FORWARDFORWARD ISSUE No. 29 AUTUMN/WINTER 2001

The Newsletter of Wigan Heritage Service FREE From the Editor WIGAN AND LEIGH STOP WELCOME to the latest edition of Past Forward which, I’m delighted to TOWN TRAILS PRESS say, includes a number of articles written by first- Now available - Leigh Town Trail: two guided walks in Past Forward time contributors - Leigh town centre (Wigan Council, 2000; 67pp illust, encouraging people, maps). on Tape! who otherwise would To complement the Wigan town centre trail booklet We are currently looking never have done so, to (reprinted in 1998), Philip Powell, Conservation Officer in put pen to paper is one the Planning Department, has produced one for Leigh. at the feasibility of of the many success This is a celebration of the town’s history, architecture making Past Forward stories of the magazine. and townscape which provides a wealth of information available on audio- One of the highlights about the buildings and personalities of the town. cassette tape, for the of this issue is a splendid Walk one centres on the Market Place and Railway visually impaired and piece of artwork by a housebound. However, very good friend of the Road, whilst the second focuses on King Street and Heritage Service, local Bradshawgate. Armed with this valuable little book, this new initiative is artist Gerald Rickards. which has maps of the two areas and a wealth of intended as a Gerald has designed the background information and photographs, the reader can complement to, rather cover for a forthcoming take a walk back in time from the present. than a replacement for, book on Aspull, and Past If you don’t already have a copy of this, why not treat the magazine itself. Forward readers are yourself for Christmas? It only costs £3 and can be bought Hopefully the tapes will privileged to be able to from either Leigh Local History Service or the History enjoy a preview of this, be available at the same Shop. time as the magazine albeit in black and white, Tony Ashcroft in advance of itself. Further details in Local History Officer publication. Even better the next issue. news is that Gerald has Leigh Library agreed to cover the entire Borough in his very distinctive style for Past Forward over the next five years. EVA Another first for Past Forward - we are hoping BARKER that, during 2002, the magazine will also be AS this issue goes to available on audio tape. print, I have just This is a new initiative heard the sad news aimed specifically at the visually impaired and that Eva Barker, housebound. whose book on Aspull It’s hard to believe, is shortly to be as I write this prior to having a short ‘mid-term’ published, has died. It holiday, that it will be is, of course, nearly Christmas before particularly sad that many of you read this. she should have died So a very Happy Christmas and such a short time prosperous 2002 to all before the publication readers of, and of her book, which I contributors to, Past Forward. Thanks for all know meant so very your support over the much to her. It will years, and long may it be a fitting tribute to continue. a delightful lady who always took a keen All comments and correspondence should be interest in her local addressed to: Editor, ‘Past Forward’, heritage. See p20 for Wigan Heritage Service, a preview of Gerald Market Suite, The Galleries, Wigan WN1 1PX Rickards’s splendid cover for Eva’s COPY DEADLINE book. Please note that the copy deadline for issue no 30 of Past Forward is Cover: Clifford Young, as a young pilot in London, 1932. The exciting story of this Wigan airman is 1 February. told by his widow on p26. 2 Jonathan Dewhurst UNTIL a few years ago I knew only two which time he was playing the lead in things about Jonathan Dewhurst: that he THE Shakespeare’s tragedies as well as in the was my great, great uncle and that at the popular dramas and melodramas of the turn of the century he was managing the LANCASHIRE day. A major change in his life followed a Theatre Royal in Leigh, an industrial meeting with the dramatist Andrew town in Lancashire. In 1993 my wife Sue TRAGEDIAN Halliday, and Dewhurst made his first and I visited Leigh and on a sudden appearance in the West End, playing at impulse called in at the library to see if Drury Lane in Halliday’s adaptation of they held any information about Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe, opposite the Dewhurst. The Local History Officer, talented and popular Adelaide Neilson. Tony Ashcroft, was most helpful and Although Dewhurst played in provided us with a copy of an interview London on many future occasions, his given by Dewhurst to the local press heart was in the provinces, particularly in when he took over management of the the north of England. He toured, playing theatre in 1888. the lead opposite several famous We were astounded by what we read. actresses of the day, including Mlle Far from being a minor character in the Beatrice and Mary Gladstane, before Victorian theatre, Dewhurst had been a forming his own ‘Powerful Legitimate leading actor for over 20 years, Company’. subsequently managing the Leigh In 1881, however, something else Theatre Royal for 18 years. The record of stirred in him and, following the example the interview contained the bare bones of of earlier tragedians including G.V. his achievements, but we knew without Brooke, Barry Sullivan and Walter doubt that we had to research his life and Montgomery, he packed his bags and career to put flesh on those bones. sailed for Australia. The journey on the ‘Cotopaxi’ took 44 days and on 8 July he Nothing to go on arrived in Melbourne. His agent, James Jonathan Dewhurst as manager of the Kitts, had no trouble in arranging a very Apart from the ‘interview’ we had Leigh Theatre Royal, with his third wife, full programme for him at all the major nothing to go on – no diaries or the actress Fanny Rivers theatrical venues supported by resident correspondence, no existing biography companies or by those specially or memoirs, and very little reference to engineering company, and as a grocer’s engaged. For some reason, throughout him in other books we consulted. So for assistant. his time in Australia, he was billed as over seven years we have carried out our Dewhurst became a professional ‘John’ Dewhurst! Dewhurst wasted no research, and some time ago knew that actor at the relatively late age of 28, time – eight days after his arrival he we must ‘celebrate’ Dewhurst in a book. beginning his career at the Prince’s opened at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, We had more than sufficient material and Theatre, Manchester, in 1865. The presenting eleven plays in a four-week felt that a permanent record of his manager of the theatre and its leading season before moving to Sydney for six achievements was the least he deserved. actor was the celebrated Charles Calvert, weeks. It was here that he received who had an enviable reputation for his It is a sad fact that of the thousands of almost entirely (and unaccustomed) splendid productions of Shakespearian actors and actresses who have given life criticism from the drama critic of the plays. Dewhurst’s debut was in Louis XI, to the theatre, the careers of only a few Sydney Bulletin. and the cast included Henry Irving who, have been recorded – the vast majority Although they make the most although the same age as Dewhurst, had are long forgotten. In telling the story of entertaining reading, these critiques are already been on the stage for 10 years. Dewhurst’s career, we felt that we were unfortunately far too long to be included also offering a modest tribute to many in an article of this length. The style is other unsung heroes of the stage. Good stage presence perhaps typical of the late 19th century There were no theatrical connections critical writing, but we are also left with in the Dewhurst family, but from an early Dewhurst soon made up for his ‘lost’ the suspicion that the author was a least age it seems that Jonathan had been years and in his two seasons at the as interested in demonstrating his own hypnotised by words – poetry and plays, Prince’s had graduated to major roles. It literary cleverness – and ability to is not surprising that at the start he played particularly Shakespeare – and the entertain – as anything else. Fortunately ‘heavy’ roles, or that throughout his theatre. His elder brother, John, had for Dewhurst, the Bulletin’s views were career he played mainly these and taken him to the Theatre Royal in not shared by other critics we have Manchester to see the renowned actor leading roles. He was over six feet tall, unearthed. Barry Sullivan, and the experience had with an impressive physique and good Brisbane followed and was a critical persuaded the young Jonathan that his stage presence. Vocally he was well success. However, Dewhurst was future lay on the stage. Before that suited to these roles and had a interested not only in the major theatres, happened, however, he was employed on remarkable memory. He spent the next the staff of a local newspaper, by an four years touring the provinces, during Continued on page 4 3 Every Picture Tells a Story THIS IS a very old adage, extended to Tony Ashcroft, to be sure, and how true it Local History Officer, aided Dear Alastair, must be of thousands of and abetted by his colleagues The attached is a specimen of what the first of a readers throughout the in Wigan Heritage Service, for series of word pictures, prompted by Tony Ashcroft’s choosing such a collection of ‘Around Ashton-in-Makerfield and Golborne’, land who have laid hands delightful reminders of a past on a copy of ‘The Archive would look like in the event of your agreement that it age with which even younger would not, in any way, cross any ethical barriers. Photographs’ series readers might identify. The subject publication contains many pictures of appertaining to their But to the subject of the area. Thumbing through book itself, and in particular which I could add more than a few words as, for instance, the picture of the very first person to set the pages they will have many of the pictures reminiscent of certain stages eyes on me – even before my mother! I refer to that of been mentally jerked Nurse Taberner on page 21. back through a of my young life in and around Ashton. Unfortunately, J.Harold Smith generation or more to contrary to popular logic, I 108 Worcester Lane situations where they, the cannot begin at the beginning, Sutton Coldfield readers, had in some way, that being the province of West Midlands been involved. those of a much earlier breed. I B75 5NJ Presumably this was the do, however, vaguely publisher’s central idea, remember that at some stage, having in mind the fact the my mother spoke of being a nine-foot tall front row most diminutive figure in the reader would append far more seamstress, or similar forward frighteningly arrayed group appearing on page 9. mental text to the photographs occupation, in the employ of in military uniform, dripping than the printer could have Lord Gerard. with brassware and ribbons. Idyllic setting coped with and on that score, In that connection, isn’t it Even now, after seeing my he is to be congratulated. amazing how things, and even very first photograph of him in I retain vague memories of In collating the pictures for people, diminish in the mind the subject volume, I find it a sort of expansive tea party or the edition, ‘Around Ashton- with the passage of time? My peculiarly difficult to accept field treat held on Garswood in-Makerfield and Golborne’, mother’s mention of Lord that he, the richest landowner Park alongside Liverpool congratulations must surely be Gerard evoked images of a in Britain of the day, is the ➯

Louise Pomeroy, with members of her In 1888 Dewhurst moved into theatre Jonathan company, the Pomeroy Dramatic management, mainly to provide a more Combination. They too had been touring stable life for his family, but he and Dewhurst Australia and were now bound for India Fanny still took the opportunity to take THE LANCASHIRE TRAGEDIAN – and Dewhurst joined them as Louise the stage when a suitable visiting Pomeroy’s leading man. On his eventual company appeared at Leigh. His final ––––– return to England Dewhurst again appearance on any stage – at the age of Continued from page 3 formed a touring company, interspersing 70 – was at the Royal Court Theatre, this work with roles in major London and Wigan, in his favourite role of Richelieu, but in taking Shakespeare to the touring productions, for such as supported by the Allan Wilkie Repertory provinces. In his words: Augustus Harris, H.C. Arnold, and his Company. ‘Following Brisbane I went up the great friend Wilson Barrett. Jonathan Dewhurst cared deeply country with a small company and about the theatre and believed implicitly played Shakespearian and other pieces Widowed twice in its civilising and educational in schools, barns, or other buildings that possibilities. He was concerned that in all we could get hold of. We had only sheets Dewhurst had been widowed twice aspects of theatre the highest standards for scenery, but our productions were and in 1886 married the actress Fanny should be the aim – nothing less was very acceptable to the squatters, who, of Rivers. Her parents were both in the acceptable. He was enormously popular course, rarely had an opportunity of theatre, as were her three brothers, and of with audiences and all those with whom witnessing anything of the kind’. the four children she and Jonathan had, he worked. We believe that he deserves a In Bendigo he was ‘received with three became actors. One of Fanny’s permanent memorial and hope that our open arms’, following which he brothers – Alfred Rivers – was an actor book will do justice to Jonathan appeared with great success in Ballarat, who assumed supporting roles when Dewhurst – the Lancashire Tragedian. Hobart, Launceston and Sydney again. necessary, but was a highly regarded After 15 months Dewhurst’s visit to stage manager who worked for some of Jonathan Dewhurst – The Lancashire Australia had come to an end – a notable, the leading names in the theatre Tragedian by Philip and Susan Taylor successful and exciting episode in his including John Martin-Harvey, Laurence is published by The Book Guild of career. But although he had intended to Irving, Julia Neilson and Fred Terry, as Lewes, East Sussex and will be return to England on the ‘Verona’, his well as Wilson Barrett with whom he available at the end of November, plans changed. The ‘Verona’s’ passenger stayed for 17 years, touring Australia price £16.95. list also included the American actress twice and America five times. ISBN 1 85776 524 9. 4 Mrs. Ellen Tabner (or In March 1898, the Prince of Wales visited Lancashire. During his visit the Prince was the Taberner), a North Ashton guest of Lord Gerard at Garswood Hall. This formal photograph taken at the Hall includes, midwife in the early 1900’s, from left to right: Col. Swanne, Capt. Holford, Lady Curzen, Lord Gerard, the Prince of Wales, lived at 49 Station Road, Sir Kelly Kenny, Gen. Brabazon, Lady De Trafford, Lady Gerard, Lady Randolph Churchill, Garswood. She is seen here in Hon. Mrs. Oliphant (Lord Gerard’s sister), Hon. Ethel Gerard, Mr. Christopher Sykes and Hon. her working dress. H. Gerard.

Road. In those days it was, in unfortunate man had modelled examples of irk, like having to of books my father devoured, my memory, quite an idyllic for the bogeyman with which walk the two miles from and yet it was within the setting of typical English my mother had threatened me Garswood in order to purchase realms of possibility that even parkland. A little later in life, I and seven siblings. I screamed or obtain something that was he had never set foot in the was to learn that, lurking uncontrollably and tried to only available in Ashton – or place – his library books within that beautiful picture, hide behind mum’s Wigan – or St. Helens. always arrived via the was a chap who had to be voluminous drapery! Come the Sabbath, auspices of my sister who was avoided, should one get the however, following the close a pupil at the local Grammar urge that trespass held a far Amazement of evensong at Holy Trinity, School. greater thrill than just walking the teachings of the sermon along Liverpool Road. His The effect of that incident had already become dimmed; Sheer euphoria name was Owd Markland, did, however, subside in the for Mecca, read Gerard Street, summat they called a anticipation of an event Ashton or, to give it the more In 1928, having finally got gamekeeper who was not advertised on the billposts derogatory title, “T’ Monkey over the sheer euphoria of averse to painful peppering which read, “A Flying run,” a term often applied by “starting” at the then three from his double barrels of the Machine will land in the those who preferred to forget year old Central School, I area of the intruder’s rear grounds and take off again” – that they too, in the mists of befriended (or got into the anatomy with grapeshot – so I and it did, much to time, stood in hope on the company of) a little knot of was informed at the time. everybody’s amazement and edge of Gerard Street’s lads of Ashton birth whose Two things stand out in my enjoyment in the days when a pavements and that it was ideas of filling the time memory of that country plane passing overhead would more than likely that the immediately following school gathering, one being the halt all earthy proceedings rocking chair from which the dinner (one meat and potato nearest I had ever been to until the object disappeared statement emanated, was pie delivered and placed in the being frightened to death. As from sight! supplied by someone they met warming oven by Dyke’s part of the entertainment a And that is about as much on the “monkey run”. delivery man, plus whatever Doo Dah Band was in as I can recall in terms of the Moving now to page 11, the pupil’s parent(s) thought attendance. With the benefit of gossamer connection with we see a picture of the opening necessary to sustain existence) hindsight I see the scene now Lord Gerard unless, of course, of what was, in my usually included such (which took place during a lull I were permitted to include the experience, referred to locally pastimes as clock-watching, in the proceedings) as nothing Ashton Street that carried his as “Ash’n Libry.” pupil watching, mock football more sinister than my mother name. Some 22 years later that with a tennis ball or similar, chatting to someone she knew Gerard Street was not noble institution entered my not to mention, for some, who was later joined by a exactly Princess Street or Lord life in a rather circuitous way. catching up with the antics member of this DD band, still Street, but in my young I had been aware of the within the folds of Tiger Tim’s heavily disguised in face lifetime it held certain existence of Ashton Library paint. Unwittingly, this attractions and not a few for many years via the number Continued on page 6 5 Every Picture Tells a Story ––––– Continued from page 5

Weekly or other comics of the day. Tagging on to these lads, I would learn that they were bound for “Ash’n Libry” and though in hindsight, the venture may even have a commendable ring about it, for me at the time, a certain guilt gripped me, as though we were bent on robbing a bank or something of that ilk. The feeling of guilt did not On 17 March 1906 Lord Gerard officially opened the Carnegie Library at Ashton-in-Makerfield. entirely disappear on learning that these lads were just as The building cost £5,843. This venture was made possible through the munificence of the American strange to Ash’n Libry as I philanthropist Mr. Andrew Carnegie. was. The difference was in the outer skin, they were was not particularly healthy, removing a Larousse from bookshops. W.H. Smiths in “townies” and I was a village having in mind the raw matter what I imagine would be, in Crewe was miniscule by yokel still to learn the ropes. (I which such erudition was those days, a permanent berth comparison with Hudsons in never did!) supposed to enhance. on the shelves of that library. New Street, Birmingham, but After a few of these Unfortunately, and often to the In truth, we would thumb none the less busy throughout lunchtime forays to Ash’n chagrin of Miss Hughes, the through a few pages, tarry on a the week. It was in there that, Libry, I grew to like the odd meeting with some few words we thought we for some reason, I asked to experience, albeit with the hitherto unknown fact or a could memorise. Later on in speak to the manager who, to attendant aside of running the picture requiring (in the mind school we would (in our tiny my surprise, came out and gauntlet of Miss Hughes, THE of the discoverer) attention of minds) show off, no doubt at introduced himself as Mr. librarian of the day and, I the rest of the company would the expense, had there been a Lamb. From thereon, my venture to say, for many a day often evoke the odd, “Hey, French speaking person reason for asking to see him thereafter. I cannot recall ever look a’ this!” in decibels far in present, of creating the most was lost in antiquity, Ash’n having heard Miss Hughes excess of those suggested by uncontrollable hilarity. Libry and all that its memory speak but, if looks could be the aforementioned notice. Funny how times have unearthed was well and truly measured in terms of decibels, Such an outburst would changed almost every aspect wrung from the meeting. then she could have been undoubtedly summon the of one’s life. In between the But what is more heard in Australia! Not only arrival of Sentinel Hughes years of leaving school and surprising is the fact that was she the epitome of super who, without uttering a word, moving to Birmingham in late Cupid had shot his arrows in efficiency that gave would make a beeline for 1938, I went through a few targets not a million miles youngsters like us the certain sections of which, it stages of using Ashton apart, he having married a impression that she really was could almost be guaranteed, Library. In that period I grew farmer’s daughter from Ash’n Libry in disguise, but she knew every word of every to respect Miss Hughes for Nantwich and I later to marry she doubled as a fearsome book. These would include what she was, a brilliant (57 years ago) a Nantwich born sentinel who, with one look, Art, Medical, (like Gray’s librarianne who, in my mind, lass from Crewe; colloquially, could inflict very serious Anatomy) and French, the first WAS Ashton Library. that means we both married injury should one overstep the two most likely to raise a Dabbers. (you wouldn’t find mark. This could quite easily snigger – or two. Having Afternoon addiction that in the reference section of include the flouting by as little assured herself that all was in Ash’n Libry!) as a loud whisper, the order, she would quietly return The Chief Librarian was A final note – I would conspicuously sited black on to her oak panelled fortress in Mr. Lamb (no silly puns about suggest that the picture of white notice that shouted to the main body of the library. ewes and lambs please); he Ashton Library taken in 1906 the would-be bibliophile, Otherwise, she would scan the had two sons at Ashton would not have been possible SILENCE as the entrance area surrounded by our daily Grammar School whom I had Miss Hughes been in door was still closing behind. mob and if within the area she knew only by name via my charge. The four men sitting espied a book “not fit for little brother who was a pupil there with their caps on would have Callow minds boys” it would be removed at the same time. I did, received a curt and not entirely forthwith and replaced however, get to know the elder unclear message that this was Our adopted headquarters whence it came and not a word son, though very briefly. At not allowed in HER library! in the library was the tiny uttered. the beginning of World War 2, reference library where books French? It would be whilst working at Rolls Royce Around Ashton-in- on far more subjects than our distorting the truth in the in Crewe, I continued my Makerfield and Golborne is callow minds would ever have extreme by suggesting there Saturday afternoon addiction available from the History apprehended. This, of course, was anything serious in of browsing around Shop @ £9.95, plus 50p p&p. 6 The Witches of Wigan AS PART of the history of But in its heyday, states that he, Sir Roger, having practised and this country, witchcraft will supported by Exodus took a severe course at the exercised divers devilish always be a dark and Chapter 22, verse 18: sessions when, on Christmas artes called witchcrafts, fascinating chapter. During Though shalt not suffer a Day, the Common Prayer enchauntments, charmes the 17th century, Roman witch to live, King James I in Book had been taken out of and sorceries.” Catholic and Protestant his “Duemonoligee” Bolton Church, torn in These were the alike were obsessed with the advocated death for dealers pieces and thrown into the unfortunate Pendle witches horror and terror of witches. in “Black Magic”. The street channel. whose trial had concluded Panic produced a spawn clergy believed and “I have examined four the day before. Several of informers and to be proclaimed from the pulpit reputed witches,” wrote Sir alleged witches lay under accused was to be virtually the doctrine of Satanic Roger. “One confessed that sentence of death in the condemned to a cruel, possession. she and her father and castle in the early part of lingering death. Among the records is the mother each rode a black cat 1635, four of them from The number of victims is hanging of a woman, to Warrington, nine miles Wigan. as incredible as the number Isabella Rigby, condemned off and that the cat sucked Writers on this subject of deaths from road to death in October 1665, on her mother’s blood. I have have failed to make a record accidents and it seems a charge of witchcraft. little faith in this testimony of the last cases of witchcraft equally as incredible that According to the church even though given on oath at Lancaster. So far as can be people could put up with one register of the County but have sent two to jail.” ascertained, Isabella Rigby any more easily than the Palatine her burial date is In his Bygone was the last person to suffer other April 10, 1666, executed for Lancashire, Ernest Saxon death for the “offence”. Genuine hatred of a witchcraft and a native of gives an account of the But perhaps the last personified evil, a genuine Hindley. trials and executions of alleged witch to be sent for love of God, the love of one’s It is probable that she witches at Lancaster Castle. trial was an old woman fellow-man and an anxiety was one of the witches In 1612, Lancaster was the named Catherine Walkden for his eternal welfare co- referred to in a letter written scene of one of the bloodiest of Atherton who died in jail operated with love of on 30 January 1666, by Sir events in the history of the before the case came to trial cruelty, ignorance, credulity Roger Bradshaigh of Haigh town. On the morning of 20 in the early part of the 18th and political interest to to Sir John Williamson, a August 10 people of both century. produce one of mankind’s Secretary of State. The letter sexes were executed “for ©James Fairhurst great collective humiliations. Learned and often careful and conscientious judges shared the belief in Ladies and Girls of Ince the reality of witchcraft with their victims. The witches knew they Parish Sunday School, 1935 were witches and confessed and often gloried in their This splendid photograph was kindly sent in by Mrs. Freda Smith (nee Clark) from alleged powers and exploits. Standish. It was taken in Ince Central School yard in 1935. Ladies and girls from Ince It seemed as though the Parish Sunday School were waitresses on a mock cruise. Mrs. Smith is on the madness of the accused extreme left. Rev. J. Pain was the Captain and Rev. Blofeld the Deputy. reacted on the judges and Evening entertainment included such songs as Red Sails in the Sunset, On a the judge’s belief confirmed Steamer Coming Over and Harbour Lights. that of the accused. Tortures So they were strangled, burnt and torn asunder after tortures which make one ashamed to be human, with the strange result that witches multiplied beyond all counting. When in the 18th century a rationalistic and scientific period dawned, witchcraft was regarded as a delusion or, at all events, not a matter for serious consideration. Once robbed of its horror and fear it was quickly relegated into the limbo of forgotten things. 7 The Hitchen name in Wigan: Some clues to the past AN INTEREST in Family Bankes having diverted the History led me to trace my Dear Sir, stream which supplied ancestry back to Peter Hitchen I enclose an article on Family History, “The Hawarden’s waterwheel, used my 3X great grandfather, born Hitchen Name in Wigan: Some Clues to the Past”, to provide motive power to in Pemberton c.1784/88. By which I am submitting to you for possible publication pump water from his mine, 1818 Peter had left in Past Forward. causing it to flood. As a result, Pemberton, become an In Wigan from the 1800’s, compared with other from 1758 to 1760, Hawarden engineer, married Isabella places in Lancashire, there is a concentration of was forced to use a horse gin (from nearby Billinge) and instead, which was more people with this name, so I feel that there will be some settled near Dukinfield, expensive to run. local interest. Cheshire, where they raised a Peter is described as Four Hitchen records are summarised, found in family and where Peter knowing both the collieries in sources that are not likely to be used routinely by eventually died in 1854. Three dispute. He had been asked by family historians in Wigan, dating back to 1760 and generations of Peter’s male Mr. Bankes “to search for and linked with the history of the Orrell coalfield. An descendants became coal- find the sough – that it might attempt is made to relate these to my own ancestry, mining engineers. be scoured and cleansed.” My search for records of traced back over several generations of colliery In 1817, Annie Hitchen is Peter’s early life (which engineers, to Peter Hitchen (an engineer, born in recorded as a driver of a gin proved difficult) led to the Pemberton c.1788). horse, the first mention of the collection of records of Pam Baxby (Dr.) employment of women in the Hitchens who had lived in the 35 Galston Avenue collieries in Winstanley and Wigan area. From the 1800’s, Rainhill Prescot Orrell. Horse gins were used records (such as the Merseyside L35 0NY to remove water from the international Genealogical mines and to “wind” coal up to the surface. THE that further information might From ‘Records of Mining in DRAGOON be found in the Muster Rolls Winstanley and Orrell’ by Mrs. WHO SERVED of either regiment in the J.H.M. Bankes, Lancs. And Public Records Office in Ches. Antiquarian Society UNDER Kew). 1939, Vol.54 pp31-64: of WELLINGTON From ‘Manchester interest to me because of my John Hitchen Wellington Memorial’ by J. family’s links with coal-mining; unusual perhaps as a source born in Pemberton, Beckett, past President of Manchester and Lancashire for family historians. attended the Family History Society, unveiling ceremony Manchester Genealogist Jan. WIGAN CENSUS of the Wellington 1992, Vol.28 pp37-39, first Memorial in published in the Manchester RETURNS Piccadilly, Guardian, with additional In 1811, an unusually early Manchester in 1856. information from the National census records three families John was then aged Soldiers’ Index. of Hitchens, two living in 71 years. He joined Wallgate and one (that of Peter the 7th Dragoons in MINING IN Hitchen) living in Millgate. 1803 and was Later census returns (1841 and credited with the WINSTANLEY AND 1851) list 71-73 Hitchens Military General ORRELL from 14-16 families living in Gerrard Hitchen, my grandfather Service Medal, In 1760 Peter Hitchen Winstanley, Pemberton, having served under (then aged 50 years), a local Billinge and Orrell. This was Index and recent BT Wellington in the Peninsular collier, gave evidence in a the area covered by the Orrell telephone directories) suggest War from 1808 to 1814, lawsuit over mine drainage coalfield, mined extensively that there were more Hitchens possibly also at Waterloo in between two owners of from 1740 to 1850, with here than elsewhere in 1815 and was discharged in adjacent coal mines. William which Hitchens appear to have Lancashire. So, I felt that 1821. It seems that he Bankes of Winstanley Hall close links. In Winstanley, there might be interest among probably later transferred to (Peter’s employer) was sued several Hitchen families lived readers of Past Forward, in at the 2nd Footguards, from by Dr. T. Hawarden of in New House Row, built by least the more unusual which he was pensioned in Pemberton for damages Meyrick Bankes of records that I found. 1824. (It has been suggested caused (it was claimed) by ➯ 8 Winstanley Hall for his colliery workers and in Pemberton, several Hitchen families lived in the area of New St. Lamberhead Green. The earliest were born in Winstanley and Pemberton about 1781/2. From the 1740’s , parish registers of Wigan All Saints’ Church, St. Aidan’s Chapel, Billinge and St. John’s Church, Pemberton also contain many Hitchen (and in the case of All Saints, Hitchin) entries. This confirms that there was a concentration of their homes in the area to the south-west of Wigan. The full census is available in the History Shop, Wigan.

PETER HITCHEN JUNIOR, OWNER OF BIRCHLEY COLLIERY, BILLINGE How do these records Receipted bill, 1903, signed by Peter Hitchen Junior. This bill and other records of Birchley relate to my own Family Colliery (including its sale to Peter Hitchen “of Orrell”, described in the St Helens newspaper of History? 17 January 1902) are kept in St Helen’s Local History Library. Clearly Peter employed by Finally, is there any William Bankes in 1760 lived evidence that the Hitchens An Outline HITCHEN Family Tree: at an earlier time than Peter listed in Wigan records were JAMES = Mary of Wallgate my 3X great grandfather born in fact related to one another? Weaver in the 1780’s. My ancestor Given the concentration of Peter could be Peter of the surname in one area, to the JOHN PETER Millgate, but the size of the south-west of Wigan, the bi./bapt. 1786 bi./bapt. 1788 family of the latter in 1811 repeated use of a limited All Saints’ Church All Saints’ Church, Wigan Wigan suggests that it is not and Peter number of Christian names of Birchley Colliery in 1903, (James and Thomas, as well as PETER** = Isabella lived at too late a date. Peter), and the links with coal- bi. Pemberton So what evidence did I mining, it would seem so, but Engineer find of “my” Peter in Wigan the sorting out of such details records? Parish Registers of from Wigan records must THOMAS = Ann JAMES bi. c.1820 bi. c.1826 All Saints’ Church, Wigan list await the attention of future Newton, Cheshire Newton, Cheshire the baptism of a Peter in 1788 family historians. bapt. 1820 Ashton- bapt. 1826 Ashton-under-Lyne (also the year of his birth) and under-Lyne Engineer 1841 Colliery Engineer Locomotive engine driver 1851 of a John in 1786 (the year of With thanks to the staff of his birth), sons of James Wigan Heritage Service and St. WILLIAM HENRY “Hitchin” of Wallgate weaver Helens Local History and PETER = Annie JAMES Archives Library. bi. 1844 bi. c.1847 bi. c.1849 bi. c.1860 and Mary, daughter of James Newton, Cheshire Over Darwen Moston Moston Pam Baxby and Mary Taylor. The Fireman at colliery Lancs. Manchester Lamp cleaner at (nee Hitchen) 1861 Fireman at Waggoner at colliery 1889 marriage of James “Hitchen” Engine feeder at colliery 1861 colliery 1861 and Mary Taylor is recorded in colliery 1872 the parish register of St. Cotton mill Engineer 1900 Aidan’s Chapel, Billinge, in 1785. **my 3X = great grandfather THOMAS GERRARD*** = Lucy So James of Wallgate may *** = my grandfather bi. c.1869 bi. 1871 Moston be the father of “my” Peter, Chief Engineer, Colliery Engine Winder, 1906 bi. = birth and John (the Dragoon) could cotton mill, Chief Engineer, cotton mill bapt. = baptism Shaw, Lancs. 1936 Leigh, Lancs. 1937 be Peter’s brother. 9 Dear Alastair ELLEN WEETON Herewith my final article on the life of Ellen Weeton. As you know the first article (published as long ago (1776-1849) as Issue 20 Autumn/Winter 1998), was intended only as a single-issue contribution to commemorate 150 years since her death in 1849. GOVERNESS I first became aware of this remarkable local woman through an article in the Post and Chronicle Final Days (12 May 1975), which was based on the book published by David and Charles in two volumes Miss Weeton’s Journal of a Governess (1969). The title THE last we hear of Miss Weeton by her own has long been out of print and unlikely to be hand, is during a lone tour of North Wales in reprinted. Nevertheless, I believed Miss Weeton’s the summer of 1825. On 20th June, restricted contribution to our local and social history would be of interest to the public, at this time, both locally and by rain from doing no more than a three-and- further afield. a-half mile walk along the Pwllhelli road, she In writing the series of articles, at your request, it wrote: has been both an interesting undertaking and a “. . . The solitary life I Obscurity difficult challenge, not least because I am in full-time lead, is not from choice; I employment and have other interests. Furthermore I see no way of avoiding it. Owing to Ellen Weeton’s am acutely aware that I am not a ‘historian’ in its true In lodgings, I have comparative obscurity and sense. Over the past three years I have been at all times conscious of the fact that a ‘professional’ could hitherto found it sparse local records, few details had emerged covering have done better. However, I have been constantly unavoidable; and I have encouraged by appreciative comments from found no family to board the latter portion of her life until recently, although it had individuals and your most helpful staff at the History with, who would take me Shop in Wigan and the Archives in Leigh (where Miss on such terms as I can been ascertained, by reference to the records of Weeton’s original volumes of ‘copy’ letters and afford – such a family, I Hope Chapel, Wigan (see journals are held). Also the Local History Department mean, as I could wish to Past Forward 28), that her at Leigh which retains much information about Miss reside with; for I could fortunes had taken a decided Weeton’s brother, Thomas. I am also indebted to the not be comfortable to turn for the better and her staff of the Local History and Archives of St. Helens mingle continually with wandering days ended soon for their enthusiastic assistance with information on people of coarse after her return from her Parr Hall, St. Helens (Issue 27). manners, vulgar, and Welsh tour of 1825. Thanks also (for Issue 28) to both Miss Joan illiterate. I appear to be Local directories of the Bamford of Wigan for the loan of her precious condemned to solitude for period and local Rate Books, personal copy of Ebenezer, St. Paul’s Independent life. I am naturally of a together confirm that her Chapel, Standishgate, Wigan (1847) and Mrs. lively, social turn, and to daughter, Mary, became the Margaret Kenyon for managing to obtain, almost be often in the company of owner of her father’s property instantly, privately held copies of A History of Hope such as possess highly in Standishgate, Wigan. And Congregational Church, Wigan (1812-1962); The gifted and highly that both Mary and her mother Chronicle of St. Paul’s (1977); The Presbyterian occupied the property as late Chapel, Chapel Lane, Wigan (1969) and Centenary cultivated minds, would of the Church of Christ, Rodney Street, Wigan (1841- be a gratification to me, as 1844. In the same year the property was sold but what of 1941). superior even to books . . . its occupants? Finally my thanks to you and Past Forward, But! God has said ‘Set without which it would not have been possible to your affections on things No trace bring the knowledge of Ellen Weeton’s fascinating life above, and not on things to another generation. on earth’ – and therefore Unfortunately no local Alan Roby appears to have specially newspaper was in circulation Orrell deprived me of all those at that time. The Wigan Times Wigan things on which I could newspaper was established in have set my affections. 1849 and ceased circulation no information about Ellen recorded words: “It is Thy will be done! I see in 1851, but revealed during Stock or her daughter. assumed that obscurely as Thy mercies and Thy its existence no trace of an Certainly she was not buried she lived, so obscurely she graciousness in this, and obituary notice, nor anything at Wigan or Upholland where died; but not before she am thankful.” remotely attributable to Miss her mother’s grave is located. ensured the safe-custody of And on this beautiful but Weeton’s (Mrs. Stock’s) Edward Hall, editor of her life’s history for the tragic note the manuscript ‘ready pen’. Likewise the Miss Weeton’s Journal of a benefit of posterity.” comes to an end. The rest Wigan Observer, and the Governess finally gave up all must be told in words other Wigan Examiner, both hope of finding further –––––––♦––––––– than hers. established 1853, contained reference to her, with his ➯ 10 Mab’s Cross (Standishgate), Wigan, 1829, as Ellen Weeton would have known it. She lived happily together with her daughter, Mary, in Standishgate from 1827 to 1844.

But where did Ellen die? Park, who was Miss Ellen’s will, which was Ellen’s daughter, by this And to whom did she Weeton’s son-in-law. proved on 15 August 1849, time Mary Newell. The bequeath her precious copy- has also been found by Mr. residue of the estate was left letter memorandum books? Christened ‘Nelly’ Stock and adds further to the in trust for the benefit of The answer came only in picture. It was drawn up in Mary and her children. 1994. A gentleman resident Her Christian name of July 1847, when Ellen Legacies of £10 each were to of Liverpool, Mr. L. Stock ‘Nelly’ recorded in the described herself as ‘of be paid to the executors of (no relation to Aaron Stock, cemetery register, confirms Liverpool’. One of the most the will who were, in the estranged husband of her own statement that she interesting points is that she addition to Rev. Marshall, Miss Weeton), found her had been christened ‘Nelly’ bequeathed her manuscript Richard Walmsley of burial records in the registers rather than ‘Ellen’ as journals to Rev. William Wallgate, attorney’s clerk of the Necropolis Cemetery, recorded in the registers of Marshall. She mentions nine and Thomas Dawson of Liverpool: grave number St. John’s parish church, volumes of these, whereas Liverpool, house agent. 7611, Nelly Stock aged 72; Lancaster. This information previously it had been cause of death decay; date of would suggest that Ellen thought there were only –––––––♦––––––– death 12 June, buried 14 Weeton (Nelly Stock) spent seven, three of which June 1849; address Bedford her final days with her survive today in Wigan Exactly 100 years were to Street. daughter’s family in Archives, in addition to her elapse after Miss Weeton Liverpool. ‘religious diary’ entitled wrote her last page in volume Typhoid fever It was Mr. L. Stock who Occasional Reflections for seven of her life’s also discovered that Ellen the year 1818 plus a experiences, which covered Her death certificate married Aaron Stock at fragment entitled The the reign’s of four monarchs confirms her date of death Holy Trinity parish church, History of the Life of N. from George III to Victoria, and age. The cause of death Liverpool in 1814, and Stock, 1824. Also before Edward Hall found a on the certificate is more certainly she had lived there bequeathed to Rev. Marshall single volume in a Wigan specific, as being caused by for a time with friends was her copy of ‘Clarke’s book dealer’s shop. typhoid fever, which is very before meeting her future Commentary on the Old and Vo lume one was likely to be correct. The husband. Perhaps her old New Testament.’ commenced in 1805. The informant is given as friends had offered to look The rest of her books, period of her life covered by William Newell of 71 after Ellen during her old together with furniture, Bedford Street, Toxteth age? clothes etc. were left to Continued on page 12 11 ELLEN WEETON (1776-1849) GOVERNESS Final Days ––––– Continued from page 11 seven volumes is between her 31st and 49th year. Each letter contains an average of 1,700 words, legibly written, and the time involved for composition and subsequent copying, in her own estimation, is five hours. As the late historian J.J. Bagley stated in his new introduction in the 1969 edition of Miss Weeton’s Journal of a Governess: “All who are interested in England in the early 19th century, and all who like to encounter exceptional personalities must count it a most fortunate day in 1925 when so energetic and determined an enthusiast as Edward Hall lighted upon the first- discovered of these letter- books and so quickly realised its worth.” Expressed concern

At this point it should perhaps be noted that as far back as 1810 Miss Weeton A sample page of Ellen Weeton’s handwriting from her autobiographical journal, entitled had expressed concern for ‘History of the Life of N.Stock, 1824’. This page records part of her return stagecoach the future security of her journey from London to Liverpool in July 1824, and refers to six Irish pig drovers who writings: “I have spoken too joined the coach at Birmingham and then “selfishly and rudely usurped” her seat on top. freely of most of them, or their near connexions, and According to her will a I end this series of ten verse, simply signed ‘N.S.’ to whom I can bequeath further two volumes – nos. 8 articles on Ellen Weeton in the (Nelly Stock), is a fitting them at death, I know not.” and 9 – were completed, way, I believe, she would epitaph by her own hand: There was, however, one about which we have no heartily approve. Frequent Then dearest Lord in thy man, an intimate and highly knowledge or dates and references to God, often in respected friend of Miss embrace, which now, like volumes 1, 4, verse, are scattered Let me resign my fleeting Weeton, Rev. William 5 and 6 are unlikely to come throughout her writings, breath; Marshall (1792-1861), of to light. although these, perhaps for And with a smile upon my whom from his institution as a And her reason for sound commercial reasons, face, minister of Hope Independent writing: “My only reasons for are largely edited out of the Pass the important hour of Chapel, Wigan, in the year undertaking such a piece of book. Two such verses were death. 1822, not one word did she work is, that it has been a written together in her Watts pen about him which was great amusement during Journal, when she was 48 And when to judgement likely to jeopardise the future many a solitary hour, when I years old, in 1824. The first though shalt come, security of her volumes. It was had no other employ, when I verse is attributed to ‘Watts’ O may I in thy likeness rise! to him, as her will confirms, should only have been (Dr. Isaac Watts (1674-1748) And guardian angels bear that she bequeathed her nine engaged in some fine, tedious was a dissenting Independent me home copy-letter volumes, of piece of needlework or minister and prolific hymn To holier mansions in the which only three, numbers 2, other.” writer), for whom she clearly skies. 3 and 7, are extant. –––––––♦––––––– had great respect. The second N.S. 12 The Ghost of Christmas Past

OH, HOW I hate the dark me – an old lipstick to play nights, don’t you? But it wasn’t Dear Mr. Gillies, “dressing up” with, a comb, a always so. Once they held a I have just read the latest Past Forward. I am far too tiny bottle containing a drop of certain magic which I can still impatient to wait for it and I wear a groove in the History scent, a pencil and a sixpence. feel if I journey back to Shop doorstep when it is due out! She had no money to spend, carefree childhood days – to Mr. Gillies, what can I say? It sounds such a cliché to but somehow, “Aunty Mary’s misty autumn teatimes when a say, “each issue is better than the last”, but it is! It goes Present” brought its own casual comment of “Ee, from strength to strength and has given us ordinary special magic. t’nights are drawin’ in now’ people a chance to write and to share memories, brought a tingle of excitement especially your older contributors – some in their 90’s – Endless patience and the joyful anticipation of whose fascinating stories have painted pictures for us winter activities, such as comparative “youngsters” of a Wigan we have never seen, and which may, in time, have been lost forever but My own parents were far penny-for-the-guy, Silcock’s for Past Forward. Future generations will find them from well-off, and year after Fair on the spare land, carol- undoubtedly more interesting than facts and figures in a year I asked for a “Petite” singing in cobbled streets history text-book. typewriter for Christmas. where houses with lit-up It was such a thrill to see my article “Yesterday in the “We’ll see” they said, but I “Avon calling” doorbells were Park”, in issue 27. never got one. The typewriter I prime targets in illicit games of I enclose an article about Christmas which I hope you did get didn’t have a keyboard “ring and run”. might consider suitable for the winter issue, but as more – it had a wheel which you And of course Christmas – and more people are contributing – which is wonderful! – turned to the letter you wanted the jewel in the winter’s crown. I do realise the problem you face finding space. I know I and pressed – but not for the It started as school finished, speak for us all – your readers and contributors, who are world would I have shown my with the end-of-term party to almost like family now when I say a heartfelt “thankyou” disappointment; they had done which we had to take our own for Past Forward – you really have created something their best, but my coveted plate and bowl with our name wonderful, you know! “Petite” was beyond their on. We tucked into sandwiches Irene Roberts means. But something my and jelly, and drank lemonade Abram parents had in abundance was through paper straws that went Nr Wigan endless patience to play soggy long before the “shops” on Christmas lemonade was finished, then under doors, bringing ear- Chronicle” over it to help the afternoon, when dad smoked played games in the hall, aches and stiff necks. Mum fire to “draw”, and in a his Christmas cigar or a pipeful feeling importantly different in dosed all ailments with “junior pillowcase, tantalising parcels of his “special aromatic” our best clothes, before going aspirin” and bottles of held new toys, silently waiting tobacco – why do you never to our silent classroom to Lucozade in crackly yellow for a little girl to bring them to see men smoking pipes now? collect hand-made wobbly cellophane, bought from the life. A trembling tearing of That fragrance spells gifts for our mums. Then corner-shop where, one paper revealed a toy Post “Christmas” for me to this day. prayers – “hands together and unforgettable Christmas, she Office – I always got a Post Years passed and the time eyes closed” – and out into the won the hamper-raffle, and our Office, didn’t you? – with came when my own children December darkness, still excitement knew no bounds! cardboard money and pretend awoke to Christmas Day in an wearing our paper hats, to little postal-orders, or a Sweet-shop age when children did get what terraced homes long, long Aunty Mary’s present with tiny scales and minute jars they asked for but no longer demolished, wherein lay safety of sweets. Oh look! – a sewing- knew how to play, until one and where Christmas Christmas Eve! – the box with coloured cottons, Christmas when my daughter preparations brought simpler shopping done at the Co-op scissors and a pincushion. got the “must have” toy of that pleasures than they do today. and Ben Turner’s butchers, the There’s a Compendium of year – a “my little pony stable” Out would come the dusty letter carrying a child’s hopes Games, a Bunty Annual, a which she duly admired for a old tree and the old glass and dreams sent up the torch whose beam changes whole five minutes before she baubles, kept in a shoe-box and chimney, and mum peeling colour, and a “Magic Painting got out the scissors and glue brought out year after year, carrots and turnips in front of Book”, then – joy! Aunty and began “making one” out of some shabby, some chipped, the telly, watching “Dixon of Mary’s present! the box it had come in! “That but all dear, familiar friends, Dock Green”. “Goodnight Aunty Mary! – a smile that thing cost and arm and a leg!” joyfully greeted and lovingly all!” said Sergeant Dixon, and could light up a room, and yelled her dad, pointing at the hung on sparse branches as if up the stairs we went on the cotton from the mill in her ornate abandoned pink plastic they were the crown jewels! most magical night of the year, hair. I was grown up when I stable standing forlornly Tissue-paper garlands were with “duckstones” heated in discovered the terrible life she amidst discarded wrapping criss-crossed over the ceiling the oven and encased in old had endured – browbeaten and paper. “What on earth is she and oh! that magic moment socks to warm our icy beds, bullied by a lazy, arrogant doing?!” when the final decoration and next morning, Jack Frost husband; such things were “Playing!” I said, and she unfolded into a rainbow- would have painted beautiful kept hushed from a child. Her hummed quietly to herself as coloured, honeycombed paper leaves and ferns on the present was always an Oxo-tin she plied paste-brush and paint, bell that hung in the centre of bedroom window. Downstairs, or a Chocolate-box containing and a family of little ponies the room, twisting this way and dad has propped the spade up a little hanky – not new, but looked on admiringly at their that in the draughts that in the grate and was holding a one of her own, lovingly new home. whistled through keyholes and sheet of the “Evening Post and washed and pressed just for Irene Roberts 13 ‘Get Younger here’ . . . Market Hotel, Wigan, 1931-1976 Dear Sir, 1. The Environment renovation and restoration room. YOUR many excellent articles on The whole complex had a unique various aspects of social life in Wigan Situated in the centre of the town, atmosphere and was a place of in the 20th century have prompted me adjacent to the old Market Square welcome to all. to write about one very important and Bus Station (convenient for all part of the Wigan scene, namely the except the customer who left the 2. The Product public house or, as it is more Market Hotel to take the single commonly known, t’pub. decker to Shevington and finished up Initially the Market Hotel sold Born and bred in Mesnes Street in the all night coach to London with Younger’s beers and, after an (you can’t get more central Wigan the first stop Birmingham!) and amalgamation, Scottish Brewers than that), and the son and grandson back-to-back with the Park Hotel, the beers. What an incredible range of of the licensees of the Market Hotel Market Hotel began its existence as a dark and light ales! How many for nearly 46 years (1931-1976), I feel coaching inn, providing stabling for Wiganers can remember Younger’s I may be one of a few who have the market traders. With the demise No. 3, I.P.A., Double Century, King experienced at first hand, all that of horses the garage was always of Ales, Tartan, Newcastle Brown and went into keeping a ‘pub’ in the centre the legendary Younger’s No. 1? No.1 of Wigan. known as the stables because it was a dark beer of exceptional In my opinion there are four retained most of the features essential features that make a pub associated with its original use. These strength, hence the reason it was special and I believe the Market Hotel included a cobbled floor, hayracks usually consumed in ‘gills’ (1/4 pint) had them all. and a loft above which was loaned out and, as I recall, cost 3s. 10d. (about –––––––♦––––––– to Warburtons the Furnishers as a 19p) a pint in 1960. My father only purchased it in firkins (9 gallon barrels) because it was so expensive. What would it cost now? There was, of course, one exception to drinking No. 1 in gills and that was a certain gentleman who, from his seat in the ‘Gentlemen Only’ room consumed 5 to 6 pints every night! The stories about his journeys home to Newtown are legendary and are still recalled wherever Wigan drinkers meet! The Market also had a brew of its own. This was known as ‘Bright Eye’. It was a mixture of 2 light beers.

3. The Clientele This was an incredible, cosmopolitan mixture of every strand of Wigan society. Most were the ‘salt of the earth’. The Market was an old fashioned pub with many separate rooms, none of the modern, open-plan design. Because of this you could range from a room containing the Town Clerk and his entourage, through the News room with a group led by a retired R.S.M. of the Guards, past the two lounges which, in the 1950’s and ‘60s, would act as Labour Exchanges for the many itinerant Irish construction workers employed The Market Hotel, Mesnes Street,Wigan (c.1950). For many years it was the venue for a “cosmopolitan mixture of every strand of Wigan society.” ➯ 14 firstly in open cast coal mining and then motorway construction, through STOP PRESS the Gentlemen Only room (would this be allowed today?) with its wonderful George Lyon mixture of wholesale and retail Up Holland Highwayman? market traders, finally finishing up in the Vault in the company of Micky Just in time for Christmas! Dr. Allan Miller’s latest book is about George Lyon, Dalton, Granville, Clapper and who was executed at Lancaster in 1815, Gordon the wholesale fruit porter. All aged 54 years. The village of Up Holland, these mentioned were legendary near Wigan, is synonymous with Lyon and characters in Wigan’s past. some details about him are recorded in the The Market Hotel was a meeting letters and journals of Ellen Weeton. place for many organisations. The Watched by a crowd of thousands, Old England Club, The Burma Star Lyon, together with two accomplices, was “turned off” by ‘Owd Ned’ Barlow, Association, Manchester Regiment hangman at Lancaster Castle. After the and Comrades, The R.A.F. execution Lyon’s body was handed over to Association, Wigan Hockey Club, the landlord of The Old Dog Inn, Up Wigan Rugby Union Club and The Holland. His burial, in the parish Magic Circle, to name but a few. churchyard of Up Holland the following Members of the Amalgamated day, was ‘amidst a concourse of several Colin Cook, Licensee of the Market thousand spectators’. Engineers Union would call into the Hotel. The book explores the cult of George Market every Friday night to pay Lyon and his legendary status as a their Union subscriptions. The one Perhaps the changing face of the highwayman and Robin Hood figure. But meeting that for many weeks would Wigan pub scene is best illustrated to the real George Lyon was responsible for cause me the greatest mystery was the me when I go into Wigan at noon on a a great number of serious crimes. As a Wigan Mountaineering Club. I would young man he was sentenced to Sunday. The town centre is dead; the transportation, and on his return continued see them all arrive and go upstairs desecrated King Street (the new pub his life of crime for another 30 years. but seldom saw many leave until the scene) with its accompanying George Lyon, Up Holland answer was revealed – they were vandalism is plain for all to see. Yet 40 Highwayman? Dr. Allan Miller. abseiling from the upstairs window! years ago Sunday lunchtime, initially Published by European Library, price The Market Hotel was as busy at noon to 2 pm then 12.30 to 2.30 pm (to £9.95 including postage and packing (U.K. only). Available direct from the lunchtime as some pubs could only fall in line with other local wish for on a Friday night. The author at 8 Holgate Drive, Orrell, Wigan authorities) was a time of good WN5 8SL. Tel: (01695) 625370. employees of Great Universal Stores, humour. Wigan men would don a (Cheques payable to Dr. A. Miller). All based in Rylands Mill, would use it as suit, collar and tie and clean shoes, author’s proceeds donated to local their canteen and on market day it and go for a pint before their churches and Cancer Relief. would be full of farmers. The traditional Sunday lunch. One little lunchtime trade would also include known fact was that Colin always the many shoppers from out of town insisted on having freshly tapped ale (Leigh, St. Helens, Warrington) who in all pumps at Sunday lunchtime. would come to Wigan to shop. What You could certainly guarantee the From all at would the retailers of Wigan give now quality of your pint. for that volume of custom? One other noticeable feature of Wigan Heritage modern town centre pubs is the need 4. The Licensee to employ security staff to keep Service unwelcome drinkers out. In the past, In this case, Colin Cook, a man it was the opposite – you would who loved his job, his place of work to all readers of endeavour to keep customers in. and most of all his customers, the Wigan had an exceptional group of perfect role model for any pub Past Forward policemen and women who kept the landlord. The Market Hotel opened town centre safe, and Colin would at lunchtime and evening time, seven a Happy Christmas never close the gates into the pub days a week, every week of the year. yard until bedtime. Many Wigan Apart from his annual holiday and and a his one night a week off, Colin would Bobbies would call for a glass of be at the pumps. One of his many lemonade and one of the Market’s Prosperous NewYear skills, which I often observed, would meat and potato pies smothered in be his ability to get two complete gravy. The recipe for this gravy was a strangers, who had usually just called guarded secret, and may I take this in for one drink, engaged in opportunity to quash one local myth; conversation and then proceeding to the gravy did not double up as buy each other one or more drinks chicken soup – it was oxtail!! whilst Colin would move on to two L.M. Cook more unsuspecting customers! Standish –––––––♦––––––– Wigan 15 AWAY THE LADS Mr. Stanley Morgan of Church Stretton, Shropshire, has kindly sent in this delightfully evocative account of the Leigh Parish Church Scouts summer camp at Filey, Yorkshire, 1934. Saturday July 7th shouted to her mother Everybody eagerly SCOUTS AND ROVERS PRESENT “Look mother! Soldiers”, for looking forward to Camp, Rev. W. King - Group Scout S. Morgan - Scout which she was scolded and Camp the best holiday Master & D. Ellis - Scout told that we were Boy Rover Scout J. Johnson - Scout possible. Skipper and four Leader Scouts. J. Hilton - Scout others left Leigh in car at W. Riley - Quarter Master Skipper and a party left N. Tunley - Scout R. Wilson - Quarter Master 7.20 a.m. making a fine H. Watson - Scout in car for Hunmanby to hear H.H. Axon - Camp Scribe beginning. Everybody N. Hayes - Scout the Archbishop of York S. Wossick - Rover J. Cunliffe - Scout wondered who would get H. Foster - Rover preach. The rest passed, or W. Parr - Scout there first. The rest of us in C. Seddon - Patrol Leader should I say enjoyed, their L. Thomasson - Scout high spirits left Leigh at T. Penrose - Patrol Leader F. Platt - Scout time in Filey admiring the J. Langford - Patrol Leader 8.30 a.m. in a corridor train. F. Thompson - P.L. 1st beach pyjamas and bathing We had a very H. Dainteth - Patrol Leader Glazebury J. Taylor - Scout costumes worn by visitors interesting journey, J. Starkie and girls of Filey. Bad Lads! J. Boardman - Scout W. Rigby especially those boys who G. Morris - Scout had not been that way A. Hughes - Scout Monday July 9th before. The following are WEATHER REPORT FOR WEEK Dinner went in fine some times taken on the style, after which most of way. We left Leigh 8.30 Saturday - Sunny Ð hot Ð stifling. Sunday - Sunny until 8.30, after mist until dinner. Rest the younger scouts indulged a.m., arriving at the fine. in sun bathing. They were entrance to the Pennine Monday - Sunny & hot. Ground mist at night. told they would suffer, but Tunnel at 9.45, and passed Tuesday - Sunny & hot. Ground mist at night. you might as well have through in 9 minutes Wednesday - Sunny & hot. Ground mist at night. Thursday - Sunny Ð dull afternoon Ð heavy rain and wind talked to a cow or the tent according to one of the at night. for the notice they took. scout’s watch. We Friday - Misty Ð rain Ð cleared up afternoon and night. After tea Skipper took a passed straight through Saturday - Misty to rain all day. Huddersfield, and stopped party to Scarborough. Here, to the beach for a dip before walk round village, creating at Dewsbury, leaving there according to tales told breakfast. After breakfast a sensation, as I do not think at 10.20 a.m. We then went afterward, they enjoyed we all went to St. Oswald’s straight through without many had seen scouts themselves. They visited a stop to Filey, arriving there Church in Filey. before. One little girl on the shooting gallery, and found at 1.15 p.m. We arrived at Afterwards we all had a front door step got up and ➯ Camp at 1.30 p.m., being met halfway there by the Skipper, whom we found had arrived three-quarters of an hour before us. Tea was ready by 3.30 p.m., and it was declared the best ever tasted in the camp life of Troop. A party went to Filey for accessories, after which Skipper tried his hand at paddling. Bed was greatly called for by some, and after supper, Flag Down and prayers we all retired for a peaceful night’s rest.

Sunday July 8th Skipper and Rovers got up at 7 a.m., and went down 18th Leigh Parish Church Scouts (1934) Camp at Filey/Scarborough. 16 that it was dearer than at not come in by a certain Filey, so promptly walked time, we could finish off out, the attendant yelling what was left. This we did, after them “Rotten Sports!” and left half a fig pudding The day finished well, for them. S. Morgan was but we had a few given the job of telling them complaints from the that there was no dinner, and youngsters, such as “Don’t their sighs and groans could, touch my back or arms”, I am sure, be heard a mile sunburn again. They were away. Their faces would sorry for themselves. have broken all cameras, but it was all their own fault. Tuesday 10th July After tea Skipper and a Camp roused at 8.15 a.m. party went to the “Grand” in by camp horn blown by Filey to see pictures, and got need them tonight, its cold and it had vanished, and cooks. Then followed Flag a surprise. The Pierrots from to the feet.” nobody out of their tents. It Break, Prayers, Breakfast the beach were giving a After prayers and Flag could not be found, as and Kit Inspection. Show, and they came on Down we retired, calling it nobody or Mr. Nobody had Afterwards we went for dressed as a Policeman, a good day. (Actually the it. When we did get a light walks in high spirits. We Sailor, Soldier and a Scout. best day of the Camp). in tent we found our pyjama were told that at 1 p.m. we The comedian dressed as coats tied in knots and our should have dinner, after the Scout had not a scout trousers tied round the tent which we were going to Wednesday 11th July hat, so he came down into pole. Jack Starkie strived Flamboro Head. Dinner Skipper found out that the audience and asked one very hard, going red in the soon went, practically the some of the lads were a bit of the Scouts to complete face in his endeavour to fastest dinner in the Camp, constipated, and so his outfit. The comedian untie the knots. Quietness and we all left by 2 p.m. for purchased a tin of Epsom started to call and insult eventually prevailed, and Flamboro. Salts. Unknown to the Scouts, and the result was the Camp became as the We took a pack lunch Scouts he put into the tea a pandemonium. Skipper with us, and on arrival we quantity of same, and after dead, when our flap was stood up, and waved a mac were urged by one of the they had drunk it there was lifted, and a little head on his stick, with his Scout fishermen to take a sail in a a rush. Epson Salts have peeped in (J. Taylor): hat perched on the top. boat around the caves or never, as far as we know, “Eh! asleep. I’ve blacked cliffs. We went after tea. acted so quickly. S. Morgan and myself, will Saturday 14th July The fisherman took us in The Rovers had a late he suspect me?” Camp roused at 7.30 a.m. what he called the pass, and so went to Filey Next minute Stanley by Cooks, who prepared smugglers cave. We Pictures. W. Rigby sat next arrived: breakfast. Next came estimated it to be 30 feet to a girl, and eventually got “My face is smarting, Prayers and Flag Break, then high, and we were told it talking to her. He left us, have I been blacked?” Kit Inspection. Cooks were was 14 feet deep. The sea and went out with the girl. “Yes” put on preparing dinner. The was perfectly clear, and the When we saw him on the “Well I’ll black him rest packed Kit, for this was rocks and coloured seaweed Prom later he gave us this when I find out.” the day of sorrow; we were could be seen on the advice; “Don’t pick a girl Then he rushed to the leaving. bottom. We eventually up in the dark.” You could wash place to remove all Four Scouts left for arrived back at Camp at have knocked me down traces. I don’t think he has Leigh in Skipper’s car at approximately 8.30 p.m. with a feather. I couldn’t get found out yet who did it. (He 3.20 p.m. The rest left at Before retiring Skipper a word in. will when he reads this!) 3.45 p.m. to get to the gave a demonstration of We all returned to Camp They both eventually retired, Station for the 4.31 train to administering cascara at 11.30 p.m. to find that the and the Camp fell to rest. Leigh. The train arrived 10 tablets to one of the boys, Scouts had arrived back minutes late. Tom Penrose. When he from Scarborough and had Friday 13th July The journey went very eventually got it down, Tom all retired. We paid a visit to 11 of the Scouts left well, and we arrived in and Skipper retired, but five Skipper’s tent to have a Camp, and did not return Leigh at 9.05 p.m. Back to minutes afterwards Tom chat, and he gave us a until long after dinner. the old home town, after came running across field to candle. This was lit, and Dinner was made at 1 p.m., having had a most enjoyable Skipper’s tent wanting to placed on an upturned and the 18 in Camp Camp and a fine time. borrow his running pumps. enamel plate. It was left for participated thereof. Skipper H.H. Axon His reason was, “I may not more than half a minute, told us that if the others did Camp Scribe 17 HISTORY SHOP NEWS

particularly timely for two reasons. Just to make things clear to all Firstly 2001 was the 200th those of you who will be coming in Exhibitions anniversary of the census. Secondly to use the new census. We will be the end of the year (2 Jan 2002 to be getting it on microfiche for all our in the History exact) marks the release of the 1901 areas just as we have for 1891. It census. As the national census is only will also be available ‘on line’ from taken every decade and is then kept the Public Record Office, Shop closed for 100 years, the release of hopefully in the History Shop and ONCE again it has been a busy this information is very eagerly all libraries in the borough through summer at the History Shop. After awaited by all our researchers. the Peoples’ Network. This is not a the double show of Open All Hours free service from the PRO, and to and Mesnes Park we were expecting look at any of the entries for the to squeeze in a show related to the census or get printouts, you will Wigan Arts Festival. As it turned out need to purchase pre-paid we were very grateful not to get a vouchers. show from the organisers this year, Arrangements have not yet and to run the above show directly been finalised, but these will be into the annual exhibition from Wigan available either from various Photographic Society. libraries or from the History Shop The Society’s Annual Show was in Wigan. once again an excellent production. The Local History Service at As usual the quality was very high, Leigh and the Archives Service although the sheer number of prints searchroom will also have achieved ensured that to participate microfiche copies of the census. in the voting for the best print of the show competition time counted in hours not minutes was required. 1861 Census Indexing It has now become something of Project a tradition at the History Shop for the A special area within the WPS exhibition to be followed exhibition Back to your Roots will be directly by the Atherton and District The Mayor of Wigan, Cllr. John Hilton, devoted to the census, its Amateur Photographic Society at the Opening of Wigan Photographic anniversary and the release of the annual show. The contrast in terms of Society Annual Exhibition, 17 August. the density of the hanging was ➯ indeed very great, but not in terms of the quality or interest of the prints. Both shows were very well received and we would like to extend our congratulations to both societies for another good year’s work. If you would like to find out more about them you can contact the societies at: Wigan - Tom Banks (01257 400036), Atherton - Barry Fairclough (01942 811443).

Back To Your Roots is an informative Wigan Heritage Service exhibition on the subject of family history, due to open as we go to print. This is not the first time we have put this display on and indeed the last time in 1998 a number of visitors were noted spending hours studying each panel and making extensive notes. Doubtless they were looking for pointers in the ever more popular As a taster for the forthcoming Manchesters exhibition, here is a splendid photograph pursuit of genealogy - the search for kindly presented by Tom Heaton of Telford. It shows a band from the Manchester your ancestors - and hopefully they Regiment, based at the Drill Hall, which used to be in Greenhough Street, opposite St. found just that. John’s Church. Tom’s wife’s grandfather, Richared (Dick) Ormesher, is seated second The number of people enquiring from left. He served in the Regiment from 1903 until 1908, and later worked for some and doing research continues to grow time as an engineer at Walker Brothers in Frog Lane; he lived all his life in the and so another showing of this Gidlow Lane area of Wigan. The drummer is Tommy Hogg; his drum is inscribed with exhibition is very welcome. It is also the name of the regiment and the historic campaigns in which it took part. 18 HISTORY SHOP NEWS

1901 information. This area will also house a microfilm workstation for the Friends of Wigan Heritage Service Friends of Wigan Heritage Service census-indexing project. Starting THE Friends organisation has now settled exhibition in the Taylor Gallery at the with the indexing of the 1861 census down into a regular pattern of meetings History Shop, to commemorate the bi- for the borough, the Friends are with a core group of members attending. centenary of the census and the release in providing the manpower and the As was stated last time Max Finney has January of the 1901 record, we are impetus to create new census very kindly stepped forward to act as the undertaking a census indexing project for indexes to make family history first Chair of the group and officiated at the whole of the borough. Starting with searching quicker and easier in the the last meeting on 15 September. At this the 1861, census projects like these soon future. For more details about this meeting the familiar topics of voluntary build up into invaluable resources for the project and how to get involved see Friends work projects, such as census local and family historian alike. the Friends section on this page. indexing and map sorting and listing, and We need your help. It will have to be in contributions to Past Forward, were person at the History Shop in Wigan. You 5th Manchesters discussed, as well as ideas on will need to be able to spare us regular photographs and oral history recording. time, say a morning or an afternoon each Thanks to your responses to our The next meeting is on 8 December at appeal for information on the 5th week. You will also need to be or become 1pm and all Friends are welcome. Do Manchester’s during the Second familiar with the census, and be able to please try to let us know if you intend to World War and beyond, we have had record information accurately. If all goes a slight change of plan. We had come along so that we get some idea of to plan we are hoping that members of the scheduled an exhibition on this topic numbers. We should be discussing the Friends group will take full responsibility for November/December this year. possibility of Friends getting involved in for the project, including its planning, the With so much additional information research and Friends helping in other rota of volunteers to undertake the work to look at we have decided to put this areas of the Service, such as local history and the quality control and checking of the back to May/June of next year. The in Leigh and the Archives. final index . Manchesters were evacuated from As a member you of course continue to If you would like to find out more or Dunkirk in 1940 (26 May - 4 June) and get your priority mailing of this magazine, get involved, contact our enquiry desk earlier in the First World War fought in but we now run the subscriptions for a full first on 01942 828020 and we will give the battle of Krithia on 4 June 1915, year (three issues) from your last you the name of the Friend to speak to. during the Gallipoli campaign. It instruction, so keep your membership up We are hoping that the census project would seem appropriate, then, to to date to ensure your copy. will grow from just the 1861 into all the schedule the exhibition so as to To become a Friend or renew your other years, including in the New Year the commemorate this. Don’t forget, we subscription please send a cheque for £5, are still very interested in talking to 1901. We will supply the reading machine payable to Wigan Council, to the History and of course the all important anyone who has memories of the Shop (See the coupon below) battalion and particularly any microfilms. photographs from the Second World 1861 Census lndexing Project Coming up in the future could be work War. Please contact Dawn Wadsworth projects on maps, photographs and even or Philip Butler at the History Shop, The big news for the Friends is that the research that could form the basis of and once again a big thank you to all first of the work projects has got exhibitions. If you as Friends are keen of you who have contacted us underway. In conjunction with an then we will find the work. already. FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS FRIENDS OF WIGAN HERITAGE SERVICE The History Shop Wickham Gallery: Name ...... Wigan 2000 - summer 2002. Address ...... Taylor Gallery: Back To Your Roots, a celebration of ...... the Census Bi-Centenary, Oct 2001 - Interests ...... Jan 2002.

The Holocaust and Recent ...... Genocides, an exhibition to Please enclose £5 subscription for one year’s membership. Cheque/P.O. payable to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Wigan Council. Please return to the History Shop, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU. Day, Jan - Feb 2002. Remember your subscription entitles you to a priority mailing of Past Forward three times a year, starting with the currrent issue unless you request otherwise. The Derby Room Leigh N.B. If you do not wish to cut this coupon out, a cheque along with your details on Open All Hours - food retailing and plain paper is fine. shopping over the years, Dec 2001. 19 ASPULL - THE STO

EVA BARKER, whose article on her father, vicar’s warden and his mother a long serving However, th Arthur Turner, appeared in Past Forward 18, is member of the Mothers’ Union. ‘four and out a currently preparing a book entitled Aspull - The Gerald writes, “I apologise for any omissions in the field (the ‘f Story of a Village. The book is based on my selection of items, as I have inevitably been Amos Ogden o conversations with older members of the influenced by personal memories. I have included, farm!) And the community of Aspull, some of whom have also for example, several of the farms which I first visited been helped by written their reminiscences; these are linked with in my father’s lorry, and still remember many of the spoil heaps.” local photographs. people who lived and worked there. I have walked I am deligh The cover for the new book has been designed around the village and found many places which permission for by local artist, and very good friend of the Heritage have changed very little over the last 60 years or reproduced he Service, Gerald Rickards. It is in similar style to more. The wall at the back of the school, for absence of colo some of his larger scale work, such as his splendid example, is still there, where I clambered over with even more delig mural in the History Shop and triptychs for the the rest of the scout troop when the American similar piece of Standish Forum. Gerald was born in Aspull, where Liberator crashed in the field off Hall Lane in 1943 Orrell is planne he attended school, was a member of the first scout [see Past Forward 27, p14]. Parts of the moor land with other are group and even had a short spell as a choir boy are still to be seen, where jackets were put down for years. before becoming a server and crucifer at St. goal posts and sticks erected when wickets were not Colour reprodu Elizabeth’s church, where his father had been at hand. in due course -

20 ORY OF A VILLAGE 1. Crawford Pit, long since demolished. 29. Vicarage across the road from the church. 2. Hindley Hall, now Hindley Golf Club, once the 30. War Memorial at the Finger Post. home of the Leigh Pemberton family. 31. Nearby Lucas Nook Farm, which used to 3. Spoil heaps, which have now been removed or have a butcher’s shop alongside. landscaped. 32. Bell Cottages in Hall Lane. 4. Canal barge, near bridge and public house at 33. Bradshaw House Farm. Top Lock. 34. House adjoining Bradshaw Hall Farm, 5. Air shaft for former Number Five Pit, near overlooking field in Hall Lane where American junction of Haigh Road and Ratcliffe Road. Liberator bomber crashed during World War II. 6. Rivington Pike and Pennine skyline. 35. Higham family house on Bolton Road - Harold 7. Ainscow’s Farm at the junction of Hall Lane and was for many years verger at St. Elizabeth’s Bolton Road. Church, printer of church magazine and agent 8. Dicconson Lane Methodist Chapel, supported for funeral directors Middleton and Wood - as for many years by families from Lower Gullett. indicated on plaque alongside the front door. 9. Former Council Offices on Stanley Road. Still 36. 19th century lamps and signs at Finger Post. used by the Local Authority. 37. House opposite junction of Hall Lane with 10. Queen’s Head public house near the ‘Finger Bolton Road. Post’. 38. Gate leading to field, once used by village 11. Foot bridge in Borsdane Wood. soccer team, pupils on a Friday afternoon and 12. Dicconson Mill cotton factory and chimney. for the annual ‘field treat’ on the Saturday 13. Village Club. before the Sunday ‘Walking Day’, with races, 14. Surgery. stalls, maypole, horse rides, brass band and 15. Library, near junction of Haigh Road and Scot Lane. dancing. 16. Our Lady’s Roman Catholic Church. 39. The only remaining house in Simm’s Yard. 17. Anglican and Methodist Junior School, opened 40. Houses on Bolton Road. by Sir Robert Leigh Pemberton, chairman of 41. Stable where Clifford Woods used to take his the Bank of England, in 1992. horse when the weather was unsuitable for it 18. Life size model of a cow outside the school. to be left on the field opposite the church - the 19. Moorgate Inn in Scot Lane. horse (Prince?) was harnessed to his fruit cart 20. Parish Hall. Previously St. Elizabeth’s School. six days each week and used one day a year 21. ‘Mog’, the family cat, who appears in a few for rides at the ‘field treat’. selected paintings, drawings and murals. 42. Village shop at the corner of Ashworth Street. 22. More recent style telephone kiosk. The penny farthing bicycle was discovered in 23. Methodist Chapel on Wigan Road which the network of cellars when they were opened replaced the nearby building in 1991. up in 1939 to be used as air raid shelters. 24. Running Horses Hotel. 43. The Hare and Hounds Public House, across 25. Pennington Hall Farm on Pennington Green. the road from the old school building. 26. Attractive sixteenth century stone built Gidlow 44. Traditional ‘walking day’ procession with Hall Farm, with moat. banners, choir, church societies and scouts. 27. House, once a chapel on Bolton Road. Past 45. Brass band, always an important part of the tenants include the late Roger Stott, MP. ‘walking day’ procession. 28. West end of St. Elizabeth’s Church as seen 46. Banner made by parishioners around 1950, to from Hall Lane. replace one damaged by strong winds.

here are new houses where it was and follow it’ when the ball went into follow it’ part had to be put on hold if or Billy Rutter were around at the view towards Rivington has no doubt y less pollution and the removal of

ted that Gerald has kindly given his r a preview of his latest work to be ere in Past Forward - even if the our does not do it full justice. I am ghted that he has agreed to produce a f work for each area of the Borough. ed to be the subject for the next issue, eas following over a period of five uctions will be available for purchase watch out for further details. Ed.

21 A TIME LONG AGO AS I sit and write in Hertfordshire in 2001, I shoulder near her neck. clay and told to play with wonder if I have the ability or the right to look Aunt Mary, the it. I soon seemed to fit in back and remember and record a time of long ago youngest, was also a ring and started talking and from my 84 years – it is all memory and that can spinner, she was marked playing. The school was trick you, and paint different pictures. Maybe that with a distorted thumb, run by priests and nuns is how past and history has always been painted to the first joint of her right and the pupils were please, or sometimes fool, someone. I myself have hand twisted out of shape largely Irish or Irish after being caught in her decent or mixed as my one found that the poets paint a truer picture than the machinery. Mary was a was. We, at the age of five, historians. reader, and as soon as I were taught by the priest; So I will write of 1920- built of brick with a small was old enough she bought this consisted mostly of the 32 if only to remember door to slide the bucket me comics; when I was duties and rules of the these times and those I out; inside you sat on a older, she made me join catholic faith. You were lived with – John wooden platform with a the Public Library. also questioned on McAndrew (Bro), James hole. On the opposite side Monday morning if you Molloy (Skimmer), was the midden for the Big man had been to mass on the Tommy Guest, Bill family refuse. An entry Sunday morning and Fairhurst (Fozzy), Jimmy gave access to the night There was also another Benediction in the Garny, Levi Bird, Ernie soil men, who would pull person - it must have been afternoon and who with. Kidd, James McLoughlin, out the buckets and carry when I was 4/5, when my Also with the priest was James Kelly, Tommy and them to a vehicle on two dad first came to the novice nun who taught us Danny Moran, Billy wheels pulled by a horse to house. He was a big man basic writing and sums. Saxon, Phil Saxon, Frank empty them. The refuse who seemed to fill the Norburn, Frank Wade, was much the same, but house. One of the first Noise of clogs Frank Ashcroft and others shovelled up into barrows, things he did was to tell me with brothers and sisters which were wheeled away, how to tell the time from In the morning and who all lived in Scows, in dumped into a cart and his pocket watch on a afternoon we had a break Wigan. taken away to the refuse silver chain (I still have it). and went into the My memories are tip. And it was my dad and playground where we just particularly of 26 Holland Grandmother Aunt Nellie that took me to stood or ran around in Street, Scholes, (Scows), a Roseanne was of German St. Patrick’s Roman groups. One of the games two up and two down. descent and spoke more of Catholic school on the first we played was with a stone Grandma and granddad, Liverpool and how she day. I was five years old. – you threw it in the air three aunties (all mill met granddad, a big man School meant changes. and the one that caught it workers), my sister Molly who walked with two The first one was getting had to run. When we and I lived there. It was lit sticks, a cripple from a up in the morning. I now caught him the game by a single gas mantle in mining accident he never had to have my breakfast started all over again and the living room, which was talked about. He was a with the workers, which the usual fight started, but heated by a coal fire which member of the “Ancient meant that I woke with the nothing serious. In all our was also used for cooking, Order of Buffalos”. knocker-up, who went lives there was one noise – with an oven on one side Aunt Maggie was the around waking workers the noise of clogs. Clogs and the boiler filled with eldest aunt; she did not up, by knocking on their were the footwear of water at all times, on the talk a lot as she was deaf. bedroom windows with a everyone, they were of a other. The bread was Grandma told us that piece of metal on a wooden sole shod with baked in the oven, the Aunt Maggie was a weaver broomstick and shouting iron, much like dough was raised in a and a lot of weavers the time and your name. horseshoes, separate heel large basin by the fire. became deaf. Aunt Helen My sister and I usually got and sole nailed on, with a Outside was a was the middle aunt; she up after my aunts had leather top nailed round standpipe which was the was a ring spinner in the gone to work at 6.30. At the sole. You slipped your water supply. A backyard same cotton mill and had 8.30 my sister Molly (who feet in like a shoe and it was shared by six houses, also been injured – by a was then seven) and I fastened with a metal clip. with six closets and broken drive belt of a started for school. The irons wore out in time, middens, one for each spinning machine which The first day I was so you would then take house. The closets were had left a scar on her given what I thought was ➯ 22 them to a clog maker who was then carried by two working till eight o’clock, one did the talking and renewed them. There were men, and from it were then we would get a mug selling, while the older one dress clogs, fighting and streamers, held by girls. It of tea and a sandwich; one was in the tent where he dancing clogs, which were was a great honour to stall-holder always give us attended to mostly people’s sometimes decorated and carry the streamers, so the liver sandwiches – strange feet; he had all kinds of expensive. girls had to look good and how that still remains in knives and scissors with The school also had a be the best; if you got memory. which he removed corns, Rugby League team. Its picked it meant a new We could not work all bunions and cut your nails ground was away from the outfit no matter how it was day because we had to go and hard skin, and he also school. Training was on bought, even if it meant to school. There was an gave massage and told Friday afternoons and pawning dad’s suit or his official who went round customers how to use the matches on Sunday gold watch. These banners checking. So at 8.30 we cream and medicine. His morning. were then at the head of would be off, and at 5 son was the one who Many residents of each church group of the o’clock we were back to handled the money and Scholes came from different orders; they help with the selling and paid us if we did any job for Ireland, who had come wore different sashes with re-stocking. them; they also paid well. over because of hunger the name of each order, I remember one But in 1926, most of the and no work. The Irish then the women’s order, particular stall, with a mines were closed and the used to sing of Ireland, and and then came the people. small tent behind it, which cotton mills went on a I still remember some of Each church competed was opposite our stall; it three day week. As no their songs: The Rose of against each other to be was run by two men, a money was being spent, Tralee, The Londonderry the best overall and to beat father and son, called the the stallholders no longer Air, Phil the Fluters Ball, the Church of England! Cornelios. Each had a needed us. This caused The Mountains of Mourne, Then they would march beard and wore a long many changes, and indeed Delaney’s Donkey, Master round the town picking up frock and round hat; they marked the end of an era. McGrath. other churches on the way sold bottles of medicine until they arrived at the and pots of cream to rub Fred Schofield Bare-fist fighter Market Square, where on, to cure strains, aches 26 Shephall View they sang hymns – and anything else you Bedwell Stevenage I became friendly with hundreds of people with a suffered from. The young Herts SG1 1RL James Molloy, whose feeling you can’t describe. father was a bare-fist fighter. James was a year Liver sandwich older than me, and BOB DOBSON nicknamed Skimmer. He At the age of ten, I met Publisher and Book Dealer was good at all our games Billy Fairhurst – Fozzy he – running, Rugby League, was called. He worked on LANCASHIRE and swimming; he also the Wigan open market at knew all the Irish Rebel week-ends with James YORKSHIRE & CHESHIRE songs and would sing them Carney, and said that as whenever he got the they needed another hand chance at rallies or parties. at the market, why didn’t I I buy, sell and search for second-hand When the music stopped give it a try? It meant books relating to these counties: I search they would tell stories of getting to the market at for books: I issue lists. I buy quantities of Ireland, potato famine and 6.30 in the morning with other books. hunger and of friends that them to start work. We had gone to America. had to help to set up stalls, When the talk was of their two wheelbarrows on LIST OF MY NEW PUBLICATIONS own lives it was of the which they would display ON REQUEST rebellion in 1916, and the their goods of vegetables troubles which were still and fruit. These stalls were going on in 1926. all round the market hall. BOB DOBSON Every Whit Monday, On the Market Square “Acorns” each Catholic school were the local farmers 3 STAINING RISE would bring out its who sold potatoes, swedes STAINING banners usually kept in and cabbages which were BLACKPOOL FY3 0BU church, depicting their delivered on sack barrows. Tel: (01253) 895678 saint and other figures. It We, the lads, would be 23 Rev. Alfred Williams Momerie IN 1878, Leigh had a new the drift of his teaching better than curate at St. Mary’s Parish (1848-1900) many of his fashionable hearers. Church, an Alfred Williams Interesting talks Momerie. He was born in London on 22 March 1848, Although his stay in Leigh was not the only child of Isaac Vale long – a little over a year – he entered fully the social life of the town. He was Mummery, a well-known an early friend of the newly flourishing congregational minister, and Leigh Literal Society and was one of its his wife Amelia. A descendant first four Vice Presidents. He gave several interesting talks whilst there, of Huguenot refugees, he ranging from ‘Descartes’ to ‘Manners decided to revert to the and Customs of the Ancient original spelling of his Egyptians’. He also took part in the surname – Momerie. Cambridge University Extension Programme, giving lectures which He was educated at the City of confirmed the educational status of London School, as well as at Leigh and satisfied in some part the Edinburgh and Cambridge healthy thirst for knowledge. In 1879 Universities. At Edinburgh he won he published the first of his books, the Horslie Hill and Miller Personality, the Beginning and End of scholarship with the medal and Metaphysics. Many more followed, Bruce prize for metaphysics. He although Dr. Fraser felt parish visiting including books and collections of graduated with an M.A. in 1875 and was an important and necessary sermons on Christian philosophy. a D.Sc. in 1876. After Edinburgh he aspect of the duties of a priest, he had The following year, he left Leigh. In proceeded to St. John’s College at a high regard for Dr. Momerie and his farewell sermon he told his Cambridge where he was admitted in did not let this particular incident congregation, “I shall always be glad 1875. He graduated with a B.A. in influence him. that I came to Leigh”. He also spoke of 1878 and an M.A. in 1881. Momerie Yet once installed he did fulfil his making friends whom he hoped to was ordained deacon in 1878 and duties, for one of his reminiscences of retain for life. He did indeed return to priest in 1879, when he became a his time in Leigh was when he was sent Leigh occasionally to give further lectures in the University Extension curate at Leigh Parish Church. to visit an old lady who was ill and scheme. Although his father and concerned about her entry into the Upon returning to London, he took grandfather before him had been next life. Trying to put her at ease, he up his new appointment as Professor Congregational ministers, Alfred asked her to tell him all about herself decided to enter the Church of of Logic and Metaphysics at Kings to which she, no doubt hedging her College London, and in 1885 was England, after much soul searching bets, told him she has always had a and parental opposition. However, chosen to be Morning Preacher at the great respect for clergymen. “Good”, Foundling Hospital. He was a popular his increasing liberal tendencies he replied, “anything else?” and she brought a certain amount of preacher, clear and direct in his went on to tell him about a large rhetoric and stimulating to his hearers. criticism upon his head. bread oven she had had that An essentially optimistic man, Dr. reminded her of hell. Dr. Momerie Momerie believed there was probably Consternation felt extremely sorry for her and for more unsuspected good doing in the the hell-fire and brimstone faith that world than bad. He had a keen sense of His arrival in Leigh was met by had instilled those ideas, for his the goodness and humour of life, he some consternation, chiefly because personal belief was that church gospel enjoyed a good story and a good cigar, of his reluctance in parish visiting. was beautiful as well as reasonable he never underestimated the ordinary This caused some concern at the and that it should satisfy both the pleasures of life. Yet he was at heart a vicarage, with the incumbent vicar heart and the intellect. Whether he man who kept his intimate self closely writing a letter of complaint to the was able to help the old lady is not hidden, despite feeling compelled to Bishop of Manchester, Dr. Fraser, known, but what is certain is that his speak out for his inner convictions. which prompted many influential honest and original mind made a good Upon his resignation from Kings residents to protest and express how impression on many of his College, after disagreements with popular and well thought of he was. congregation, especially the miners members, he decided to travel. In Dr. Fraser already knew of Momerie’s and others who appreciated his clear 1893 he visited Canada and America. dislike for this particular aspect of and reasoned thinking. On his part he In Chicago he spoke at the Parliament church life, for he had already found the miners an intelligent and of Religions which had invited him to consulted him on this subject and, earnest body of men who understood ➯ 24 read a paper on his own special fall vacant. It was a heavy financial subjects. He travelled extensively responsibility but he had never any WANTED whilst in the USA, spending many desire for money and he regularly As most people will be aware by now, months there and preaching in several donated his collection to a charitable the City of Manchester will be host to states. fund. Although it was a severe the 2002 Commonwealth Games. To disappointment to him to be without a celebrate this particular event, Wigan Combative and buoyant church it did give him a degree of independence which enabled him to Heritage Service is intending to put on a display in the History Shop to In his writings Dr. Momerie reveals express himself even more freely. commemorate sporting heroes of the something of his combative and Kathleen Higgins & Tony Ashcroft Wigan area, past and present. The focus buoyant spirit. Speaking of his love for will be on sports associated with both the southern climate and the southern The following titles can be referred to in lifestyle of New Orleans he says, Leigh Local History Library the Commonwealth and Olympic “Southern warmth is a pleasant Games. If anyone has photographs, 1. Momerie, Velia programmes, mementoes, medals etc. contrast to the fogs of London, they Dr. Momerie: his life and work Ð stiffen our muscles and our moral Blackwood, 1905 Ð 266p. appertaining to sportsmen and women nature at the same time. Taine said 2. Agnosticism: sermons preached in of the area or the clubs they trained that it was impossible for the Saxon to St. Peter’s, Cranley Gardens 1883-4 with, please could they contact Tony Ð 2nd ed rev. Ashcroft, Local History Officer, Leigh go in for pleasure in their detestable Blackwood, 1887 Ð 308p. climate, and so they went in for 3. The Basis of religion, being an Library (tel: 01942 404559). morality, which they are likely to get in examination of natural religion Ð their climate.” He also remarked that Blackwood,1883 Ð 57p. in England his lack of conventionality 4. Belief in God Ð 2nd ed Ð Blackwood, 1888 Ð 86p had been trying to his friends but in 5. Church and Creed: sermons AFGHANISTAN America it was an advantage. He preached in the Chapel of the Today no one can escape the fact mentions the huge amount of food Foundling Hospital Ð 3rd ed Ð that Afghanistan is a country under Blackwood, 1893 Ð 258p presented at each meal, and says not to siege. For those who are interested order every course is considered a bad 6. The Corruption of the Church: an oration delivered at the Prince’s in this particular country, they may reflection on the hotel. This Hall on May 25th and July 4th, 1891 like to know that the following book observation he used as an opportunity Ð Eglington, 1891 Ð 50p (includes a is available for reference in the to tell a humorous story, indeed he biography of Momerie) seldom missed such an opportunity. “A 7. Defects of Modern Christianity and History Shop:- traveller who was dining at one of the sermons preached in St. these hotels asked what pudding there Peter’s Cranley Gardens, 1881-2 Ð Sale (Lady) 3rd ed A Journal of the Disasters in was. The waiter said, ‘apple pie, 8. Essays on the Bible Ð Blackwood pumpkin pie, stewed peaches and 1909 Ð 146p (Edited by Mrs. Afghanistan, 1841-2 custard’. ‘I’ll have apple pie, pumpkin Momerie) J. Murray, 1843 Ð 451p: 2 maps pie, and stewed peaches’, replied the 9. Immortality Ð Allenson, 1904 Ð 120p. Includes a vocabulary of Persian, visitor. ‘What’s wrong with the Bound volume also includes; Belief in Hindoostani and other oriental God (86p) and Theological Essays custard?’ queried the waiter by F. D. Maurice. words used in the book. anxiously.” Dr. Momerie enjoyed this 10. Inspiration and other semons Shelf reference EP1140.51 joke very much and no doubt it delivered in the Chapel of the Tony Ashcroft became part of his repertoire. He foundling hospital Ð Blackwood, Local History Officer, Leigh Library repeated it to an American lady; she 1889 Ð 284p stared at him wonderingly for a while 11. Modern Scepticisim and Modern Faith Ð Blackwood, 1910 Ð 136p and then asked with concern, “What (Edited by Mrs. Momerie) was the matter with the custard?” On 12. The Origin of Evil and Other HINDLEY American children, he stated that they Sermons Ð Blackwood, 1879 Ð 244p are not young, but they get younger as 13. Personality: the beginning and end MONUMENTAL they grow older. of metaphysics and a necessary assumption in all positive INSCRIPTIONS On his return to London in 1896 philosophy Ð Blackwood, 1879 Ð Dr. Momerie married Ada Louise 119; Herne, the widow of Charles E. Herne 14. Preaching and Hearing and other BOOKLET who had been art tutor to the sermons delivered in the Chapel of A 32pp A5 size booklet has recently daughters of King Edward and Queen the Foundling Hospital Ð 3rd ed enl been edited and published by Mr. J.A. Ð Blackwood, 1890 Ð 327p Hilton, entitled Monumental Alexandra. 15. The Religion of the Future and Throughout the last few years of other essays Ð Blackwood, 1893 Ð Inscriptions of Five Hindley Chapel his life, Dr. Momerie was without a 141p Graveyards. church to preach in, so he hired, with Copies are available direct from J.A. the Bishop of London’s approval, the Should anyone have any further Hilton, 282 Whelley, Wigan, Lancs. Portman Rooms and bore all the information about Dr. Momerie, or would like to peruse any of the above books, WN2 1DA. (Tel: 01942 235681). Price expenses himself whilst waiting for a please contact Tony Ashcroft, Leigh Local £2.00 each (post free). Cheques should vacant church or propriety chapel to History Officer (Tel: 01942 404559). be made payable to ‘Mr. J.A. Hilton’ 25 “Our Clifford” As told by Mrs Margaret Young to her nephew, Bill Chaloner, March 2001 JANE and Adam had three girls – Jane, Beatty leave school to get a job, he planes, and when they were and Lizzie – and a son, Adam, a big stocky man. had to choose between the going up for a flight many cotton mill and the pit; he would call out “come on A hard worker and careful with money, he would chose the mill, but his heart Cliffy boy, we are going for a walk three miles to save a penny on the bus. was still with flying flip”, as they preferred When it was his turn to pay for a round of drinks aeroplanes. company when flying. at the Conservative Club, he left! A stern man, His world fell apart However, this couldn’t around him when granddad last. He had soon spent all his but he nevertheless provided well for the family; collapsed with a fatal heart- legacy, and funds had run out; there was always a very good table in the two-up attack. The will was read and he had to return home to and two-down Wigan home. each had a legacy, so now it Wigan. was back to his flying books. The only flying he did In those days men and said she had TB – and In one was a London Flying now was an occasional flight women worked in the pit. although granddad took her Club advertisement which he around Blackpool Tower – Adam worked the cage that to Blackpool for fresh air it had read many times: “We mostly his time was spent was to no avail. She died Will Teach You to Fly”. So standing on the street corner brought the miners up and aged only 26, leaving a two down from the coal-face. off he went on the coach. chatting to his mates. Until a year old son. This was a big step, for the flying club opened in the Women worked on the only travelling he had town! coal-face, selecting coal. No more tin baths undertaken up to now was to He didn’t waste any time Bonnets covered their hair Blackpool every year, to the joining. A very pretty young and they wore overalls and Our Clifford soon grew same boarding house. lady signed him in – this a sack-apron. into quite a young man. ‘The Herts & Essex Aero young lady, Margaret, was to Granddad decided to buy a Club’ was a fairly big become his wife! But he Jane and Beatty worked at bigger house so Clifford building, with aeroplanes needed a job. He began to the pit but not Lizzie. She was could have his own room. He around it. Inside was a work as a fitter with the so different from the other also had a bathroom installed cocktail bar and big leather Fairey Aviation Co. in two. Jane and Beatty were to wash away the coal dust. armchairs, not to mention Stockport, building the plain, short and stocky, but No more tin baths in front of thick carpets. It was so rich- ‘Fairey Battle’. Promotion Lizzie was beautiful, just like the fire! Clifford’s main job looking he felt like running came quickly – he soon had a Dresden doll – tall and slim was to take granddad’s meal away! This wasn’t for a his own private office and a with pale gold hair. Her to the pit in a basin wrapped Lancashire lad, the grandson secretary. His first car, with hands weren’t to be around by a red spotted cloth. of a coalminer. an Air Ministry Badge on, roughened picking coal! She The basin was put on the Then a gentleman enabled him to go anywhere. was Adam’s favourite, and winding engine to keep appeared, tall and elegant, And he had frequent flights was to train as a dressmaker warm. greying at the temples. He with the Test Pilot. and milliner. Lizzie met and Clifford used to sit and studied Clifford – he must fell in love with Joe. She fell gaze into the sky, dreaming have looked like Charlie War begins. pregnant and a marriage was about flying. And now he had Chaplin. When he realised Then the air raids started. arranged. Adam bought them his own room, he plastered what Clifford wanted he said, There was a direct hit on the a small house nearby. the walls with pictures of “Sure son, we will teach you house. What wasn’t However, there was no aeroplanes. His favourite to fly”. A maid appeared to destroyed was looted. And no domestic side of the marriage books were Flight and escort Clifford to his room. insurance cover for that! – Lizzie was too busy to cook Aeroplane. Clifford’s Pilot’s Licence and clean. Meals were non- At school he was top of Flying fraternity began to burn a hole in his existent, so Joe spent his the class, mathematics being pocket. When he told Lord evening and nights in the pub his favourite subject. He He was now a member of Austin he was going to opposite. When the baby wanted to learn to play the an exclusive flying fraternity, volunteer the reply was, arrived (a boy Clifford), piano; a brand new one meeting with the famous such “Young man, you’re a bloody Lizzie was too frail to care for arrived and lessons were as Amy Johnson and Jim fool!” After all, he had it him, so granddad, grandma arranged. In fact, his every Mollinson, and the very rich made! Petrol and food and the girls took over. wish was granted, except for like Mr. Ercolani (founder of rationing meant nothing to Lizzie’s health soon one – flying. the famous ‘Ercol’ furniture). deteriorated - the doctor When the time came to They owned their own ➯ 26 him; he wined and dined at Club”, reserved for air-crew on the shoulder and pointed to miles ahead, so once again he the best places, enjoyed a who had baled out of a his shoes. The fluff was was on his way with his hoe, very good salary, and crippled aircraft under showing from his flying- hoping the British really were commission for every plane combat conditions). boots! The man motioned him there. And there it was! A that left the tarmac. Yet he After lying low he to follow him to a farmhouse, British motorcycle propped decided to volunteer for the became hungry; he saw a where he received a warm against a wall. Clifford RAF. farm and a woman feeding welcome and food and stayed pointed to the people round Clifford went to train in the chickens. She brought for some time. about and enquired about the Canada. His Service pay was her husband out, and then driver. They said the driver a mere pittance compared to they all went inside for food. Safe-home was inside the Café. He went the income he had been Suddenly the Germans were in and introduced himself, earning. But he was having a coming for the milk quota. But soon it was time to but they didn’t believe this wonderful time – going to (The Germans insisted that move on, and he decided to scruffy, unshaven, short man America for parties at the the farmers hand over most go in the direction of Spain, a was an Airman! So after “Stage Door Canteen” and of their milk to help feed the neutral country. By now, something to eat and drink he meeting film-stars. When he German troops). So Clifford however, he had eaten his was placed under guard and returned, he proudly wore his was pushed down a hole, emergency escape map. told to stay put until the Sergeants stripes. until they had gone. After a Before long, still with his Officer arrived. night’s sleep in the loft, he hoe, he saw some Germans a Everybody gathered “The Wimpy” was directed to the Catholic little way ahead. What luck - around to hear the news. Cathedral with some eggs. there was a safe-house across Clifford was in the crowd. Soon he was air-crew on There his uniform was the road, signified by the The Officer wanted to know bombers. His log-book changed for a pair of statue of the Virgin Mary in where the telephones were to reveals he commenced on trousers, with six turnups (as the left-hand corner window. get in touch with the the Wellington Medium he was quite a short chap), a (This was the French Authorities and get things twin-engined Bomber blouson and beret. He was Resistance identification for moving. Clifford spoke up, (affectionately known as now a farm labourer with a a safe-house, and was never saying in a broad Lancashire “The Wimpy”), then on to hoe, and sent on his way. But discovered by the Germans). accent. “Ee, thar’s taken’t the four-engined Heavy, the as he walked along, a man News soon came that the Shorts ‘Stirling’, before walking alongside tapped him British were in a village three Continued on page 28 ending up on the heaviest four-engined English Bomber, the Avro ‘Lancaster’. He went on night raids over German railways and ball-bearing factories. Clifford’s crew position alternated between bomb-aimer and navigator. Ironically, he never flew as a pilot – the powers that be said that he was too short! On one occasion, Clifford was returning from a bombing run over enemy territory. He’d dumped his bombs and was watching the ‘flak’ coming thick and fast. FIRE! The flames started on one of the Lancaster’s wings and took hold fast. Jeff Grantham, the Captain, yelled ‘Everybody out!’ and it was every man for himself. In his position as bomb- aimer, Clifford was right near the forward escape hatch, in fact it was right under his feet. He was first out. He landed safely in a cornfield. After burying his parachute he found a ditch to eat his last bar of chocolate and smoke his last “Woodbine”. (He had now The seven man crew beside their Wellington Bomber (affectionately known as ‘The Wimpy’). joined the “Caterpillar Clifford Young is third from left. 27 brother and sister. So Clifford and his dad “Our met for the first time! © Margaret Young

Clifford” EPILOGUE ––––– After the war Clifford, Continued from page 27 Margaret and their only child Norma settled in Hindley, Wigan. Clifford time coming, ‘asn’t thee?” went to work at the de The Officer looked very Havilland Aircraft Company surprised, saying “Where did in Bolton, and Margaret you learn your English?” continued work for the Manchester Cotton Board. Clifford said, “I am English!” After their retirement they Officer: “Where do you come lived in Chester. Mrs. Young from?” Clifford: “Wigan, in is now in her eighties, alert Lancashire”. Officer: “Who and sprightly, and a delight was the famous footballer? to talk to. Sadly Clifford How many cinemas, dance- departed this life on 19 June halls, theatres? Clifford 1994, having spent most of replied, “As a matter of fact, his leisure time instructing Sir, I don’t come from Wigan, student pilots on the finer but Hindley … it’s three miles points of flying and in the direction of entertaining the fellow Manchester”. Officer: “So residents in their home you’ll know Atherton then? complex with his brilliant Clifford replied, “Yes, my dad organ playing. His ashes came from Atherton!” were strewn over the Officer: “So what’s your Lancashire Flying Club name?” Clifford: “Cliff Aerodrome. Young”. Officer: “You’re not Rest in Peace, Uncle Joe Young’s son are you?” Cliff – “My Hero”. Clifford: “YES!” Officer: Your father is my drinking pal! Bloody hell! Goodbye “V for Victor” Until then Clifford didn’t Attached is a first-hand know anything about his account of Sgt. Clifford Young’s dramatic experience father; he had never met him. of baling out of a burning When Clifford’s mother died Lancaster bomber. his father enlisted in the Army I decided not to re-type it, and nothing was heard of him. but rather leave it just as Cliff The family thought he had wrote it for two reasons: been killed in action. The 1. Cliff’s handwriting is Officer said that he would very neat and totally legible, write to his wife to tell and nothing would be gained Clifford’s wife, Margaret, that by re-typing it. he was safe and well! 2. There is considerable Clifford eventually sentimental value in being returned to England with the able to read Cliff’s first-hand help of the French account of his terrifying Underground. On his return, experience in his own he and his wife Margaret went handwriting. I feel certain his to Atherton and enquired of a family and friends would policeman about Joe’s appreciate this. I know I do. whereabouts. The policeman Clifford’s description of the said, “If you’d asked me that events immediately following yesterday I wouldn’t have the attack by an ME110 night- been able to tell you. But we fighter (radar guided) makes had an air-raid last night and a for gripping reading. Only Cliff bomb landed where Joe lives. and Jeff Grantham escaped The policeman told Clifford alive. Their five crewmates lie and Margaret about a pub that in a French Churchyard. May Joe owned. So they went to they rest in peace. that pub and met Clifford’s dad, step-mother and half- Bill Chaloner 28 a widow. His father, Bert, died of T.B. in the 20’s, I think. I am particularly interested to hear from anyone who was in the RAF with him. I know he had a lot of mates who all “joined up” together. I would also dearly love HAROLD to know some more about my paternal grandma Ð CONNOR maiden name Mary Ann McLennon Ð but I expect it Dear Sir, was too long ago for Are there any people anyone to remember. My who might remember father’s name was John Harold Connor of Beech Norman Connor. The Hill Ð Lavender Road, I family lived in Manchester think. He was a Sergeant Road, Wigan. His father Gunner in the RAF and had a pub at one time I was killed in February believe. Mary Ann’s 1945 in Italy, aged only 24. husband (my grandfather) He had a brother, Bert, was an alcoholic, and the who was killed in a road strain of this and six accident in 1938, when children sent her into a riding his bike in Abram mental hospital before the (killed by a drunken doctor First World War. who had delivered his daughter Marion only a Monica Connor few months earlier). 2 York Road His mother Agnes was Sale Cheshire

Forward in case it brought Bombardier back sad memories for his family. Because of the Grimshaw passage of time I have, however, decided to Dear Alastair, mention the postcard in Whilst going through my case a young relative may late father’s effects (Jack be keen to possess a Cain) I found a postcard memento of the soldier’s dated July 1945 that he sent service Ð albeit a possibly to a Bombardier F.W. sad one. Grimshaw in Hakodate Alastair, I am certain I prison camp Japan. As the reflect the sentiments of the name Grimshaw suggests growing Past Forward fan an acquaintance with club in thanking you for all someone from his formative your tireless efforts. I do years in Wigan, rather than hope you are able to discern Brighton where it was the pleasure the magazine posted, I wonder if relatives is bringing to so many, and of Bombardier Grimshaw that this makes the hours (1779992) may read this? you put in worthwhile. Obviously the fact that the Neil Cain card was returned may 26 Sheridan Terrace sadly suggest the soldier Whitton Avenue West died in the camp and I have Northolt hesitated in contacting Past Middlesex UB5 4JS

29 A Matter of Belief LOOKING back over one’s life it is been marking, with a newly sharpened thing to happen again!” Miss Gee interesting to find incidents that red pencil, towards Betty. She was sounded very contrite. “No, of course, suddenly spring to life again, bringing holding the pencil in her right hand, I shan’t. Thank you very much”, she with them the original sense of with the point between her fingers. The said, in a trembly voice. atmosphere. sharp point cut a vivid red line across Mother was sent to put the kettle One such theme for me is spelling, the child’s face, as she did so. on, to make a cup of tea. I crept back which has played a particularly along the landing very quietly, and sat important part in my life, not only as a Alarmed on the bed. Betty had been reading child but in the many years of teaching. and trying not to hear what was going It is only in the last ten years that I have When she saw what had happened, on downstairs. As I regaled her with realised what a misery our English she was alarmed. “Get on with your what had been said, I realised that spelling system causes many work!”, she said loudly, as she pushed never again would I be afraid of Miss thousands of children. This was my sister towards the cloakroom, Gee. “Do you know? I don’t think I brought sharply into focus by the taking the First Aid box with her. shall ever forget the word ‘belief’ knowledge that my grandson was When they came back into the room, again”, I said. “Neither will I”, she dyslexic, and from then onwards the Betty had a large piece of sticking replied, with some relief! study of spelling disability became the plaster taped across her cheek. Miss Yesterday, as we sat chatting over a main area of my research. Gee’s manner had completely cup of tea, I said to her. “Do you That, however, is jumping ahead changed. “Sit down dear!” she said, as remember the word ‘belief’?”. “I’m too soon. I should like to take you she sent the monitor to bring a drink of not likely to forget it”, she laughed. back 60 years to the time when I was water. Mrs Margaret Hirst seven and my sister Betty was nine. As soon as four o’clock came, we (nee Middlehurst) The school that we attended then, were told to wait for a letter to take Parbold Nr Wigan after we moved from Warrington Lane home. “Give that to your mother”, she to Swinley Lane, was Marylebone said. We walked home as quickly as Primary School, just off Wigan Lane. we could, anxious to know what was At that time the little road that led to in the letter. As a headmaster himself, HIRE OF the school had a street name which my father generally took the part of was spelt “Mariebonne”, like the the teachers and trusted their name on the corner of the Post Office. judgement in matters of discipline. MEETING Over this incident, however, he was Grim-looking very put out. “Miss Gee will be ROOM coming this evening”, he said. “I will The History Shop has a It was quite a change to come to a except you both to stay in your small country school with only three Meeting Room, with a bedroom whilst we have a talk”. capacity for 36. This is teachers. Miss Halliday had the back A knock duly came to the door. room for all the infants. The large Miss Gee followed my parents into available for hire by local front room was divided into two by a the sitting room. As soon as they had groups and societies at a very screen. Junior classes 1 and 2 (the 6-8 all gone into the room, I went and sat reasonable cost: year olds) were in the left-hand side at the top of the stairs and listened SOCIETY RATE and the older children were in the carefully. (I was always a very other, right-hand side. My teacher was inquisitive child who wanted to know £7.80 Miss Parker, a very musical lady, the answer to everything). while Betty’s teacher was Miss Gee, a PER MORNING/ rather grim-looking person. I was glad AFTERNOON SESSION that I wasn’t in her class! Trembly voice All the desks in our half of the £11.50 room faced the wall and we were not Suddenly, there was the sound of PER EVENING SESSION allowed to turn round to look at the loud sobbing. Miss Gee’s voice could older children in the other half. be heard. “Oh, Mr. Middlehurst”, she COMMERCIAL RATE Normally, this wasn’t a problem, but burst out, “please, don’t report it! I one memorable day, I heard Miss Gee shall lose my job!” £18.50 My father was usually a very kind PER MORNING/AFTERNOON/ shout, “I, E, I, E, I, E! – I comes before EVENING SESSION E, except after C! How do we spell and sensitive person. “There now, belief?” As she shouted, all her don’t upset yourself. I’m sure you If you are interested, children turned round to see who the didn’t mean that to happen. Mind you, contact Philip Butler victim was. It was my sister! I was if that had been my younger daughter, even more horrified to see Miss Gee I would not have been so surprised! Tel (01942) 828128 thrust the exercise book which she had I’m sure you will never allow such a 30 Aspull & Haigh Historical A talk and workshop session looking at Society the burial and marriage registers for Meetings are held in Our Lady’s R.C. SOCIETY NEWS Wigan at the time of a smallpox Church Hall, Haigh Road, Aspull on the outbreak in 1796. second Thursday in the month at 7.30 20 November 21 February p.m. Further details from the Secretary, Catholic Ancestry Snippets from the Past Mrs. Rosalie Naylor, 3 Pennington Dr. A.J. Mitchinson Tony Ashcroft Close, Aspull, Wigan (01942 256145). 18 December Amusing stories from Leigh and District 13 December West Lancashire Town Crier as recorded in the Leigh Chronicle and Journal. Christmas Party Roy Harness 21 March 15 January 10 January A History of Atherton Collieries Wills of the Rich and Famous Members’ Evening Alan Davies April & King, Solicitors 19 February A talk and slide presentation of these 14 February AGM famous local pits. The Rivington Bungalow 19 March 18 April Malcolm D. Smith Wills of the Rich and Famous Chowbent Chapel 14 March April and King (solicitors) Rev. P. Hughes Lecture A meeting with a difference, as Rev. Dr. Alan Crosby Leigh Literary Society Hughes takes us on a guided tour of this Further details from the Secretary, Mrs Meetings are held in the Derby Room, fascinating old chapel built in 1721. NB Barbara Rhodes, 1 Tan Pits, Leigh Library, on the last Wednesday of Meet at the Chapel at 6.00 p.m. Winstanley, Wigan (01942 222769). the month. For further details contact Tony Ashcroft, Local History Officer, Wigan Archaeological Society Atherton Heritage Society Leigh Library (01942 404559) The Society meets at the BP Centre Meetings are held on the second 19 November (Scout HQ) in Greenhough Street on the Art and Design Tuesday of the month at 7.30 p.m. at St. first Wednesday of the month at 7.30 Stuart Taylor Richard’s Jubilee Hall, Atherton. p.m. Entrance is only £1. 3 December 7 November Admission £1 (members), £1.50 (non- Victorian Crime and Policing members). Further details from Mrs. M. Industrial Archaeology of Greater Duncan Broady Manchester Hodge, 82 Leigh Road, Atherton M46 17 December Robina McNeal 0PA Snippets from the Past 5 December 11 December Tony Ashcroft Manchester University Recent Finds Children’s Games 14 January John Walker Eric Loveless Shakespeare and Music An insight into life in Atherton in the Stephen Lythgoe Wigan Civic Trust 1930’s 28 January The Trust meets at 7.30 p.m. on the 8 January The Life and Works of Elizabeth Gaskell second Monday of the month at The Yorkshire Coiners Liz Williams Drumcroon Arts Centre, Parsons Walk, Cliff Stockton 11 February Wigan. For further information contact 12 February Leigh Town Centre Trail Anthony Grimshaw, Secretary (01942 James Naysmith Ð The Steam Hammer Philip Powell 245777). New members are always Man 25 February welcome. John Alldred The Artist in Residence 12 March Suki Chan Wigan Family & Local Bill Naughton’s Bolton 11 March History Society Ken Beevers Wigan and Tourism Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at the Springfield Hotel, 9 April Keith Bergman 25 March Springfield Road, Wigan, at 7.30 p.m. Queen Victoria’s Visit to Worsley For further information contact the Anne Monaghan Wigan’s Twinned Town of Angers The French Ambassadress Secretary, Tracie-Ann Brown, 16 22 April Florence Street, Higher Ince, Wigan Billinge Local History Society WN1 3JS. AGM For further details contact Jack 20 November Boardman, 38 Garswood Road, My Family History Tyldesley & District Historical Billinge, Wigan WN5 7TH (01744 Tracie-Ann Brown 892613), or visit our web site at Society The Census www.billinge-history.com. Meetings are held on the third Thursday Derek Horrocks of every month from September to May 18 December Golborne & Lowton Local at the Tyldesley Pensions club on Milk Nursery Rhymes, followed by buffet History Society Street at 7.30 p.m. We do not charge an Fred Holcroft entrance fee although voluntary 15 January Founded in 1984 the society now has an contributions are always welcome. average monthly attendance of over 20. The IGI Refreshments available. Contact the Brian Fairhurst Meetings are held at Golborne Library Secretary (01942 514271) or Email: on the second Tuesday of the month at The Buttons of Somerset [email protected]. You can Glenis Aspinall 7.00 p.m. Non-members are welcome. also visit our website at Further details from Ron Marsh, P.R. 19 February www.amw02593.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk. The Gerard Family of Ashton Officer (01942 726027). 20 December Walter Carney AGM, followed by Was the Spinning 19 March Leigh & District Family Jenny Invented in Leigh? The Parish Records History Society Norma Ackers Brian Fairhurst Meetings are held on the third Tuesday Was Leigh man Thomas Highs the real The Burdekins of Hindley and Wigan of every month at 7.30 p.m. in the Derby inventor of the Spinning Jenny? Janet Clayworth Room of Leigh Library. For further 17 January 16 April details contact the Secretary, Mrs. O. What Can The Parish Registers Tell Us? Child Labour in Victorian England Hughes (01942 741594). Fred Holcroft Fred Holcroft. 31 feet) as well, and to have a bowling green. IT DEFINITELY EXISTED The new hut was Dear Editor, Road, Hindley, which in years gone by beautiful, with a With regard to Mr. Kenneth led to a bleachworks, near the brook. wooden dance floor. Lucas’s letter, in the summer 2001 Enclosed is a photograph of a picture For children’s dances a edition of Past Forward, which of the band that played there. small band played queries whether ‘T’hut’ really C. Williams consisting of Tommy existed, I can tell you it definitely did. 30 Liverpool Road A VENUE Whittle (who still lives It was down a path off Liverpool Hindley Nr Wigan at Broadway in FOR Hindley) on piano, myself on the banjo, SOCIAL and Sidney (who’s surname I can’t OCCASIONS remember) on drums! For the main dances I Dear Sir, remember at one stage Mrs. Annie Ingram, the band being called of Deansgate, Hindley, ‘The Philadelphians’. has sent me a copy of The old hut remained your Issue No. 28, for the old ones’ concerning the ‘Hut’ in dominoes, cards and Hindley, as she darts. remembers that when In 1937, the houses we were teenagers in were condemned by the 1930’s, I lived at reason of mining No.7 Gaskell Terrace subsidence and lack of (Stoney Lane). The modern amenities. street was renamed after Some families, the owner of the including mine, property, a Mrs. obtained houses on the DANCING IN TH’ ‘UT Gaskell, who came Council’s Dear Sir, entrance to the ‘Ball Room’. Regarding ‘Th’ut’ in Hindley For these duties I was rewarded every Saturday morning development at Sandy where dancing took place. Would this by my dad on behalf of the British from Blackpool to Lane. By then, most of the former not be the hut sited just off the Legion with the sum of 1s. 6d. – a collect the rents. The Liverpool Road, which at that time small fortune for a young teenager in houses were, in fact, the unemployed had found (the 1930’s) was either owned or the 1930’s when the pictures cost 4d., old Workhouse employment away rented by the Hindley British Legion? a bar of chocolate 1d. or 2d., five converted. from Hindley, in the At that time my dad was Treasurer woodbine cigarettes 2d. and a small I was taken there in Lancashire Steel of the British Legion and I used to go box of Cadbury’s Milk Tray 1924, aged three, and I Works at Irlam, or on with him when a dance was to take chocolates 6d. remember that in 1929 munitions in Euxton, place, usually on a Wednesday or All this and still some money left the ‘Big Pit’ off etc., and in 1939 the Saturday night, and I would sweep the in the purse! Liverpool Road closed young men were floor, dust the forms round the sides Elsie Walsh (Mrs) down, which left no joining up for war of the room (it didn’t run to chairs), 9 Cunningham Avenue mining in Hindley. A service, including me; sprinkle the floor with French chalk Chorley scheme was therefore so I don’t know just and serve in the little shop at the Lancs PR7 2PS put in hand (I regret I when the ‘Hut’ went was too young to know out of service, or what by whom), to provide happened to the Happy days on the farm allotments on land to mission. Dear Editor, would then count the I know there was a the East and North of As to the further I read in Past money and send the hut for dancing – a the houses in Gaskell notes in the article Forward 28 (p.34) about ‘Recommends’ wooden one called the Terrace for the local concerning the poverty ‘Recommends’. I was accordingly. ‘tuppeny hop’, in unemployed to of residents, I remember born at Melling’s Farm Our milk customers Liverpool Road. A cultivate, and a hut was a photograph of a St. (Moss Hall Farm), Ince. used to come for young man who worked erected for them to Peter’s class taken in We used to have a box ‘Recommends’ when for us on Melling’s Farm gather in (1931). This 1926, in which some from Wigan Infirmary someone was going into used to go dancing there, became a venue for boys were missing where we put money in. hospital; also our I think about twice a social occasions and because they had no Many people used to workmen would ask for week. They were only come to the farm for hay them if any of their poor people who went to eventually small clogs or shoes to wear. I seeds to make their family went in the dance there but also very dances, but its size was was on the front row, because my footwear lawns; they would ask Infirmary. I have taken honest. So you see, limited (approx. 20 x 40 dad how much he the box back myself Harry Entwistle is was reasonable! feet). wanted, and he would many times. correct. There was by now tell them to put the Happy days on the Mrs. Molly Taylor an active organisation, Joseph Alcock money in the Infirmary farm! (nee Melling) and in 1933 they 25 Longleat Box. We took the box I have also read the 5 Durham Road decided to have a larger Tamworth back to the Infirmary article on p33 entitled Hindley Nr Wigan hut (approx. 30 x 60 Staffs B79 7US when it was full; they ‘A Hut or Not a Hut?’ WN2 3NA 32 and Mrs. Jackson and momentarily railed off, CAN PAST FORWARD the Flitcrofts ran these and she liked dancing dances. to Blackpool Towers READERS SHED LIGHT My knowledgeable Bertini dance band informant, who has when dance trips cost ON THIS MYSTERY? lived in Higher Ince 2s. 6d. (West Street), Mrs. Sheila Spinks Dear Sir, Did a dance Bickershaw and (nee Banks) of Hindley I am tracing my family history and have Hindley, also tells me Green writes, “I was recently been to see some cousins in America, who venue exist that, in his civilian born in 1933 and lived loaned some photographs to me. These photos are relatives, but neither my cousins nor I know who occupation of window in Yarrow Street, off in Stoney they are, other than from what was written on the cleaner, he knew all the Liverpool Road. There back. Therefore, I wonder if you could publish Lane? occupants of the Cann was such a dance hall them to see if any of your readers can shed any light Row, near to Ince called T’hut. My on this mystery. Dear Editor, Walmesley Park; aunties who lived in As an aside, I enjoy reading Past Forward and I am advised by Mr. he believes that the Mawdesley Street used look forward eagerly to picking up each new issue. Len Gibson of poem, “The Beauty of to tell me about going Margaret Warren Hindley, a former Ince”, which featured dancing there. It was 128 Shackleton Close naval man who served in Past Forward 26, set well back in the Old Hall on the Battleship was written not by a fields, situated between Warrington H.M.S. Nelson during Cann Row gentleman, Charnocks grocery and Cheshire WA5 9QE World War II, that but more likely by drapery shop and there was a dance hut “three educated Ince Stoney Lane Bridge. sited in the middle of a female scholars”! It was a long low field behind Charnocks While based in the wooden building with Grocery Store in U.S.A., Len tells me windows. These fields Hindley, (a Do It how he recited “The and the surrounding Yourself Shop in recent Ince Poem” in 42nd areas were the years). This was a dance Street, Times Square, adventure playgrounds hall with no proper “the Stagedoor of the children of the gentlemen’s toilets, Canteen” which was a “Navvies Lump”. As a where accordionists Bill forces club, Jack child I remember Smith from Hindley’s Dempsey’s Bar, in the playing around this Ellesmere Street Irish Shamrock Clubs wooden building and (Lancaster Road) and and the Scottish Thistle trying to reach up to the Tommy Whittle, also a Clubs. The poem was windows and peer pianist at Hindley and well received inside. It must have Higher Ince British everywhere. been pulled down in the Legion, played in Which brings me to late 1930’s or early “Aunt Hannah’s (Hannah and Henry Brooks) Tommy Mullins Band. two ladies who have 1940’s. family at Abram. Front left and right, standing, Tommy’s wife who recently also assured Set further back are Doris and Albert Calderbank (nee Brooks)”. lived in Hindley’s me that t’hut really did behind T’hut ran Doris and Albert were married in August 1939, so William Street was, like exist in Stoney Lane. Borsdane Brook and on the photograph was probably taken around that her husband, a Former St. Nathaniel’s its banks stood the time. Does any reader know who the other drummer. scholar, Mrs. Anne ruins of the old Bleach people are? Could this dancing Ashcroft, was born in Works which was hut have been the old Eatock Street, near another playground, as Liverpool Road St. Charnocks grocery was the “Piggy Field” Peter’s Church Mission shop in Liverpool where my father’s Hut? It seems likely! Road. She learned her generation before me Len Gibson a “weaving trade” from played a game called dancer until several 13 years of age at “Piggy”. years ago, remembers Hindley’s towering I remember the how his late good lady “Prospect Mill”, which couple of old houses wife Dorothy used to Keystone Paints which stood close to like dancing to the Roy operated in the 50’s. the ochred Stoney Lane Fox Dance Band at The Prospect Mill Brook and I have heard Hindley Public Hall, “still glitters” in Platt my Uncle Albert over the Hindley Lane! Anne fondly Gibson speak of there Industrial Co-op remembers Bob being a mission hall in building. Darby’s dance band the vicinity.” “Bunch from Abram with Mag, all cousins”. Len recalls also which played in Kenneth Lucas Mag (Margaret Fitzpatrick) is seated centre; she dancing nights wholly Hindley Green Sacred 80 Park Road was born in 1915, which probably dates the enjoyed at Hindley Heart Church, with the Hindley photograph to the 1930’s. Does any one know Green Social Club. Mr. church altar Wigan WN2 3RX who the others are? 33 Wigan Observer mention that they often played at ‘SUPPORTED BY VOLUNTARY Central Park and Highfield. SUBSCRIPTIONS’ Mr. Ernie Taberner Dear Alastair, wrote in issue No. 28 that I would like to the name Ince All Blacks comment on the letter could have arisen from you printed from Mrs. It’s simple! the fact that the men Elsie Mack regarding Dear Sir, played in their pit dust. hospital recommends at I am replying to But I don’t think so. the Wigan Infirmary Donald Norton (aka Although most of them (Past Forward No. 28), Harry Entwistle) in Past were miners, not all were. and feel that the Forward No 27. They simply chose that enclosed list of local He referred to me as a name because of their contributors of more “mystic herald” and strip - their shirt and than 100 years ago for asked that I elucidate shorts were all black. 1899 and 1900 may be of about the Ince All Blacks, I have learned interest to your older the team my dad Billy recently that a well- readers. Lees played for in the known Wigan Rugby As a youngster I 1920’s. He seemed League player, Dodger often wondered why the main notice in the perplexed that a team Owen, may well have gateway of the hospital playing Rugby League played with the Ince All advertised “Supported could exist apart from the Blacks. by Voluntary more famous one (down Thanks to one of your Subscriptions”, and used under) with that name. contributors, Mr. Neil to think that if anyone Well, it’s simple! Cain, for this research needed treatment, the They were a group of made on my behalf. would-be patient would mostly miners, who Thanks also to Mr. Norton have to put something in played for the love of the and Mr. Taberner for the box hanging on the game and who didn’t writing in - it’s refreshing gate before he/she would command or expect high to hear their views. receive treatment. As I fees. The local John Lees got older I knew that the newspapers of the time 49 Sherwood Drive doctor’s man who called i.e. Wigan Examiner and Wigan WN5 9QX weekly, for his shilling, was for the maintenance of the Doctor’s Surgery, in our case Dr. which were few – he Warburton of Poolstock He won loved his gardens, and For this shilling, we won the Lower Ince got cover for minor the Lower Silver Cup in the “Best surgery, as well as Kept Gardens” medical prescriptions for Ince silver Competition about five the usual children’s years on the trot. I think ailments of chicken pox, List of contributions to Wigan Infirmary for cup! it was called “The measles, mumps and ear, 1899/1900 from the “Wigan Observer” dated Barnes Cup”, named nose and throat Dear Sir, after local councillor infections, and for adults 13 April 1900. I was born in ‘Barnes’ who used to complications arising Winifred Street, Lower live opposite the from childbirth. Observer dated 13 April top of the wall whilst the Ince in 1937. In those council offices in Ince One youngster had a 1900, and even at a Royal Scot train was days our council house Green Lane. penny removed that had glance shows how many passing on the railway was very ‘high tech’ – I could go on dislodged in his throat pits there were in the alongside. Had the top of we had hot running forever about Lower when, with it in his area at that time. No the wall been even it water and a bath. The Ince. What about the mouth, he jumped from a wonder the area became would have been easy, water was heated by a shell cartridge dump on low wall ont’ cut bank; depressed as one by one but here and there was back boiler in a the “quinic” that caught this same lad was once the pits became “worked the odd brick missing “Yorkshire type range” fire and all the shell bitten on the temple by out”, when a brick wall which meant I had to in the front room. We cases melted – who dug an organ grinder’s would be built around jump the gaps had a garden back and up the brass? But that’s monkey, and the wound the shaft – which occasionally. Even front – front enclosed another story! needed a couple of reminds me of a stupid recalling this escapade by a privet hedge, stitches! We certainly “dare” I undertook now makes me shudder would you believe? William Cooper had our bob’s worth in around the wall of the pit to think what could have My dad, Joseph Box 50 our case! outside Mesnes Park on happened had I missed Baden Cooper, was a UBN Monte Pego The list I enclose of the Walkden Avenue my ‘footing’! Ah well, as national fire fighter 03780 Pego weekly contributions to side. they used to say in Wigan, during World War II (Alacant) th’infirmary was copied The dare was that I “Lads’ll awluz bi lads”. and on his days free – Spain by me from an old Wigan couldn’t run around the © E. Taberner 34 Mr. Darbyshire (Maths & Science), Mr. Winard Geoffrey Hosker, Woodwork Classes (Music), Mr. Cockram (P.E.), Mr. Kelly (History). and Trips to Grasmere Dear Sir, Forward Issue No. 28, I believe that Bottom Row The article ‘Memories of the Mrs. Corser (Secretary), Mr. Latham is second left on the front Mr. Latham (General Central School, Ashton-in- row, and not first left on the back row, Teacher), Mr. McKensie Makerfield’, by Stan Ralls, following as stated, and that third right on the From an (Geography & Gardening), ‘I Won’t Dance – Don’t Ask Me’ by my front row is Mr. Arnold. Ex-Pupil of Mr. Ralls (English), Mr. uncle, J. Harold Smith, brought back Finally, I’d like to take this Price (Headmaster), Mr. many memories of my late brother, opportunity of thanking you for a Ashton Hartley (Woodwork), (?), Geoffrey Hosker, and of his woodwork wonderful magazine, and to Florence Mr. Simister (Practical Central School Drawing), Mrs. McMinn classes and trips to Grasmere. Westhead, for her reminder of our (General Teacher). Furthermore, I’m delighted to be happy working days at Billinge Dear Sir, The above subjects able to forward two photographs, one Hospital. I am writing with are to the best of my of Geoffrey’s class, he being on the Irene Migy regards to the article on memory but will stand to teacher’s right, and the other of Calle Borret 3 Central School, Ashton- be corrected. Grasmere camp. 03580 Alfaz del Pi in-Makerfield in issue No. As you can see from 28 of Past Forward. As a the address, I live in With regard to the photograph of Alicante pupil at the school who Blackpool and have done the staff of the above school, in Past Spain left in 1961, I can put a for the last 27 years, but name to the teachers on my sisters still live in the bottom picture except Wigan and forward me for one. They are as your magazine which I follows: enjoy very much; it brings many memories back of Back row L to R my birthplace. Mr. Merry (Science), Mr. Tom Mylecraine Ward (Art), Mr. 2 Peel Avenue Rowbottom (?), Mr. Layton Anderson (Woodwork), Blackpool FY3 7AQ We got paid for our ‘Services’ – about ten bob Dear Sir, for our late bow, “for a laff”. I wonder if you can The company was the help me via your excellent “Frank H. Fortescue magazine. Players”, and apart from I was born in Wigan in Arthur Lesley, who was 1940 and was a chorister Jack Walker in Coronation (nay Head Chorister) at All Street, none of the others Saints Parish Church. In seem to have progressed the 1950’s The in show business. Some Hippodrome used to stage autographs I have are as rep; a particular play, called follows: “Seven Days Leave”, Frank Powell, Bernard required a military funeral, Graham, Harold and I was probably about Wolfenden, Nicholas Brent, 11 when this happened. Raymond Graham, one All we had to do was name which looks very to line up, chevron much like Joan Simm and fashioned, three to each William Graham, who side of the coffin which played “Just William” in was draped by the Union the films. Jack, and sing a hymn. We got paid for our Ashton Central School After every show we were “services”, about ten bob I required to take our curtain think. That was my first (1935-9) call along with the rest of professional job, and Dear Sir, Back row Heaton (Maths), P. Ralls the cast on stage; however, although I continued as a I have just finished reading Past (English),? ,?. because of local by-laws singer in the club circuit, I Front row: McKenzie (Geography), stating that children could did not turn “pro” until Forward 28. The article ‘Memories of not remain back-stage 1998 at the age of 58, when Ashton Central School’ brought back Hartley (Woodwork), ?, Vernon (Art, after 10.30 pm, and the a back injury forced a many recollections, mostly very happy Sport), Simister (Maths). show did not finish till career change. Moreover, I ones. A. Jones (History & Music) I do not about 11.00 pm, we had have never enjoyed In the summer of 1939 I left this recognise in either photo. six reserved seats on the working so much. school on a Friday and started work the Perhaps someone can throw more front row, and when the following Monday. light on the subject. cast came on for the final Gerard Higham During my time at the school, R. Hanlon curtain the spotlight would Hills View 1935-1939, Mr. Moore was P.O. Box 699 shine on six far from 58 Church Street headmaster. In naming the teachers in Wynyard angelic faces – a couple of Horwich the 1948 photo, I differ slightly from Tasmania 7325 nights, we put make up on Bolton BL6 6AB Mr. S. Ralls as follows: Australia 35 Club occurs to me. LEFT BOOK CLUB, LEIGH When the War started, some of the younger because the books were he was conscripted into Popular Front in early members became more expensive than the RAF Regiment 1939. Most of these conscientious objectors, those of Gollancz; each during the War and intellectuals had on pacifist (not month’s choice was emerged as a Wing received little formal political) grounds, and bought in turn, and then Commander. education, but were met at the Friends’ Dear Sir, passed around in time He and my father keen auto-didacts and Meeting House in Twist I visited my cousin for the discussion which formed the Leigh often extremely well Lane where I remember in Wigan two weeks was more literary and branch of the Left Book read and highly several very pleasant ago, and she showed me less political. A leading Club, and Frank made a intelligent, fluent social evenings. copies of Past member of both groups number of card-tables speakers. Most were On this subject, I Forward. In one of (who probably for use in the premises, men, but there were a would like to know them you were asking transferred the Book which I think occupied few women. more about a for information about Club’s procedure to the the same building as the The main business conscientious objector the Left Book Club in Left Book Club) was Zip cleaners in Market of the Left Book Club of World War I, Arnold Leigh and I wonder if Philip Lees, a well- Street, where my was to obtain the Partington, who taught the following would be known figure at Leigh father’s sister, Margaret, publications of Victor me the violin. I also useful. Baths where he worked. was manageress. As a Gollancz, read them, knew Joe Hilton who During the 1930’s I left Leigh Grammar child then, I only heard and then discuss – worked in Leigh Library my father, Wesley School in 1945 for bits of gossip about usually with inputs from until 1939, then worked Griffiths (who came Manchester University, what went on, but my the News Chronicle and on farms until he ran the from Wigan) was the and then began my father and Frank were the Daily Worker. I only Library at Winscale, but Brooke Bond Tea academic career in keen Bridge players and remember one actual died young. We still representative for Aberdeen, Bristol, often discussed politics Communist, Bill keep in touch with his Leigh and District, and Birmingham and when they played at Murphy, who’d had a wife. he was very friendly home on Saturday very hard life but Southampton. My H.B. Griffiths with the Lyons Tea rep., nights. The other cheerfully borne. parents left Leigh to run Emeritus Professor, and Frank Cowling, who members would be the I suspect also that a bookshop in Grasmere, Professor of Pure arrived from London usual local intellectuals the proceedings would in 1955, so I lost touch Mathematics, University about 1936. Frank was whom I always saw at follow the pattern of the with Leigh thereafter, of Southampton a very energetic, meetings of the Literary meetings of “The” Book although I still have (1964-1992) versatile individual, at Society or (later) at Club which began many relatives in other parts of 5 Glen Eyre Road that time very fat, who WEA classes, and also years before. The Lancashire. Bassett Southampton later surprised us all by at a packed meeting to members of this were One other thought SO16 3GA slimming down when hear Nye Bevan on the more middle class about the Left Book

Dear Friends, 1915 is even more sad I am on the family COAL MINERS AND HINGE MAKERS because his brother, history trail and, as all of Matthew Green, was my family came from the published in a had first aid training for trains which they hid in killed in France in the Wigan area, I have great Lancashire newspaper rescue work in the railway tunnels and then closing weeks of World interest in your splendid on 16 November 1915. mines. He served in brought out to fire. My War I. Matthew Green magazine. I am including Private Eli Green, 35764, Salonika and Bulgaria, father had a terrible war was aged 30, and died my E-mail address and served with medical and I remember him – he contracted malaria on 23 October 1918. He would be very pleased to units rescuing casualties telling me the Bulgarians in Greece, and never served with the 8th make contact with my by means of mules. He mounted the big guns on fully recovered. After the Battalion of the King’s long lost relatives. My war, he attended Wigan Own, Royal Lancaster father’s people came Mining and Technical Regiment. My mother from Ashton-in- THE WAR College, gained his mine remembered the time Makerfield – the Greens, by Eli Green manager’s certificate, she last met her dying who were coal miners, Boom! The big gun speaks with its fiery tongue married my mother Betty mother-in-law, and and the Harts who were Men fall who have fought both well and long Parkinson and moved to asked if there way hinge-makers. My Comrades are slain, they are given no time, Wales where he worked anything she would like; mother’s people came But – “To err is human, to forgive is divine”. at the Gresford Colliery. she heard her whisper, from Pemberton, the Still speaks the gun, with the fire of hell In 1929, having “Yes, roses for Matt’s Parkinsons and The death roll, yet no one can tell endured strikes and grave”. Brimelows, who were Until all is calm, and you look for one, lockouts, he was forced Ronald Green coal miners. All of my A comrade in arms, but – that comrade has gone. to give in to the Great 5 Martin Avenue other ancestors, whom I Yes, gone – where guns speak not and there are no wars Depression, and Fitzroy, Adelaide, S.A. have traced so far, have To blight men’s lives with wounds and scars. migrated, with my 5082 Australia well known Wigan He’s a sacrifice, one of Britain’s sons, mother, to Australia, Email: names – Eckersley, He now lies at rest; still on speak the guns. accompanied by two of [email protected] Calderbank, Pilkington, A convoy now toils, slowly up the hill my uncles, Tom and Jim Rainford, Harrison, All full of life, both man and beast, until Parkinson. My father Turton, Banks and A hissing sound is heard, and the shell we know worked as an engineer An account by Gaskell. Has maimed both man and beast and laid them low. with Brisbane City Ronald’s sister, Olwen My father, Eli Green, This still goes on, each day a number slain; Council, and sadly Jim Colquhoun, of her days served in World War I, But we must fight on, our honour to retain, Parkinson died on active in Garswood before their and I am enclosing a Yes – fight to the end, so when this war shall cease, service in New Guinea parents emigrated to copy of a poem he wrote Twill bring about an everlasting peace. during World War II. The Australia will appear in and which was poem my father wrote in the next issue. 36 friend, Mrs. Kathleen SO MUCH OF INTEREST Monks, re the Wigan possession the account that we had a small who served on the Telephone Exchange. It of his death and funeral income to rely on for the Wendling Station, and was read by Mrs. which was published in next 10 years. one of the local pubs, Pauline Walker of the Wigan Examiner. The second “The Ploughshare”, Aspull who, like Kath and I, was another Dear Sir, The funeral was coincidence concerns which was the watering ‘Hello Girl’ and made When my relatives attended by Mr. Tyrer the article in Issue No. hole for the off-duty up the third member of in Billinge introduced and numerous officials, 27 about the American personnel, still our little group. Sadly, me to Past Forward a including the Mayor and B.24 Liberator Bomber considers itself to be we lost the fourth one a couple of years ago, Deputy Mayor of which made an ‘their’ pub. Round the few years ago. How little did I expect to find Wigan, and the emergency landing at walls in the bar are nice, though, to find that so much of interest to pallbearers from the Aspull in 1943. As I was numerous photographs three of us, all now in me personally. There are gates of Upholland born and bred in Orrell and letters from our 80’s, are still three coincidences I Parish Church to the it seemed almost on my Americans and many around. would like to tell you graveside were two own doorstep, and now I reminders of the War I’m looking forward about. sergeants and four live here in Norfolk, just years. with keen anticipation The first concerns constables from the down the road from My third coinci- to the next issue. the article in Issue No. Wigan force. I Wendling, which was dence is very personal – Marion I. Maggs 28 on Mr. Tyrer, the ex- understand that Mr. the home base of the a renewal after almost 1 Lime Tree Crescent Town Clerk of Wigan, Tyrer was very helpful crew. Within walking 50 years of a teenage Little Fransham and my father, James to my mother afterwards distance of my home is friendship brought Dereham Atherton, who was Mr – she was only 30 years the beautiful War about by your publica- Norfolk NR19 2JL Tyrer’s Chief Assistant of age, left with three Memorial to the men tion of a letter from my until his death in older step-children and February 1923. three very small ones Although I was only two and, of course, there was ST. PETER’S SCHOOL, HINDLEY years old at the time and no widow’s pension at Dear Editor, Britannia Bridge County Primary remember nothing of the time – and organised I enclose two photographs. The School, Ince in 1950. I am the adult on those years, I have in my her financial affairs so first one shows an Infants’ Class at St. the right. There may be people who Peter’s School, Hindley in 1947/48. recall both my sister and myself or My sister, Pat Hutchinson, is on the recognise themselves. front row, trying to shield her face Margaret Hutchinson DUNKIRK from the camera. 46 Kings Gardens He waits his turn, in the queue, The second photograph shows Honiton Pension book in his hand myself and my Infants’ Class at Devon EX14 1FL Then his mind goes back to Dunkirk, Where he queued, upon the sand.

Every time he thinks about it, A lump comes in his throat, And he remembers all the soldiers, Who never made it, to a boat.

He recalls how he lost his mates On some God forsaken beach, Cut down, by a hail of bullets, Freedom just out of reach.

Its sixty years ago today, Since he took part in that retreat, Now, kids just ridicule him, As he shuffles down the street.

If only, we could educate them, And make them understand, How this person, fought for freedom In some foreign land.

Now life is such a struggle, From one day to the next, He doesn’t want any glory, All he wants is some respect. Dave Hawkins Goose Green

37 a different story! Why was Gran so Any Marsden research in Wigan? popular? In a private Dear Alastair, by earlier ancestors. difficult to know what capacity she used to ‘lay Many thanks for Past One of the entries on “decline” might be, but out’ persons of both Forward, an excellent my list is the marriage of consumption, cancer, or sexes – young and old; magazine that I read from Rev. William Marshall, at poverty-induced even in death money was cover to cover, and which that time still of malnutrition spring to is helping me to learn Macclesfield, to Elizabeth mind, and at least two of hard to come by, and more about Wigan, while daughter of Thomas her descendants are So many Gran did not charge I delve into family history Marsden on 10 April known to have had much. Memories at the same time. 1820. The marriage took diabetes. Mary was I well remember – In Issue 28, Alan place at All Saints parish described as a housewife, Dear Sir, after business was Roby’s latest interesting church because, although but Christopher does not I have just finished concluded – Gran would article on the life of Ellen Rev. Marshall was a feature on her death reading Issue No. 27 place a newly baked Weeton mentions early Congregational minister, certificate, and it was the which was sent to me by cake on the table and, 19th century noncon- in those days marriages couple’s eldest son, my sister Marion always forgetting she formity and the Rev. could only be solemnised Henry, only just 15, who Edwards who lives at was practically stone William Marshall, minis- in the established church. was present at the death 171 Dorning Street. She deaf, would shout “help ter of Hope Chapel from The marriage was by and who informed the also sends the Wigan yourself”. There was 1822, who married the licence, as William registrar. Observer to me on a never a crumb of cake daughter of a Mr. Marden. Marshall came from Christopher seemed regular basis. left on the plate and I stopped at the name outside the parish. to have vanished, and So many memories! everyone, including “Marsden”, as this is one Recently, I found a when the census was I was born in Miry Lane, Gran, was satisfied. of the family names that useful book “Hope taken in 1841, most of the delivered by the ever The terraced houses I’ve been searching, and Congregational Church, Marsden children were reliable mid-wife. That are still there – still as decided I must write to Wigan 1812-1962” by J. living with their was on 26 September clean as ever (well you. Basil Horsman, and I have grandmother, Ann 1918. Although such a almost!) I still see the I wonder if anyone a note from this book that Greenough at Moorside, has done any research on Marsden Square, close to long time ago I still see horse and cart carrying Aspull. The first definite the many Marsden lines in Hope Street Chapel, was indication that in my minds eye, goods for sale, mainly Wigan? Some years ago I named after Thomas Christopher had died was different lodgings that selling stones in exchanged letters with the Marsden, father-in-law of in 1845 when Henry we lived, or should I say exchange for any unused late Len Marsden of the Rev. William married and referred to his clothes (there were never survived, in. My dad was Wigan, who I believe did Marshall. father as “deceased”. in and out of work – not many of these). Despite extensive research on his My own Marsden line I should be delighted through being idle but the struggle for cash line, but we were not able stops short at a to hear from anyone because good jobs were everywhere was spotless to find a link between our Christopher Marsden tracing Wigan area scarce. I can see him – front and back. I can ancestors. Since then my whose birth and death Marsdens. Also, a now taking off his union still remember the search through church seem to have escaped the flourishing Marsden shirt and his back full of paraffin lamps in the records in Wigan and records I have searched so group, for Marsden boils – bleeding, through outside toilet at the Blackrod has produced a far, but his marriage is researches worldwide, is carrying bags of coal he bottom of the yard to list of over 300 Marsden there – at All Saints on 9 registered with the Guild was delivering to houses stop the pipes from entries between the Jan 1822. He was living in of One Name Studies, and all round Kendal Street. freezing, mother 1780’s and 1830’s. From Aspull, and his bride was is run by John Marsden of Eventually we were climbing the steps to the the detail in the entries it is Mary Greenough, aged 3 Hesketh Road, Sale, able to rent a house at no. bedroom so many times possible to string many of 17, who was given in M33 5AA. John’s Email 11 Kendal Street. My in a day, and sometimes them into families, and it marriage by her widowed address is johnmarsden Grandma Dawber lived at night as well, seeing to seems there were mother, Ann. @compuserve.com. at no. 2 just across the her family, the probably more than 20 Christopher and Mary Sybil Cant road. For two wonderful “slopstone” and the Marsden families had a family of at least 3 London Road years I lived with her boiler in the kitchen, the baptising children in five and probably six Baldock because of a shortage of Yorkshire range and big Wigan in the early 1800’s. children in Aspull, and it Herts SG7 6LE space at no.11. zinc bath for dad to get Some of these would was here that Mary died, Email: likely be cousins linked aged 33, of “decline”. It is [email protected]. What a character! cleaned up, with steam Everybody over a long everywhere from drying distance knew Granny clothes. Dawber. On odd What a life – no A FILM OF INCE WANTED occasions she would money, but we were Dear Mr. Gillies, interested in purchasing a copy? visit the Guardians Inn – always clean. I could go A plea through Past Forward – I Also, if anyone could lend me not far away. So did my on and on. So many have at home a video of walking- photos of Ince (particularly Ince mum and dad. Mum memories! days at St. Nathaniel’s Church, Platt Green Lane) pre-1970’s, I would be always brought back one Bridge, c.1960’s, which has been very grateful. bottle of Guinness – and James Dawber compiled by a member of the Best wishes to all Past Forward on the next day I was 161 Malgrove church, from people’s old cine-film readers, wherever you are! given a sample because Prospect Hall Road footage. Can any Ince readers tell Mrs Irene Roberts it “would do me good”. Durban North 4051 me if any church or organisation in 115 Warrington Road In those days I used to Qwazulu Ince has produced anything Abram pull my face – today it’s South Africa similar, as I would be very Wigan WN2 5QH 38 PRE-EMINENT IN HIS FIELD Who says surveying, but the only problems of severely intrigued as to how he surveying course on restricted working could recognise my Lancashire offer at the “Tech” was conditions and Wigan accent. mining surveying in inadequate light pose When I told him that I is Damp? Thomas Bryson’s very real handicaps. was a civil engineer and Dear Sir, Dear Alastair, department, so we had When I knew him at surveyor with the local I found J.H. to accept that. We were Wigan Tech., Thomas council he asked me if I Wigan and District Ollerton’s article in the allowed day release Bryson was pre-eminent had ever attended Wigan Mining and Technical latest issue of Past College, to give it its from work of one day in the field of mining Tech. And then he Forward most “Sunday-best” name, per week to attend surveying, widely revealed that his name interesting. was during most of the College, plus one known as the author of a was Bryson! He was Tom I note that his century, regarded as evening for night number of books on the Bryson’s son who was schoolmaster had told probably the finest classes each week. We subject. employed as, I think, a him that the damp college in the world for filled our periods of About 12 years or so mining engineer and atmosphere of the teaching of mining college attendance by after I had been one of surveyor, or a mine Lancashire was engineering and selecting suitable Thomas Bryson’s manager, in the mining essential for the surveying. I know that subjects from other students, I was working industry in the processing of cotton. I many readers of Past Higher National in the North-east of Houghton-le-Spring was taught the same Forward will have Certificate courses. It England as Deputy area. Obviously, he thing at school, and, I been, at one time or was somewhat strange Engineer and Surveyor would have spent a few would guess it is still another, students at not to be part of a self- to the Houghton-le- years living in the Wigan being taught, probably Wigan Tech. Many of contained course but we Spring Urban District area when his father was because textbook those students will have soon adapted to it. Council. Houghton-le- at Wigan Tech., which writers are notorious for studied Mining The thing I Spring is a town, would explain how he copying from each Surveying under the remember most about predominantly a mining was so readily able to other. The atmosphere of Lancashire, however, guidance of Thomas our early days in community, in the middle recognise my Wigan is not especially damp Bryson and will, I hope, Thomas Bryson’s of the Durham coalfield. accent! as I demonstrated surveying classes was, One evening I was By amazing enjoy the following some years ago by coincidence his father, by story. to me, his almost attending a social taking relative humidity now elderly and rather Alan Morris and I, impenetrable Scottish function of some sort, readings kindly both of us articled (Glaswegian, I think) probably something to do frail, was staying with provided by Wigan pupils in the Engineer accent, but I eventually with Council affairs, him on a visit and a few Grammar School and and Surveyor’s got the hang of it. when I was engaged in days later I went to see comparing them with Department of Ashton- Mining surveying conversation with a chap the old man. Although I readings taken at in-Makerfield Urban encompasses surface who said he recognised don’t think he really meteorological station District Council, were land surveying and also my Wigan/Lancashire remembered me in any in Kent. I later found studying civil the “dark” – in all senses accent. He was intrigued sort of detail, he did recall that the Met. Office engineering and of the word – art of by meeting a Wigan lad a couple of “strange” already had figures surveying rather than underground surveying, who was so far from students in his surveying confirming this. mining engineering and where the additional home; I was equally classes one year who Water certainly didn’t seem really to fully played a part in the belong to the mining siting of the cotton surveying fraternity! industry in Lancashire, HE’S THE ONE IN THE ‘PERSIL’ It really is a small but it was in the form of world! the fast-flowing streams WHITE SHIRT that powered the early Harold Knowles mills. 30 Drayfields I.M. Morgan Littlemoss 4 Green Barn Way Droylsden Blackrod Manchester M43 7ET Bolton BL6 5TA

Published by Wigan Heritage Service, Leisure & Cultural Services Department, Market Suite, The Galleries, Wigan WN1 1PX. The views expressed in this issue are not necessarily supported by Wigan Council, or by its Cultural Services Panel. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated. Neither Wigan Council, 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.

This quaint school-yard picture has been kindly loaned by a very good friend of the Heritage Service, and Past Forward, Colin Bean. It shows the St. Michael and All

Angels C of E Infants School in 1932. Even then Colin stood out – he’s the one in © Wigan Council, November 2001 the ‘Persil-white’ shirt! 39 sleyan, Wigan, c.1947. Mrs E M Wigan, c.1947. sleyan,

We

There have been positive identifications for two of the photographs in the last issue. The school class (bottom left) is Dicconson Street Ormrod of Southport has no doubt that the photograph of the hunt (top right) shows a green in Newburgh where her cousin used to live; the house in the background is called ‘Mooncroft’.

Who? Where?