled two or three When the ambulance got the flight surgeons determined school below and ahead of times across the field. Had I stuck in the mud, they pulled that his amnesia was me. I found out 36 years later still had my shoulder harness it out with their tractor. They psychological and was not due what I thought was a school, and seat belt fastened, I would were responsible for my to physical brain damage. was in fact the hospital at undoubtedly have been prompt medical attention and (Evidently, when something Billinge. By the time I had decapitated. quick departure of the traumatic happens to a person, glided my aircraft safely ambulance to the hospital. the brain will oftentimes do beyond the hospital, I Lucky break Years later, I was told by Mrs. the victim a favour and estimated that I was well Hornby that it was Mr. Another lucky break for prevent him from below 800 feet – too low to Boardman who found my me was the ejection seat did remembering most or all of safely eject. I turned the watch in the ploughed field not fire upon impact or when I aircraft to the left and then to the day after the accident. evacuated the plane. The the right after Again another fortunate standard procedure was to spotting a pasture break for me was that Dr. Lett reinsert the safety pins into in which to set was on duty at Wimpole Park the ejection seat before a down. I decided to Air Force Hospital, near crash landing to prevent the land diagonally Cambridge where I was seat from accidentally firing across the pasture, eventually sent. He was one of upon impact. After flaming which was the foremost ear, nose and out I had very little time and adjacent to a throat doctors in the Air was very busy. I do not ploughed field. Force and a specialist in remember whether I forgot or From my farming treating head and facial was too busy flying the plane experiences in injuries similar to mine. He and looking for a place to Iowa where I was did a wonderful job on me. land. In any event, I did not reared, I knew that My personal recollections put the safety pins back in. pasture ground of the accident stopped just When the plane ended up on was much harder after I made the turn into my its side, had the seat blown, I than a ploughed final approach and started would have been ejected into field and that the again a couple of days later in the wooden fence and plane might not hospital. Details, especially brambles along the fence line. sink into the covering the period of my Also, most fortunately, there pasture turf. amnesia, were supplied later was no fire. I was later told Unfortunately, I by others - some of it not until there remained only about a overshot the 36 years later when I visited gallon of fuel in the tanks. pasture. Mrs. Hornby.” With no shoulder harness The under- In 1992, Mr. Stockdale 1st Lt. Wendell B. Stockdale, pilot of the Sabre or seat belt to restrain me, the carriage sank and his wife visited the crash jet, which crash-landed at Billinge in 1956, unevenly, tremendous deceleration after running out of fuel. imparting a caused my head to slam into Continued on page 26 25

Mining Food for Thought

OVER the centuries coal miners Perhaps some cheese might also younger than ten. Women the best articles in the shops. developed social characteristics be available from time to time. resorted at times to disguising They consume a great deal of peculiar to their industry, even themselves and their young animal food, milk, and beer or down to their eating habits. The Childrens girls as males, to be able to add ale. Another section of evidence They even created unique words to the family earnings. This was states that the children take a for food eaten down the pit Employment the case in remoter areas until little milk or coffee and a bit of such as snap from the Old Commission (Mines) the close of the 19th century. bread in the morning before they English, to bite or tear. Report 1842 The evidence that nutrition go to the pit, and they will take Regional terms found varied varied dramatically amongst the nothing with them but a little from jackbit and bread, baggin Although in record offices various mining districts can be bread and perhaps a little tea, or piece in Lancashire and around the country there are seen from the following selected but oftener dry bread than other areas. Corn was also used probably many insights into the extracts: anything else. in Scotland. eating habits of individual The parents cannot often get Until the Childrens mining families, the Childrens Shropshire them more, they do not have Employment Commission report Employment Commission Generally healthy, but there meat. When they come out of the of 1842 there are very few enquired in detail for the first is an extraordinary mortality pit at night they may have a accounts of the coal miner’s time in all the coal mining areas during infancy and childhood little meat or milk porridge, but typical diet, if it could ever be into the health and welfare of owing to the quantity of gin and a bit of dry bread and a sup of called that. The corrupt practice mineworkers. opium which is given by the milk is the usual supper. I have of wages being paid ‘in truck’, Commissioners were mothers to their children. known boys go to work all the with items available at the appointed to question twelve hours without more than company shop, was certainly individual colliers, boys, girls, West Riding of Yorkshire a bit of dry bread to eat. widespread, especially in those and women about their working Food and clothing generally isolated mining communities conditions while they worked good. The children as well as the Halifax where the coal owner/ below ground. Although many adults, have bread and milk and Breakfast generally consists landowner was as good as a mine owners were reluctant to porridge for breakfast, huge of a mess of porridge [ oatmeal mediaeval Lord of the Manor. If co-operate, they had to, with lumps of bread, and often bits of and hot milk or water], the the miners did not like the the result that the nation cheese and bacon, or fat for their dinner is almost invariably a practice then they were on their gained a shocking insight into luncheon in the pit, a hot meat flat, thin, coarse oaten cake way. Very often the selection of the plight of mineworkers. meal when they come home at peculiar to the North, or a wheat food in the company shop could The evidence led to the five or six, and often porridge, or cake weighing about six ounces be as little as bread, coffee, tea 1842 Coal Mines Act which bread and milk, or tea for with salt butter or lard. and sugar, with very poor banned girls and women from supper. quality and condition meat. underground work and also boys The colliers take nothing but Ô

definitely in trouble and trying was lying on its side with the was already in the cockpit area The day a North to land. After the airplane hit wings missing. After I checked when I noticed the handles American the ground, he immediately to make sure the guns were were in the raised position, went to the phone and called safe, I had to crawl through the almost the firing position! Just F-86F Sabre jet the police. Hornby then went fence and brambles to get into a slight touch in the wrong crash-landed at to the plane, getting there at the cockpit. This was a tight way would fire the seat. I can about the same time as the squeeze and when I got there still close my eyes and see me Billinge ambulance. He discovered the and viewed the seat and the seat clearing out that ––––– pilot sitting on a rock, very mechanism, I almost had a fence and brambles, as I am Continued from page 25 disoriented and not knowing heart attack! To fire the here to tell this story, it is where he was. He reported that ejection seat the pilot would obvious everything went Lt. Stockdale said something pull up on the seat handles. I well.” site and met with the wife, like, “That was surely a rough daughter and granddaughter of ride. Where am I?” North American F-86F Sabre Mr. Alfred Hornby, the first person to get to the crash site Wings missing Type Single seat all weather fighter-bomber to assist Lt. Stockdale. (Sadly Wingspan 37 ft 1 in Length 37 ft 6 in Mr. Hornby passed away just a Herb Harper, who was one Height 15 ft few months before the of the American crash party, Engine 5970 lbs J47-GE-27 Stockdale’s visit) recently recalled his Speed 690 mph max. involvement in the accident as Ceiling 54,600 ft Greenslate Farm follows: Range 1270 mls “As an Armament Armament 6 – 0.5 in Colt Browning M-3’s plus two, 1,000lb bombs or 16 rockets Mrs. Hornby recalled that Technician, I was called out to Weight 10,950 lbs empty, 17,000 lbs loaded Mr. Hornby was working on the crash site to disarm any No. built 9,502 all marks – 1,539 F-86F’s the Greenslate Farm (near explosives, gun and pilot’s Billinge) when he observed a ejector seat, which contained Land based prototypes adopted swept back wings in 1945. flight of aircraft flying very explosive devices. By the time First flight of XJF-1 took place on 27 November 1946. That of low. He noticed that one of I had arrived, the injured pilot the XP-86 on 1 October 1947. them was apparently in trouble had already been removed. I The F-86F had extended leading edges and small fences. as it was not making any noise did know he was injured and The F-86 saw considerable service in Korea. It was in some and had separated itself from respects marginally inferior to the MIG-15. But with he was expected to live, but I experienced pilots this effect was essentially nullified. the others. He was also aware did not know who he was and More North American Sabres were produced than any other that it was losing altitude and since he was from another military aircraft since 1945, with the exception of the Huey when he saw that the wheels unit, I did not ask. When I got Helicopter. were down, he knew it was to the crash site the aircraft 26

obtain food in advance of their and tunnellers gave their wives wages was being abolished. larger allowances which meant that sweet cake, tinned fruit There is one in Dundyvan as and prepared meats could be I’ve heard tell, bought, as well as the usual At charging a price none can fresh meat, bread and potatoes. them excel; Food was usually bought from For butter and cheese is a the Co-op or the pit village shop. penny a pound, Above all other shops that And finally, you’ll find in the town. As for their meat and their from my own bacon it’s very good, experiences . . . And fitting enough for a collier’s food; I remember a man at Their tea and their sugar is Bickershaw Colliery, Leigh, in fair I declare, the early 1980’s who before day But I sing no more of their shift used to eat a full cooked grocery-wares. breakfast of two sausages, two eggs, about four rashers of From a North East poem of bacon and two slices of fried Snap time for coalface workers, mid 1950’s. These men have come c.1900, ‘The Putter’, (a boy who bread at 4.30 am. He was as thin off the face for a welcome lunch break of 30 minutes. pushed tubs of coal away from as a rake and avoided hard work the coalface). This lad is saying like the plague! that as long as he is well fed and Another man I remember at Lancashire and Cheshire than an adult collier of the has drink and tobacco he is the Coventry Colliery used a large The adults are thin and 1840’s. best at his work! food flask on afternoon shift to gaunt. One or two colliers, keep his exotic meal from the somewhat corpulent, were Literary Glimpses into Nuw, ah’m just a smallie Chinese ‘chippy’ warm (he also pointed out to me as remarkable used to wear his wife’s enormous for being so. They have a the Miner’s Diet in laddie, Hardly owd enough ti hew, old knickers but that’s another stooping shambling gait when the Hungry ‘30’s story!). walking, no doubt acquired from But a’v held me a’n at puttin Wiv th’ best a’h iver knew, I always seemed to be their occupations in the low Tomlinson G. ‘Coalminer’, hungry; perhaps instinctively I galleries of the mines. Giv us plenty bait and bottle 1937 Plenty beef and baccy chows, was thinking I should eat as Their complexion, when Mother would make what we much as possible in case I was washed, is pallid, approaching to called flapjacks - big flat cakes And a’ hl bet me bunch ‘o tokens trapped in a roof fall! I would a dirty yellow. Some of the about as big as a large dinner eat anything going. A man I children are decently clothed, plate, and we children would be that from Gannin doon ti lowse. knew, and thought I trusted and, according to their own on our very best behaviour so fairly well, once gave me some statements, always have that we might have a large sandwiches wrapped in sufficient food. piece of flap-jack split open Life ‘On Tick’ Rathbones bread paper which he On the other hand many are whilst still warm and spread From a study of a Yorkshire said he didn’t want. After I had in rags and in a disgusting state with beef dripping. pit village in the 1950’s it eaten them he said he’d found of dirt, and without enough to Another dish of which we appears that an unskilled miner them in a tub which went past eat. The usual food of drawers is were very fond was ‘ water- was paid around £5 to £7 a earlier! stated to be “cheese and bread, whelps’. ‘Water whelps’ are week. Virtually the whole of At home, she who must be or bread and butter, and pieces of dough taken fresh the wife’s allowance from her obeyed (Helen) often berates me sometimes raisin pasties; they from the mixing and boiled in a husband went on food. By with; “wash your hands before take what they have to eat in pan. It would kill some people Wednesday and Thursday the you touch that food!”. My reply their hands, and take a bite now to eat them, but with a spot or pennies were being counted is, “we used to eat our butties and again; sometimes they carry two of black treacle on them we and most things were being on the face at Bickershaw it until it is as black as coal”. children loved them. bought ‘on tick’. covered in coal dust, never did Higher paid coal face men me any harm!” Oldham Coombes B.L ‘These Poor James Taylor: “Ate his dinner Hands’ , 1939 while working, never had To me the symbol of the anything except butter cakes miner-boy has been a little [bread and butter]. His father fellow who dragged his feet up who was a collier drank a good to the colliery one summer deal of his wages. Has porridge morning last year. I think it was and treacle to breakfast when the look on his face that there is any, and porridge and attracted me. He had cord milk when he gets home, never ‘yorks’ below his knee, just like any potatoes.” a real man, it could not have taken many inches of string. His The above accounts are jacket came down to the level of amazing in the sense that those yorks and his food box children and adults could caused a bulge in his side survive such a hard work pocket that was as large as his environment on bread, bacon, chest. cheese, tea and water. Many modern miners, and especially those working at small private Poetry Extracts mines, tend to eat huge ‘greasy From a Scottish broad sheet sausage, egg and chips’ of the 1840’s called ‘The mountains and still have room Truckmasters’, this section A group of young boy miners grab a butty below ground, early for more, as well as consuming probably dates to the period large quantities of beer, when when the use of ‘company 1950’s. These lads marshalled full and empty pit tubs onto and off their workload must be far less shops’ where miners could the rope haulage system. 27

A Rugby League Diary 1898-1938 Injuries (Part two) the hope that the sport would Injuries and accidents become popular in the South. featured in Mr Counsell’s However, there was only a diary. Compensation was The Diary of Mr. John Counsell poor attendance at White City Stadium in London to often the order of the day. On Unfortunately, the diary entry outbreaks. At their meeting see ‘the first Northern 7 January 1935: ‘Paid a for 6 August 1937 recorded: on 24 November 1937 in League match there.’ (20 junior, J Winstanley, 10s 6d ‘Left Wigan with directors Leeds the Hull Kingston September 1933) on account of his having his and a few players for the Rovers ground was ordered In February 1935 John leg broken during a match cremation of Ian Crockett.’ to be closed for two weeks. Counsell ‘met with Mr S E with Whelley Rangers.’ In There was also an active Parkes at Royal Automobile 1937 Mr Counsell went to policy to improve the Violence Motor Club Ball in London. see J Wilcock, a junior standards of refereeing. John Mr Counsell often He is interested in the rugby footballer, who had an Counsell attended the expressed concern at rough league game being played in accident while playing a Referees’ Examination in play in rugby league. When the South.’ Mr Parkes was match. ‘The RL asked me to Manchester on 10 July 1935. Wigan ‘A’ team played invited to attend a Rugby enquire into the case and to More often, he assessed the Liverpool Stanley ‘A’ team League Management go up to £3 3s. I informed performance of various in 1937: ‘It was a very rough Committee meeting ‘re the boy that he would get 10s referees: match, eight players being starting our game in that 6d a week for 6 weeks.’ 27 October 1934: sent off’. Eventually four part.’ At a special meeting of The club doctors ‘Observed Referee J F players from each side were the Northern League Clubs rendered good service. On Armstrong in a match suspended for four matches attended by Mr Parkes it was 26 May 1906: ‘Drs Monks between St Helens Recs and each. A meeting of the decided to admit two London and Lindsay presented with Bradford Northern. I Northern League clubs to the Northern hot water jugs and salad considered him fair.’ Management Committee in League. But the experiment bowl for services to injured 19 September 1936: Manchester on 5 January was short lived. By the 1937 players.’ Likewise, when ‘Went to St Helens to observe 1938 dealt with a large season Rugby League Spillane broke his leg in an a referee but was not number of players for Management Committee ‘A’ team match at St Helens impressed by his display.’ misconduct on the field. decided to award all clubs Recs in 1930: ‘We brought 6 November 1937: ‘At ‘The unanimous feeling of due to play Streatham and him back safely in the chara. Swinton to observe referee L the committee was that Mitcham 2 points each. The The doctor was very good Thorpe. He was satisfactory.’ longer suspensions would be London club had intimated 8 January 1938: ‘Referee and made him comfortable to given in future.’ that they would not fulfil any E Houghton was observed at travel.’ If the injury was There were also instances more fixtures. severe the players were of violence amongst the St Helens Recs. He only referred to medical crowds, often triggered off made a few mistakes and was specialists. In 1903 Harry considered quite satisfactory.’ Wales and Ireland by referees. On 17 February The working class, coal Lowe went to see Mr Barber, 1904, after a drawn home the bone specialist, about his mining valleys of South game with Hunslet, the Dissemination Wales have always been knee injury. Similarly, in Wigan authorities ‘had On 14 December 1932 potential areas of expansion 1933 Mr McMurray, the difficulty in getting the Wigan were defeated by for rugby league. Wigan Liverpool specialist, referee off ground safely; Leeds in the first figured prominently in examined George Bennett’s Chief Constable Hardy got experimental game to play bringing Northern Union ankles. him in a hansom cab, at the Rugby League under football to the Welsh valleys But there were tragedies top of Standishgate.’ floodlights. The match was in 1908 and after Ebbw Vale on and off the pitch. On 3 Likewise, after a ‘great played at White City in had defeated Wigan 6-5 in November 1903: ‘Luke match’ at Central Park when London and ‘a good time’ March 1911 ‘Welsh folks Aspey, a Wigan player, St Helens Recs beat Wigan was had by directors and [were] delighted.’ When drowned at Martland Mill 19-18 in 1926, there were players. In the following England beat Wales in an Bridge.’ A diary entry on 20 ‘angry demonstrations after year, the momentous international match at South August 1916 said simply: the match against the decision was taken by the Devon grounds, Plymouth, ‘James Leytham drowned.’ referee…Police escorted him Rugby League Council to in 1913 the winners received In July 1937 Mr Counsell from the ground the back allow the old Wigan £3 and the losers got 30s. went to Manchester Royal way.’ The League Highfield to play their Former Wigan player, Jerry Infirmary to see Ian Crockett, Management Committee and matches as London Shea, was involved in efforts a New Zealand footballer, on Finance Committee Highfield at night under Wigan’s register. responded vigorously to such floodlights at White City in Ô 28

to establish rugby league in via Dover and Calais. Went Challenge Cup at Rochdale Counsell ‘had to write to Pontypridd. Over 22,000 with Hutchins and Howarth between Wigan and Oldham Bramley, Bradford Northern, watched England beat Wales in taxi, Arc de Triomphe, (April 1924) was watched by Featherstone, Hunslet and in 1926 but this did not Lido, Maxims etc. Retired to over 41,000 – ‘a record Leigh re loans. Money prevent the Rugby League bed rather late.’ crowd who broke on the field owing to the Rugby League.’ Council accepting the 15 April 1934: ‘Had plain before the start of the match’, Later in the same year he was resignation of the Pontypridd .breakfast in F Hutchin’s requiring mounted police to appointed by League Club, ‘they being in financial room. Left hotel at 11.30 for clear the pitch before the Management Committee and difficulties.’ Cardiff Rugby Buffalo Stadium and had kick off could take place. On Finance Committee ‘to visit League Club was admitted as lunch there with officials of 26 February 1927 a crowd of Leigh and assist that club to a replacement for Pontypridd ground. It was a fine match 30,000 saw Leeds defeat fulfil fixtures.’ in 1927. to see. France 21 v England Wigan in a Rugby League In April 1934 a meeting 32 – nearly 20,000 Challenge Cup. It was a ‘big Wembley of the Cup and Emergency spectators.’ disappointment’ because A Rugby League Council Committee decided against Wigan were ‘rather over- Meeting in Leeds took the Oldham and Rochdale played.’ Likewise, a ‘big momentous decision to play playing a match in Dublin on Popularity future rugby league Cup John Counsell’s diary gate watched Swinton defeat 28 April. However, during Finals in London. Wigan reflected the on-going Wigan in a match to mark the the 1930’s there were efforts defeated Dewsbury in the popularity of rugby league, ‘opening of Swinton’s new to take rugby league across first Rugby League Cup especially in its northern ground near the station’ in the Irish Sea. On 12 May Final to be played at hinterland. When Wigan 1929. 1934, Wigan defeated Wembley in May 1929, inflicted the first defeat of the This popularity extended Warrington 32-19 at watched by over 40,000 New Zealanders on their to lower grade level rugby Sherbourne Park, watched by spectators. Wigan directors 1907 tour the match was league. Nearly 22,000 8,000 spectators, to win the and players returned to watched by 30,000 spectators watched Wigan St Patrick’s first Irish Hospitals’ Trust Wigan with the cup. ‘We at Central Park, with gate beat Widnes St Bede’s in the Challenge Trophy challenge. took the cup to Central Park receipts of £1,300. Wigan Final of the Daily Dispatch After the match, Mr Counsell where a junior final was played at Oldham before ‘a Shield played at Central Park and other dignitaries taking place, which swelled huge crowd’ in March 1909. in May 1926. In 1933, when attended a ‘splendid dinner the gate to over £100 – a ‘Very large number outside Wigan were drawn at given by Lord Mayor of good stroke of business.’ that could not get in. Gates Askern, near Doncaster, in Dublin at the Dolphin Hotel.’ Thus began Wigan’s closed at 3 o’clock.’ the First Round of the Rugby Rugby league officials remarkable history of However, despite a League Challenge Cup, the received another ‘splendid Wembley visits and the decision by the Northern match attracted 4,000 banquet’ after Wigan’s defeat annual attempts to educate Union to continue playing, spectators. ‘Wigan’s going of Leeds by 12-9 in Dublin the southerners. Each April rugby league in general was there was a very popular on 12 May 1935 before in the early 1930’s, John plunged into crisis by the attraction as a fair number of 7,000 spectators. Counsell ‘went with a few First World War. Mr Wigan people had gone to members of the Rugby Counsell’s diary for 12 April live there in recent years.’ France League Council to London John Counsell’s diary 1918 recorded: ‘Air raid (These were mainly miners and Wembley and met made reference to the over Wigan by German seeking work.) Such large representatives of London historic first visit by a French Zeppelin.’ Gates slumped crowds gave the clubs the papers re publicity of the rugby league team to tour alarmingly during the war opportunity to improve their forthcoming Rugby League England. On 10 March1934 and clubs took emergency financial viability. Thus, Cup Final at Wembley.’ In he went with other Wigan economy measures, ‘Wigan’s share of the gate April 1933 the Rugby directors to the Mayor of including wage reductions from the Leeds cup tie in League Council delegation Wigan’s parlour and met the for players. In October 1914 1938 was £815 0s 3d met with ‘distinguished French rugby team. On 26 Wigan players refused to including 13 players’ train sportsmen and London March he attended a meeting play on a 25% reduction to fares.’ newspaper representatives at of Cup and Emergency wages, although the ‘A’team However, this relative the Hotel Metropole’ to Committee in Manchester accepted reduced terms in prosperity was not shared by generate publicity for the ‘considering the Frenchmen’s December 1914. A match all clubs. On 4 March 1937 Rugby League Cup Final at tour financially.’ They need against Leigh on Easter Mr Counsell attended a Wembley. not have worried; the tour Monday 1917 was played on combined meeting of League was a success on and off the ‘half gate terms.’ Management Committee and field. Mr Counsell clearly The first decade after the Directors of Leigh Football Sensations enjoyed his reciprocal visit to First World War saw a Club ‘re financial position of John Counsell’s diary Paris in April 1934. The remarkable recovery as huge Leigh club.’ Following a was littered by sensations diary spoke for itself: crowds and prosperity meeting of the Rugby and controversies both on and off the field. During the 14 April 1934: ‘Left returned to all levels of the League Finance Committee Wigan for London and Paris game. The Rugby League meeting in Leeds, Mr Continued on page 30 29

Wigan; in addition to the directors ‘granted £10 10s intervened. Anticipating the famous Cherry and Whites, to the Wigan Examiner first Australian tour of A Rugby Wigan Highfield played at Subscription Fund towards Britain in 1909, Jack Tunstall Lane in Pemberton defraying the cost of Hesketh, the Wigan trainer, League Diary, and derby matches attracted damage done by the storm expressed the on-going 1898-1938 large crowds. In March to the Wigan Boro philosophy: ‘The ––––– 1926 Wigan Highfield, the Association Football Club, Australians come this ‘babes of the Rugby Springfield Park.’ When season, to try and beat us. Continued from page 29 League’, had a ‘remarkable Wigan returned after That we must not let victory’ over Leeds in a defeating Leigh in the final happen.’ In a truncated match played at Tunstall of the Lancashire Challenge match, almost obliterated by 1906-1907 season Wigan Lane in the Third Round of Cup in December 1905 they fog, Wigan beat the tourists suspended Windsor Jones the Rugby League Cup. found a ‘tremendous 10-7. Wigan won a re- and Trezise sine die, and two This was regarded as number of people waiting arranged match and they other players, Voisey and ‘something of a sensation at arrival of team with cup at beat the visiting Kangaroos Watkins, for one week, but the time.’ Four years later Wigan.’ again on their 1911 tour by ‘the directors went to Wales Wigan Highfield defeated 1 May 1909: 7-2. In 1929 they were to fetch Bert Jenkins back Wigan for the first time – ‘a ‘Tremendous crowds defeated 10-9 by the after suspension.’ milestone in the history of awaited the arrival of the Australians in a match Wigan often had trouble the old Wigan Highfield train with the Northern ‘spoiled by heavy rain.’ In with their Welsh imports, Club.’ League Cup and also the September 1933 players and usually over money. In the Lancashire Cup.’ officials of the Australian summer of 1908 Wigan took Community (Celebrations seem to have touring side, including Mr Johnny Thomas to court for Rugby league has always gone too far: ‘Went to try Harry Sunderland, were alleged breach of contract. been community based. and get one of our players entertained in the Mayor’s After being barracked by John Counsell’s diary out who had been locked up parlour before the match sections of the crowd in a recorded many of the for being drunk but we which saw the tourists match against Oldham in achievements and successes failed.’) defeat Wigan 10-4 in front February, Thomas refused to that were shared by the of 16,000 spectators. play again. The club Wigan community. In Saints and Perhaps the most secured the verdict and £65 December 1912 the Australians inappropriate items ever costs against Thomas ‘for comedian, George Formby, The attraction of games presented to rugby league breach of contract with kicked off the match at against the ‘old enemy’ was teams were the ‘manicure Wigan Football Club.’ In Central Park against obvious from the following sets’ presented to Wigan January 1909 Mr Counsell Hunslet. On 15 August diary entry in 1910: ‘Boxing players and the Australians had to make two visits to 1903 about 400 people Day at St Helens. Record after the tourists had beaten Bert Jenkins: ‘Once more it watched a wrestling match crowd. Sat with Lord Wigan 23-25 in 1937 after would seem money is the at Central Park for which the Derby.’ Even after defeat in ‘one of the best football problem with him.’ club received £3, but in the Lancashire Challenge matches played.’ 9 November 1908: ‘For 1932 negotiations to allow Cup on 9 December 1925 Nevertheless, the Wigan attempting to bribe two Central Park to be used for there was a ‘lively evening directors realised that the Wigan players, Lance Todd greyhound racing fell in the committee room’ at Australians had much to and Massa Johnston, E through. On 5 February Central Park. offer British rugby league. Croston was jailed for two 1927 Crooke Brass Band led Wigan players usually In December 1937 they months.’ In the Dog and mass singing at the match figured prominently in offered Harry Sunderland Partridge public house, Mr between Wigan and Great Britain sides selected the post of Secretary- Croston, a local coal Broughton Rangers. (This to tour overseas. In April Manager of Wigan RLFC at merchant and part-time was a first for Central Park 1927 Mr Counsell went to £400 a year and a bonus of bookmaker, had ‘unlawfully at least.) London to see local players, £3 per match won and £2 and corruptly’ offered Todd On New Year’s Day including Jim Sullivan and for draw and 10% bonus of and Johnston £20 each to 1905 Wigan beat a Dai Nat Bentham, off to tour profit at end of the season. ensure that Wigan lost a Rees’s Welsh team 13-0, Australia and New Zealand. However, the next month match against Hunslet on 11 ‘the net proceeds of the Five months later he met the this offer was rescinded. September 1908. £104 gate money being Great Britain tourists at Sadly, the final entry in Wigan were fined £25 by donated to the Mayor’s Liverpool landing stage as John Counsell’s diary, on 18 League Management Unemployed Fund.’ On 17 they disembarked from the April 1938, shortly before Committee for ‘fielding the September 1910 about ‘Duchess of Atholl’ on their his death on 1 May, was: ‘A’ team against St Helens 10,000 attended a carnival return from the Antipodes. ‘Salford 13 v Wigan 2. The on Good Friday 1909.’ at Central Park in aid of Wigan had a history of play of the Wigan team was Between 1922 and 1933 King Edward Memorial and momentous battles with most disappointing.’ there were two professional Million Sixpence Fund. In visiting touring sides, Allan Miller rugby league clubs in January 1926 the Wigan though the weather often Orrell Wigan 30

Ashton-in-Makerfield Tyldesley & District Historical Probus Club SOCIETY NEWS Society Members of the Club are retired Meetings are held on the third business/professional people, who Thursday of every month from meet at the Angel Hotel, Ashton-in- To all Secretaries September to May at the Tyldesley Makerfield on the first Wednesday of Pensions club on Milk Street at 7.30 every month at 11.00 a.m. New Would Secretaries please note the p.m. We do not charge an entrance fee members are always welcome, and can copy deadline on p2, and ensure although voluntary contributions are receive details from the Honorary that you send in all details of your always welcome. Refreshments Secretary, Alan Bradshaw (01942 meetings up to the end of 2003 for available. Contact the Secretary 726493) inclusion in the next issue. Thanks (01942 514271) or email 2 April [email protected]. You can Stephen Walsh also visit our website at James Fairhurst 15 April www.amw02593.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk. 7 May A Bag of Treasures AGM Simon Martin Wigan Archaeological Society 20 May Aspull & Haigh Historical The Society meets at the BP Centre Have You Any Irish Ancestors? Society (Scout HQ) in Greenhough Street on James Firth the first Wednesday of the month at Meetings are held in Our Lady’s R.C. 16 June 7.30 p.m. Entrance is only £1. Church Hall, Haigh Road, Aspull on the Visit to Lancashire Record Office second Thursday in the month at 7.30 15 July p.m. Further details from the Secretary, Visit to Manchester Police Museum Wigan Civic Trust Barbara Rhodes (01942 222769) 10 August The Trust stimulates public interest in Getting Started the Wigan area; promotes high Atherton Heritage Society standards of planning and Meetings are held on the second Leigh Literary Society architecture; and aims to secure the Tuesday of the month at 7.30 p.m. at St. This is the Society’s 125th season. preservation, conservation, Richards Jubilee Hall, Atherton. Meetings are held in the Derby Room at development and improvement of the Admission £1 (members), £1.50 (non- the Turnpike Centre, on alternate historic parts of town and country. The members). Further details from Mrs. M. Monday evenings at 7.30 p.m. Annual Trust meets at Drumcroon Education Hodge Tel: (01942 884893) subscriptions £11; visitors £1.50 per Arts Centre, Parsons Walk, Wigan, on 8 April meeting. For further details contact the second Monday of the month at Through a Glass Darkly Tony Ashcroft, Local History Officer, 7.30 p.m. For further details contact Len Hudson Leigh Library (01942 404559) the Secretary, A.J. Grimshaw, 6 13 May 14 April Bridgeman Terrace, Wigan (01942 Wardley Hall AGM 245777). New members always Ann Monaghan welcome. 10 June Leigh Probus Club The Sea to the West Members of the Club, which is non- Wigan Family & Local History Margaret Curry sectarian, are generally retired Society 12 August professional/businessmen. The Club Meetings are held on the third Haigh Hall meets at the Leigh Masonic Hall on Tuesday of every month (except in Carol Banks alternate Thursday afternoons between July and August) in the Springfield October and April. New members are Hotel, Springfield Road, Wigan, at Billinge Local History Society welcome – anyone wishing to join 7.30 p.m. for 8.00 p.m. The meetings For further details contact Jack should contact H. Wilkinson (01942 alternate between members’ Boardman, 38 Garswood Road, 671943). evenings and external speakers on Billinge, Wigan, WN5 7TH, (01744 history related topics. Annual 892613), or visit our web site at Shevington Memories Group Membership fees are £6 for www.billinge-history.com. This small, informal group meets each individuals, £7 for families and £10 Friday at 2.30 p.m. in Shevington for overseas membership. A meeting Golborne & Lowton Local Methodist Church (New Lounge), to History Society fee is charged at £1 per member share memories about old times. and £1.50 per non-member. For Founded in 1984 the society now has Anyone is welcome – just turn up! further information contact the an average monthly attendance of over Contact Maurice Hilton (01942 Secretary, Maureen Metcalfe, 4 20. Meetings are held at Golborne 223107) for further details. Library on the second Tuesday of the Spilsby Square, Wigan WN3 5QP. month at 7.00 p.m. Non-members are Standish Probus Club 20 April welcome. Further details from Ron The Club was only established in 2001 Probate Inventories Marsh, P.R. Officer (01942 726027). but already has 70 members. Members Fred Holcroft are retired business and professional 18 May Leigh & District Family History people. Meetings, which are open to The Burdekins of Hindley and Wigan Society both men and women, are held at ‘The (cont) Meetings are held on the third Tuesday Owls’, Rectory Lane, Standish on the Janet Clayworth of every month at 7.30 p.m. in the second Tuesday of every month at 15 June Derby Room of Leigh Library. For 10.30 a.m. New members welcome. Skeletons in the Cupboard further details contact the Secretary, Further details from the Secretary, Mavis Fairhurst Mrs. O. Hughes (01942 741594). Bryan Shepherd (01257 424994) (preceded by AGM) 31

Childhood Revisitedthere was the unthinkable THINGS began to change at school. I (Part two) nightmare of being caught by vaguely remember by the infamous Ernie Jones. certain names being Garswood Station Master, J. Harold Smith ‘devil incarnate’, who would called out one day and through the fields in a not hesitate to lift his gouted within a few days there somehow, the atmosphere was different. Many changes to southerly direction, its end foot to inflict a painful kick in appeared in the next the normal way of life seemed being just 30 or so yards from the dorsal regions. classroom, Standard to descend. In the local Co-op a hawthorn hedge which was All I can remember was Three, a couple or so long shop, for instance, gone were a boundary of Billy Cliffe’s my totally confused, terrified trestle tables over which the three male counter hands, field. The climbing over a five state, pushed and dragged by were spread white paper replaced by women, one of barred gate, plus lifting the two big lads who eventually cloths. On a separate whom was my own mother – truck, by the bigger lads was a found a safe escape route table, two large tea urns, quite a novelty at first. little frightening at first, as whereby I was more than normally locked away even at that age, I knew we happy to return home without, I might mention, a word of until a field treat or the Dismembered bike were trespassing. There was something reassuring though, my escapade to anyone, least Shrove Tuesday dance, Long before these strange about the spectacle of of all, mother! were set in position. times, it was not uncommon Stones’s Tip which was In addition to scavenging Late in the morning of to see a chap pushing the crawling with coal pickers the local slag heaps, people the following day, stacks of remains of a pushbike, from end to end, not to were doing their own box loaves, cartons of remains meaning the bare mention my new view of prospecting in sundry places, margarine and large essentials, two wheels, with Garswood as seen from such digging holes which they earthenware jars of jam were or without tyres, handlebars, an elevated standpoint. called strike holes. Reference deposited on the long tables. and a frame, in which it was But then it was down to to an old map of the area As the mid-day bell rang, possible to support a well work, though not for long, as makes me wonder if these had teachers from all the classes filled bag of coal, salvaged someone shouted “POLICE” been used by the amateur (including big sister) illegally from a nearby slag and all eyes focused on the prospectors, as the whole area converged on the scene, heap. Gradually the scene spot where we had entered for a number of miles around armed with the appropriate became quite common as the Billy Cliffe’s field. is dotted with old mine utensils for the preparation numbers increased, the mode Approaching the very spot, workings, suggesting that the of jam butties (always apple of transport varying from the along Tithebarn Road, were remains of slag heaps could & raspberry which in later aforementioned dismembered three policemen – on have been just about anywhere anyone decided to years, my sister bike, to boxes on wheels, old horseback, a spectacle never dig. This was certainly true of remembered, always prams and even those planks seen before in the village. One the floor of Monks (or smelled like apple and on wheels with rope steering, of them wore a white helmet – the pride and joy of some another first for the village. Munks) Wood, where one day turnip), thick enough to have youngster, or any other form I latched on to three older lads scotched a tram, and pouring of wheelable container. All ‘Devil incarnate’ armed with a pick and a of tea into cups brought into these multifarious oddments couple of shovels, and me school by the pupils who, we could be seen at any time of Escape was a bit of a with mother’s boiler shovel. learned, were children of the day, piloted by either sex lottery. Even though the Choosing a spot that seemed mining families who would from the age of six to 60 or police were well to have been used in the be ‘lunching’ at school for beyond. outnumbered, they had a distant past, the lads started to some little time to come. For me, as a nine year old, fairly escape-proof length of dig, and hey presto, there was Just how long that went on there was something strangely thick, hawthorn hedge in their the familiar grey strata. After I cannot recall, but the word exciting about the scene, the favour, penetration of which much hard work, the potato strike seemed to be like of which I had never was at the cost of blood, plus sack they had brought along commonly used, quite often – experienced before, so being caught anyway. was reasonably full of what a word that I had only ever exciting that one day I tagged Diametrically opposite, the they considered burnable slag. heard connected with along with two much older only escape was via the I suppose in monetary terms matches. lads who had a fairly large, railway line at the apex of the of the day, a coal merchant Then suddenly it was two wheeled box with shafts. heap and this simply ran into would have charged about 1s. announced that we were to And so it was off to Stones’s the main, Liverpool to Wigan (5p) for such dross. have a holiday, and that the tip – for me a day’s march line sidings which only Those days were certainly school would be closed. But away in Tithebarn Road. increased the gravity of strange, especially to us this was not like any of the The tip (slag heap) was a trespass. Even if one children, ignorant of the statutory holiday, in that, single, grey vein reaching negotiated that unscathed, Ô 32

world of politics. At the time, the same wall on the outside view of the proceedings. An village, and that hardly I was friendly with the son of tapered from about six feet to unruly mob of 50 or more anyone owned a telephone. the landlord of the nearby about 12 feet high, allowing bawling, booing men and a So it was back to school, pub, The Railway Hotel. That for the gradient of the road handful of women seemed only a few weeks before the in itself provided the and footpath which ran past intent on lynching the summer holiday – four whole opportunity for much the pub’s front entrance. One frightened, crestfallen Jack weeks of unadulterated adventure without having to day, whilst playing in the S….., who was being messing about to which, in stray from the pub’s premises. area, Leonard’s father protected by a few those days and in that area, There were the old stables full appeared on the scene and, policemen. As the scene there was little alternative. of all kinds of interesting with some urgency, passed beneath us, we found Fishing for cockies rubbish worth messing about announced, “Don’t go the proceedings very, very (sticklebacks) with an with. Then there was the outside, there’s a mob coming frighteningly noisy indeed. elderberry stick, length of bowling green area, bordered up soon. They’re bringing To this day I, and I suppose cotton and a bent pin on one side by a vegetable Jack S….. up”. To us the Leonard Threlfall, if he is still skewering a wriggling worm garden, and a covered area message was somewhat alive, often wonder what was was alright for a time, but it called the pavilion where, in cryptic, but we did obey the the eventual fate of Jack could get boring in the the summer, people could sit order. And sure enough, S…… company of non-cooperative and watch the bowlers while within a short time we heard This strange ‘holiday’ cockies. Face-or-blank with quaffing a pint of Greenalls booing and shouting coming atmosphere ended almost as cigarette cards was alright, as best. And, if one fancied an from what we quickly suddenly as it had started, as long as you were on a good end of bowls, providing there recognised as Camp Lane whispers went around that the run. Ride-a-jiggy was alright, was a gap in the playing rota, bridge, the bridge where, for strike was over. A complete until it was my turn, with my they could choose their bowls the sheer novelty, we kids stranger in his 40’s seemed to matchstick like, collapsible from a tall rack on the inner loved to stand underneath and have taken it upon himself to frame, to be underneath! wall of the pavilion. shout anything that came to act as town crier, as he mind just to hear an almost walked along at top speed, Cricket Leonard’s father perfect echo. shouting, “Strike’s o’er, There was, of course, Rushing to get beer crates strike’s o’er”. Perhaps he was cricket or football (so-called) A four foot high perimeter on which to stand, we could mindful of the fact that there on the croft, a grassless pitch wall ran round three sides of peer over the top of the wall, were only about half a dozen the bowling green area, but thus enjoying a bird’s eye wireless owners in the Continued on page 34

Mon Ashton Library Orrell Library The Pension Service comes Wigan Road, Ashton-in- Orrell Road, Orrell Post Makerfield Orrell to the Libraries 10.00am-12.00 noon 2.00pm-4.00pm Age Concern Wigan Hindley Library Are you aged over 60 years? Do you have a benefit 68 Market Street, Wigan Market Street, Hindley related query and would like specialist advice? You 10.00am-12.00 noon 2.00pm-4.00pm may be entitled to claim one of many benefits but are unaware; by asking our staff they will be able to Tue Standish Library Signpost Advisory Service, identify potential income, which may be available Cross Street, Standish TCEC Building, Upper George St to you and help you make that claim. 10.00am-12.00 noon Tyldesley 1.00pm-3.30pm

If so, the Pension Service has joined up with the Atherton Library Aspull Library Libraries and other partners to ensure we are in York Street, Atherton Oakfield Crescent, Aspull convenient locations throughout the borough to 10.00am-12.00 noon 2.00pm-4.00pm offer help to pensioners, their families and those who are planning ahead for their retirement. Wed Thur Marsh Green Library Golborne Library Help is available for: - Harrow Road, Marsh Green Tanners Lane, Golborne • Completion of Minimum Income guarantee 10.00am-12.00 noon 1.30pm-3.30pm forms • Completion of Retirement Pension forms Higher Folds Community Centre Abram Library • Verifing Saving Documents, Birth/Marriage Stirling Close, Leigh Vicarage Road, Abram Certificates (no need to post off these items, 10.00am-12.00 noon 2.00pm-4.00pm handed back immediately!) • Winter Fuel queries Fri Wigan & Leigh Pensioners Link Ince Library 27 Charles Street, Leigh Smithy Green, Ince • Signpost to other Pensioner Services 10.00am-12.00 noon 2.00pm-4.00pm

You can make an appointment at any venue Shevington Library convenient to you or simply drop in. To arrange Gathurst Lane, Shevington an appointment please ring 01942 758000 and 10.00am-12.00 noon ask for the Pension Service.

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watching the pig eating, it was gate to allow free passage of bellowing more loudly. the sheer power with which the home coming herd, I Although I started to run, there Childhood they chewed an egg-sized entered the field in the same was nowhere to go to except lump of coal, with the same pattern of rounding up I had into a sharp corner formed by a Revisited ease that we would have seen before, whilst hollering high stone wall, in which there ––––– crunched a peppermint. the same sound, “Owp, owp” was a gateway and the side Continued from page 33 A well stocked Dutch Barn in, of course, a very much wall of an outhouse. Trapped provided endless fun for us higher vocal register. there I just shouted and that vehemently defied the lads. At the same time, it must But much to my childish screamed whilst the bull, head description of level, no matter be said that it also concealed satisfaction, relief and down, (probably trying to from where the reading was many dangerous hazards of amazement, it became quite decide with which horn to root taken. I remember a few which we were totally obvious that every one of those me out, toothpick fashion) was cricket ‘matches’ which were oblivious. One of the favourite cows had understood my no more than a few feet away, take fairly seriously, being games was tunnelling through perfect command of their when suddenly an arm played on the croft between the bales of straw, entering at bovine tongue – except one appeared through the gateway the Garswood lads and the top, finally re-appearing at who seemed more concerned and I was dragged, quite Pewfall lads, scratched from yard level. It took a little while with the champing of the lush, unceremoniously but teams of individuals who for me to pluck up the green grass, oblivious to the thankfully, by Mrs. Sylvester, showed any propensity to any courage, but after seeing the departure of his (a gender the village postman’s wife, into particular aspect of the game. other lads perform, I took the discovered somewhat her yard. Equipment was minimal, plunge. How far I had belatedly) companions. Long Rumours soon spread probably no more than four penetrated I do not know, but I after the last of the cows had through the village and, of bats per team. As I remember, do remember panicking in a passed through the farm gate course, truth and myth became the wickets and bails (well confined, black hole, having, on the opposite side of the almost inseparably some of them) were standard presumably, taken a wrong field, this awkward beast kept synonymous. Some of the issue, probably at least two turn and unable to find my on champing, pretending, I reports about my part in the generations beforehand. The way out. I seemed to be there suspect, not to know that I was drama would have done credit ball, usually a corky with for hours, but it was probably there. A little persuasion, to our film idol of the era, Tom some of the red paint still in less than about 15 minutes. thought I, but with a healthy Mix. These included anything evidence, was supplied by respect for that old adage from a harmless stab in the leg anyone in the village lucky Cavalier attitude about discretion and valour. A by one of the bull’s horns, to enough to possess such a small stone, perhaps, of which being tossed over Mrs. luxury. Looking back now to those there was quite an abundance Sylvester’s wall, an edifice I remember on one days when we were allowed to by the cinder path which ran which, in my long memory, occasion that this happened to play in almost any part of the unfenced along the edge of the stood at something like eight be me, though I was far too farm premises, it can only be field. On the other side of the feet high. Childish preening, young to be considered as a assumed that a cavalier path was a stone wall of however, discouraged any player. Oh, the thrill when two attitude shared by both farmer varying height behind which form of refute, and there may of the Garswood team and kids reigned supreme. It were the gardens of three even have been just a soupcon knocked on our door to make was not uncommon for the cottages. of embroidery on my part! an ‘official’ request, via farmer or one of his labourers If I may, I would like, with mother, to borrow MY to delegate any one of us Trapped the kind permission of the new(ish) ball for the following young lads to engage in some Editor of Past Forward, to evening’s test. But oh, the chore, normally performed by Somewhere about midriff, convey through any despair and the tears when the adults officially employed. thought I, weighing in the descendant or anyone who during the match, someone One such occasion could palm of my hand a stone that knew Mrs. Sylvester, a most scored, with MY ball, the have resulted in the most might register the reminder sincere though belated equivalent of a sixer, the bizarre tragedy, with me as the that, really, it was time he was appreciation of what must trajectory ending in someone’s central figure. I shall never moving. It worked, but in an have been a very brave action overgrown allotment; my ball understand the workings of alarming way that could have on her part. was never to be seen again. destiny, least of all when spelt sheer disaster. At first he But those summer holidays There was also much fun asking why I was allowed to let out a low, bellowing noise, which we thought would last to be had at two of the many live beyond that day! reminiscent of the words of forever, regretfully ended with farms in the district, but with One of the farmer Marriott Edgar’s The Lion and a suddenness with which we hindsight, the word ‘fun’ brothers, Fred, asked me to Albert. Thoughts of champing were not prepared, and so, it might be a juvenile bring in the cows for milking, the lush grass became was back to school and in that misinterpretation. At one of a request I could hardly secondary and, alarmingly, era, back to a new class. the farms, the pigsty was next believe at first. But childish transferred to those of what to to the farmer’s coal shed and ego prevailed and, in high do with the source of that To be continued in the there, it was demonstrated by jinks, I went through the drill I stinging little dig in the ribs and next issue in which Harold one lad what a healthy had often seen him or his how to eliminate it. Swinging enters Standard Four and appetite pigs have for coal. It brother perform. Starting with with head down in my his father acquires his first wasn’t just the spectacle of the opening of the five barred direction, he charged, wireless. 34

ignited, would set off the MORE ON THE MINER’S next particle and so on in what we would now call a MENACE – COAL DUST mini-atomic explosion. As Alan Davies pointed was then pumped into that production and electrical device in the out, this eventually led to one and so on for the eliminating the hazard of shaft. Sir Henry was able the introduction of an length of the face. When a blown-out shot. to show and substantiate inert dust at strategic Dear Editor, the coal was cut on the Professor Galloway, that coal dust would points which would mix The article by Alan afternoon shift there was in the 19th century, was explode if raised in a with the coal dust and Davies (Past Forward 32, little or no dust. The the first to perceive that it cloud, when the cloud render it harmless. In p18), on the dust in coal miners looked askance at was the coal dust was dense enough and 1932, an explosion at the mines, excellent though it the scheme at first, explosion rather than that there was a means of No. 9 Pit, Garswood Hall was, made no mention of believing that the water of the methane that was ignition. The dangers of a Collieries cost 27 lives the efforts made by the would damage the ravaging coal mines, coal dust explosion were following a firedamp National Coal Board (now surrounding strata. As the earning for himself the shown by him to increase explosion. The official British Coal) to protect Arley seam had a strong ridicule of his with the presence of report stated that a coal the miners from its roof and floor there was contemporaries for the methane, the fineness of dust explosion had been consequences. In the late no damage. So successful suggestion. Sir Henry the dust and where the averted because the roads 1940’s, I worked in was this water infusion Hall experimented in the dust had a high volatile up to the coal face were tunnels at Golborne that one day when the disused colliery shaft content. well stone-dusted. Colliery. Each man was pump broke down, the placed at his disposal by A small local The article by Alan provided with his own men walked off, saying the White Moss Colliery explosion of firedamp Davies was an interesting dust mask which, at the the dust was intolerable. Company of could raise the dust in a one and I hope that we end of the shift, was left in Yet these were the Skelmersdale. From all cloud and provide the can expect more of the the ambulance room to be conditions they had over Britain samples of means of ignition, as same from his pen. disinfected ready for use worked in before coal dust were sent to him could a blown-out shot. James Fairhurst next day. We wore them infusion. and were ignited What happened was that a Ashton-in-Makerfield conscientiously and a In the late 1950’s, as a systematically by an particle of dust, once Wigan WN4 9TY visiting H.M. Inspector of senior official at Bold Mines, noting this with Colliery, I worked closely approval, said that the with one of H.M. NCB was willing to Inspectors of Mines It was with great interest . . . provide every miner with introducing water a dust mask but they were infusion into one of the Dear Editor, 5. On her left at the back, managed to name, unpopular because Wigan 4ft seams, the coal It was with great Mr. F.W. Hampson – including Mrs. Grace inconvenient. of which was now won by interest that a few of the Churchwarden. Martindale, who was In the 1950’s I worked disc shearer. more elderly members of 6. Mr. Smith, Sunday Brown Owl when I was a in the Arley seam at Unfortunately, in this case St. Michael’s Church School Superintendent, is small Brownie. Maypole Colliery. The the shale roof and floor viewed your picture of stood on the far right of Looking at the ‘photo’ coal was hand-filled, and did suffer damage and the Sunday School teachers the picture. reminded us of the very at 10.30 a.m. a driller project abandoned. I have and elders of the church, 7. Seated at the right on happy days we spent as came on. He drilled holes no doubt that water taken during the 1930’s the end of the row, Mrs. children at St. Michael’s about a yard apart in the infusion was practised at (issue 32, p41, and Pollie Greene who was, Church, and all agreed fast coal. Following him other collieries, but I write reproduced again below). incidentally, my Aunt. your magazine makes very were two men with a here only of what I know We were able to enjoyable reading. water pump connected to and was concerned with. identify several of the There were others on Norah Hall a supply in the return Later, a method of people, and I name a few the front row that we Wigan airway. Water was shotfiring was introduced of them here. pumped into the first hole which detonated the until beginning to trickle explosives under water, 1. Rev. A.M. Whitehead out of the next one. Water again minimising dust (centre) who was Vicar of the Parish for 18 years. THANKS AGAIN! 2. On his right, Mrs. Dear Mr. Gillies, Annie Frost. Just a little note to thank you for publishing my 3. On her right, Mr. A. Bonfire article, (issue no 32, p 28) and it had a lovely Harris, former consequence – a customer came into Boots to collect Headmaster and some photowork, and recognised my name on my staff choirmaster. badge. He said, “we enjoy your articles so much – you’re 4. Miss Beatrice Simm is a very good writer”. Can you imagine how thrilled I on Rev. Whitehead’s left. was? I was also rendered speechless (for once, my husband says!) by the letter on the last page from an old Colin Bean writes: schoolfriend of mine, Julia McKie, saying how she looks Dear Alastair, forward to my articles – Julia lives in Warrington and I “Congratulations to all concerned for yet another admirable Past Forward – what had no idea she even knew about Past Forward. What a a wealth of interest, local history and entertainment is herein.“ lovely surprise! He also adds the following identifications to the above: Thank you once again and best wishes to everyone back row end (our right) Mr. H. Ratcliffe-Ellis. concerned with Past Forward – long may it continue! Mrs. I. Roberts However, Colin believes that the lady in white on the Vicar’s left is in fact Mrs. Abram Nr. Wigan Whitehead. Anyone prepared to adjudicate? Ed. 35

Quest for Volney Stephenson’s portraits like to try and get some graph (below), not a idea of how prolific he ‘Volney’ photograph, was and if possible date was used as a postcard, the photographs, as his and is presumably to do address changed from with Tyldesley Coal Co. Dear Sir, time to time. The Ltd. Volney’s brother I am hopeful that the photographs are very (where the photograph readers of Past Forward distinctive with gold came from) was a may be able to help with lettering on green Colliery Manager living our quest for backed card. Volney was at Tyldesley, but the information about born in 1870 and died in back of the card is Volney Stephenson’s 1915. His photographic stamped “TYLDESLEY portraits – an example is work covered the late COTTON BRO6”! enclosed (see right). 1800’s to the early Robin Smith Those we have are of 1900’s, although he was “15 Clwyd” our family, from his also a Colliery Clerk for Northcliffe Penarth daughter-in-law’s much of his working life. South Glamorgan collection. He also Volney also took many South Wales CF641DZ photographed outside comical self-portraits. Email: the family. We would The second photo- [email protected]

A PIONEER OF ‘TRAVELLING LIGHT’! Dear Alastair, Well another fascinating issue (no. 32) has been thoroughly digested, for which the ever growing group of kindred spirits must be in your debt. After so many instances of readers coming up with all kinds of answers to queries, I shouldn’t be surprised at the powers of Past Forward, and yet still I am amazed. LEIGH BADGES WANTED May I use the letters page to thank Mr. Banks Dear Editor, 1969 when the Corporation had operated of Orrell for coming up with the words of the music A friend recently sent undertaking passed to buses as far back as 1913. hall song about the Boer War, and how well it tied in with Fred Holcroft’s article on that subject. As I me a copy of the latest SELNEC PTE who then I would dearly like to hear wrote in issue 32, my grandfather Jimmy Cain edition of Past Forward gradually painted all the from anybody who may (known to some readers through the bakery in and I was interested to buses orange and white have one of these items, Ince) used to sing this song to my late father. read of the Centenary of (shock, horror!) SELNEC or any badge from any That leads me on to the enclosed photo (which Wigan Corporation and in turn passed to Greater other bus undertaking, appears on the cover of this issue) which you may the rest of the contents. I Manchester Transport in which might be stuck at deem of interest to readers. This shows a group of then wondered whether 1974 which then the back of a sideboard Wiganers, certainly some from Ince, at Lands End any of your readers, swallowed up Wigan drawer and who may wish I think, in July 1948. My grandfather is immediately particularly in the Leigh Corporation Transport to donate or sell it to me in to the right of the Leyland badge on the bus area, could help me with and eventually Lancashire order to help complete my radiator. Those in the know will no doubt confirm, furthering my collection United Transport in 1976 collection. or deny, my guess that it is a Leyland Tiger. The of cap badges from past (double shock and I hope that you can only other folk I know that are on the picture are municipal operators. horror!!). accommodate this item in the Milligans (Bob and wife ‘Tiny’). Maybe other readers can add to that meagre knowledge. For some years now I The badges in which I your next edition of Past Finally, note how, far from home, Wiganers have been attempting to am interested depict the Forward since, despite have found a place where you can find a bar in obtain a badge from the Leigh coat of arms in making many enquires in either direction! Also, I believe it was on this trip old Leigh Corporation chrome or brass and were the Leigh area and farther that the driver called out “Mr. ? (name unknown), I Transport Department issued up until 1969. afield, I have failed to don’t seem to have any luggage for you”. A voice which, as many of your Leigh was only a small obtain what seems to be was heard, “I’av it ‘ere”, and the gentleman readers will know, fleet compared with its an elusive badge! concerned was seen holding up a tiny little bag. A operated the blue and neighbours so there may David Halkier pioneer of ‘travelling light’! cream liveried buses not have been many 19 Howarth Street Neil Cain around the town, until issued, even though Leigh Sunderland SR4 7UT Northolt Middlesex 36

FROM A WAAF TELEPRINTER OPERATOR Wallgate, opposite Nissen hut’s stove! Centre was on the Corps arrived there Wigan North Many of the girls St. Helen’s side of for training prior to Western Station. On were from the East Lancashire the Second Front. a good day this Merseyside, but Road at Haydock, Towards the end canteen served others came from sited next to a slag of the War, when sausage, chips and various parts of the heap and open-cast coal Dear Editor, beans, but often country, including camouflaged by blasting began, the Corporal Betty there were no Durham and netting. There was WAAFs were moved Bell (my mum) sausages, just chips Scotland. Betty nothing else of note from Winstanley served as a WAAF and beans. Betty regularly attended nearby. Betty can’t Hall to Sherdley Teleprinter remembers the the Methodist remember the exact Hall, St. Helens – Operator billeted at grounds of Church in Orrell location but we but there was an Winstanley Hall for Winstanley Hall and nights out were think the Slag Lane interim period when three years from being full of spent in Wigan and area a good the night shift June 1943. The daffodils in spring, St. Helens. The probability. The workers were taken enclosed large group with the owners cinema at base was a short to a base near photograph (bottom) telling the girls to Pemberton was an walk down a lane Chorley to sleep was taken in front of pick as many as they occasional treat. It from the trolleybus during the day the Hall but wanted. Also, there was known to the stop for St. Helens because there was unfortunately does is a Christmas Day girls as “the Fleapit” and Prescot. For too much noise at not carry a date. memory of Betty and because one of them security reasons the Winstanley Hall. Betty can her friend Mary always came back to base was known as Betty (now 80 confirm that there Bridgewater base with a flea! RAF Blackbrook years old) has been was definitely a warming mince pies The North and soldiers from married for 56 years motor transport on a shovel in the Western Signals the Royal Signals to Sam (now 81), and section at the base. he has entirely This section different memories occupied the of the War. Sam courtyard of the served as an RAF Hall with some of Technician and the men billeted in spent all the war the buildings years abroad in surrounding the India and South yard and others in Africa. Of course, he the town. The insists the War did smaller photograph not end on V.E. Day has one of the cars (8 May) but on V.J. in the background. Day (15 August There is an RAF 1945). roundel on the Carol Jones (Mrs.) driver’s front wing Hindley Green and the passenger Nr. Wigan door panel shows Type 1605 (or 1805). Part of Winstanley Hall was used for officers’ quarters and the Hall’s own kitchen became the cookhouse. In advance of their night shift the girls were served a hot meal and were sustained throughout the rest of the watch by honey sandwiches. The WAAF girls sometimes made special visits to a canteen run by volunteers on 37

by the RAF clears up some long standing uncertainty ‘MEMORIES ARE and is very helpful. Captain Bankes was the last person to live at the MADE OF THIS. . .’ Hall. He died some years only for apartments; I hope to Nissen huts were erected ago. During his later years visit the area when all is in the ground for the men’s he lived alone in a small finished! sleeping quarters, extra huts annexe to the Hall. It may Violet Holden (Ex WAAF) provided washing facilities. be a bit pedantic but Dear Editor, 95 Coniston Avenue Buildings round the Captain Bankes was not the Re: Winstanley Hall Little Hulton courtyard were cottages for owner. The Hall and Estate WAAF Camp, please find Worsley Officers, a Sick Bay, and the came down through his enclosed a letter from Mrs. Manchester M38 9NZ ‘barn’ was the MT Section for wife’s side of the family. His V. Holden, which you may trucks etc., that transported name was Banks but he wish to use. personnel to Haydock, where changed it to Bankes, to fit the Signals Station was I would like to thank the Dear Sir, with his wife’s family. situated under camouflage gentleman who called on Please find enclosed There was both (secret at the time). me to confirm that the copy of photo (see opposite underground and opencast signals centre referred to I returned to see the ‘old mining in the vicinity of the page) from Mrs. V. Holden eventually became RAF billet’ about late ‘70’s or early Hall and it is correct that Haydock, which closed in (I believe she’s been in ‘80’s and met the owner but some damage was done to the 1970’s, I think. The touch with you) and some was unable to go inside. It the foundations. In fact, area is now housing. correspondence between seemed that the Coal Board while you were there in the How things have Mrs. Holden and Ray had done some open cast 1940’s, the Estate was at progressed following a Winstanley. Also extract mining and subsequently the that time being undermined chance remark from from Winstanley and foundations had suffered. I from a pit some distance someone I met whilst Highfield - a Further felt really sad about this, my away. However, this would walking my dog in History by Ray Winstanley. memories of a beautiful not have prevented you Winstanley Woods! There is a copy in the building had been shattered. from going inside in the Derek Cross History Shop. Also possible By the way, page 41 in 1980’s. Indeed I went inside 7 Chervil Walk photographs in the your thesis “Winstanley Hall several times during the World War II” shows a picture Highfield Winstanley collection 1980’s. I suspect that of World War I, I have Wigan WN3 6AR deposited at the History Captain Bankes did not substituted it with my group want you to see the extent Shop a few years ago. photo on my own copy (must to which the interior had Hope this may be of keep records straight)!! become derelict. Dear Mr. Cross, some interest. I spoke to I have just received a Violet Holden The Hall still belongs to the people involved and got copy of Past Forward. The the Bankes family, but letters referring to Winstanley permission to send these cannot be visited. I Hall caught my interest, items along. understand that part of the because I was there in Jim Waring roof has recently collapsed Hall Lane Cottages 1942., the first batch of RAF Dear Mrs. Holden, and it would perhaps now to arrive. Here are details to Winstanley Park Thank you so much for be genuinely dangerous to put the record straight! Wigan your recent letter and be inside. It is indeed very The Hall was used as a photographs regarding sad that such a beautiful billet for the WAAFs. The Dear Mr. Winstanley, Winstanley Hall. and important grade II* large room on the right was I recently enquired First of all “to keep the listed building, which has the dining room and the left through Wigan Heritage records straight” as you put stood for over 400 years, was the recreation area; Service about Winstanley it, the picture on page 41 of should simply be allowed to there was a kitchen at the Hall, as I was one of the first my book is certainly of fall down. rear (I was one of the mess WAAFs with the RAF to World War I and shows men The buildings shown in staff). In the grounds were occupy it in ’42. It was known in Army uniform, not RAF. your courtyard photo nissen huts for the airmen, as RAF Blackbrook then, I The picture refers to the beyond the central fountain plus ablutions and stores. stayed there until ’44, when I text on page 40 which – brewery, laundry and The courtyard consisted was posted to Norfolk. relates to the use of the Hall another building not in the of stables, a row of cottages I was sent come copies of in World War I by the army photo, but to the right - for officers, and a sick bay. It your thesis that I found and is therefore correct. were used a few years ago became a Signals station interesting about the Hall, With regard to the as part of one of the sets for operating from near the East except the paragraph on vandalism. On one of the a TV Sherlock Holmes Lancashire Road, under vandalism. I doubt this walls in one of the large production. The fountain camouflage netting; it was occurred during the downstairs rooms at the has suffered along with the not far from the Haydock occupation by the RAF as Hall, possibly the one you other buildings. Bits are Racecourse. I spent 18 there were strict rules refer to as the Mess Hall, falling off Neptune and months there before being regarding the Hall. was painted a large RAF parts of the legs have fallen sent to Norfolk to a Bomber I remember it as a lovely insignia about six feet off the prancing horses. Station for the rest of my place, with grand views from across. This would only Thank you for taking the Service time; I have many our windows. It was used have been done by the RAF. time and trouble to write to happy memories of solely as a billet for WAAFs, I considered this to be me. I really do appreciate it. Winstanley and Wigan. with a kitchen at the rear, the vandalism in, as you say Ray Winstanley I believe it became a large room to the right of the “such a lovely place”. Ivy Banks Preston Road derelict building (a tragedy) main door was the Mess Hall Your information on why Charnock Richard but is now being restored, if used only at meal times. and how the Hall was used Chorley PR7 5LH 38

The RAF at Winstanley Hall during World War II

ALTHOUGH this is and concrete bases now more recent I have been remain, and these are unable to find out the mainly overgrown. exact reason why they When the war finished in were there. They were 1945 these buildings mainly WAAFs and it is were vacated and then said that they were stood empty for some simply billeted there and time. Just after the war travelled daily to there was a drastic Haydock etc. I have housing shortage, and in made extensive enquiries August 1946 20 Royal Artillery at Winstanley Hall, c.1914. through official channels homeless families took but have not received one over the Nissen huts constructive piece of which belonged to the The Army at Winstanley Park information. One can Ministry of Fuel and only speculate that there Power. Because this was during the Great War was more going on than ministry property Bankes met the eye, and it has could not take any action. MR. TOM JOHNSON lieutenant off his horse lacking. Tom remembers been suggested that there Furniture was brought in of Langley Farm is so that he would be put watching a cook hacking was an association with by motor lorry, by cart probably the only living on a charge. Of course up lumps of meat on a ciphers, which in turn and by hand. The camp person in this area there was a reason. rotting tree stump. may have been associated was equipped with a (1990) who has a good When these men went This same cook was with the radio equipment wash house with knowledge of the over to the farm they got known to prepare a on Billinge Hill. ordinary washing situation at the time. a decent meal and a few Dixie full of sausages When the Hall was facilities, 10 large baths, During the Great pints of beer, which and then empty them requisitioned the 16 showers, and facilities War units of the army Johnson’s always kept in onto an old sack spread Bankes’ family were for hot water. Each hut were stationed in a barrel at the farm. on the floor. Not only given two weeks to move had a lavatory, electric Winstanley Park. Bread was brought in that, he then rubbed out. Apparently they power and running water. According to Tom by the cartload and was round the inside of the refused, but were One hut had a telephone. Johnson there were often distributed by Dixie with a handful of restricted to a small part The squatters stayed Royal Engineers and throwing if off the carts grass (and don’t forget of the Hall. The family for about a year. It was a 16th and 17th Battalions into the tents – or there were horses about) spent much of the war severe winter. When they R.A. – who went to somewhere near the and then filled the Dixie away from Winstanley. were eventually evicted, Gallipoli. According to tents. When the weather and brewed tea. As can Parts of the Hall were bulldozers were brought Kings Regiment DHQ in was bad, the bread be imagined, the tea was vandalised during the in and the buildings were Manchester the 6th would often fall into the a foul greasy mess. occupation. demolished. Battalion of the puddles or into the mud. Drinking water for At this time several Manchester Regiment Meat was also the horses and for Nissen huts and air raid These two articles were there. It appears to brought in by the washing the men was shelters were constructed are extracts from have been a training and cartload and again provided in a trough near to, and to the west of Winstanley and transit camp, as well as hygiene was somewhat about 15 feet in length. the Hall. Only the brick Highfield by Ray the hall being used for the wounded. Tom Johnson used to take milk across every morning. Most of the men were in tents. The horse lines were in the fields between Lea Wood and Pemberton Road. Each morning the horse droppings had to be cleaned up and disposed of by taking them to Johnson’s farm midden. This was seen as a very low grade job and usually had to be done by people who were on a charge for some infringement of the regulations. It was almost inevitably the same people, and had become a prized occupation. It is said that one soldier even pulled a Mess Staff, Winstanley Hall, 1942. Violet Holden is second from right on back row. 39

happy memories. Can any kind reader assist? INFORMATION ON PRESCOTT Likewise, I would gladly furnish interested FAMILY IN LANCASHIRE WANTED parties with any copies Dear Sir, clueless to the identity of anybody on it. For many years I lived on Wigan of photographs I Further I am gathering family Road, Rose Hill, Bryn. Two entire sides already have of the history information on the Prescott of terraces were compulsorily purchased families listed below. (I family in Lancashire, particularly and bulldozed to make way for can be contacted at my Ashton-Hindley-Wigan areas, if anyone ‘A picture is widening the A49. I’ve since tried to home address). can oblige? I am especially interested in find a photo of the house. Can any James & Ann knowing more about the farming worth a readers help? The family house, 386A Heaton (nee Clark), community of Close Lane, Hindley Wigan Road, was originally a corner before and immediately after 1850, thousand born 1820’s, Billinge; shop, on top of the brow, right-hand side which numbered many Prescotts. This Joseph & Mary Jane as you faced Wigan. It always retained whole area off Hindley Green was words’ Aston (nee Harrison), its huge window front and sill. As half eventually encroached upon and almost 1860’s, Haydock/St. Dear Mr. Gillies, the neighbourhood were in the habit of decimated by coal mining. Helens; James & Mary In my family tree sitting on the sill I felt sure that Your readers may be interested to Anne Cartwright (nee research, I am seeking somebody may well have a photo tucked know that as a specialist in images from Walkden), 1840’s, the following away. The shop ended its life as a 1850-1950, I have a collection of over Downall Green/Bryn; photographs: plumber’s emporium, I believe. In the 40,000 original items, all subjects and My grandfather was Peter & Sarah Ann early 50’s it was Prescott’s Furniture all areas, as photos and postcards. I the owner of a fish & Stirrup (nee Harrison), Shop, where I was born. Prior to that it supply individuals, family history chip shop opposite the 1840’s, Haydock/St. was Ramsdale’s Ice Cream Shop, societies, writers and the like. Demand ‘Bamfurlong Hotel’ on Helens; Simon & complete with an Ice Cream factory at for local material strips my supply five Lily Lane, Bamfurlong, Margaret Hayes (nee the rear! Having checked with ‘ice times over but I may be able to assist 1959-1961; despite my Smith), 1850’s, Ashton- cream archivists’ who have all ice cream readers with other requests. best efforts I have been in-Makerfield; George outlets catalogued in 1937, it is not Helen Prescott unable to locate a & Alice Heath (nee listed. ‘Alcedo Atthis’ photograph of the Harrison), 1860’s, I also wonder if any of your readers 17 Laburnum Grove property. Can anyone Ashton-in-Makerfield; recognise anybody on the photograph Horwich BL6 6HX help? Elias & Sarah Parry, below of North Ashton Band? I am Email: [email protected] 340 and 377 Wigan 1850’s, Ashton in Road, Bryn. Sadly both Makerfield. these terraces have been Paul Heaton demolished for many 8 Berrington Grove years, yet both Ashton-in-Makerfield properties hold many Wigan WN4 9LD

A BIG THANK YOU! Dear Mr. Gillies, Could I please through Past Forward say a big thank you to the people of Wigan on behalf of the “Friends of Mesnes Park”. We now have £300 in our “Dedicate a Rose” account and have sold nearly 100 calendars with pictures of Mesnes Park. Money has come in from as far away as America. With £25,000 from the Local Heritage Incentive and labour from the Leisure & Culture Services Department and the public, we hope to re-open the Alderman Pagett Memorial Rose Garden on 3 August 2003, to coincide with the original opening on that day in 1949. H.A.G.S./Park High Sports Trophies Final Appeal I would like to request two things of Past Forward readers: Regular readers will have no doubt read the Intermediate Boy Champion of (i) the names of any volunteers for community of my search, now in its third year, for 1982 were S. Connor, L. Page and L. activities. “lost” trophies. The originals, having Buckley, while the Junior Girl (ii) any memories of the opening of the Rose been stolen, were all replaced plus Champion of 1984 was Tara Needham Garden in 1949, or indeed thereafter, and any additional ones, but so far I have only and the Senior Girl Champion of 1982 specialist information about original rose recovered one individual trophy. was D. Sheperd. varieties/suppliers of the original Recent information suggests that I feel sure that these ex-pupils or sundial/plinth. the intermediate Boy Champion, the anyone else at the school at the time Senior Boy Champion and the Junior can provide the information I seek. I Susan Turner Kathleen Banks and Senior Cross Country Champion would thus be able to bring my quest to Secretary Chairperson Trophies are still unaccounted for. a satisfactory conclusion. Friends of Mesnes Park Friends of Mesnes Park Of the three out of four individual Robert Chadwick (1944-1949) 31 Park Road, Wigan 42 Rylands Street, Wigan trophies held, the others were for Inter- Tel: 0115 9334252: Tel: 01942 247161 Tel: 01942 36448 House Competition; the last winners of Email [email protected] 40

Wigan Carnival, 1928, ‘Bohemian Girl’ Dear Sir, I was very interested in the article in Past Forward 32 by R.D. Heaviside. As I was reading it I remembered some photographs that I Teenage have of the carnival in 1928. I believe the theme war years was ‘Bohemian Girl’. The float belonged to in Orrell William Hurst, fruit Dear Sir, preservers of Wigan. He Having read the was my great- letters in Past Forward grandfather, who started no. 32 about WAAFs the fruit preserving being stationed in works in 1911. I believe that they always entered Winstanley Hall, it a float. My mother and brought back a few aunt can be seen on the memories of my teenage float. My mother and war years in Orrell. Arnold Hurst, grandson The last train on Wigan Carnival, 1928, when the theme was ‘Bohemian Girl’. The lady second from of William married in Saturday night was at right is my mother, Miss Winifred Hadley (later Mrs. Arnold Hurst). The lady at the 1936. 10.15 from Wigan back is Miss Ethel Hadley, my aunt. If anyone has any Wallgate to Upholland. information of the fruit And I remember lots of preserving works I would WAAF’s getting off the love to hear from them as train at Orrell station and I am researching the walking along family history. Winstanley Road which Gwyneth Harrison led to Winstanley Hall. (nee Hurst) Orrell was a quiet 8 Clough Grove Bryn little village in those war Ashton-in-Makerfield years, and we were a Wigan WN4 0LP good few miles from Liverpool where the terrible bombing was flew over Orrell so low taking place most nights, that the German but we did have a few markings could easily be exciting moments. In seen. Next day we heard 1939 when I was 13, I that incendiary bombs lived in a little cottage at had been dropped on the bottom of Edge Hall Billinge Hospital. Road within my Several landed on fields grandmother’s farm to the right of the Old yard, and in the winter of Lane which ran from the ‘39/’40 a search light end of Edge Hall Road Miss Ethel Hadley. Miss Winifred Hadley. was positioned in the along to Orrell Mount, Orrell Brick and Tile now junction 26 of the Company quarry, which M6 at Orrell. One was just over the railway unexploded bomb THE JAMES HILTON line from Edge Hall landed on a field near to SOCIETY Road. The personnel what was called the TO PROMOTE INTEREST IN THE LIFE AND WORK OF operating the search ‘Burgie’ (now the M58). NOVELEST AND SCRIPTWRITER JAMES HILTON light used to practice The bomb was (1900-1954) when darkness fell, and eventually found and Dear Sir, as the ‘blackout dug out by Prisoners of Further to my article on memories of this visit, please. regulations’ were in War. James Hilton (Past Forward, Any reminiscences of James’s force the powerful light Perhaps some spring 2002), I understand that used to illuminate the readers of Past Forward mother and father, Elizabeth and surrounding area. I can can remember these Hilton visited Leigh in 1954, only John Hilton, would also be recall skating on the events also and may be a few months before his death at gratefully received. frozen farmyard duck able to add a little more the early age of 54. I would be John Hammond pond by searchlight!!! information. interested to know whether any Secretary Then one summer Frank Winnard of your readers have any James Hilton Society evening a bomber plane Billinge Wigan 41

me why I had been sent. I simply went up the steps, COULDN’T BELIEVE THEIR EYES held out my hand and When Edith Higham (nee Aindow) and her sister Charlotte Aindow saw the was given two or three of “the best”. And, of picture (below) in Past Forward No. 31, p36, they couldn’t believe their eyes. course, I hoped and Edith, now 91 years and Charlotte, now 89, had a birthday party in August prayed my father would 2002, with family and friends – including one who is also on the photograph. never find out. Charlotte has been able to put names to many of the children: Perhaps some of your readers can remember Two or Empire Day when we all paraded in the schoolyard three of in front of the Union Jack, or the hundreds of ‘the best’ sums involving multiplying pounds Dear Sir, shillings and pence by I have very much some horrible number. enjoyed Harold Smith’s Howe we could possibly previous articles on get the right answer Ashton-in-Makerfield remains a mystery! where I was born, and the What I do not Grammar School which I remember are the names attended from 1934 to of all the staff – only Mr. 1941. His latest article Waterhouse, Harry Lowe brought back memories and Miss Cross spring to of my time at Downall mind. Can any reader Back row (l. to r.): Janey Allen, Emma Green Rectory School. help to remind me? And Banks, Edith Aindow, ?, Charlotte My recollections are does anyone have any Aindow, Annie Moss, Doris Ralphs, similar to his, especially photographs of the pupils Doris Wright. standing at the bottom of or the staff in that period? the steps. I do not Ron Gorner Middle row (l. to r.): ?, Billy Jolly, remember “Owd Stan” 22 The Woodlands John Allen, Robert Vincent, John (Mr. Stanley Foster the Lostock Park Webster, Cyril Fallows, Jack Hitchen, Headmaster) ever asking Bolton BL6 4JD Billy Allen, ?. Front row (l. to r.): ?, Edna Ashcroft, Nellie Allen, Phoebe Derby, Gladys COPY OF ASHTON SCHOOL Ashcroft, ?, ?, Doris Green, ?, Fred PHOTOGRAPH WANTED Webster. Dear Sir, Pictured right: Three of the children in I attended Ashton-in-Makerfield Grammar School the school photograph at the birthday from September 1947 until Easter 1949, when I moved party in 2002 - Charlotte (89), Edith Higham (nee Aindow, 91) and Annie from the area. Would anyone have a copy of the school Moss. photograph taken, I think, in either 1947 or 1948? J.D. Rawlinson 22 Breeze Hill Road Atherton M46 9HJ A wonderful poem about Wigan Tel: 01942 876039 Dear Alastair, and also to seek permission to publish Email: [email protected] A few years ago, I ‘rediscovered’ a the poem – I have an idea whereby it wonderful poem about Wigan written by may be used to the benefit of the Donald Alexander Mackenzie whilst he Hospice. was on the Western Front, 1918. It is Any publicity you could give would HIRE OF entitled Home Thoughts from France. I be greatly appreciated. am anxious to trace the author’s family, Alan Kay MEETING both to find out what happened to him Haigh Nr. Wigan Seeking the family of Donald Alexander Mackenzie MA MC. Born Wigan on 1 The History ShopROOM has a Meeting Room, with June 1889. Educated at Standishgate Weslyan School, Wigan Grammar School, a capacity for 36. This is available for hire Victoria University, Manchester. Teacher: Carre’s Grammar School, Sleaford, 1910- by local groups and societies at a very 1913, Central Secondary School, Sheffield, 1913-1920. (Lt.C/317th {Northumberland reasonable cost: Brigade} RFA TF for four years). Secretary Higher Education, Sheffield, Assistant Editor, Teachers’ World until 1944, Principal of Gaumont British Education Division, SOCIETY RATE 1944-1949. Last heard of in 1951 as a freelance journalist, living at ‘The Grove’, £8.25 Greville Park Avenue, Ashstead, Surrey. PER MORNING/ AFTERNOON SESSION £12.35 PER EVENING SESSION FASCINATED BY PHOTOGRAPH OF SOUP KITCHEN! Dear Mr. Gillies, have a copy. COMMERCIAL RATE I was fascinated by the photograph, Having lived in Abram for many £20.00 in the summer 2002 issue of Past years, I also followed, with interest, PER MORNING/AFTERNOON/EVENING Forward, of the Abram Parish Soup the journey on the Grand Central, but SESSION Kitchen. Joe Southworth, Church surely the drum-stick chimney was at If you are interested, contact Philip Butler Superin-tendent, was my grandfather and Wigan Junction Colliery, not the photograph also shows three of my Maypole? Tel (01942) 828128 great-uncles. Mr. Molyneux, who sent in Marion Brown the photograph, has very kindly let me Standish Wigan 42

As Road to Wigan Pier, and swallowed its RAILWAY ANSWERS Shakespeare teachings without Dear Sir, indeed, when these were further thought – even I enclose a copy of all disposed of, they told our though we knew he letter I have sent to Mr. carried on for a long forefathers . . . only wrote it for the P. Allen answering the time afterwards cutting £200 he was offered so queries that he raised in withdrawn railway Dear Alastair, with glowing tribute of that he could marry his Past Forward no. 32 wagons. You were As Shakespeare told Harold Smith of Sutton girlfriend. He only (p42). fortunate on the day you our forefathers, “All Coldfield, while other lived in Wigan for three I have just been went because 14 days things taken at the Australian friends write weeks; I lived there handed a copy of Past later, on 17 August, the flood, lead on to greater in a similar vein of more than 20 years, and Forward. I will try and remains of Stanier things”; we can Middlesex’s Nein Cain. visited frequently until answer the points that Pacific ‘City of certainly cite Past What a contrast to my mother died a few you raised in your letter Lancaster’ that you saw Forward as a splendid those I met on my early years ago. So no doubt to same. were cut up. As well as example of his maxim. travels who would say Past Forward readers First, because it is local locomotives Even as I write this, to me: “You don’t can judge for an easy answer I refer to Central Wagon received I have received New come from Wigan, do themselves. the brass token that you locos from far away Year’s greetings from you?” No doubt Ernie Taberner have. This is in fact a places including 15 ‘pay tally’ which every GWR Pannier Tanks Ron & Judy Green in because they had read 62 Westwood Road member of the L & YR from Somerset, Australia, who write George Orwell’s The Coventry CV5 6GE [apart from monthly Middlesex and South paid staff] was issued Wales and 10 LNER B1 with, so that they could class from East Anglia.’ AN INTERESTING LIFE prove who they were Turning now to the when it came to pay day! query raised by Mike Dear Sir, arms around the bear, but Uncle Bill said In the case of a small Haddon concerning the Re the article on the Boer War. I just that he did without any trouble at all! establishment like Ince green lights on the front thought that this photograph might be of He had a very interesting life. He Station, the of Wigan trams and interest to you and Fred Holcroft. Where was born in 1869; according to my dad, Stationmaster would buses, there were it was taken I do not know but I am sure the family came over from Ireland. He know who they were, but actually two small green that it was at the time of the Boer War. joined the army at a very young age, and in the case of LYR lights either side of the My grandfather, William Smith, lived in would have been about 31 at the time of Horwich Works where destination blind Higher Ince off Manchester Road, in the Boer War. In all he served over 20 thousands were aperture. These date Forge Street and also for a time in years in the army. My dad said that they employed it was a from the trams and when Victoria Street, where my dad was born, did not see much of him – he was always different matter. If lit indicated that the tram in 1904. He was one of four children, away. He served in the Garrison Artillery somebody moved to a was heading towards Margaret (1900), William (c.1906) and in Gibralter for a time, and went on to different location they Wigan Centre; and when Charles (c.1909). serve in the 1914-18 war again. When he had to hand in their pay unlit that it was heading My grandfather is on the extreme enlisted, he gave a younger age and a check and were issued away from the Town right of the photograph, looking from false name to enable him to rejoin the with a new one stamped Centre. For some right to left; he is the burly one with his army. with their new work reason, that I have as yet hat one one side – quite a powerful man, He died in 1923, aged 54 years; his place on their first day been unable to find out, so I was told. My Uncle Bill told me a wife, my grandma Barbara (nee there. they were perpetuated story that at one time they used to come Patterson) died just 12 months after him. Turning now to the on the buses, even round the streets with a bear on a chain Thank you for all your help and scrap yard that you though by that time they – the animal had been taught to dance on kindness. visited. This was the were fitted with full its hind legs, poor thing. My grandfather A.E. Smith Central Wagon Co. Ltd. destination and route was challenged that he couldn’t put his Winstanley Wigan at Lower Ince, who number blinds. scrapped many Keith S.E. Till hundreds of locomotives Roby Mill in the 1960’s, and Upholland WN8 0SY

Published by Wigan Heritage Service, Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust, Market Suite, The Galleries, Wigan WN1 1PX The views expressed in this issue are not necessarily supported by Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated. Neither Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust, nor the Editor, accept liability for any matter in this publication. Contributions are welcome but no responsibility can be taken for loss or damage to contributors’ material.

© Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust, March 2003.

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, s e? e no Wher esponse, esponse to ch School e so many , we ar Alan Hodson; investigations. The two photo- own Hall (01942 e wer to identifying the Who? T memorial photo- The band has been Australia! However e has been a er ther oduced a huge r om war graph. If you can help identify any of this issue’ photographs, please contact Len Hudson in Leigh 404432). near Ther generally good r the photographs in the last issue. positively identified as the Bedford Prize Band, bandmaster the photograph was taken in the Chur c.1980. graphs on the right pr including a phone call fr as ther conflicting suggestions, we will have to make some fur Surprisingly e? Wher Who?

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