Issue No. 35 November 2003 – March 2004

Produced by Heritage Service FREE

From the Editor Welcome to a re-vamped Past Wigan Heritage Service The Heritage Service has three main outlets – the History Shop, Archives and Leigh Local Forward. There is information about History. Please note that all telephone numbers have a 01942 code. If no individual Email the Heritage Service and a new address is listed, please use [email protected] Family History Section, for example; and we’ve changed some of the typefaces and sizes, which hopefully The History Shop will be easier to read. There’s also a Library Street Wigan new design for the cover, which this WN1 1NU time features the presentation of Tel: 828128 (general enquiries) prizes following a competition which 828020 (local history desk ran as part of our highly successful – research enquiries and exhibition, You Are My Sunshine. bookings) Talking of competitions, a Fax: 827645 highlight of this issue is the Email: [email protected] centrespread, which contains Gerald Opening hours: Mon 10.00 - 7.00; Tues - Fri 10.00-5.00; Sat Rickards’ latest drawing, this time 10.00-1.00 covering the entire borough. But it is a drawing with a difference, in the Staff based in the History Shop form of a quiz, which will hopefully are: give many readers, both near and far, Philip Butler – Visitor Services plenty to think about, over the Manager – 827594 - Christmas period. There are excellent [email protected] prizes as well, but most important, Yvonne Webb – Collections Development Manager – 828123 – [email protected] all proceeds will go to that most Mike Haddon – Heritage Officer (Industrial History) – 828121 deserving of causes, Wigan & Leigh Claire Hawkins – Heritage Officer (Community Outreach & Education) - 828124 – Hospice. The centrespread is in the [email protected] form of an insert, so that you won’t Christine Watts – Heritage Officer (Local & Family History) – 827580 even have to tear out a page from Hilary Fairclough – Heritage Assistant – 828128 the magazine proper to enter. Barbara Miller – Heritage Assistant – 828128 Stephanie Tsang – Heritage Assistant – 828128 This issue sees the end of two splendid four part series, by Fred Holcroft and Harold Smith. I know Archives that many readers who have sent in Town Hall Leigh WN7 2DY articles for the magazine will be Tel: 404430 (general enquiries) disappointed to find that these have Fax: 404425 not been included in this issue. I’m Opening hours: Tues-Thur 10.00 - 4.30 (by appointment) afraid that here, Past Forward has been a victim of its own success. But Staff based in Archives are: Alan Davies – Heritage Officer (Archives) – 404431 – [email protected] don’t let that put you off sending in Amanda Bradshaw – Heritage Assistant – 404430 your contributions – I’ll do my best Len Hudson – Senior Technician & Photographer – 404432 to find room in the future. As ever, my thanks to so many people for your support for Past Leigh Local History Forward, in many different ways. It Turnpike Centre Leigh Library Civic Square Leigh WN7 1EB is so encouraging for us all in the Tel: 404559 Heritage Service to read of how much Fax: 404567 the magazine means to you, how you Opening hours: Mon, Thur, Fri 9.30-7.00, Tues 10.00-7.00; Wed 9.30-5.00; look forward to each issue – no, we Sat. 10.00-3.30 cannot possibly produce any more Staff based in Leigh Local History are: than three issues a year! – and how Tony Ashcroft – Heritage Officer (Local History) – 404559 it has brought together so many lost friends – the last issue, for example, reunited two army men who had not Also seen each other for nearly half a Market Suite The Galleries Wigan WN1 1PX COPY century! It only remains for me to Tel: 734732 DEADLINE take this opportunity to wish all Fax: 704727 Please note that readers a very Happy Christmas and Alastair Gillies – the copy deadline prosperous New Year. And don’t Heritage Services Manager forget the History Shop for that (and Editor of Past Forward) – for issue no 36 of special Christmas present with a 734732 – [email protected] Past Forward is difference (see opposite). Wigan Pier 30 January 2004. Terry Meehan – All comments and correspondence should Museum Technician be addressed to: Editor, ‘Past Forward’, Wigan Heritage Service, Market Suite, The Cover:Wigan Athletic players Ian Breckin (back left) and Paul Mitchell (front Galleries, Wigan WN1 1PX left) present prizes to two of the winners in our You Are My Sunshine Email: [email protected] competitions, Lindsay Ravenhall and Jeff Wilson. (Courtesy of Wigan Evening Post) 2

WE’VE GOT CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP! MEMORIAL DAY CAN’T think what to buy your loved which will make any Christmas tree ones and friends this Christmas? Then sparkle. A welcome addition to our pay a visit to the History Shop where choice of Christmas cards this year This important annual event takes you’ll be positively inspired by our range is a series depicting local views by place on 27 January, the anniversary of gifts for all ages. As regular local artists. Scenes include old of the liberation of Auschwitz, the customers will know, we stock a varied Central Park, Plantation Gates, most notorious of all the Nazi death range of toys, gifts, coal figures, Market Place, Mesnes Park and Top camps. The national theme for jewellery, local history publications and Lock. A great way to send special remembrance this year is Rwanda, cards. We have loyal Christmas season’s greetings from Wigan. on the 10th anniversary of the shoppers who come back year after Two new titles in our local history genocide there. year as they always find that ‘something range are Tony Ashcroft’s ‘Atherton different’ here. and ’ and John Hannavy’s As before, Wigan will be holding a To help set the scene and get you in ‘Wigan’, both of which we expect to number of commemorative events: the festive mood, we have a beautiful be popular present choices this year. 27 January selection of hand-crafted decorations Broadening our horizons a little Ceremonies of Commemoration Mesnes Park Wigan 11.00 am Firs Park Leigh 2.30 pm

Both ceremonies will be held beside the commemorative tree which was planted in remembrance in 2001. Everyone is welcome to attend these John Hannavy - Wigan : history and guide short ceremonies, as we remember, Tempus £14.99. Available from the not just those who died in the History Shop (add £1 for postage). Holocaust, but all those who have Please make your cheques payable to died as a result of genocide. Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust. Also available from local bookshops. An update of Professor Hannavy’s Exhibitions earlier book "Historic Wigan" issued 13 The History Shop, 24 January - 14 years ago, this is a timely publication. February (see p5) There is a wealth of black and white and The Turnpike Centre, Leigh Library, coloured photos, many of modern day 12 January - 13 February. Wigan. Included are two walking tours of the town centre which takes in the major Lessons from History buildings and the tourist sites. Wigan’s With Stephen Lythgoe, Wigan Library long history from its early obscure we are also stockists of ‘Shared Service’s Reader-in-Residence beginnings to the 20th century is covered Earth’ products, gifts from all over in an attractive package. A must for Dates and venues to be announced – Christmas. the world produced, bought and please look out for details. marketed using fair trade ethics. ‘Hidden Treasures’ is a range of An Evening of Commemoration hand-crafted pewter, 24 carat gold and Celebration plated, enamelled and jewelled Hawkley High School, Carr Lane, Wigan. collectables. These ornate enamel boxes come in various designs with For the first time, there will be a local a ‘hidden treasure’ of a matching commemoration on the evening of pendant on 24 carat gold plated Holocaust Memorial Day, in which chain hidden inside them. These pupils of Hawkley High School (who highly decorative and distinctive will also be participating in the boxes have been voted ‘Gift of the services of commemoration earlier Year’ and can be used as a special in the day) and invited guests will jewellery box or secret hiding place. take part. Further details available soon. Everyone is most welcome to If that’s not enough to entice you, attend. as an extra bit of festive fun and goodwill, if you buy any gift over £5 All readers of Past Forward we will gift-wrap it for you - FREE! where possible are cordially MERRY CHRISTMAS! invited to attend the above commemorations. 3

Events and Activities It’s been a lively summer for Wigan Heritage Service, with Recent Local History Days at the branch libraries included colourful collages, animal antics and our very own stall at Leigh Ince, Hindley and Ashton (thanks to the library staff for all their Carnival. If you would like further information about events and help). activities, or about our Education and Outreach service, please contact: Claire Hawkins, Heritage Officer (Community Outreach & Education) on 01942 828124 or email Family Fun [email protected]. For details of all our future events see the The History Shop runs activities for families with children aged “What’s On” booklet published by WLCT and available 12 and under in the school holidays. Activities are free and the throughout the borough. finished product can usually be taken (all children must be accompanied by an adult). Over the summer holidays our activities have become increasingly popular and included the Out and about creation of two enormous (and brightly coloured!) Latics It was a grand day out at the Leigh Carnival in July, with Heritage Officers Tony and Claire manning the Heritage Service Stall. We were in good company with the Gin Pit Residents next-

players in collage (see below). Families also created some Claire and Tony with the Heritage Service stall at crafty animal cards and made some very impressive windmills Leigh Carnival. and mobiles for the garden. It’s great to see so many young visitors enjoying the History Shop and we look forward to future door dressed as Pit Brow lasses. The stall was very successful, visits. promoting the Maps exhibition ‘Wigan on the Map’ and our services. We had a great response from families participating in our craft activities (not least because they were fun and free!). Thanks go to Leigh Carnival, and good luck for Free Family Fun at the History next year. Shop Winter 2003 Monday 22 December 2-4pm "… acquire your own piece of history …" Christmas crafts: Calendars Create a calendar using collage, to help you welcome in a Heritage Estates UK Happy New Year! (All children must be accompanied by an adult). The perfect gift for any occasion Schools for anyone with an interest ‘Wigan on the Map’ is an ideal exhibition to visit with your class in Wigan and has links to the National Curriculum for history and citizenship at K52 and 3. We will soon be making available a www.heritage-estatesuk.com Teacher’s Pack to enable you to get the most out of your visit, including follow-up activities. To request a free pack or to book Tel: 00 44 1942 770202 a visit, contact the Community Outreach & Education Officer Fax: 00 44 1942 770205 on 01942 828124 or email [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Richard Weston We can also offer taster sessions for small groups of ‘A’ level Heritage Estates UK, Caroline Street, Wigan, Lancashire, , WN3 4EL and college students in the Archives at Leigh. For further information telephone 01942 828124. ¶ 4

Wigan on the Map We are now pleased to offer talks and tours of this fabulous exhibition of Parish Maps (upon request), kindly given by the key HISTORY SHOP NEWS coordinators of the original project. This is available to groups and societies who wish to bring members to the History Shop for a visit (tel: 01942 828128 to book). Exhibitions at the History Shop IT HAS been a busy time for The focus of the exhibition is exhibitions since the publica- work depicting familiar and tion of issue 34 of Past well-loved landmarks from Forward. There have been around the borough, especially three, and for those of you who those which have recently fea- missed them, you missed a tured in Past Forward. In this treat! series, Gerald has produced In August and September work depicting Aspull, Orrell, we had two annual photo- Standish, Haigh, Ince and graphic exhibitions - first it was Leigh. The works are complex, Wigan Photographic and can consist of up to 40 Society, then it was the turn of individual buildings. Gerald Atherton Photographic says of this work, “it is very Society. Both were well time consuming looking at all attended, and many visitors the different places and then Heritage Service staff Barbara Miller and Philip Butler admire remarked on the very different selecting which to include. In the ‘Wigan on the Map’ exhibition. styles of the two clubs, espe- the space available I aim for cially the digital section of balance, trying to include build- Atherton. The Wigan club, as ings and landmarks with links And the winners are usual, asked visitors to vote for with the location, past or pres- We ran two competitions at our recent Wigan Athletic exhibition their favourite picture. I know ent.” In addition, there will be “You are my Sunshine” (one for junior fans and a quiz for die the result, and what a fantastic scenes from Angers, Wigan’s hard Latics followers). Latics players Paul Mitchell and Ian picture it is. However, if you twin town, and the designs for Breckin kindly paid us a visit to present the prizes. want to know if it was the one the new stained glass windows Winners of the Football Crazy Quiz were: you voted for, you will have to recently installed at St Mary’s, Mr. J Wilson come to next year’s exhibition. Ince. Mr. A Miller In October we had a won- Gerald was born and bred in Mr. R Prescott derful exhibition from the Wigan, His postgraduate stud- The only three entrants to get all the questions right! Common-wealth Games Legacy ies at the Edinburgh College of Team 2002. This Art and a travelling scholarship Winners of the junior Spot the Ball competition were: had been on tour throughout to study mural painting in Mark Wagstaff & Lindsey Ravenhall. , and Wigan Europe helped him develop his (See front cover). was its final venue. The exhibi- unique style of painting. tion featured many of the Retired from teaching he is now unusual gifts presented to the a professional artist. He has TEMPORARY EXHIBITION PROGRAMME 2004 host-city by some of the coun- exhibited in Warrington, Titles of some exhibitions may be subject to change. tries which competed. These Cambridge, Norwich, 19 November – 16 January: Paintings of Wigan & ranged from samples of fine Salisbury, Preston and . Beyond rum from Barbados to a beauti- Gerald also hopes to use the Gerald Rickards paintings. fully carved rhinoceros from exhibition to raise money for Malawi. We also had the baton Wigan & Leigh Hospice with 24 January – 14 February: The Last Goodbye: which David Beckham and proceeds from a competition Rescue of Children from Nazi Europe Kirsty Howard presented to the (see centrespread for details). Travelling exhibition. Queen at the opening cere- We will shortly be publishing 1 March – 24 April: Phantoms of Delight mony, and an audio-visual pres- our new exhibition leaflet, for Children’s illustrated books from the Dootson Collection. entation showing some of the 2004. The New Year will start 12 May – 17 July: Far Flung Places most memorable sporting off with The Last Goodbye An exhibition of some of the seldom seen items from the moments of the Games. It which tells the moving story of collection which either come from or feature foreign brought back happy memories the escape of 10,000 refugee climes. The exhibition coincides with Museums & for many of our visitors (and children from Nazi occupied Galleries Month. myself!). Europe during World War II to Our current exhibition is Britain. The exhibition aims to 2 August – 25 September: The Family Album Paintings of Wigan and highlight the issues of racism, A celebration of our photographic collections, which will Beyond, by local artist Gerald prejudice and indifference, and incorporate the two photographic society exhibitions. Rickards. This is Gerald’s will be part of our programme 11 October – January 2005: Northern Soul third exhibition at the History to commemorate Holocaust A look at Wigan Casino and its forerunner the Empress Shop, and showcases the many Memorial Day. Ballroom, and their place in the contemporary culture wonderful local buildings Yvonne Webb of the time. drawn and painted in his Collections Development instantly recognisable style. Manager 5

HISTORY SHOP NEWS General Books 133 HOUGH, P Supernatural Lancashire 133.4 POOLE, R Lancashire Witches - histories and stories Donations to the 338.7622334 SIMM, Geoff The Leghs and Haydock Colliery 385.54 TOWNLEY, CHA & PEDEN, JA Industrial Railways of St Helens, Widnes and Warrington, Part 2 Taylor Gallery 388.322 TAYLOR, P J Trolleybus to the Punch Bowl ONCE again our visitors and Friends have been extremely 629.25 BALDWIN, Nick Proprietary Engines for vehicles generous to us with their time and effort. A full list of new 914.2736 MILLER, G Historic Houses in Lancashire: The Douglas donations is given below. Valley 1300-1770 Gerry Rigby, Alan Maloney and members of UpHolland Family History Society continue their wonderful work indexing the 1901 920 FAIR FAIRHURST, J Who’d a thowt it census and have several other large projects ongoing at the 929.42 ROWLANDS, J The Surnames of Wales moment. These include the indexing of the Parish Registers of 942.736 BOYDELL, Tom Diary of Old Leigh Vol.1 St. Anne’s Church, Shevington (the first part of which has been Diary of Old Leigh Vol. 2 received and is listed below) as well as supplementing the work 942.736 WIGAN OBSERVER Wigan: Fifty Golden Years of our much missed late friend, Ted Cheetham, by noting the 942.736 WRIGHT, J J Story of Chowbent Chapel 1721-1921 memorial inscriptions of St. John’s Pemberton. Ted had earlier 942.757 PRESLAND, Mary St Helens: a pictorial history completed St. John’s churchyard plan of the graveyard. This 942.7612 YOUNG, David One Man’s Pitch project, however, could take quite a while to complete. One other important recent donation has been Ken Taylor’s Military Matters long awaited Sexton’s Day registers of All Saints Church (see Past 016.3 WHITE, Arthur S Bibliography of Regimental Histories Forward 33 p4). These 12 surviving registers cover roughly the of the British Army period 1765-1795 and are notes to burials. There is an index of 355.1 Distinguished Service Order 6 Sept 1886 - 31 Dec those buried, and an additional list of those mentioned as being 1915 already buried. 355.1 Distinguished Service Order 1 Jan 1916 - 12 June 1923 NOW IN STOCK AT THE TAYLOR GALLERY 355.1 FEVYER, W H Distinguished Service Cross 1901-38 Donations 355.1 McDERMOTT, Phil For Conspicuous Gallantry: the 254 JONES, Anthea A Thousand Years of the English Parish register of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal 1885- 304.6021 GILES, K Missing! from the 1881 British Census. 1992 British and non-British Crewmen arriving in Sydney, 355.1 NALSON, David Victorian soldier vol.1 Jan-March 1881 355.1342 BROWN, George A For Distinguished Conduct in the 920 WAL YOUNG, Celia A Story of Heroism [Ronald A Walker Field . . 1939-1992 DFC] 355.1342 SWINNERTON, Iain Identifying your World War I 929.2 JAMES, W H The Search for Lady Constantia soldier from badges and photos 936.2736 WIGAN Archaeological Society 1. Standish Corn Mill 356.1 BULL, Stephen The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment excavation report 2. Arley Mills: investigation report 1855-1970 942.736 SMITH, S Two Halls of Tyldesley 929.341 SPENCER, William Public Record Office Readers’ 942.736 SPEAKMAN, Robert Winstanley Hall: architecture and Guide: Army service records of the First World War social life 940 JAMES, E A British regiments 1914-18 G.P. RIGBY Shevington St. Anne’s Marriage Index 940.4 Battle honours awarded for the Great War 1887-1900 940.42 MICHELIN Bygone Pilgrimage: The Somme Vol.1 W.A.MALONEY (et al) 1901 Census name indexes - 1916-1917 1. Standish, Shevington 940.42 MICHELIN Bygone Pilgrimage: The Somme Vol.2 2. Aspull, , Haigh 1918 3. Upholland, Billinge 940.46 WADHAM, W F A Fourth Battalion The King’s Own 4. Pemberton, Orrell (Royal Lancaster Regiment) and the Great War 5. St George’s 940.465 PEET, G Index to names from 26 war memorials in 6. St George’s & St Catherine churches and other locations in West Lancashire 940.481 ARTHUR, Max Forgotten voices of The Great War Transcripts 940.5425 STUBBS, Les & Pam Unsung Heroes of the RAF: the Catholic Registers of St John’s Wigan 1786-1802 Far East Prisoners of War 1941-45 Lancashire Parish Register Society Vol. 131 - Eccles Lancashire Parish Register Society Vol. 155 - Registers of Leigh Fiche Donations 1851 census class list Genealogy Books 1891 census name index - West Lancs GUILD OF ONE NAME STUDIES Register of one name studies 2002 Upholland Marriage Index 1813-37 (18th edition) British Isles Genealogical Register 1997 Lancashire Section PALGRAVE-MOORE, Patrick How to record your family tree (6th edition) SAVIN, Alan DNA for family historians CD ROM 6 1841 Census for Lancashire

HISTORY SHOP NEWS Friends of Wigan Heritage Service THIS autumn at the History Shop side of our borough, or simply those has seen the launch of a new Family history work- looking for a project not directly related to combined Friends and Heritage shops get off the ground family history, this could be for you. Service initiative, the Family Due to the success of these History Workshops. There have workshops, we are planning some more been six workshops in all, each for 2004. Provisional dates are: offering assistance to the novice or becalmed researcher. At each one Wednesday 14 January 10.30-12.30 we have had a number of Friends on Monday 26 January 2.00-4.00 Thursday 12 February 2.00-4.00 hand to help out and we would like Friday 27 February 10.30-12.30 to offer our thanks to the group for Tuesday 16 March 2.00-4.00 making the workshops such a Saturday 27 March 10.30-12.30 success. As with the previous sessions, these will take the form of individual Friend Eric Davies ‘holds court’. consultations, and are to be aimed predominantly at beginners. Sessions Contact Tony Ashcroft in Leigh (01942 must be booked in advance at the History 404559) or Max Finney, the Chair of the Shop and will carry a nominal charge of Friends, through the History Shop. For the £1.50 to cover any reproduction costs, Newspaper indexing project contact with the remainder going directly into Philip or Chris (01942 828128). future Friends projects. ****** ****** For those interested, the next meeting Friends are helping the Heritage of the Friends has been provisionally set Service in more and more areas. Family for 12 February 2004 at 1pm at the history is still the largest single area with History Shop. (please ring to confirm). the Workshops; however, two exciting local ****** history projects are now under way, with I would like to wish every reader a the indexing of the Wigan Observer from happy Christmas and a prosperous c.1950 to 1990, and the listing of the and fulfilling New Year. Remember Friends explain just what can be found on celebrated Dootson collection of books. the Friends do hold regular meetings the internet. This second project brings in to play and are expanding the number of our collections held over in Leigh, and projects on the go all the time. This gives volunteers the chance to work in the all needs good will and volunteers. If At each workshop an experienced Turnpike Centre with our Local History you are interested in your local genealogist offered one-to-one attention Officer Tony Ashcroft. For those interested heritage and can spare some time to the public. This enabled many would- in a fascinating collection of old books, then why not get involved? We’d love be researchers to make a start on their keen to do voluntary work on the Leigh to see you. own family history or restart work that had come to a dead end. One fascinating story emerged from FRIENDS OF WIGAN HERITAGE SERVICE the first workshop we held. One of our Friends was helping a lady from the Orrell Name ...... area on her family. After her session had finished this lady stayed to do some more Address ...... research. She was followed by another researcher, who proceeded to tell our ...... Friend the family that he wanted to pursue; lo and behold it was the same Interests ...... name at the same address at the same time as the lady before him!! It turned out ...... that the two researchers on the workshop Please enclose £5 subscription for one year’s membership. Cheque/P.O. payable to were distantly related, sharing a relative Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust. Please return to the History Shop, Library Street, Wigan that to one was grandfather and the other WN1 1NU. a great-grandfather. But neither knew the Remember your subscription entitles you to a priority mailing of Past Forward three other, and they had come along to the times a year, starting with the currrent issue unless you request otherwise. workshop completely independently. Needless to say they then went on to N.B. If you do not wish to cut this coupon out, a cheque along with your details on plain spend the rest of the session deep in paper is fine. conversation, and searched together. 7

in Excel and is priced at only up within 45 days from £7. purchase. If you have ordered 300 units for £25 to be Family History previously under the viewed over 120 days. impression that the disc is 800 units for £60 to be the 1861 Census of Wigan viewed over 365 days. and not an index, it would be 2400 units for £120 to be appreciated if you could viewed over 365 days. reconfirm your order and The site is particularly contact us by phone (01942 useful for overseas 828128), email (heritage@ researchers. A great site to wlct.org) or post (The use. History Shop, Library Street Wigan WN1 1NU). Apologies once again for any confusion Volunteer family and inconvenience. history researchers at Useful Internet the History Shop be told this is not, as yet, web sites Every year the History The Family ready. Unfortunately, we www.freebmd.rootsweb.com Shop receives around 800 History Project have had a couple of www.freereg.rootsweb.com enquiries from all over the History Channel has technical problems with the www.lancashirebmd.org.uk world. The great majority recently launched ‘The reproduction of the disc. www.Cheshirebmd.org.uk are enquiries concerning Family History Project’. The These have been family history research. aims of the project are to successfully resolved, and it All of the above sites aim Because of this ever-growing make history relevant to is now envisaged that we will to provide free access to number of enquiries staff everyone by encouraging be able to fulfill all orders records of birth, marriage have had to restrict the people to research into their from 1 December 2003. and death. Most have amount of time devoted to own families. Their target is Also, in Past Forward 34 volunteer contributors and each enquiry to 30 minutes. not only absolute beginners we gave the impression that thus are in various stages of We formerly also offered a but also experienced the disc contained the whole completion. Therefore, as fee paid research service. researchers. census for Wigan, instead of yet, most do not have This has had to be The Family History being a surname index to the comprehensive coverage of withdrawn, again due to the Project would be interested census. This monumental the records. Nevertheless, growing pressure on staff to hear from persons who task has been undertaken they are of enormous help to time. would be willing to share and completed by our researchers at home and This demand, however, their family stories, be they “Friends of Wigan Heritage abroad. Full G.R.O. does not go away, and the about emigration, their jobs Service”, and principally Mrs reference, for ordering the Heritage Service is of their experiences and Barbara Davies. certificates, are given and in rethinking how we may help achievements, famous or The details to be found on Cheshirebmd’s case are enquirers without on the one infamous. this excellent disc are:- linked to the register office hand overloading staff, and Information on the project surname, Christian names of concerned and provide a on the other hand charging may be found on the all persons listed at that ready made-out application large fees. One possible project’s website at address (actual address is form for you to send off. solution is to gather together www.thefamilyhistoryproject. not listed), their ages and a a group of experienced co.uk. Entry is open to all reference to the relevant www.1837online.com volunteers who would be over 18 years of age and folio. There is no street This new pay by view site willing, on request, to follow there are categories for both index. provides access to all of the up those requests requiring the novice and experienced A very useful feature is a birth, marriage and death longer than the present 30 researcher. You may enter section on boat-dwellers. It indexes for England and minute allocation. via the above website, by is possible by using the Wales from 1837-2001. The Therefore, if you would telephone (0845 671 6005) “find” function to go through indexes are in 2 formats:- like to help all those or by writing to The Family the enumerations very from 1837-1983 all researchers, whom we History Project, The History quickly, to find your records are scanned pages currently only partially help, Channel, Grant Way, particular family. of the indexes found at the please contact Christine Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 All areas of the present Family Records Centre and Watts or Philip Butler on 5QD. day Wigan Borough are those held in microform by 01942 828020. Volunteers included, as are a few which libraries. are asked for a small are not part of the borough from 1984-2001 all infor- commitment in terms of 1861 Census e.g. , Heaton, mation is in database for- time e.g. a couple of hours a Index Halliwell, Haydock, Winwick, mat. These are searchable. week. We anticipate that An apology is offered to all Billinge Chapel End, Up There are four pricing this may not mean helping of those who have written or Holland, Newton and plans:- out every week, since there phoned to order their copy of Kenyon. up to 50 units (i.e. pages) are often peaks and troughs the ‘Wigan Census’, only to This excellent disc opens for £5. These must be used in demand over the year. 8

The Dragoon who THANK YOU Dear Editor, served under I am writing to thank you very much for printing my letter on the Wellington back page of Past Forward no. 34. Within a week I had a telephone call from a John Taylor in Chorley Dear Mr. Gillies, giving me some information on William Whilst rounding off my interest in Family History in Baron, so I would like to Wigan, I have been in touch with members of Wigan thank you and Mr. Taylor Family and Local History Society, in particular with Mrs. for your help. I am still hoping somebody will Carol Littler. She encouraged me to update my article of come forward with the 2001 (which you published in Past Forward no. 29 information on the under the title “The HITCHEN name in Wigan”) which I missing second marriage of William Baron to Mary am now enclosing for possible publication. Heaps. Dr. Pam Baxby (nee Hitchen) Sylvia Arden-Browne 14 Southfields Close Donnington Chichester Left: ‘Trooper 7th (Queen’s Own) Light Dragoons West Sussex PO19 8SD Hussars, 1808’. (after a plate in ‘Wellington’s Light Cavalry’ by B. Fosten Osprey, 1982).

THERE are two soldiers recorded as born in It is likely, however, that Alfred Crook with the name John Pemberton. He was a Peter of Millgate was the Dear Mr. Gillies, Hitchen listed in military wheelwright (5’ 7” tall). son of James Hitchen, I am looking for any records: John enlisted in 1794 and weaver of Wallgate, shown information on relatives of A corporal in the 7th was discharged in 1814, in the family tree in my Alfred Crook and his (Queen’s Own) Hussars aged 37 years, having earlier article. John, descendants. from 1803, fought in the served for “18 years and brother of this Peter could Alfred’s parents were Battle of Waterloo and was 330 days worn out not have been the Dragoon William Crook (miner) and in receipt of the Waterloo through long service in because John died (aged Margaret Beesley; William medal. The Muster Rolls of Egypt, Holland, Hanover, 15 years) in 1801 (All and Margaret married at British cavalry record him Portugal and Spain” Saints’ burials). These Wigan Register Office in 1882. In 1891 they were as “wounded” but no (Public Record Office, Kew details were sent by Kath living in Dicconson Lane, details are given. The Roll WO 97/178). The 2nd Arkright, 3x great grand- Westhoughton, but by of Chelsea Pensioners who Footguards had arrived in daughter of Peter of 1897 they had moved back attended the unveiling cer- Portugal by May 1809 and Millgate, who also sent the to Wigan, living at Turners emony of the Wellington fought throughout the PRO record about John. Yard, 2 Caroline Street. Memorial in Manchester in Peninsular War. Margaret died that year. 1856 also lists John as Coal Mining and Military In the book Working in having the Military Wigan Census Service Wigan Mills, there is a General Service Medal Peter Hitchen of The association of photo taken at Rylands with one clasp, that for Millgate in 1811, married Hitchens with the Orrell Mill of my grandfather Sahagun and Benevente. at Deane in 1806 and had coalfield was confirmed by John Thomas Beesley and his brother Alfred (Extracts and illustration 12 children. He was a several other readers (Grandfather was born kindly sent by D.L. Milner, weaver and later a carter, including: before the marriage in www.battleofwater- who in 1819 and 1820 Mrs. Lily Hitchen, born 1881). The caption says loomen.co.uk. These were applied for funds to get to in Wigan and now living in that shortly after it was part of the rearguard and from Liverpool with Devon. Lily’s husband taken Alfred left Rylands action to support the with- his goods (Halliwell Clifford (1911-1994) to become under - Manager drawal of Sir John Moore’s Overseers’ Accounts). joined the Grenadier at Eckersleys in Swan forces to Corunna Peter and his family lived Guards, aged 17years and Meadow Mill. (Wellington in the in central Wigan, including fought with then until Can anyone help me to Peninsular War by J. Wallgate, where Peter died 1946. Clifford’s family discover more about Alfred Weller. Longmans, 1967 in 1851 (All Saints’ Parish lived in Wigan “for many and any other Crook and Wellington at Registers). So he cannot years, mostly in children? Waterloo also by J. Weller. be the same Peter as my 3x Pemberton and the men Margaret Hegan Ward, 1973). great grandfather (born in were engaged in coal-min- 67 Chester Road Stevenage Another John Hitchen, a Pemberton around ing”. Lily’s father-in-law Herts SG1 4JY Sergeant in the 1st 1784/88) who died in William, was a blacksmith Tel: 01438 233687 Battalion, 2nd Footguards , in (Coldstream Guards) is 1854. Continued on page 10 9

Childhood Revisited AT the time, there playing field of the was no alternative to (Part four) Grammar School, a small the two and a half by brook running along the demarcation path. mile walk to school, J. Harold Smith though in inclement Order to ‘Fall In’ weather, parental pitch down the disused transversely on Them Six compassion, plus the shaft of the derelict or the M6, depending on At five minutes to nine, slackness of the Almonds colliery, listening how far north of Watford a rather impatiently for yonks, to hear the final, purse strings just one hails, dozens of times. sounding electric bell rang, echoing splash and boy- With the thought of the signalling the order to ‘fall might have run to the ing; dislodging the fruit many years of dereliction of in’ – no running allowed. circuitous alternative from the wild damson tree Davy Lowe’s farm in mind, At nine o’clock the same of the 4d return train that grew over the bridge of one gets a brief glimpse bell, in no better mood, fare to the next the stream (Millington into the foresight and the rang again and the whole station at Bryn, plus Brook, I seem to remember) workings of the minds of of the boy’s school filed that ran under the Bottom our town and country a 1d Wigan orderly into the school hall of Almond’s Brew, planning buffs. for assembly, a completely Corporation bus ride throwing them away I suppose the initial new innovation for us to within 200 yards of because they were far too impression of arriving at North Ashtoners, as we the school. bitter to eat. There might our new school for the first were designated. As he The journey on foot to also have been time for a time, was the vastness, would on every morning and from school, especially quick game of hide-and- though seeing it 30 or 40 during my sojourn at in the lighter months, could seek in the dangerously years later, it seemed to Ashton Boys Central be, and often was, an rotting dereliction of the have shrunk. Not only did School, the headmaster Mr. adventure. What fun it was buildings on Davy Lowe’s we have a large playground J.A. Farrand took up his walking down Almond’s deserted farm premises. there was a huge expanse stance on the stage to Brew! The childish thrill of How sad to realise now of grassed playing field, the deliver his daily homily, picking up a large stone to that for many years I must northern boundary of have crossed that scene which butted on to the ¶

article in Past Forward, The Dragoon sadly, John died on 27 April 2003. He is buried at who served St. John’s, Pemberton. Daniel (born in 1884 under John’s father and Daniel’s twin brother Elias, both Wellington fought in the Horse ––––– Artillery in World War I. Continued from page 9 Mrs. E. Berry of Billinge wrote that her father John Hitchen (born in 1897) at Pemberton Colliery and was a mining engineer and another of his sons, also her grandfather Daniel called William, was (born in 1876) was “cap- employed at the colliery tain of the pit rescue team too. at local collieries”. It is of Fitters with a colliery locomotive, Pemberton Colliery particular interest that 1924. Deborah’s great grandfather, Daniel (blacksmith) John Hitchen (born is 5th from the left, front row. 1923, Marsh Green, Peter Hitchen, owner of (Photograph reproduced by kind permission of John Hannavy). Wigan) and his grand- Birchley Colliery in 1903 daughter Deborah, traced (see earlier article), was ancestry via William and another Family History their ancestry back over her father’s great uncle. Daniel (see photo) who enthusiast found and three generations of black- Mrs. Berry has traced her were brothers (1901 cen- takes Mrs. Berry’s ances- smiths in Pemberton to ancestry to Reuben sus, Newtown) and their try back one more genera- James Hitchen (engineer) Hitchen, her 3x great father John Hitchen, also a tion. born in Pemberton in 1809 grandfather (born in blacksmith. With thanks to all of (1851 census). Deborah 1797). (2) Reuben is the son of them for information and writes that John was “one Most recently, detailed Peter Hitchen, carpenter, of to Mrs. Carole Littler of of the few soldiers to research by Kath Winstanley who married Wigan Family and Local return from Arnhem” in Arkwright shows that: Alice Barton at Standish in History Society for encour- World War II. Since con- (1) Clifford and 1781 (Parish Registers). aging me to write the arti- tacting me on reading my Deborah share the same This confirms what cles in Past Forward. 10

which would be followed feel that Mr. F. might have Ashton Central School, I Popularity soared by a hymn, led by Mr. A. had in him, a masochistic was earmarked for what Jones at the piano. A gene. He seemed to work was referred to as First One day, Mr. regular inclusion was, on the premise that if the Year Technical, as opposed Winstanley’s popularity “Awake my soul and with masters were not providing to First Year Commercial, a soared 100% when he the sun, they daily stage of him with enough cane legacy I suppose of my turned up at school on a duty run”, with emphasis fodder, he would go and leaning towards science brand new James, 250cc, on the second line of, look for it. This meant and technical drawing, two stroke motorcycle “Shake off dull sloth and leaving his den to do a full with English as a strong which, on mounting to joyful rise, to pay thy reconnaissance of the third. Or it might have been make his homeward morning sacrifice”. classrooms, all of which my leanings towards our journey, home to (would Assembly over, all new were approachable, via a popular science master, Mr. you believe?) Winstanley, starts were shepherded into flagged walkway bordering Winstanley (Billy Wink) – was the centre of delegated classrooms and the lawned quadrangle always very pleasant, with admiration and an there introduced to the new between the boys’ and a penchant for bringing impromptu science lesson (to us) idea of making out girls’ school. pure science down to on the kerbside. time tables and learning The outward opening schoolboy level. On that The spectacle, though which classroom to occupy door of each classroom was score, I remember his dis- probably dominated by the for the particular subject in half glazed by six, perhaps sertation on the subject of newness, was in complete question. nine, panels, the lowest coal gas, particularly inter- contrast to woodwork mas- It took some little time to line of each providing an esting to us Garswood lads ter Mr. (Sammy) Atherton’s get used to the idea of see- excellent, almost concealed whose village would ageing Sunbeam. ing masters wearing their viewpoint for Mr. Farrand depend on gas for many Nevertheless, it is my guess black gowns, minus the … as long as he stood on years to come, prior to the that the origin and loving mortar boards of course, as tiptoe. Like a pike in a well introduction of electricity. care of Mr. A. combined to did the idea of moving stocked pool, he would We were all well aware that outlast Mr. Winstanley’s around from classroom to search the class for one or gas was fed through new James by quite a few classroom when the subject more potential quarry. The underground pipes from a years. Woodwork master dictated. This did, however, attack plan successfully place in Princess Road, Mr. Atherton was, under- provide the opportunity for formulated, his opening of Ashton, not surprisingly standably in view of the us to weigh up each mas- the door had the effect of called the Gasworks where, nature of his potential dis- ter’s temperament e.g. Mr. class and master ducking one could have a bag filled aster scene, a much stricter D.M. Jones’s no nonsense, for cover. Pointing to his with coke for about 8d disciplinarian, and it was book throwing propensity chosen victims he would (three and a half pence). quite some time before he or Mr. Davis’s woodpecker command, “Come out you, We were all familiar also allowed us to embark on impersonation whilst driv- and you” simultaneously with the fairly common any project of our own ing home his point with the clearing a space on the sight of the man who used choice. At the time, I used aid of the blunt end of a large form room table with to push that coffin-like box to take Hobbies Magazine pencil tapping on the one sweep of his forearm, on wheels containing the in which there had been an pupil’s skull. commanding each victim to pennies and shillings col- article on how to make a lie with his trunk on the lected from every gas meter model speedboat, the Vociferous tirade cleared space, with feet still in the village. But how, Mr. length of which was about on the floor. With his Winstanley addressed the two feet, and so, after some Caning was in evidence victim suitably anchored, class, enigmatically discussion, I was allowed to as before, but again, I there began an fondling none other but an embark on this rather think it was generally embarrassing fiddling with old, white clay pipe…(no, ambitious scheme. After a accepted. The fact that the the top of the trousers, not there was not thick twist to couple of weeks working on teaching staff was all male with the intention of follow) is it made? my dream I was not had the effect of increasing removal as first thought, But what’s this he is unaware that its resem- the pain barrier of the pun- but to allow hitching until now packing into the pipe’s blance was straying from ishment, of course. Being he, Mr. F., was happy with bowl? Coal dust!! Well, I that portrayed in Hobbies sent to the Head’s office the tightness in the area of suppose some of us had Magazine. I was also a little was the cardinal sin and an operation, a precarious heard of poor old men worried about the little experience never to be for- step in the dark, in smoking tea leaves, but chinks of daylight poking gotten. There was some- consequence of poorer lads coal dust! Fixing the pipe through some joints which thing surprisingly whose mothers had, for the to a laboratory retort, he did not auger well for suc- incongruous about enter- umpteenth time, risked yet held a lighted Bunsen cessful floating. I was not ing Mr. Farrand’s lair, another patch on the burner under the pipe’s alone in my opinions, but it which was not directly con- fraying parent material. bowl and left us all to await was Mr. Atherton who nected with the usual array With the old adage of his next trick. We were all finally put me out of my of books, the huge desk sparing the rod in mind, invited to watch the coal misery by compounding etc., it was the vociferous Mr. Farrand, in his time, dust glowing red, at which it….”Is it going to float, tirade emanating from so must have left a limitless point Mr. W. Held a lighted Smith, what about this hole small a person, no taller legacy of unspoilt children taper to the mouthpiece of here? “D’ye think it’s going than many of his pupils. in evidence. the pipe and, hey presto, a to be strong enough?” At But make no mistake, a spectacular, blue centred the same time he answered session with Little Alf was Three year tongue of flame appeared, his own question by raising an experience that would though not quite so my handiwork about remain in the miscreant’s sojourn spectacular as the shoulder level, then bring- memory forever. batswing burner that ing it down with a crash on With the benefit of About half way through illuminated our back hindsight, however, I do my three year sojourn at kitchen. Continued on page 12 11

trodden venues where little lived. The ‘cigarettes’ were ‘draw’ on his cigarette, groups of men congregated home made, to a recipe cheeks withdrawn at full Childhood just to chat from morning suggested by one of the extent, through his half till evening, no doubt with lads. They were simply open lips he allowed me the unwritten agendas, none of strips of brown paper, briefest glimpse of the ball Revisited which would include the rolled as tightly as one of bluish green smoke ––––– remotest attempt at could get them. The light before “doin’ t’ swallow” Continued from page 11 tackling the reason for why was real of course, and or, as I know it now, they were in such a plight. when the smouldering inhaling the smoke. But As the groups broke up for paper caught on, it was that was not the end of it, the bench…It broke. No, Mr the day, there was ample possible to apply one’s own just as I thought that the Atherton, it wouldn’t have evidence of their presence, choreography of how a cig- ball of smoke had been strong enough. clog marks in the footpath, arette should be smoked, disappeared forever, this the gobs of those with even though the smoke, clever lad somehow had Teapot stand pulmonary disorders plus sucked into the mouth trained it to reappear the empty Woodbine proved chokingly foul…. through his nose….what But there was a happy packets, usually the paper but it was a beginning. magic! sequel. Mr. A. allowed me to (2d) variety. In that try wood turning on the connection I did hear on Sheer aplomb Like a fool ancient treddle lathe that more than one occasion in nobody ever seemed to be those days, that it was Stage two, which was “Ney thee try it” he sug- interested in. I turned a imperative to get a still in the period where the gested. And like a fool, I quite presentable teapot Woodbine “going” fust money to buy cigarettes did. The ‘draw’ was just as stand around the edge of thing in the morning, “just was out of the question, I had been doing since Lady which I did some fancy fert loosen t’ chest”. was the occasional Nicotine first beckoned – no gouging. Just as I was about Knowing what we know encounter with mates who problem. The disappearing to forget the occasion, I was today of the dangers of were veterans at the game, ball of smoke act, however, informed that my teapot cigarette smoking, I find it having been smoking since was something totally and stand had been accepted as difficult to believe that I can the age of 11 or so. alarmingly different, imme- a craft item at the Royal look back on the time when Watching the sheer aplomb diately on the first intake of Lancashire Show, then in the cigarette, and the way it with which they smoked breath. It was just a though Blackburn. My mother used was smoked, was a sort of away nearly the full length I had been hit in the chest that reminder of “Sammy” status symbol, totally free of the ‘cig’, one would ask, with a sledge hammer – for many years. of any suggestion that it “Save us thi stump”, which from the inside. My head Time now was rapidly might be harmful. Smokers usually meant a butt of spun and my legs wobbled approaching my 14th birth- were everywhere. Even in about half an inch long. uncontrollably, the whole day, and though I felt films, the smoking of a The fact that it had quarter experience being totally happy about leaving cigarette was an art form, of an inch of the lad’s saliva incongruous with the dis- school, signs of the alterna- often emulated by in evidence didn’t seem to tant sound of guffawing tive were daily cancelling youngsters just to create matter, the smoke was the from my new found precep- out any such euphoria. the impression of maturity. thing. tor. These times were certainly Sweet manufacturers got in Stage three was a brief But that was the begin- grim reminders that the age on the act via those little entry into euphoria of the ning of a habit that stayed we knew as childhood had white, icing sugar sticks highest order when for with me for nearly seven abruptly come to an end with a blob of red dye at the some remote reason, a few years, my last smoke of any and that soon, though end, representing a lighted pennies had appeared in description being on 20 nobody could say just cigarette. There were also one’s pocket. For just two September 1937….why do I when, adulthood would be the liquorice imitations of of them, it was possible to always remember the date? upon us with a vengeance smoking pipes with red find a Woodbine slot With the awful experience with all the unsavoury por- hundreds and thousands machine which could be described, I have never yet traits of life in the early confections in the bowl. activated to regurgitate five come across any explana- ‘30’s. The term ‘job’ was It is not surprising, then, Woodbines plus one match, tion of why, whether it be having the same signifi- that when a lad reached the in the familiar flat, open smoking or any other cance as the one eyed man age of say, 12 or 14, he paper pack. (In hindsight, addiction, does such a dis- in the land of the blind. thought of smoking as a could it be that the tasteful experience lead one One particular detail of symbol of manhood. The inclusion of one match to the addiction of the these days of nothingness beginnings, or the experi- assumed the client to be a source? was the common use of the ments in pursuit of the chain smoker?” There seemed to be term, “So and so’s playin’ ‘new’ pleasure were legion, It was on the back of one something about smoking him”. Hardly grammatically principally in clandestine of those idyllic “trips” that I in that era which just like correct but to the person conditions, well away from was showing off my new leaving school seemed to concerned, there was a dev- adults and certainly away found smoking skills to the symbolise the closing of the astatingly degree of cor- from parents. For me, the errand lad at our local co- door on childhood, irre- rectness about the bug bit comparatively late, op, himself a veteran at 14 spective of any possibility ungrammatical statement, coinciding with the vacuum plus. He of course was not of a look into the adulthood about which he and thou- days after leaving school at particularly impressed and to follow. Just what did fol- sands of others could do 14 years of age. My first did in fact point out, “Ah, low we can only assess now nothing but just try to sur- experience of smoking was but tha ‘re not doin’ t’ as successful or otherwise vive the conditions prevail- in the company of three or swallow” at the same time, after revisiting that (if not ing. four playmates in the wash demonstrating with his the) most important theatre Here and there around house of a large manor own fag exactly what he of our lives. the village were the well house where one of the lads meant. Taking a long 12

Village life in Abram 1902-1911 Treasured among the photographs, old postcards and the coal mines. … many of and there was a mutual other memorabilia left to me by my mother is a thick vol- these winders have at times respect and sympathy, but ume labelled “Abram Parish Magazines 1902-11”. I recall to do a shift of 23 hours and now … what has been lost the justification is that prob- in sympathy has been alas seeing this in my grandmother’s bookcase when I was a ably for the greater propor- replaced by speed and the child, and at that time, not surprisingly, it held no appeal. tion of the 23 hours shift the gong of the tram and the Nor does it sound as if it would be riveting reading now. winder will not have to move hoot of the motor, spelling However, open its pages and read: you will hear, loud and a single lever … but what if only danger to the children clear, voices, laughter and sadness from the past, and see the winder had to pull over … Today Abram badly needs his lever just once to bring a playing-field; let the chil- in your mind’s eye a vivid portrait of people and events – up a fireman, and through dren have it …’ indeed a whole way of life – now lost to us. mortal weariness … in a hot, stuffy, oil-smelling In a lighter vein Twemlow Why are the images November 1902. engine-room he had been also records, in words remi- evoked by the magazines so Infant mortality. At last dozing: the gong goes, half niscent of Jerome K Jerome’s vivid, and how did they England has aroused herself dazed he moves his levers, ‘Three Men in a Boat’, the come to be bound together on the question of forgetting for the moment fun that was had on trips between dark-blue boards Education. … But what is the position of the cages – and other entertainments: with gold lettering on the the use of education if there and then! …Our point is … spine – and why only 1902- are no children to educate? that the life of one man June 1907 1911? The answer to these It appears to us that it is being pulled up at 1 am is as To Tourists. - As the questions is the same: high time for England to valuable as the life of any weather for walks and bicy- because of the man who make laws, not only for the one of those being wound up cle rides will (we still hope) wrote many of the words - purpose of better educating by cage-fulls at 2 or 3 in the soon be with us, we desire to the Revd Thomas Brownbill our children, but for the pur- afternoon … In how many warn our readers that the Twemlow, vicar of Abram, pose of better rearing of our pits we wonder are the men maps of this locality, espe- 1902 -1911. It was he who children … Take our own lowered in a morning …by a cially those setting forth the resurrected the magazine Parish, and turn to the winder who is just complet- mileage from Abram to ‘from its long sleep … since Registers … and for the past ing his 12th or 13th hour of Liverpool, must be received January 1878’. Through his 60 years the rate of infant winding? It is our business with great caution. We have skilled and often very enter- deaths has been growing … … to claim that no man quite recently received some taining writing, his com- for the last 4 months, out of employed on such awfully letters from persons (evi- manding presence and his 24 funerals 13 are those of responsible work should be dently) well qualified to courage to tackle controver- babies…’ employed for more than an 8 speak on this. The writers sial subjects he inspired a hour shift …’. desire to remain unknown devoted following among August 1910 for the present, and sign his parishioners. Among ‘...we consider the present May 1905 themselves simply Aching them was my grandfather, system of elementary ‘The flowers are with us Arthur, Suffering Sam, Jaded Sam Marsden who, for the Education ... to be as rotten again, the birds are John, Toiling Tom, and one rest of his life, strove to fol- and as wasteful a system as other which we regret we are low Twemlow’s example. can well be imagined ... if unable to decipher. They Twemlow had come to the Government compel all state that the distance Abram after serving as a our children to be pushed shown in the maps between chaplain in South Africa through one scholastic Abram and Liverpool as during the Boer War. The mincing machine, turning being 18 miles, is outra- public school-educated son out a mush pulp-jelly of geous, scandalous, absurd, of a Cheshire accountant nothingness, thereby empty- cruel (this is J. J.’s word). might have felt like a fish ing our markets of skilled They vary somewhat in their out of water in a mining vil- labour, and filling them with estimate of distance. A.A. lage, and might have casual labourers ... then we says it’s well over 40, for “I restricted himself to the say with all the strength we am able to maintain crack- usual parochial duties. But possess, THEN GOVEN- ing jokes and whistling for this was not the way of MENT ought to find them 25 miles, and for the last 15 Thomas Twemlow. In his work, and keep them from miles of this journey I was first two magazines, in July starving ...’ Sam Marsden dumb.” S.S says “I have and August 1902, we see (1884-1946) been to school, and know him planning clubs for ‘our September 1910 how many yards make a mile, and I know the size of young men’, describing the ‘We have known cases singing… and Nature calls a yard (we’ve got one at village entertainments where stokers towards the the children out to play … home), and being accus- staged to raise funds for a close of a 23-hour shift have and the children answer the tomed to the use of figures I much-needed new church, been caught sleeping … and call and out they go to play estimate the distance to be and beginning his crusade to have been sacked: to us it – but where? Why, on the 45 miles.” T.T. says “I reduce child mortality. He seems strange that … the roads and in the streets. counted the mile-stones up campaigns too for better law said nothing to the Some years back the chief to 50, and then I forgot schooling and sanitation; for employers for permitting danger … lay around the whether I was counting a playground for children in such heathenish and iniqui- stinking sewer grids, but milestones or telegraph Abram and elsewhere; for tous spells of labour … as now to this another peril is poles, it was proper maul- shorter hours for miners and well as stokers we have added, the horseless traffic. ing.” J.J. writes, ‘The dis- others; and for much else engine-winders: the duty of In the days gone by the chil- that would improve the lot of these men is to wind up and dren knew the horse, and his parishioners: lower colliers from and into the horse knew the children, Continued on page 14 13

the Holy Communion. At the slowly – so slowly, she fresh to tell you. Dear Sam, evening service the four moved forward - out how are you going on with Village life in acted as sidesmen and col- towards the open sea - on to your debating class now lected; the Vicar took as his that land, and to that future that Joe Chamberlain has left Abram text Psalm 121, v. 5,7, 8, where our lads were going. you. If you keep it on you and the hymns chosen were The sun which had shone must let me know whether it 1902-1911 “Stand up, stand up,” so bright and warm, as if to is right or wrong to write ––––– “Soldiers of Christ arise,” help to keep our spirits up, letters on a Sunday for it is Continued from page 13 “Fight the good fight,” now withdrew behind the Sunday now and it is lovely “Jesus Lover of my soul.” On clouds; and the wind which here. We never go anywhere Tuesday afternoon Mr. Close had dropped, as if to help us on a Sunday now, only on a tance is without doubt 82_ most kindly took a group to speak to those on board, night when we travel to miles, for we walked 5_ photo of the four and the once again sprang up cold Jamestown to Church, but it hours at the rate of 15 miles Vicar [see right], isn’t like the old Abram an hour; it is not true that and at night the Church for it’s nearly empty my condition called forth Club gathered on a Sunday but he is a expressions of profound together in champion preacher. It sympathy from all the strong force, for brought back memories of passers-by, possibly my a cup of coffee our last Sunday: Quit you anxiety for the pitiable state and a smoke, like men, Fight the Good of my four companions and to give a Fight. I couldn’t sing it Sam, made me look a trifle care- Bible to those my thoughts went back to worn. I may add as proof of going away. England to my old pals and the great distance, that in Each of the four I wondered what they were spite of two pairs of home made a stirring, doing, but a fellow can’t knitted socks, I have straight, simple think here Sam, the place is counted seven blisters on little speech, and too fast for thinking and one foot - the other foot has the gist of their Celeron is reckoned to be the not yet been properly sur- words was that giddiest place in all NY veyed. they would try to state. But Sam old chap we uphold the name will try out best to keep out The comradeship charac- of our club and of danger and not bring into teristic of miners and of our Parish in disgrace the name of APC close-knit communities such other lands. At [Abram Parish Church] and as Abram is evident in many the close of the I think how you used to try places in the magazines, but evening we sang to make me a better chap perhaps most clearly when - holding each and now that I have gone Twemlow uses the pages to others’ hands away I want to tell you Sam record the departure of crossed, with May 1907. Clockwise from top left: that I think you are the best members of his congrega- never a break- Peter Grimshaw, Vicar Twemlow, The fellow in the world and I am tion for a better life over- “Auld lang syne, Blakeley Brothers and Jack Lowe. proud to call you a friend of seas: “ “God save the mine. From your old pal P. King,” then “Lighten our and raw - nor would we May 1907 darkness,” and “The Grace.” have had it otherwise; the Fortunately the maga- God-Speed. These words At 8-0 a.m. the next crowd had gone, and those zines also shed light on the are sounding too frequently morning we met at Platt two who had gone to the lives of some of the men in in our ears. Once again we Bridge, bound for Liverpool. north pier “to see the last of their new countries: have said Farewell to some The large number of the pre- them” had no longer need to more of our fellows. Peter vious evening was only keep up a hypocritical cheer- March 1909 Grimshaw (Capt. 1st XI), slightly diminished by those fulness - nor wish to. And ‘Alberta, Canada, is William Blakeley (Capt. 2nd who were unable to get as they watched that mighty where Jack Lowe is, and XI), John Lowe (Member of away from their work. From ship now only a blur on the from where he writes an Church Committee), and this hour until 2 p.m. all horizon fast fading from interesting letter, wishing to George his brother, sailed by was a kaleidoscopic rush. At their sight, the sun shone be remembered to all his old the “Baltic” from Liverpool 2-15 the mighty “Baltic” out for a moment as if to say friends; in his letter he says, for New York, on slowly came alongside the God’s Peace, Good-bye. “the weather is pretty cold Wednesday, April 24th. We stage; and from this time here. It was 50 degrees have seen many “goings below zero for a week. I got until 4-10 p.m., when the One inevitably wonders out” from us, but it was no last hawser was cast off, we my ears and fingers frozen ordinary going abroad in what happened to such men several times. The work is kept up a smiling face, with in their new lives so far this case, and most of us many a joke and jest, which altogether different here knew it and felt it; … we felt away from Abram. For a than it was in England, all knew to be painfully hol- small insight, I am grateful that we were losing men, fel- low. And now the siren has much easier. If you sweat lows who never claimed to to my grandfather for pre- you sit down until you are sounded for the last time, serving a postcard sent to be perfect, who would be the and the ship so vast, so cool. We only work eight him by another of the four, last to think that their light huge that we cannot realize hours, and we go to our Peter Grimshaw, and I repro- has shone before men, and her enormous size, began to work dressed up. They have duce his words here: yet we who remain behind move out slowly into the wash houses at the mines, are conscious that they were river, and then with the dig- they are like the public fellows who have left an nity of a great giant, 9 June 1907 baths. We come home clean example – a good example demanding respect from all Dear Old Sam and leave our working Our “send off” to our lads around, she slowly got You must excuse me not clothes at the pit. … We commenced as was fitting about with her head to sea; writing before this as I walk into the mines. They go and proper, on Sunday and for a tiny moment she wanted to tell you something under the Rocky Mountains’ (21st), when together with seemed to stay, as if unwill- special, but I have had to Twemlow also used the their friends they came to ing to part us - and then write at finish with nothing ¶ 14

patient answer, when made … and in explaining fagged out in body and the gathering it was pointed brain, when the time comes out to him that no one had that the pit can be left in its failed in their duty with grim silence - then the man- respect to the carrying out ager is free to go home, and of his wish. Not one single fasten the door, and be alone penny … had been asked with his own private sorrow. for. All who had given had To Mr. Rushton we tender come forward voluntarily, our sincerest sympathy in and had tendered their por- the hour of his great tion as a mark of their sin- anguish. cere regard for him and his teaching …May we in con- In sharing in the griefs clusion add our simple trib- and joys of his parishioners, ute to the memory of one Thomas Twemlow gained who did his very best for September 15 1906. Abram Pigeon Fanciers. Left to right: the lasting affection and Abram. Perhaps we may Fred Livesey, Dick Longton and Billy Longton respect of many. It was my best do this by quoting the grandfather who bade words of one of the young farewell to Twemlow in the men he loved so dearly… ‘I magazine to mourn the work, and on the colliery very last magazine in the should have been a wrong tragic losses in frequent pit owners, but the world volume, so it is his words un but for him’. We know of disasters: sometimes seems (we hope that I quote here: more than one fellow who that we are sadly mistaken) could say this. We quote May 1903 to forget that here again Moss Hall Colliery. Living November 1911 again, this time the words there is the one man – the …we should like to speak of an older member: ‘The as we do in a Colliery dis- manage - who if he be trict, we are but too well for a short time of our late good work of the Vicar in human must suffer as no Vicar and we are sure that Abram though quite evident acquainted with the feelings one else can suffer, for they aroused by the cry – ‘A Sad our new Vicar [the Revd W now, will not be shown so are his men - his own men, Wentworth Scott] will for- much in the present time as Accident!’ Sad indeed was who have been wrenched, in the terrible cage disaster give us if in penning these in the generations that will a moment of time out of his lines we refer to him not as follow’… which occurred at the above life. The manager or the Colliery a few weeks ago, Mr Twemlow, which to man at the helm of the many of us sounds so unfa- There surely cannot now whereby both the manager Maypole Colliery is Mr. and under-manager lost miliar, nor as our late Vicar, be anyone who recalls Arthur Rushton. On the but as … ‘the Vicar’. On the Thomas Twemlow, but the their lives … and dull would afternoon of the explosion be the heart that stood evening of the 28th Church that stands in Mr. Rushton was returning September, a very large Abram now owes much to unmoved in the presence of home from his holidays with such a calamity… number of our people him, and there may be his wife and family; when assembled at the schools to Abramers who remember some 40 yards from his own bid goodbye to the Vicar their parents or grandpar- He shared in the shock house, which adjoins the and grief of Abram’s own and Mrs Twemlow upon ents speaking of him. I colliery, the explosion took their leaving Abram. The would like to think too that mining tragedy, the explo- place. Had the explosion sion at the Maypole, about proceedings of the evening the kindness, decency, wis- been arranged as a hellish were very simple. A little dom and common sense of which he wrote, on black- salute for the manager’s edged pages: refreshment, a grip of the Abram people today derive home- coming it would have hand, a few parting words to some degree from the been impossible to have August 18th 1908, 5-7 of farewell, and he had teaching of the vicar who timed it with nicer accuracy. gone; he who for the past campaigned on behalf of p.m., No.1 Pit at the Jumping from the wag- Maypole fired. 75 men nine years had been our their forebears nearly 100 onette, throwing away his true friend and counsellor … years ago. perished. 3 men rescued. straw hat, seizing the cap of 7 bodies have been recov- As most of our people know, Mary Sayers a passer-by, the manager the Vicar has expressed a Buxton Derbyshire ered. Weeks will have to rushed to his colliery. To go by before there can be strong desire that there Email: attempt to tell all that Mr. should not be any collection [email protected] any hope of recovering Rushton did, how he other bodies. laboured, how he suffered, would be little short of The Manager - When dis- insulting. The explosion took aster overtakes an army, place on Tuesday afternoon, when a ship is wrecked on sometime on Friday Mr. the rocks, … there is in each Rushton was persuaded to case one man on whom the go home and lie down - but eyes of the world are fixed; even then not to sleep. But in in the one case it is the addition to this, in the list of General, in the other it is the the killed the name of Levi Captain, or to use an ordi- Rushton may be found - any nary phrase - it is the man relation of the manager? at the helm on whom the Yes, his uncle. And so upon gaze of the world is focused. his terrible suffering as a When an awful catastrophe manager for his men and wrecks a coal mine, the their families, he carries the world fixes its eyes on the additional burden of family widows and orphans (and sorrow. When after a day of most justly so), and on thinking about others, when 11 February 1907. Abram Colliers. Front extreme right: those who are thrown out of after many and many a Jack Lowe. 15

THE ORIGINAL band, which was wider area including , formed in 1942 from the cadets of , and various other 316 Squadron of the Air Training locations in the north of England. Corps, Leigh, consisted of 5 saxes, 2 Alyn added two more trumpets trumpets and 3 rhythms. The man- which made a big difference to the ager was Squadron Leader Charles The sound of the band and new person- Grundy who was in charge of the nel appeared on other instruments. young band. Their leader was Vince The additional trumpets were Albert Hayes and the secretary Ken Ramsden on lead and Dennis Martin, Williams. Falcons who also provided vocals. The lead The band members were all alto changed when Maurice Alcock cadets: joined the band, Harold Hill came in on piano and Ken Bowers took over Saxes Dance drums. A little later, due to illness Alto/Clt Vince Hayes and the sudden death of Harold Hill, Alto/Clt Bill Dickinson Frank Gregory came in on piano. Tenor Bert Smith Other fine musicians played a big Tenor Joe Coward Band part before the personnel settled, Baritone Ken Williams Drill Hall at Atherton and including Derek Healey (trumpet), Brass Town Hall. the son of Johnny Healey, the band Trumpet Bill Clarkson In order to achieve wider recogni- leader at Bolton Palais, Wilf Trumpet Eric Gregory tion, the Falcons entered numerous Hardman (tenor sax), Fred Melody Maker and Musical Express Lightbrown, Sam Pollitt and Max Rhythm Dance Band contests. In 1945 they Holgate (saxes), and occasionally in Piano Birkett Hodson were rewarded with their first win- the very early days Jimmy Mee on Drums Frank Smith ning position in the Northern trombone and Jim Speakman on gui- Bass Tom Jackson Counties section, the contest taking tar. Soon after its formation, the band place at Levenshulme Palais. A year Apart from the odd session the played in many local venues, includ- later in 1946, Alwyn Ainsworth, an make up of the band was always five ing Leigh Church Institute, St. enthusiastic young big band saxes, four trumpets, bass piano and Joseph’s Hall, the Co-op Hall and at arranger from Bolton, took over the drums, with vocals by the band various R.A.F., U.S.A. and naval band and produced special arrange- members. The arrangements that camps in both the Leigh and ments for them. As a result, they Alyn produced were based on this Warrington areas, as well as in the started to obtain bookings from a combination. ¶ HIRE OF MEETING ROOM The History Shop has a Meeting Room, with a capacity for 36. This is available for hire by local groups and societies at a very reasonable cost: SOCIETY RATE £8.25 PER MORNING/ AFTERNOON SESSION £12.35 PER EVENING SESSION COMMERCIAL RATE

£20.00 October 1947. The Falcons Dance Band in the Regal Zonophone Recording PER MORNING/AFTERNOON/ EVENING SESSION Studios, London where they were recording the numbers “I’ve Got You Under If you are interested, contact My Skin” and “Opus One” for their latest record. In the photograph are: Alyn Philip Butler Ainsworth (second left standing); Alto Clarinets: Maurice Alcock and Samuel Pollitt; Tenor Clarinets: Joseph Coward and Herbert Smith; Baritone Clarinet: Tel (01942) 828128 Kenneth Williams; Trumpets: Albert Ramsden, William Clarkson, Eric Gregory; Piano: Frank Gregory; Bass: Thomas Jackson; Drums: Kenneth Bowers. 16

Contests Following their success at the all Britain contest in October 1947, the Mr Tom Bennett died last August 1945, Northern Counties Falcons were rewarded with a record- Christmas (see a tribute to him Championship, Levenshulme Palais, ing session in London with Regal in Past Forward 33 p3). This Manchester. 1st Prize. Zonophone Records, and were also delightful letter from California June 1946, East Lancashire given a radio broadcast at the BBC in was received recently. Ed. Championship, Majestic Ballroom, Manchester. Alyn Ainsworth’s arrangements of I’ve Got You Under Accrington. 1st Prize. To the staff of the History Shop. March 1947, Manchester and My Skin, Opus One and Sympathy were the contest numbers and the I am writing to inquire if there is District Championship, Coronation a way to remember our wonderful Ballroom, Belle Vue, 1st Prize. same arrangements were recorded. friend Mr.Tom Bennett, by helping September 1947, North Britain Alyn eventually left the band to Western Region Championship, form one of his own in London. By the History Shop to acquire some Empress Ballroom, Blackpool. 1951 he had begun to arrange for the item it needs? We met Mr. Bennett newly formed BBC Northern Variety October 1947, All Britain Final in the 1990's, through his cousin in Orchestra, and after Vilem Tausky Championship, Coronation Ballroom, Sydney. She arranged that we moved to the Northern Symphony Belle Vue, Big Band section winners, would get together with him at the Orchestra, Alyn was offered the job of runner up to the overall contest win- History Shop. I will never forget resident conductor with the NVO. A ners – Etch and his Quads. year later Ainsworth and the NVO meeting this gracious man. During April 1948, Central Lancashire provided the musical setting for the the time we were in Wigan, he Championship, Carlton Ballroom, BBC’s long running show from the devoted much time to helping me . City Variety Theatre, Leeds, The Good trace my father's family. (Dad was March 1949, North Lancashire Old Days. He became a highly born in Wigan in 1911). Championship, Preston. 1st Prize. respected musical director and During that visit, and September 1949, North of arranger for records, television and subsequent ones, we enjoyed England Championship, Winter the West End stage. He worked with Tom's company. One favourite Gardens, Blackpool. 1st Prize. and accompanied such illustrious memory is of taking Tom to lunch October 1949, National personalities as Geraldo, Syd at the Travel Inn in Orrell, because Championship, Winter Gardens, Lawrence, Frankie Vaughan, David Blackpool. Whitfield, Marty Wilde, Neil Sedaka, we had spotted the display of Barry Manilow and Shirley Bassey. photos from days past at 'Uncle He was also a Joe's Mint Balls'. It was a joy to leading conductor watch him remembering his old and arranger for friends,and telling us about his various West End many years of service at Uncle shows, including Joe's. Hello Dolly, I am not the only person who Gentlemen Prefer has happy memories of spending Blondes and Sweet time in Tom's company, and who Charity. He died in 1990. has benefited by his research The Falcons efforts. Perhaps we could join continued without together to help the History Shop Alyn for a little make an acquisition it needs? If while, but in so,please let me know of any way 1952/3 the band the friends of Mr. Tom Bennett ceased to exist, as could do something for the History several of the Shop that was such an important musicians left to part of his life. I saw for myself, on join other bands several occasions, the respect and in the Bolton and Leigh areas. affection shown to him by the staff My thanks to and patrons. He was a very special Tom Jackson, a person, and I hope that by pooling former member of our resources, we can do the group, for the something worthy of the memory of relevant informa- this kind, intelligent, and generous tion. Should any- man. one have any fond Mary Ann Ashcroft memories of hear- ing the band or If anyone who remembers Tom have any photos or even an old 78 Bennett would like to rpm, I would love contribute towards a memorial to hear from them. to him in the way that Mary Ann Certificate awarded to Tom Jackson, bass player with Tony Ashcroft suggests, please contact Philip the Falcons when they won first prize in the East Local History Butler in the History Shop. Ed. Lancashire Championship in 1946 at Accrington. Officer 17

WIGAN PIER PROMOTING NEW INITIATIVES

As we head to the end of 2003, staff G We have recently been awarded issues and cultural references at the Wigan Pier Experience are Charter Mark accreditation, linked to the borough. Other gearing up for a busy time as a whereby we had to demonstrate plans are to set up Youth Theatre number of initiatives on which they how we react to customer groups around the region, to have been working over the last 18 demands and suggestions, how deliver community productions months come to fruition. The main we serve our local communities in community venues and to aim of all of our initiatives is to and how we can make Wigan also undertake some peer make the site more accessible and Pier more accessible and offer education work. attractive to both local people and value for money. our national and international visitors. Here is a taster of what’s G Carole Tyldesley, Pier Manager, Special Offer happening: was part of a recent delegation to Romania from Wigan Leisure For January 2004 we are offering G Thanks to a grant from the & Culture Trust, the Epiphany school classes the chance to Heritage Lottery Fund we are Trust and the Hilton participate in one of our award- happy to announce the start of Foundation; the exchange trip winning educational workshops for the project to restore our world to Romania was undertaken to the bargain price of just £10.00, a famous steam Engine. The see how the Romanians deal saving of £40.00. This offer is open Trencherfield Mill Engine with heritage promotion, and to to all schools who make a booking Restoration Project will culminate deliver a series of seminars on to visit either museum during in this wonderful engine running tourism issues to them. The trip January 2004. again with new vigour from covered a number of sights and autumn 2004. There will also be the team has brought back a We also offer Free Teacher a complete change to the way number of ideas from their Preview Days where our that the Engine is displayed to Romanian counterparts. experienced members of staff will visitors, through the use of answer any questions you may have theatre lighting, audio-visual G The Wigan Pier Theatre about our facilities and what to presentations and improved Company is putting together a expect during your visit to us. Please displays. series of projects designed to contact our Education Bookings open the site up to people Department on 01942 702495 for G After a year of piloting tailor- interested in exploring history workshop and booking information. made group and family events and culture through theatre. The Remember places are strictly limited, packages linked to site activities Theatre Company are also so book early to avoid and celebrations, we are pleased looking to broaden the horizons disappointment. to announce that we are of their work and find avenues extending what’s on offer from of working with the community. Hopefully this has given you a Christmas and beyond. These Their first project will be the flavour of what is on offer at packages include drama development on site of a Wigan Pier, and you will be able performance, art activities, trails community theatre company; to go and sample some of it (tel around the Museums, Music membership will be open to 01942 323666 for full Hall sing-alongs, participation anyone over the age of 16. The information). To encourage you in our Victorian Schoolroom, as community theatre group will to pay us a visit, here is a well as providing refreshments perform their first show in money saving voucher you can’t and a visit to Santa (for some!). March 2004; this will relate to refuse.

18

RANDOM THOUGHTS ON ATHERTON THERE is very little I can by Albert Rigby less or worth only a frac- recall of the first three tion of their original years of my life in many years they were Lancashire technicians. value. My grandfather, Atherton, but the house publicans at the The position was simply Richard Rigby, was one of in Wardour Street was ‘Woolsack’, which I loved that the cotton industry these. As a respected undoubtedly a very happy to visit when I was a was financed by many publican he had a good home, with my mother small child. Just before shareholders, some on a living, not prosperous but Ethel and my father opening time I would sit large scale, but there was got along nicely. He Albert striving to make in the public bar with a a preponderance of mod- invested most of his capi- ends meet in the difficult set of dominoes and a est to small investors who tal in cotton and it was years in the early 1920’s. tiny glass of beer – it was had little or no knowledge apparent from the docu- Miners’ wages were very a warm, friendly pub with of the share market or the ments I saw after he died low, particularly if one high-backed benches and underlying financial state that his shareholdings worked at the coalface as open fires, wooden seats of the country and in par- had been quite substan- a hewer, and there was and stone floor. The ticular the changes taking tial, but then suffered the little scope for married memory lingers on. place in the world cotton same fate as so many oth- women with young trade. In other words, ers in the Lancashire children to supplement Depression period they were living from day towns. the family income. My to day, oblivious to the sister Winnie was born in These were the days worsening situation; fun- Loved to look 1916 and I arrived in June leading up to the depres- damentally they retained back 1921. sion period in the late a strong faith in their cot- Dad was born and 1920’s which, admittedly, ton industry and forlornly Atherton Baptist bred in Atherton and had affected many industries, believing that the short Church is remembered as a sister Jane (Butler) and but I believe that cotton term problem would be having a very active con- three brothers Fred, who suffered far greater than overcome. And so, people gregation; my mother, emigrated to Canada, most, with the Japanese who retained shares Ethel Furber, attended Richard and William. becoming fierce competi- which formed a good part regularly with the rest of Their parents were well tors after acquiring all the of their savings suddenly her family, and I treasure known in the town – for expertise and skills from found them to be worth- the Bible which was given when she was a member of the Young People’s Union. It is signed by G. Bullough, Richard Morris, Thomas Davis and S. Yates – perhaps the names will mean such a lot to some of your older readers. At that time she was living at 62 Stanley Street. Later on my first cousin, Tom Part, was, I believe, a respected mem- ber of the same church before he retired to Southport. One of his brothers, Kenneth, was a good footballer who played for Wigan and Manchester United. As for my father, he loved to look back on his achieve- ments in the boxing ring. As a flyweight he was boxing at the same time as the great world cham- pion, Jimmy Wilde, but Atherton Baptist Church. Continued on page 20 19

Attractive to eke out a living during fairly often, mostly for Daughter a short summer season. family history reasons, RANDOM For family reasons my but she genuinely loves parents decided to move both towns and especially THOUGHTS I remember so well the to Colwyn Bay in the mid- where I was born so many ON competition organised by 1920’s, and our return years ago. the Daily Dispatch for a visits to Atherton were Cotton Queen. Girls from mostly at Christmastime Footnote: Following his ATHERTON all over Lancashire sent in ––––– when we stayed with a service in the Royal Navy their photos which were mill manager, Jim Lomas Patrol Service, Albert Continued from page 19 published for several and his wife Hilda at rejoined the Ministry of weeks, before the final Westleigh. Through them Agriculture, Fisheries and choice was made. My we eventually became Food and had an interest- dad had no pretensions of Aunt Jane and Uncle friends with Richard and ing career covering many reaching Wilde’s class. Charlie Butler had several Harry Tyldesley, who aspects of MAFF work, They met briefly in a gym- attractive daughters, spent holidays with us including some parlia- Millie, Marie, Connie, Joan nasium in Wigan when when they were not mentary involvement and and Marjorie. Marie was my father was training for playing cricket for league visits to the EEC in chosen as one of the final- a fight – this could have clubs. Brussels and ists, an event which been at the time he won After the War, my Luxembourg. He and his caused a great deal of the Northern Counties work took me south to wife Patricia are excitement in the family. Flyweight Championship Guildford, High Wycombe Associates of the Royal Cynics have habitually fighting under the name and London, and for 50 Photographic Society; criticised beauty competi- of Young O’Hara. It was to years my wife and I have Albert is President of the tions, and maybe some of his regret, and that of enjoyed living in Princes Chilterns Association of the comments have been many of his followers, Risborough (the town of Camera Clubs and for 18 justified, but I do believe when he bowed to the the Black Prince) where years was photographer the Cotton Queen insistence of my mother, we have just celebrated for Hearing Dogs for Deaf Competition came at the supported by his parents, our Diamond Wedding. I People. He is the author right time, as it provided that he should abandon am pleased to say that our of two books on mine- light relief when there daughter Ann, who lives sweeping and life on the ring when they got was a great deal of bewil- married. Gone were the nearby in Aston Clinton, small ships in World War derment in the industrial visits Wigan and Atherton II. days of fighting in fair- north. Moreover, it was ground booths, often not just a parade of beau- against men who were tiful girls but instead was heavier opponents, or the intended to show all con- Wigan Football Ground cerned that within the cot- where he won his title and ton mills there was where he defeated the genuine beauty and London Champion. No attractiveness. BOB DOBSON trophies remain, except It was not unusual for Publisher and Book Dealer for a cup given to him for Lancashire families to the Northern Counties title uproot their homes in the – it has pride of place latter part of the 19th LANCASHIRE among our silverware. century and in the first 30 As a small boy I loved years of the 20th century, YORKSHIRE & CHESHIRE to sit on my father’s knee, because of the work listening to his exploits in shortages in industrial the boxing ring, no doubt towns or the attraction of I buy, sell and search for second-hand to my mother’s disap- living in holiday resorts books relating to these counties: I search proval. I suppose I was a such as Southport, for books: I issue lists. I buy quantities of captive but willing audi- Blackpool, Morecambe, ence, but he liked to recall Colwyn Bay and other books. the Wardour Street days Llandudno. Consequently, when, on returning home there were tradespeople, LIST OF MY NEW PUBLICATIONS from the pits, he would hoteliers and boarding- see me sitting on the cob- house landladies there ON REQUEST bles in my ‘frock’ with who would welcome you legs wrapped round the with broad Lancashire BOB DOBSON lamp-post – I shrank visi- accents, and many of bly. Incidentally, I also them began to play “Acorns” have a Bible presented to increasing roles in the 3 STAINING RISE my father for regular running of the STAINING attendance and good con- community. Some were BLACKPOOL FY3 0BU duct in 1906 at the Howe successful in their Tel: (01253) 895678 Bridge Congregational ventures, but I know how Church Sunday School. difficult it was for several 20

AROUND WIGAN A DECORATIVE DRAWING AND QUIZ by GERALD RICKARDS

THE DRAWING Question sheets are also available from various centres, Gerald Rickards’ drawing in this issue of Past Forward features including the History Shop, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU, buildings and landmarks from different parts of the borough. Wigan & Leigh Hospice, Kildare Street, Hindley WN2 3HZ, The idea for this has been influenced by the preparation for a Hospice Shops, local libraries, CCArt Picture Framers and group of murals at Wigan and Leigh Hospice where the artist and Gallery, Hallgate, Wigan, or from the artist himself. others aim to incorporate into the design items from as many All forms must be returned, with a donation, to one of the above parts of the district as possible. venues before 31 January 2004.

THE QUIZ THE PRIZES The drawing is presented in the form of a quiz. Hopefully it will Two prizes are offered from the artist’s selection of signed prints give enjoyment to all over the Christmas period and at the same in frames. One prize is offered for the highest number of correct time raise some money to help the Hospice. answers, AND (to encourage everyone to enter) another prize for the most apt and original answer to question 40 – with this prize awarded irrespective of answers given or ignored from all the ENTRY FORMS other questions. These can be sent either by submitting the question page (or Prizewinners will be sent a list of all the signed prints available. photocopy) as printed in this issue of Past Forward, or These include: handwritten on a plain piece of paper with question numbers alongside. All entries must be accompanied by a donation of at • local subjects eg public buildings, churches, streets, Formby least £1 (stamps will be accepted). houses, parkland and canalside • the Central Park triptych (three views of the stands as seen from the Spion Kop) • decorative compositions developed from designs printed in Hospice’s Community Past Forward: Aspull, Haigh, Ince, Leigh, Orrell, Standish etc. Chapel Murals • subjects further afield, including limited editions of Thomas Exciting news! Wigan & Leigh Hospice has been Hardy properties and places linked with his writing, English successful in securing funding from Arts Council Cathedrals and Cathedral Close buildings, National Trust North West. The original idea for the creation of four properties, canalside views, Oxbridge Colleges. murals came from Gerald Rickards, who felt quite Prizewinners can choose either any framed print or two passionate about ‘doing something special’ for the card mounted unframed prints from the above. Hospice. Gerald has also agreed to be the lead artist. The murals will feature many of the familiar buildings and landmarks throughout the area served by the Hospice. Central to the project will be the involvement of both the Hospice and the wider EXHIBITION IN THE HISTORY SHOP community. A series of workshops will be held to Several of the above prints, some of the include school children, Hospice patients, staff, volunteers and carers in the production of ideas for paintings they were taken from and many more the mural. Three local emerging artists will lead the will be on display during the artist’s various workshops. An exhibition is planned at Drumcroon in Wigan ‘Paintings of Wigan and Beyond’ and the Turnpike Gallery in Leigh in March 2004 and a grand opening ceremony will be held at the exhibition in the History Shop Hospice in April. (Taylor Gallery) – 19 November 2003 to 16 January 2004.

1. Who was the original owner of the stable block?………………………………………………………..……...... …………………………………..... 2. What was the name of the Power Station demolished in 1989?………………………………….…………………………………………………… 3. Where is the windmill and why was it erected? ……………………………………………………………………………………………...... ……… …………………………………………………………………………………………...... ………………………...... 4. What is the name of the Pennines landmark?…………………………………………………………………………...... …………………………..... 5. Why has Winter Hill become so well known? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………...... ………………………………………………………………………………...... ………………………………… 6. Between which junctions of the M6 is the high level crossing?……………………………………………………………………………………….. 7. What is the name of the Hall and what is it now used for?………………………………………………………………………………………….…. ……………………………………………………………………………………...... ………… 8. Name the two members of the royal family who passed through these gates in 1873 and what was the reason for their visit? .... ……………………………………………………………...... ………………………………………..... 9. What is the name of the ancient stone?……...... ………………………………………………………………………………………………..... 10. What is this tower part of?………………………...... ……………………………………………………………………………..... 11. What was the new name given to this building in 2002?…...…………………………………………………………………………………………… 12. What is the link between the cenotaph, telephone kiosk and Liverpool Cathedral?……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………...... ………..... 13. In which part of the borough is this war memorial?…………………………………………………………………………………………………….... 14. What is the name of the church and why was it demolished? ………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………...... 15. Where is the well (near cross and stocks) and how was it damaged in 1943? ……………………………………………………….…………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………...... 16. What is the name of the school?……………………………………………………………………………………...... ………………..... 17. What is the name of the structure standing near the Stag Hotel? ………………………………………...... …………………………………… 18. How was this large tree demolished in 1920? ………………………………………...... ……………………………………………………………..... 19. What is the name of the water area with nearby golf course?…………………………………………………………………………………………. 20. Which sailing club uses the water area?………………………………………………………...... ……………………………………………..... 21. Name the former vicarage and the reason for the extensions to it?…………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………...... ………………..... 22. Who was the entertainer who once lived in Hindley Green House?………………………………………………………………………………….. 23. Name one of the films he appeared in? ……………………………………………………...... ………………………………………………..... 24. What is the name of the building?……………………………………………………………...... ………………………………………..... 25. What is the name of this building opened by the Duchess of Norfolk? …………………………………………………………………………….. 26. Where is the recently renovated building?………………………………………...... ……………………………………………………………..... 27. Where is the building and who opened it in 1906?……………………………………………………………………………………………………..... 28. What is the name of the Sports Centre?……………………………………...... ………………………………………………………………..... 29. Who was the author born at 26 Wilkinson Street? .…………………………………………………………………………..………………………..... 30. Name a film made from one of his novels?…………………………...... …………………………………………………………………………..... 31. What is the place name on the sign and who are the people alongside?…………………………………………………………………………... ………………………………………………………...... ……………… 32. What is the name of the church?………………...... ……………………………………………………………………………………..... 33. What is the name of the public building? ………………...... ……………………………………………………………………………………..... 34. What is the name given to the tapered pillar?……………...... ………………………………………………………………………………………..... 35. What is the name of this building? ……………………………...... ………………………………………………………………………..... 36. What disaster occurred near this colliery building? …………………………………………………………………………………………………….... 37. In which square does this structure stand? ……………………………………………………………………………………...... ………………..... 38. What is the name of the house beside the water? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..... 39. Where is this pit head wheel? ………………………………………………………………………………...... ……………………..... 40. What do you think the fisherman is saying to the man on the canal boat? ………………..…………………………………………... …………………………………………………………………………………...... ………………...... ….....(no more than 10 words)

NAME ...... ….………………………………………………….………………………………………………...... ……....…………………….…......

ADDRESS ….………………………………………………….…...... ………………………...……………………….....………...... …………

…………...... ……………………….………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………….………....

………………………………………………….…………………….………………………………………………………….…………………………………………….

Telephone Number (optional) ...…….………………………………………………

Wigan & Leigh Hospice old and – new from Poolstock to Hindley

old . . . and new Within its resource con- straints, Wigan & Leigh Hospice:- G provides specialist palliative care services, on as broad and varied a basis as possible and at the highest quality achievable, thereby aiming to enhance the quality of life of individuals living with a life- threatening illness G offers needs-assessed support and advice to carers, both during the illness of the patient and in bereavement G aims to complement and support other palliative care providers, not taking over from them, but seeking to collaborate with them to promote a seamless service for people with specialist palliative care needs G is committed to delivering needs – assessed, research and evidence- based palliative care education, both in-house and through outreach educational programmes

The following services are available: G specialist nursing team working in the tommunity G in-patient beds G day hospice G physiotherapy G occupational therapy G complementary therapies G counselling services G bereavement support services G Spiritual care G education services across the Borough

Wigan & Leigh Hospice Kildare Street Hindley WN2 3HZ Tel: 01942 525566

Letters from the Front Local men in the Boer War 1899-1902 Victory – at a price but there was only one thing and (Episode four) that was to sit tight and wait ROBERTS now did what Buller by events. Retreat would have been should have done back in December murder and to advance equally as 1899. He concentrated on the left, Fred Holcroft bad. sweeping round behind the Boers and Trooper Roberts of St. Helens was in threatening their homelands. General through his side. He was dead the same regiment and on his return Cronje’s army was captured and the when picked up. Then there was gave an interview to the local paper: Boers retreated. By the end of Clarke from Ashton – he was shot Sergeant Ward was leading our February 1900 both Kimberley and through the lungs. Captain Jones troop and he was shot in three Ladysmith had been relieved. On 13 was shot through the places, on the face, the leg, and the March 1900 the Orange Free State ankle!....Captain Tindle and fingers. He rolled off his horse and was knocked out of the war when its Lieutenant Matthews have since my horse being shot I was also capital Bloemfontein was captured. died.” dismounted. I helped the sergeant Two months later on 17 May 1900 to cover and then ran across to let Mafeking was relieved, on 31 May someone know he was hit. Just as I 1900 Johannesburg was captured, Baptism of fire was getting back and was just then on 5 June 1900 Pretoria, the asking Sergeant Ward where my capital of the Transvaal, was at last For most it had been their baptism horse was when a Martini-Henry occupied. of fire. Trooper F.W. Lawrence, son of bullet hit Ward in the back and These were tremendous victories, Mr. J.W. Lawrence, the owner of Ince came out of his chest and entered but won at a price and paid for by Brewery, was in the same fight. Young my left leg just above the knee. We local men as much as anyone. One of Lawrence was no stranger to war, and both fell and lay there for six hours the first to fall, on 23 February 1900, when the present conflict broke out he and although Sergeant Ward was in was Private P. Higgins, who had offered to raise a company of 100 men great agony there was not much I survived the hell of Spion Kop which mounted and equipped at his own could do for him. As we lay there he described in his last letter to some expens; but the government declined, one of our own shells burst near us friends in Hindley: so he went out with the Lancashire and scattered dirt all over us, and a “no one knows what a battlefield Hussars. Writing to his father: short time afterwards one of the is except those who have seen one. “We along with the Gloucester shrapnel shells from our own The sight is fearful and the crying Mounted Infantry and Nesbitt’s battery rolled about a yard from us and moaning of the wounded is Horse lined the banks of the river but fortunately did not burst. I something never to be and opened fire on the trenches expected it to explode any minute forgotten….hoping that I shall see opposite. After a sharp exchange of and I could not take my eyes off it, home and friends once more.” shots the Lancashires were ordered to cross the drift which we did in quite excepting to be blown to A death which shocked Wigan fine style being covered by the fire pieces. Luckily it did not burst. was that of Sergeant Albert Ward of of the Gloucesters and Nesbitt’s. After the fight I was put across a the Lancashire Hussars, killed in a Immediately we gained the opposite horse for we had no ambulance skirmish at Klein, Cape Colony on 28 side – the river is about 500 yards wagon after crossing the river, and May 1900. He had been landlord of wide here – the Boers retreated I was taken to camp bleeding like a the Waterloo Inn, Lyon Street, towards Kleis followed by the whole stuck pig. There were several Wallgate since ending his days in the force. At Kleis they had a laager attempts to extract the bullet but it regular army, was well-known in and they took up a position some could not be found. I was in a local cricket and rugby circles, and as distance away behind long broken critical state and was given up for a reservist had been recalled to the Kopjies. The order of attack was: dead three times. However I kept Colours. Encountering a force of Lancashires on the right, cheerful and managed to pull Boers, his mounted column had Gloucesters centre, and Nesbitt’s through. I was taken 100 miles to captured their wagon-laager together left. The Lancashires coming more hospital in an old Boer wagon and with 80 women and children and over directly on the Boer position had owing to the lack of springs and the 3000 cattle, and went on to attack the the hottest place in the fight. We got big stones on the road the journey Boer escort. An un-named trooper of behind a ridge and the Boers were was torture. On 27 June my leg the Lancashire Hussars wrote in the behind another 200 yards away, suddenly went worse, the bullet Wigan Examiner: and anyone who showed his head was still unfindable and the doctors “We were on the right and trying was either hit or heard a bullet said that to save my life they would to flank them. I wouldn’t have uncomfortably near him. The game have to take my leg off. I agreed to thought our men would have been would have been interesting had it that and my leg was taken off on so cool under fire. There were only not been for our artillery which sent Sunday 1 July.” bits of bushes, just enough to hide screaming, yelling, bursting shells your head in. Then our men began among friend and foe alike. With a Gallant husband to fall as we were only a few yards few exceptions it was our first from the Boers who did not waste experience under fire and that Trooper Frank Stout of the 12th a shot. The first to fall was our would have been enough without Lancers, son of the landlord of the Star Sergeant Ward (Wigan) who was our own fire as well; in fact it would and Garter pub, Tyldesley, suffered a shot through the bowels and the have shaken the nerves of many old similar amputation. Sadly, Lieutenant leg. The next was a St. Helens lad seasoned campaigners. The officers B. Stapleton Bretherton, his troop Jack Fairclough. The shot went were at a loss to know what to do, Continued on page 22 21

fight knocked out of them. I hope to give in. To make matters worse the my dear that I shall be spared to Boer farmers who had not joined the join you all again for I am longing Great Trek but remained in Cape Colony Letters from to see your dear faces, but if I am now chose to take part in this type of taken it is God’s will and my time fighting. These ‘Cape rebels’ were an have come, but I shall be all right. added threat. Trooper James White the Front Don’t be uneasy about me for I am from Pemberton, in the Lancashire Local men in the Boer in the best of health and in good Hussars, had the job of chasing them: spirits. I must close now for it is late “there had been a dust with the War 1899-1902 and my candle will soon be out.” rebels today. A lot of them has been killed and hundreds taken prisoner. ––––– Two further deaths stunned the They have however taken some of Continued from page 21 locality, both members of the active the Cheshire Yeomanry prisoner service company attached to the and gone off with them.” Manchester Regiment. Lance Corporal commander, wrote to Ward’s wife and Frank Munro was engaged in mopping Trooper Hanman, aged only 16, of family: up operations near the Mozambique the Army Service Corps wrote to his “Dear Mrs. Ward, it is with the border, when on 26 August 1900 his aunt, the landlady of the Lion Inn, greatest sorrow that I have to write company made a flank attack and he Hindley describing how his convoy was and break the sad news to you of was hit in the head and died instantly. ambushed and he was almost captured. the death of your most gallant A month previously, on 30 July 1900, “…..I only escaped by a miracle. It husband who was killed in action the ’ camp had been happened while we were crossing a on May 28th in front of his troops caught in a bush fire and five of the drift (a river ford) and no sooner facing the enemy. From the moment eight large storage tents were were we well in and half way up the he became sergeant to my troop I completely destroyed. Private Kennedy other side than thousands of Boers always told Captain Jones that Ball was trying to rescue some of the ran in amongst our wagons and ‘when it comes to fighting Ward is contents when he tripped over a tent shot all our drivers so we could not the man. He is as brave as a lion,’ peg, fell into the flames and was so get away.….we were fired on but I and this has proved more than badly burned that he died of his was not touched and escaped. We correct. From the moment the fight injuries a fortnight later. lost seven wagons, 15 black men, began your husband showed the A memorial service for Lance five of our own men and 70 mules, utmost coolness and was Corporal Munro was held at St. Mary’s besides seven guns of artillery. I conspicuous through the whole R.C. Church in Standishgate, while shall never forget that night as long fight for his bravery. We one and all another one was held for Private Ball at as I live.” mourn the loss and sad death of so the Parish Church, Standish. There gallant a friend. I buried him myself were many more. Wigan and district Another Wigan soldier, Trooper and although there is only a rough had paid its full share in the price of William Browne of the South African cross over his grave at present, I victory. Light Horse, was not so lucky. He have made arrangements that a Everyone thought that the war was enlisted during Black Week and fought proper stone shall be placed there now over. Lord Roberts returned to non-stop for 12 months, seeing the as soon as peace is declared. Accept Britain, leaving Kitchener to deal with relief of all three towns and chasing again my sincere condolences in the scattered Boer commandos who ‘bitter enders’. On 27 July 1900 his your sad loss.” were not seen as much of a threat by patrol was a few miles from the British Army, the British Vlaaglaagte when it was ambushed, Several letters from Sergeant Ward government, and the British public. All and his excitable horse reared and had already been published in the local three were to be sadly mistaken. galloped off as he tried to remount: Wigan press, and poignantly, two were “at this time Corporal Dudgeon, in printed after his death had already The Phoney War spite of sharp Boer firing, rode up to been announced: me…..and asked me to try to mount “We are having a jolly time of behind him. His horse was a good Although both their republics were height and twice I tried but failed galloping about the country. Tell occupied and their armies dispersed the J.H. he does not know what he has the second time nearly pulling the Boers would not give in. Many Boer Corporal from the saddle. I thanked missed. I would not have missed the leaders – Botha, de Wet, de la Rey, sights I have seen for a thousand the brave man and told him to save Smuts, Viljoen – decided to fight on to himself. During the whole time the pounds. I can’t tell you what it is the bitter end, earning the soubriquet like to see the cannon roar and to Boers kept up an incessant fire. ‘bitter enders’ (those Boers who Next moment our Colonel rode up to see the troops moving like surrendered were known as ‘hands clockwork. Bugles are sounding, me. The only other sign of our men uppers’). Divided into small mobile I could see was a grey horse racing drums rattling and men galloping groups – often only one commando up and down the valleys. It is worth across the velt with two men on its strong – the Boers attacked railways, back…..he rode up to me and in a half a man’s life to see it. If it was bridges, convoys, and camps, not for the poor fellows getting shot quiet tone said ‘try and run especially at night, believing that if alongside me and hold my stirrup- I could stick it all my life. What they could make the war drag on, sport it is to see a head peep from leather’. I ran some little distance causing constant attrition, then the and completely exhausted I prayed behind a boulder then to hear a anti-war party in Britain would force shot.” the Colonel to leave me and save their government to make a peace more himself but he would not. After a favourable to the Boers than had once slight pause he said – ‘now have “The only thing I am short of is to seemed likely. see your face and the children. I another try. I won’t go too fast’. I The Boers were far better suited to did not run far…..I begged him to was so pleased to get a letter from this type of warfare – hit and run – the girls. We are off in the morning go which he did seeing I could using their mounted mobility. They advance no further.” to do the final job on our side. were helped by poor British intelligence When it is over we shall be on our of their movements, while they in turn way home. I don’t think it will be a had an excellent spy system. Half the very big job for they have all the Boer strength – 25,000 men – refused ¶ 22

Hero’s welcome The nurse who omitted to give her possible. name, went on to describe camp life £3,000,000 compensation for all the Browne lay still on the ground and and how the inmates were well looked destroyed farms. the Boers only discovered that he was after but refused to work. She had No extra taxes in South Africa to pay alive when they tried to remove the two been prompted to write on hearing that for the war. bandoliers of ammunition which had Emily Hobhouse (the leading critic) When the new country became weighed him down. The mobile Boer had given a lecture in Westhoughton. independent there was to be an inquiry columns had no room for prisoners and But there were successes, and Boer into giving the native population the after being detained at Vrede he was casualties mounted. Trooper H. vote. released on 23 August 1900. After Stephens of the South African further active service he returned home Constabulary wrote to his mother, Mrs. A new country is born in time for Christmas 1900 to a hero’s Gratrix, at 29 Scholes, Wigan: welcome in his father’s new home town “Nowadays we have to root Boers So the war ended and a new – Southport. out of caves and kloofs, rocks and country was born. But although Boer South Africa was suited for this beds of dry rivers where they hide and Briton were given equality, the type of guerrilla warfare – huge in twos and threes. We had the Bantu natives were not, and this distances, high steep hills, few honour last week to capture sowed the seeds of discord which were railways, poor roads, sparse water Commander Hall a traitor who at to throw up their shoots many years supplies. Unable to catch the Boers, one time belonged to the Imperial later. Kitchener divided the country into Light Horse. It appears that he and The new enlarged South Africa was segments where each side was an six others thought we had passed a huge success, and the more obstacle – a fortified railway line, a line through a nek after camping there thoughtful Boers rallied to make it of black houses, a mountain range, the overnight but we turned back and work. Twelve years later many, sea, the border. The British cavalry took caught him searching for including the best soldiers, had risen each segment in turn and searched for ammunition and cartridges. I to high government posts, and when the Boers trapped inside. To prevent the suppose he will get shot because he the Great War broke out they acted Boers from being supplied by their is wanted for murder.” swiftly and decisively to put down families, the farms of known guerrillas uprisings by the pro-German were burned down and their occupants More successful extremists who had been their former brought in from the scattered farms and wartime comrades. The Boer War was the first occasion that the armed forces ‘concentrated’ in camps. Private Lewtas By the end of 1901 there were of the British Empire had rallied to the was involved in these proceedings: 250,000 British and Empire soldiers in defence of one part of it. In 1902 “The war would have been over long South Africa, of which 70,000 were in Empire Day was instituted, where ago if they had burned all the the mobile cavalry columns actually there were public displays of loyalty to farmhouses we came across and chasing the Boers, while 180,000 the Empire, recognition of its they are only just finding it out now. guarded the blockhouses, railways, achievements and appreciation of what Yesterday we captured 20 Boer depots, and towns; about 12,000 Boers it stood for. Between 1914-18 and wagons loaded with corn and other had been caught or killed. Gradually 1939-45, the Empire’s forces again stuffs. In two of the wagons there the British forces grew more successful rallied to help the Mother Country, but were four Boer women and fourteen at this type of warfare, usually because the stresses and strains of these children. Their husbands were they adopted Boer methods of fighting conflicts only contributed towards the fighting against us and they told – small but elite forces, fast marches, Empire’s breakup. some of our men that their surprise attacks, improved intelligence All this was not known to the farmhouses were burned down and using natives or friendly Boers who ordinary soldiers who make up the they had to travel the Veldt. We only had joined the British and were known British Army. All they knew and wrote left them with three weeks stock so as ‘joiners’. The Australians, New home about were their own that can find their husbands Zealanders and Canadians were experiences. The story ends with again.” particularly good at this. The British Private Lewtas once more; even gave up carrying swords and “I have gone through some lances, relying entirely on rifles and Opinion in Britain was bitterly hardships these last five months. I pistols. divided over the use of concentration will tell you all when I come to the The last few Boers surrendered, not camps. Pro-Boer visitors were allowed dear home, when a traction engine entirely due to these tactics but because to see them but were regarded as will not drag me away again. I their families, who had been released meddlesome busybodies by those who have earned my medal which is a from the concentration camps, pleaded were looking after the Boer families. A five-pointed star with the Queen’s with their husbands, fathers and sons nurse from Leigh wrote: head in the centre, made of gold, that it was hopeless to continue. The “We have two of these beauties, silver and bronze, with red, white, terms of the peace treaty of 1902 were pro-Boer women from England, at blue and khaki ribbon. It will be generous to the Boers: our camp for a fortnight or more hung up in the house to look at inspecting our camp and looking for forever in remembrance of the Boer complaints, and they are not at all All Boers still fighting to surrender War.” satisfied because they cannot find immediately. enough. We don’t feel gracious No Boers who surrendered to be But the after-effects of the war towards them and the old Boers imprisoned. were not over. In November 1915 his laugh and make fun of them.” No Boers to be prosecuted for legitimate Hindley neighbours were shocked acts of war. when William Lewtas took his own She went on to quote one official The two Boer republics to join with the life. He had returned home to his job visitor who had complained: two British colonies to make one new as a guard on the L. & N.W. Railway, “I am not at all satisfied. I have country – the Union of South Africa. but his health had been affected by his been in 38 tents this morning and Afrikaans (the Boer language) to have campaigning. Over the years his have not had one single complaint. equality with English. asthma had got worse, and 15 years There must be something wrong. Boers be allowed hunting and sporting later the 37 year old William Lewtas They are afraid that if they rifles under licence. could endure the pain no longer and complain the nursing sisters will Military government to be replaced by cut his own throat with a razor. War punish them.” a civilian government as soon as does not end with peace treaties. 23

DonaId Anderson 8 June 1912 - 3 June 2OO3 DONALD Anderson was born at Auxiliary Forces of India. They were He began prospecting in an area of Highfield, Wigan, the first of four mainly used at that time for internal coal near the place of his birth, and by children born to James and Isabella. security duties. 1950 their Quaker House Colliery Co. His grandfather William Alexander Sometime in late 1943, in secrecy, Ltd. had developed a mine at Garswood. was a Scottish mining official and Donald (or Andy as he was nicknamed in The Quaker House Colliery, together with also a shaft sinking and tunnelling India), was told to expect an important Leyland Green Drift Mine, was to become contractor. visitor to the mines. He did not realise one of the largest private mines in the Donald’s mother was a Webster whose how important that person would be until UK, and certainly the largest in family were great sportsmen, two in the Viceroy of India’s Bodyguard arrived, Lancashire prior to the re-privatisation of particular being players for Wigan to be followed by the Viceroy, Lord Wavell the coal industry in the early 1990’s. Highfield in the newly formed breakaway and his ADC Group Captain Townsend, Having been advised by the most Rugby League. together with Lady Wavell and their eminent persons in the Lancashire Donald lived with his sisters and mining industry that it was “commercial brother near to the park wall surrounding suicide” and that “there was no more Winstanley Hall. A great friend of his in than five years coal in any of the those early days was Andrew Fraser, a proposed reserves”, it is perhaps an highland Scot who was in service at the indication of his qualities as both a Hall. He was very lucky to be allowed to mining surveyor and an engineer that his travel to London with Andrew and the enterprise outlasted all the major other staff on a couple of occasions, to collieries in the North West; its last tonne open up the Bankes’s (of Winstanley Hall) of coal was wound in 1991 family house in Eton Square. These early . brushes with beautiful and historic A devoted family man buildings, fine furniture and parkland must have sparked his interests of later Donald was the proud father of three years. children, to whom he devoted energy, direction and love, giving them so many Mining career begins opportunities, passing on his knowledge, experience and wisdom, and instilling in At 14 years of age, Donald was them a respect for family, books, history offered an apprenticeship in the and his country. They all enjoyed many surveying office at Pemberton Colliery Donald Anderson receives the Wigan Civic Trust Special Award, 1988. days with him and their mother visiting where his father was an official. He historic sites, little suspecting that they studied hard, at the then world renowned were being educated at the same time! Wigan Mining College, obtaining his daughter. Lord Wavell, ever a hands-on Colliery Surveyor’s Certificate in 1933. Viceroy, had come to see at first hand the Historical duty Three years later, he obtained his Colliery difficulties in producing coal for the war Manager’s First Class Certificate of effort. He genuinely considered it a duty to Competency, one of only a handful of faithfully record the history of the mining people ever to have held both these His own coal mine industry and pass on to others his vast statutory government certificates. knowledge, particularly of the Lancashire Times were difficult in the UK mining Towards the end of the war Donald coalfield. In 1964 the first of a three- industry with little prospect of became ill, and was invalided home. On volume work on the history of the advancement, so Donald left home for his return to Highfield, after convalescing Blundell’s Colliery business, where his the goldfields of Tanganyika. In 1937 he he began prospecting for coal at Dalton family had worked and where he first went to India as Assistant Manager for with his friend Bill Gorton, to fulfil his embarked on a career in the mining the Turner Morrison’s Sripur Colliery in ambition to own his own coal mine. industry, was published. Many other Bengal. A few months after arriving he Together they invested their savings, and books were to follow. (A full list of was appointed as colliery manager. He helped by his father James, developed a Donald’s published works will appear in was actually under the age laid down by successful business, the Dalton Coal & the next issue of Past Forward.) law and some years later was told that he Fireclay Co Ltd. Always a staunch supporter of the could claim to be the youngest colliery A two pronged disaster struck shortly town of Wigan, Donald was a founder manager in the British Empire! afterwards; in 1947 the Government member and Vice President of Wigan nationalised the coal industry, and in Civic Trust, and in 1988 he was proud to World War II early 1948 they were flooded out by receive their Special Award. He was also water from ancient unrecorded workings. a member of the Chetham Society, the At the outbreak of the War he The determination, tenacity and grit Newcomen Society, the Historic Society of attempted to return home to join the which was a feature of Donald’s Lancashire and Cheshire and the forces, but because of his reserved character enabled them to start again at Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian occupation, was forbidden to do so. what became known as the “Top Pit”. It Society, as well as Vice-President of the Nevertheless, he did join the Chota was during this time in Dalton and Nagpur Light Horse Regiment of the Parbold he met his future wife. ¶ 24

I was saddened to hear of the death be it painting, bricklaying or recently of Evelyn Finch, following building motorhomes - the list is a stroke. Evelyn, together with her EveIyn Finch endless; she was an original DlYer husband Norman, was one of the in every sense, always sure that stalwarts of both the Leigh Family (1924-2003) challenging the mind was the way History and Leigh Local History to overcoming physical pain. In Societies. Evelyn’s main recent years she expanded her contribution to the Leigh Local artistic talent in painting with both History Society was her enthusiasm oils and watercolours. for ensuring that a local history When she and Norman retired in publication programme produced 1981 they both embarked on a new regular booklets relating to the interest, researching their family local area. She was also a very keen history; this culminated in a book and active genealogical researcher. The Finch Family which they Evelyn was born in Liverpool, the published themselves in 1992. She only daughter of Alfred Horne, a was elected chairman of Leigh master mariner of Ireland, and Family History Society and later Winnifred Moore of Wanstead. She Leigh Local History Society, and attended Ranworth Square School, held both posts up to her death. She Norris Green and St Margaret’s, was also a member of the Antique Anfield before entering St Society, Chairman of the Anglo- Edmund’s College for Girls, Irish Society until 2002 and a Liverpool. She worked in an member of the Lancashire Local accountant’s office in Liverpool a period of many years to foster History Federation. until she was 18, when she left to around 80 children who were all in Despite all her health problems work in London for a short while. need of her love and attention. In she has still managed to lead a very On returning she worked in 1968 she qualified as a children’s active life in the societies, lecturing Woolworth’s as head cashier. nursery nurse and worked in regularly and continuing to fulfil In 1944 she met Norman over a several nurseries in the Liverpool her role as a dedicated mother and fence on the allotments and they area. The family moved to Lowton grandmother. She will be sadly were married in October 1945. Their early in 1975, when Evelyn took up missed by many, for her untiring marriage was blessed with two post at Hope Carr nursery in Leigh. work in promoting both local daughters, two sons David and She was a strong and determined history and genealogy in the Leigh Geoffrey, and eight grandchildren. woman with a sense of standing for area. While bringing up her own family what was right. She was a great Tony Ashcroft she still found time and energy over believer in having a go at anything, Local History Officer

NW Branch of the Royal Institute of the respect and fondness with which he Chartered Surveyors Minerals Division. was remembered by his former Indian colliery staff and his old Pathan bearer, STAN SMITH A true gentleman still alive and in service at his old (1935 - 2003) bungalow. John was also privileged to My first encounter with Donald was in work with him at Quaker House Colliery, Tyldesley and District Historical 1974. I had written to him saying how and see again the respect and friendship Society began its 31st season much I enjoyed his Orrell Coalfield book, of the miners and officials, some of without its long-standing Chairman not really expecting a reply, yet receiving whom had been with him from the early and Treasurer, Stan Smith, who died a detailed letter back and an invite to days at Dalton. on 27 July. Stan, a well-known local Quaker House Colliery! historian who has written several I soon realised that there was A cruel blow books and recently published his something very special about Donald, study of The Halls of Tyldesley, had hard to define, as though here was a rare Following a disabling stroke, Donald held office in the Society for 10 type of man with a distinct aura about was determined to battle on, being years. Born in 1935, Stan attended him. People, their lives and family superbly nursed for the last six years of Leigh Grammar School. After backgrounds fascinated him, no matter his life at Douglas Bank Nursing Home, National Service he entered the who they were. Even though he was a only a stones throw away from his first banking profession, and later businessman he still made time for me mine. worked for a variety of textile firms. which I never forgot. After then I had a It is said that only the forgotten are In retirement he dedicated himself friend for life. truly dead. I am sure that Donald to local history research, and was Donald did not often outwardly Anderson will not be forgotten. working on a history of coalmining in Tyldesley at the time of his death. demonstrate his naturally religious Alan Davies He had a great knowledge of and nature, but in his thoughts and in his acts Heritage Officer (Archives) of caring, compassion and generosity to affection for the railways, and was a well-known speaker at many local others less fortunate than himself, he Acknowledgement societies. He leaves a wife, two practised the tenets of his Christian I am very grateful to John Anderson sons, and two grandchildren. He upbringing. As a young man in 1968, (who may I add is very much in the same will be sadly missed. whilst working in India, his son John, also mould as his father) for Donald’s a mining engineer, witnessed at first hand background. 25

‘Good stuff comes out of Wigan’!

ON 23 AUGUST 1898 at no. 6 Wigan from coal mining, Bird Street, Ince-in- weaving or in the cotton mills. Makerfield, my grandmother, But at the turn of the 20th Eunice Bowman, formerly century the big cotton mills of Pearson, nee Crook was born. Lancashire were in decline, She was the second of 12 work and jobs were drying up children of Thomas and Sarah and it meant that her father Crook, nee Hosler. Thomas and and other members of the Sarah Crook had 12 children, family had to take drastic seven boys and five girls, one ¶ of which died in infancy. Although times were hard Right: Eunice Bowman (nee her family and generations Crook) left, with her sister before had earned a living in Harriet (born 1920).

The story of Eunice Bowman’s remarkable life as it appeared in her local newspaper in August 2003. (Courtesy of the Newcastle Evening Chronicle). 26

action. Could it have been that the the coalman would just go So around 1905, Eunice’s teacher and the class wanted to straight through the washing father came to the North East to hear her Lankie twang? and leave it with big black suss out the area. He gave it the When Eunice left school she marks”. thumbs up and his wife Sarah, worked with her gran in Sadly Bob Pearson contracted the children, including Eunice, Lomas’s fish and chip shop. She tuberculosis and died on 20 uncles, aunts, cousins and had to stand on a box and serve April 1928, leaving Eunice with nephews all headed north. It over the counter. Her father four children, Norman, Thomas, was part of a big evacuation of made her pack the job in when Doris and Constance. families from the Wigan area she got a big bone in her nail. looking for work on Tyneside. Years later she worked in Tough time another fish and chip shop “Lankie Row” owned by her sister’s daughter Eunice got 10s. for herself, 5s. Joan and her husband Ronnie. for Norman and 3s. each for Eunice recalls that it was Playtimes for Eunice did not Tommy, Doris and Connie. probably the first time she had exist as she was always looking Altogether, therefore, she got ever been on a train. They after kids or doing odd jobs for 24s. to feed, clothe and bring up arrived in Felling, near people. She also looked after her her family. There were no more Gateshead and had to live in mother when her father Thomas someone else’s house, sleeping died in 1953. on the floor. One of their next houses was in Quarry Row, No holidays Felling. That house was in the shape of a coffin! Then they During World War I Eunice came to Nursery Lane, Windy worked seven days a week, with Nook, Felling. Nursery Lane got no holidays, on 12-hour shifts the nickname “Lankie Row” at Vickers-Armstrong munition because of all the Lancashire works. She had to walk all the people who were living there. way from Felling to Scotswood On one occasion she in Newcastle, even during the remembers someone getting the blackouts. She started as a cane. So the next day she went messenger and then went on to into the classroom early and hid piece work, putting all the the teacher’s cane behind the gunpowder in the fuses. She blackboard. I wonder if the remembers how one night she teacher every found that cane! was not able to go to work Eunice can remember always because she was ill. The next being asked to read poetry. day she found out that the place where she had worked had blown up! Eunice had been courting Eunice with her most recent great Robert Pearson during the war, granddaughter, and on Christmas Day 1919 they Aimee Flynn (born 2003). married at Christ Church, State hand-outs. It was a tough Felling. Bob Pearson was a tall time for her, but she was always man, while my gran is quite looking for bits of jobs to do to short, so they must have looked keep the coppers coming in. As quite a pair going down the she says, “I saw more mealtimes street – little and large! than meals”. Eunice can still remember Eunice was always willing to helping her mother do the help – even laying people out washing with a poss-tub in the when they died. Eunice gave a yard and using the big wringers. little laugh, as she recalled Eunice says “you had to get into laying out a man called ‘Lankie a rhythm. If I was possing down Bob’ – “There was a big tall my mother would poss up. It fella, we called him ‘Lankie took a whole day to wash and Bob’, who lived on his own. His iron. You put the iron on the daughter went upstairs with his side of the fire. I was kept off tea and found that he had died school every week to look after in his sleep, curled up with his kids, and help with the washing knees under his chin. The and ironing. You would hang woman I worked with sat on his your washing outside and then knees to try and straighten him The ‘Three Sisters’, taken in June the coal carts came round and out, and the body promptly sat 2003. Harriet (left), Eunice and you’d have to go out and pull all Annie (seated). your clothes in. But sometimes Continued on page 28 27

I remember when . . . MANY Past Forward composing one for him”. Palace. lighthearted, who made readers will have visited And so it was that I wrote On the big day, I found everything into a joke. Blenheim Palace, near to the Duke of myself ringing the bell of After the tour, trestle Oxford, which was built Marlborough to advise Blenheim Palace; and tables loaded with cake as a present by Queen him that a Mothers Union instead of a butler as I stands full of delicious Anne, to the First Duke of group from a church in expected the door was cakes and urns of Marlborough as a ‘thank Coventry would like to opened by none other scalding hot tea appeared you’ for his victory at visit Blenheim Palace, than the Duke of as if from nowhere and Blenheim. In due course it fully expecting to be told Marlborough himself! On we travellers thoroughly became the birthplace of that only the grounds seeing the size of our enjoyed being ‘the guests’ who many believe was were open, as they then party (the Duke had not of nobility! the greatest Prime were. seen my later letter The Duke engaged me Minister of all time, Sir Imagine our joint informing him that our in conversation, and Winston Churchill. surprise when the Estate numbers had grown asked if I had ever been to Few readers, however, Manager of Blenheim considerably), he called to Chatsworth House? I was will know that it was a replied, “His Grace the his wife “Sarah dear, it is able to tell him that I had, Wigan lad who was Duke would be pleased to the party from Coventry many times, and that the instrumental in welcome you as his we were expecting, but Duchess of Devonshire ‘persuading’ the father of guests, and no doubt in there are rather more was the prime motivator, the present Duke to due course you will than we thought. There in opening the Hall to the permit visitors to the advise us of the date and are 60 of them. Perhaps if public. We discussed the Palace, and not just to the time you suggest, for his you called ‘Sonny’, then possibilities of doing gardens as hitherto! agreement”. we each could take 20 likewise at Blenheim and I A small coach operator, As word got around the and meet up here encouraged him to do so. Arthur Elliott, with only Mothers Union, more and afterwards.” Before long, visitors one 27 seater Bedford more wanted to take part ‘Sonny’ (who still lives were being welcomed to coach, had approached me in ‘the event of a lifetime’, on the estate, as the Sir Winston’s birthplace, to suggest that as he was as never previously had present Duke), then and I like to think that I – “no good at writing any Coventrians or indeed appeared with a tear in a slum kid born at Wigan letters, perhaps I would do any other non-family his trousers – a very Pier – had a part in it! him a favour by members been inside the jovial character, quite © Ernie Taberner

time her neighbour, Frank we would get a right ear-bash- Bowman. They had two children, ing. She was still making our tea ‘Good stuff Sheila, who died in infancy and when she was in her ‘90’s! Ann (my mother) who was born in 1945. Sadly, Frank died in Happy days comes out 1950, leaving Eunice on her own once again. Eunice has for the most part of Wigan’! Ann married George Berry in enjoyed good health, with a good ––––– 1964 and I was born later that sense of humour. Money and year. Eunice by now was a sometimes food were scarce, but Continued from page 27 grandmother 13 times over, with of the past Eunice says “they four more grandchildren still to were happy days”. up, giving us the fright of our come. At Eunice’s 100th Birthday lives.” Eunice returned to working in Party she received many pres- At the beginning of World War the fish and chip shop, and I can ents and cards. She made a II Eunice’s sons, Norman, aged remember when I was young speech thanking everyone and 19 and Tommy, aged 17, were going for two papers (two lots of said, “I wonder what I’ll get called up into the Army. Because fish and chips), and four packets when I’m 200 years old”. On 23 of their ages they were of chips at Ronnie’s fish and chip August 2003 Eunice reached the separated, one going to Dunkirk shop. I used to go every grand old age of 105. She is still and the other to Africa. They Thursday night and get served living in her bungalow by herself both - surprisingly - returned by my gran – and boy did we and is still quite independent. safely from the war and went enjoy them! Good stuff in little bundles back to their work in the My mother, my brothers and must have come out of Wigan! shipyards. sisters and I used to go for our Eunice married for a second tea to my gran’s every Saturday J. M. Berry time on 13 December 1941 – this at 4 o’clock. If anyone was late Gateshead Tyne & Wear 28

Tyldesley Railway Station

TYLDESLEY used to have a wire went from the driver, his big railwayman’s got to headquarters at railway station until Dr. over the carriage tops and Waltham double-lever Manchester Victoria, and a Beeching came along and into the engine cab. This watch. At 11 o’clock he letter came from them chopped it. It was an old was the engine room tele- blew his whistle and the pointing out that this mate- Victorian edifice illumi- graph – 1 for go, 2 for stop, porters flung themselves at rial was the property of nated by gas lamps, and 3 for slow down. the baskets and opened London Midland and with enamelled advertise- When the train was them up. Huge flocks of Scotland Railways and so ments for Stevens Ink and leaving Tyldesley, one of pigeons emerged to circle the practice must cease Mazawatti Tea, and one of the porters would call out round, whilst they got their forthwith. So the lads had a those machines that you the destination. One of bearings to go back to their meeting with the union put a penny in and got a them lived in Common various lofts, and you bloke and a reply was sent bar of Nestles milk choco- Lane, and as the people could hear shotguns going agreeing that the material late – for a pre-decimal who lived there were not off over Gin Pits. Pigeon pie was indeed the property of penny! very conversant with BBC for Sunday dinner! London Midland and We thought it was a cut pronunciation it must have The porters then shifted Scotland Railways and above other stations in the been a bit confusing for the baskets to the back of offering to deliver the next area because not only did it strangers when he shouted the platform, and where consignment directly to have three platforms but it … ‘Yeau bridge, Chowbent, they had been was a half their headquarters at was also a junction. The Chequerbent, Dobble and inch thick layer of pigeon Manchester Victoria. Well, main line came from Bowton’. muck which they loaded on they never heard any more Manchester and went on to One of the features for to a handcart and sold to of that and Tyldesley con- Leigh, and which the station was the men on the allotments – tinued to grow splendid Newton-le-Willows, and noted was as the starting it was good rich pungent rhubarb! there was a branch line to place for pigeon races – as stuff, as a result of which J.G. Smith (age 4 score Bolton Great Moor Street. Tyldesley stands on the Tyldesley had the reputa- and 4 years) A shuttle service oper- first rise in the ground from tion of growing some of the Astley Nr. Manchester ated on these lines, long the Cheshire plain it was finest rhubarb in the north- Tel: 01942 882513 before British Airways ideally placed. The rise was ern counties! Email: thought about it. This used known as a bank thus Word of this eventually [email protected] a little shunting engine Tyldesley Banks. Tyldesley with two carriages that people being what they served the destinations were pronounced banks as alternatively. As there were bonks, and somehow no turning round facilities bonks became bongs. So for the engine at the final that’s the theory of how PARISH VIDEO destination, the engine Tyldesley got the name of STANDISH pulled the carriages out- Bongs. wards and had to push On certain Fridays in the presents them on the way back. The summer months incoming end carriage that now trains would unload bas- The History of Coalmining became the leading car- kets of pigeons, until they in the Borough of Wigan riage had a window at the were stacked up 10 deep end, behind which the and the length of the plat- Titles include driver sat to see where they form. At 10.55 on Saturday were going whilst the fire- morning the stationmaster Nothing Too Serious? man drove the engine at emerged from his office (The last working year and closure the other end. A length of and checked the time with of Bickershaw Colliery) Blue Scars, Black Diamonds (A History of Mines and Miners in the Wigan area) (in two parts)

Also available The Standish Chronicles Part 1, Part 2 (A General History of Standish)

For more details: 01257 422108

Tyldesley Station 29

THE CLARKE BROTHERS OF LEIGH THE Clarke brothers lived at 1 Alf Barker Street, Leigh. The street Dear Sir, is still there, as is the house, off Both my wife and I hail from The original Alf was another Firs Lane, opposite where the Leigh and have recently moved of the Clarke brothers, but Firs Maternity home stood. down here. We are very interested unfortunately we know nothing Mother and father were Emma in family history and receive your of his military service. We do and John Clarke, John being a excellent publication via my wife’s know that he worked at Irlam joiner by trade. cousin who lives in Atherton. steelworks after the War, and I was prompted to write to you very sadly took his own life in Harry as a result of Fred Holcroft’s 1920. He left a very poignant series of articles in Past Forward note for his mother, calling her The second eldest son, Harry, on ‘Letters from the Boer War’. “the bravest of women”, adding was my wife’s grandfather. He My wife’s family name was “no more sleep until death, why joined the Army as a regular in Clarke, and she has compiled an prolong the agony?” The 1907, lying about his age, account of the five Clarke brothers medical report on Alf’s death 1 saying he was 19 /2 when in who served in World War I. stated he was suffering from fact he had just turned 18. He Obviously I cannot say this neurasthenia, commonly shell enlisted in Bury into the 1st situation was unique in Leigh and shock. Battalion Lancs. Fusiliers, and District, but there can’t have been was sent out to India where he many. Their story is very sad – not James trained as a signaller. At the uncommon for the time, of course outbreak of war the 1st - but it is a story that might be The youngest of the brothers Battalion were brought home, worth sharing with your readers. was James who enlisted in 1914 spent some time in Nuneaton Bill Belch in Leigh into the Loyal North before being sent out on the Weston-Super-Mare Lancashires. He was to die on infamous Gallipoli adventure. Somerset the Somme in July 1916. Harry took part in the famous Tel: 01934 613573 Lancashire landing – 6 VC’s Email: [email protected] Joe before breakfast – surviving only to have his right arm and The 5th and eldest brother shoulder shot off by a Turkish was Joe, born in 1876. Joe had coroner’s comments at the time sniper in May 1915, one month enlisted as a regular in the 1st were quite scathing, as it turned after landing. Battalion Loyal North out on investigation that Robert Lancashires and was serving in had been denied a pension for Robert India when the Boer War broke his wounds. On his death, out. The next son was Robert therefore, his wife was basically At the time my wife started (Bob), who again had joined as destitute, so she took herself on the story of the brothers, we a regular in 1904 into the 2nd and her four children back to had no idea that Joe had served Battalion Border Regiment. Yorkshire, cutting all ties with in South Africa or even in World When war broke out his unit the family in Leigh. War I. But Joe’s surviving was sent to France as part of [A very happy footnote to daughter gave us a photograph the BEF, the ‘Old this sad event is that Robert’s of him with Mary his wife which Contemptibles’! After fighting children were traced to Ripon in showed him in uniform wearing in Belgium and Northern Yorkshire in 2000. All of them his medals. I took this photo France, Bob suffered a severe were in or approaching their into the Fusilier’s Museum in shell wound in his back at 80’s and had no idea they had Bury, and the curator Festubert on 16 May 1915 – his family elsewhere. But by a immediately identified the 30th birthday – and he was chance in a million, young Alf – medals as being from the Boer invalided out of the Army. He now 84, but eight when he left War – The Queen’s S.A. Medal, was to die in the street in 1927 Leigh had seen an advert placed King’s S.A. medal and a very when shrapnel which had been in a magazine by my wife’s left in his body moved. The cousin.] ¶ 30

special medal – one that he should not have been wearing with his uniform – the Kimberley Star! Further research showed that the 1st Battalion Loyals were the only regular British Army unit actually in Kimberley during its siege by the Boers. Trapped in Kimberley with them was the famous Cecil Rhodes – by all accounts in the Regimental Diary, a very difficult man, who had constant Left to right: 6948 Private Robert Clarke (1885-1927), Regular Soldier; differences of opinion with Lt. 1331 Private Harry Clarke (1889-1972), Regular Soldier; 17807 Private Col. Kekevich, the military James Clarke (1894-1916). commandant. The siege lasted some four months, with the died in 1951. Many more will townspeople and the garrison still remember Harry, not least down to half a pound of because of his missing arm and horsemeat at the point it was the job he had for 30 years as lifted. an Insurance collector with the In gratitude for everything Pearl. done by the volunteer defenders and the Loyals, the P.S. I wonder if any reader Mayor of Kimberley had the has any information whatever Kimberley Star medal struck on Alf Clarke, the brother who privately. He had 5000 made in killed himself by drowning in total, one gold for Rhodes and 1920. We have no idea, for 4999 silver for all the others. As example, in which regiment he a private medal, not sanctioned served. by H.M. Government, soldiers were forbidden to wear them. Right: 4512 Private Josephe Clarke The photograph (right) shows (1876-1951), Regular Soldier. Joe and the offending article. Fought in the Boer War, Sergeant Many people in Leigh will in World War I. Pictured with his remember Joe, even though he wife, Mary. PLEA FROM THE EDITOR I greatly value all contributions to Past Forward, and if you don’t have access to a computer or word processor, please don’t let that put you off sending me your article - preferably typed, but again, if you can only manage handwritten, that’s fine. However, if you can possibly submit your contributions to me electronically ie by Email ([email protected]), or on CD ROM or floppy disc together with hard copy printouts, so much the better. And it would help the This photograph was kindly loaned by Mr and Mrs Cyril Walls of 10 production team and myself even Alexandra Crescent, Pemberton, Wigan WN5 9JP. It is of St. John’s School, more if articles were double line New Springs, taken about 1927/8. Cyril could only name himself (second spaced with one inch (25mm) row and third from right with folded arms), and his cousin Freddie Walls margins each side, and a word (front row, second from right). He would love to know if any readers can count included. Many thanks. name anyone? Ed.

31

Ashton-in-Makerfield Probus Club 27 April Members of the Club are retired SOCIETY NEWS Bounds of Upholland Dr. Audrey Coney business/professional people, who meet at the Angel Hotel, Ashton-in-Makerfield on the Standish Probus Club first Wednesday of every month at 11.00 a.m. To all Secretaries Members are retired business and Further details from the Honorary Secretary, Would Secretaries please note the professional people. Meetings are held at Alan Bradshaw (01942 726493) copy deadline on p2, and ensure that ‘The Owls’, Rectory Lane, Standish on the 3 December you send in all details of your second Tuesday of every month at 10.30 a.m. Christmas Readings and Lunch Further details from the Secretary, Bryan James Fairhurst meetings up to Summer 2004 for Shepherd (01257 424994) 7 January inclusion in the next issue. Thanks. 13 January Open Meeting Life is 3D Roy Jackson 4 February 16 December 10 February Local History Walter Carney Poets and Poisoners Lizzie Jones Hidden Treasure Agatha Brown 3 March 9 March Monologues and Poems Pete Edwards Leigh Literary Society Lady Anne Clifford Margaret Curry 7 April Meetings are held in the Derby Room at the King Edward VII, his Life and Loves Turnpike Centre, on alternate Monday Tyldesley & District Historical Society James Fairhurst evenings at 7.30 p.m. Annual subscriptions Meetings are held on the third Thursday of £11; visitors £1.50 per meeting. For further every month from September to May at the Aspull & Haigh Historical Society details from Tony Ashcroft, Local History Tyldesley Pensioners club on Milk Street at Meetings are held in Our Lady’s R.C. Church Officer, Leigh Library (01942 404559) 7.30 p.m. Voluntary contributions are always Hall, Haigh Road, Aspull on the second 1 December welcome. Refreshments available. Contact Thursday in the month at 7.30 p.m. Further Sea Bird Summer & Birds of the Pennine the Secretary Tony Rydings (01942 514271) details from the Secretary, Barbara Rhodes Forest Gordon Yates or [email protected]. Visit our (01942 222769). 15 December website at www.tyldesleyhistoricalsociety.co.uk. The Last Lighthouse Keeper 18 December Atherton Heritage Society Gordon Medlicott Last Weekend of Peace, First Weekend of Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of 5 January War, 2 & 3 September 1939 (also AGM) the month at 7.30 p.m. at St. Richards Canals in Camera Roy Murphy (See also p25 for a tribute to Stan Smith). Jubilee Hall, Atherton. Admission £1 19 January (members), £1.50 (non-members). Further The Kerry Way David Cookson 2 February Wigan Archaeological Society details from Mrs. M. Hodge (01942 884893) The Society meets at the BP Centre (Scout Travels through Peru Andrew Calder 2 December HQ) in Greenhough Street on the first 16 February Lancashire Witches (followed by Christmas Wednesday of the month at 7.30 p.m. Lancashire Comedians Tony Hilton buffet) Lizzie Jones, Brian Clarke Entrance is only £1. 13 January 1 March Gilbert & Sullivan David Hill Lancashire humour Brian Clarke Wigan Civic Trust 10 February 9 Apri1 Cornwall (also AGM) Trevor Lucas The Trust meets at Drumcroon Education Badges and Tokens of Bolton Cliff Stockton Arts Centre, Parsons Walk, Wigan, on the 9 March Leigh Probus Club second Monday of the month at 7.30 p.m. The Life & Times of Samuel Crompton Further details from the Secretary, A.J. Sean Baggeley Members of the Club, which is non-sectarian, are generally retired professional/businessmen. Grimshaw, 6 Bridgeman Terrace, Wigan (01942 245777). Billinge Local History Society The Club meets at the Leigh Masonic Hall on For further details contact Jack Boardman. alternate Thursday afternoons between (01744 892613), or visit our web site at October and April.Further details from H. Wigan Family & Local History Society www.billinge-history.com. Wilkinson (01942 671943). Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of most months in the Springfield Hotel, Golborne & Lowton Local History Society Shevington Memories Group Springfield Road, Wigan, at 7.30 p.m. for Founded in 1984 the society now has an This small, informal group meets each Friday 8.00 p.m. The meetings alternate between average monthly attendance of over 20. at 2.30 p.m. in Shevington Methodist Church members’ evenings and external speakers on Meetings are held at Golborne Library on the (New Lounge), to share memories about old history related topics. Annual Membership second Tuesday of the month at 7.00 p.m. times. Anyone is welcome – just turn up! fees are £6 for individuals, £7 for families Further details from Ron Marsh, P.R. Officer Contact Maurice Hilton (01942 223107) for and £10 for overseas membership. A (01942 726027). further details. meeting fee is charged at £1 per member and £1.50 per non-member. Further details Hindley History Society Skelmersdale & Upholland Family from John Wogan, 678 Warrington Road, Goode We meet in the Museum at Hindley Library, History Society Green, Wigan WN3 6XN. or Email Market Street at 7.00 p.m. Further details Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of most [email protected]. Visit our website from the Secretary Joan Topping (01942 months at 7.30 p.m., in the Hall Green at www.ffhs.org.uk/members/wigan.htm. 257361) or the Treasurer Norma Brannagan Community Centre, Upholland. Beginners 16 December (01942 258668). and more experienced family historians William Hutchings: Evangelical Preacher, 12 January always welcome. Further details from the Writer, Debater and Journalist Max Finney The Worst of the Victorian Murders Secretary, Simon Martin (01942 702594). (Christmas Buffet) James Fairhurst 25 November 20 January 15 March Liverpool in the Blitz Simon Martin Another Road to Wigan Pier Carole Banks Victorian Surnames Fred Holcroft 27 January 17 February AGM and Workshop – Starting Out Taking a Walk along the Leeds & Liverpool Leigh & District Family History Society 24 February Canal Ron Rigby Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of Ralph Cartlidge, Napoleonic Soldier 16 March every month at 7.30 p.m. in the Derby Room Neville King Water Corn Mills in Standish Adrian Morris of Leigh Library. Further details from the 23 March 20 April Secretary, Mrs. O. Hughes (01942 741594). Workshop – Births, Marriages & Deaths The Story of Wigan Railways Philip Heyes 32

The Children's Employment Commission (Mines) 1842 A unique insight into our mining forbears.

An ancient practice dimension. Images of muscularly deformed naked young girls dragging It is known not least from coal carts along low tunnels were to be illustrations in tombs and on pottery instrumental in speeding up the that women and young children worked parliamentary route to a change in in the metal mines of ancient Egypt and legislation. Greece well over 2000 years ago. In The engravings were reproduced in England children of poor and working the national newspapers, standing out class families had worked for centuries at a time when pictures in newspapers before industrialisation, helping around were few, and images of bare breasted the house or in the fields. females even fewer! The illustrations, The practice of putting children to most of which were to be found in the work was first actually documented in Lancashire sections of evidence, also England in medieval times when fathers give us the first accurate glimpse into had their children spinning thread for working conditions and mining them to weave on the loom. Children 'technology' below ground. Although had always performed a variety of tasks photography had recently arrived, the that were auxiliary to their parents but first attempts to create images in coal nevertheless critical to the family mines were at least 40 years into the economy. There is no reason to doubt at future. The engravings appear to have all that the Wigan Borough area's been accurately sketched in a cold earliest organised coal mines over 700 Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of manner, without any form of artistic years ago utilised female and child Shaftsbury (1802-1885). embellishment or licence. Perhaps the labour. artists felt a sense of moral duty to record accurately the horrors before Lord Anthony Ashley Cooper 1833 Factory Act them, which they themselves were probably seeing for the first time. Before 1842, legislation was not in The government's 1833 Factory Act place to improve or safeguard the was passed by Parliament on 29 The evidence working conditions of those employed in August. Under the terms of the new act, This was gathered by the sub- the mines. Virtually the single driving it became illegal for children under nine commissioners below ground and force to eradicate the employment of to work in textile factories, whereas amongst the mining community on the women and girls in the mines was to children aged between nine and 13 surface - in local pubs for example, a come from a Tory MP, Anthony Ashley could not be employed for more than well known haunt of most colliers. Some Cooper, who has never really received eight hours a day. The reformers, smaller coalowners who knew that their the enormous credit he deserves. however, were disappointed that workforce slaved in terrible conditions He was born in April 1801, the eldest children over 13 were allowed to work were very uncooperative, their son of the 6th Earl of Shaftesbury; at the for up to 12 hours a day. They also mineworkers giving little useful insight age of 10, Anthony was given the complained that with the employment of into conditions. courtesy title of Lord Ashley. Educated only four inspectors to monitor this Larger concerns such as the Duke of at Harrow and Christ College, Oxford, he legislation, factory owners would Bridgewater's massive mining complex was elected M.P. for Woodstock at the continue to employ very young children. age of 25. were the opposite. Even though they He began to take an interest in social employed over 140 women and girls, Children's Employment they readily supplied statistics and issues after reading reports in The Times Commission about the accounts given to Michael allowed workers to openly speak to the Sadler's Committee investigating child In 1840 Lord Ashley helped set up sub-commissioners. labour, and wrote to Sadler offering his the Children's Employment Commission. There was a great deal of suspicion of help in his campaign for factory reform. Its first report on mines and collieries the motives behind the gathering of On Sadler’s defeat in the 1832 General was published in 1842. It caused a evidence. Mineworkers felt that the Election, Lord Ashley was asked to sensation when it was published. The revealing to an audience outside of their become the new leader of the factory majority of people in Britain were totally close-knit communities of their terrible reform movement in the House of unaware that women and children as working conditions and immoral Commons. He accepted, and in March young as six years of age were being practices would lead to job losses, 1833, proposed a bill that would restrict employed in mines. colliery closures or prosecution. As children to a maximum 10 hour day; this mining wages were often higher than bill, however, was defeated by 238 votes Graphic illustrations mill wages the workforce often felt it to 93. Although the government opposed The report was the first of its kind to worthwhile to keep quiet, accept their lot Ashley's bill, it accepted, however, that include engraved illustrations, which for and hope for the best. children did need protecting and decided the already evidence-shocked Victorian to put forward its own proposals. reader added an unbelievable visual Continued on page 34 33

imagine dragging loaded and empty language is of the most blasphemous tubs in the mine for 10 hours for the description, and the children follow their The Children's same distance! example; the name of Christ is always in Employment their mouths; their constant oath is, ‘by A rough community! the heart of Christ I’ll tear thy liver out.’ Commission (Mines) William Harrison was the Relieving Is it considered discreditable for a 1842 Officer for Orrell, Pemberton and man to be seen drunk? No, it is Upholland and several other townships. considered no disgrace to be seen drunk ––––– In his evidence of 12 May 1841 he and disorderly; every pay night they come to the town, and they are drunk Continued from page 33 replies to the following question; Have you ever noticed the and disorderly upon these occasions; domestic condition of the children of their wives usually accompany them, and leave the children to fend for The evidence which follows for this colliers? As regards their habits, some of them are very respectable, but the themselves. article only scrapes the surface of the Betty Harris, aged 37 was a drawer scope of the full report and is drawn great body are quite the reverse, and very disorderly in conduct, and they (pushing and pulling coal tubs and from the Wigan Borough area and the baskets) in a coal mine at Little Bolton. wider Lancashire coalfield. make bad use of their money; they are usually filthy in their habits, they will Her description is well worth citing as her working process would be typical of Twelve hour day wash their neck, face, and hands, when they return from work, but they scarcely women, girls and boys in the Wigan John Charnock was about 10 or 12 ever wash their bodies, very rarely area. Her evidence is much quoted; years old and worked as a waggoner indeed. "I have a belt round my waist, and a (pushing and pulling pit tubs below Have you ever observed the moral chain passing between my legs, and I go ground) at Mr. Thickness’s Kirkless Pit, condition of the colliers? It is not on my hands and feet. The road is very near Aspull. uncommon for four or five of them to steep, and we have to hold by a rope; What age are you? - I do not know. sleep in one bed, and sometimes two or and where there is no rope, by anything Where do you work? - I work at three beds in one room; the girls and we can catch hold of. ... I am not as Kirkless, Mr. Thickness's. boys sleep in the same room, and I have strong as I was, and cannot stand the What time do you go in the known cases where they have slept in work as well as I used to. I have drawn morning? - I go at five o'clock in the the same bed. I have known them sleep till I have had the skin off me; belt and morning, and I come out between five together until the boys and girls were 14 chain is worse when we are in the and six at night. or 15. They are very much demoralised family way". What time do you have for in their habits; bastard children are Patience Kershaw, aged 17 and also breakfast? - I get my breakfast before I thought nothing of, it scarcely makes from Bolton, describes a sad daily start in the morning, it is thick porridge; any difference on a young woman’s working routine where the job itself was we don't stop for it. character in this district, if they get a not the only cause for concern; What time do you have dinner? - I child they think they should go to the "I hurry the corves [pull or drag have praties (potatoes) for dinner and parish with it. wicker baskets full of coal] a mile and we don't stop for bagging [mining term Mr. Latham was the hard-pressed more underground and back; they for food]; I get praties for supper Chief Constable of Wigan. He had been a weigh 3 cwt [20 cwt to a ton] ... the sometimes; I have enough to eat. resident for 42 years and amazingly was getters [the men at the coal face] that I Have you any clothes besides asked the following question; work for are naked except for their caps, those you have on? - No. [His clothes In that time have you had the sometimes they beat me if I am not quick were a tissue of rags; the wonder was opportunity of noting the character enough" [in supplying them with empty how they hung on the child.] and habits of the colliers in this baskets]. How many of a family are you? neighbourhood ? Yes, I have; and all Betty Wardle of Outwood, near Father, mother, three sisters and myself. classes of working men in this district, Radcliffe, recalls her time in the pits. A Do you all sleep in one room? - excepting the lower classes of Irish, who modern day mother will find her Yes. are probably as bad, the colliers are the evidence virtually unbelievable; In one bed? - Yes. most turbulent and riotous; their Are your sisters older than you? - ¶ Yes. [This boy was about 12 years, or between that and 13: his appearance was wretched.] Amazing feats of stamina Children were given tasks an adult of today would never accept. An astonishing piece of evidence comes from Benjamin Berry, aged 14, working at Patricroft Colliery, near ; What is the greatest length you have known a drawer bring a waggon? [during a shift]. I have known two drawers, a lad and a lass, draw 800 yards on the level, with rails, 10 times [16,000 yards] and 360 yards up and down without rails 20 times [14,400 yards]; total 30,400 yards or 17 1/2 miles nearly. Many ramblers today would be proud to walk 17 miles in the Lakes, but just 34

Have you ever worked in a coal pit? Ay, I have worked in a pit since I was six years old. Have you any children? Yes, I have had four children; two of them were born while I worked in the pits. Did you work in the pits when you were in the family way? Ay, to be sure. I had a child born in the pits and I brought it up the pit shaft in my skirt. Are you quite sure you are telling me the truth? Ay, that I am; it was born the day after I were married, that makes me to know. ‘Purring’ A tough collier, recorded only by his surname of Cooper, but with the A young boy working as a ventilation door tenter, often in total darkness, nickname of 'The Strapper', was cold and draughty for up to sixteen hours a day. working at a pit in Dukinfield. He mentions the painful practice of 'purring', also known as 'parring' or Women mineworkers had Ragged Schools Union. By 1850 the kicking with clogs, usually on each traditionally worn petticoats over organisation had established over 100 others shins, which was also very trousers. Many now intent on sneaking schools for poor children. He helped common in the Wigan area. below ground, often with the both Florence Nightingale, founder of Have you ever been hurt? No I management turning a blind eye, were to the nursing profession, and the never was hurt in a pit, but I have had be increasingly seen on the surface in philanthropist Dr Thomas Barnardo. several bones broken. more masculine caps, jackets and Despite his reforming work, however, How did that happen, out of the trousers. 70 years after the 1842 his opponents accused him of neglecting pit? With fighting. legislation this style was still in place, the labourers on his own estates. Do you fight naked? Yes, up and particularly in Wigan, giving us the The 7th Earl of Shaftesbury died on 1 down, with clogs on. memorable image of the 'pit brow lasses'. October 1885. How much beer do you drink on a Saturday night? Sometimes half a Work options Appendix barrel!! Other women and girls were lucky to "Boompin' Nell", a poem by be given agricultural or service work on A.J.Munby of 1887 (Victorian diarist, Earnings on the side! the estates of the coal owners or drifted poet and barrister, 1828-1910) Mary Glover, working at a pit near away to other industries, textiles for Ringley was asked: example, or even cockling in Morecambe 'Couldn't I work theer ageean Sir? I'd go How are you dressed when at work Bay. By 1860 work for 30 ex pit women as snug as I can; in the pits? I wear a shift and a pair of was being provided at Sumner's Haigh I'd cut my hair quite short, I would, and trousers when at work, and I always will Brewery near Aspull. I'd dress mysen like a man. have a good pair of trousers. I have had 20 years later it was felt the general Why, I've getten by breeches here, an many a 2d given me by the boatmen on public were still relatively ignorant of my owd top coat an all, the canal side to show my breeches. the problems facing the industry. An I lay they suits me better, nor a C.Collier in his Gatherings From The Pit Sunday bonnet and shawl; Coal Mines Act Heap of 1861 stated that: "of miners the For my showthers is rare and broad, mass of mankind knows no more than if you see, an I never had much of a figure, The Children's Employment they were Hottentots:- born, bred and An my hands is as hard as nails, look, Commission was published in May buried, for the most part out of sight of an as big as a man's, or bigger; 1842. General outrage at the revelations the highly civilised and educated people An' what is a woman's voice, when you meant that no one could really argue around them". shouts, but never speaks? against the continuation of many of the The rest of Europe was slow in An' my face 'ud be thick in coal dust, so workplace practices or condone the adopting female exclusion from the they'd never notice my cheeks, presence in the mines of the lowest mines after 1842. This was only finally An' the best of it is, I are tall, so they levels of moral behaviour. The Coal achieved in Belgium, for instance, by wouldna make much out o' me, Mines Act, piloted by Lord Ashley, came 1911. Today women and girls can still If I once goes down like a man, Sir, why into effect only three months after be found in mines in China, India, a man I can easy be. publication in August 1842. Women and Cambodia and Columbia and many My mates 'ud know me, it's true; but girls and boys younger than 10 were other remote areas worldwide. they wouldna tell, not they! prohibited from working underground. So, if you'll only let me, why I'll do it, Tireless campaigner straight away'. The 'pit brow lass' emerges As for Anthony Ashley Cooper, he Alan Davies Women and girls removed from the continued to campaign for effective Heritage Officer (Archives) mines often bitterly resented their factory legislation. In 1863 hepublished livelihoods being taken away from them a report revealing that children as young Acknowledgement in one foul swoop. Some women even as four and five were still working from Thanks to Ian Winstanley of Ashton- resorted to dressing as men to continue six in the morning to ten at night in in-Makerfield for access to his work. Hannah Hathaway was some British factories. transcription of the Children's discovered after being killed in a roof He was also associated with the Employment Commission (Mines). Have fall at a Standish pit in 1845. An enquiry movement to provide free education for a look at his excellent mining website found others were working at the pit. the poor. He was president of the www.cmhrc.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk 35

SATURDAY MORNING Saturday morning. No school! What more could a Eventually, it happened. You got nearly through the little lad want? Well, he could want not to be sent off to shop door. That’s if they didn’t suddenly decide there were Allsop’s, to queue for a rabbit for a start. no more rabbits!

A measly rabbit! I never did understand that, because the time we had been standing in the queue was plenty long enough This was in wartime days, everything was rationed, for them to breed! and folks took every opportunity to get something extra. Like a rabbit! But, sometimes they said no more rabbits.

Well, when I say folks, I mean me, because nobody That was the worst possible thing that could else in our family ever had to spend Saturday morning happen! Then you had to walk the two miles back home, queuing for a rabbit! frozen, wet through, fed up and, of course, to blame!

And never a nice, sunny, warm Saturday morning! Naturally it was your fault there were no more Always a freezing cold winter morning, when your nose rabbits. You should have gone sooner, or you should have was all runny, your hands lost all feeling, and your ears run to get there instead of walking, or you shouldn’t have would have dropped off if anything just touched them. let people push in front of you in the queue.

All for a skinny rabbit! But there were no people. They were all big ladies Mind you, it was a very educational experience. For and if they pushed you, you stayed pushed. a start, you learned to recognise every single brick in Of course, you didn’t always fail. Usually, you Allsop’s wall. Especially the bit that stuck out, so you would get into the shop and slowly work your way round couldn’t avoid being exposed to the full fury of the to the counter. Perhaps that’s where you first learned to be elements for a good ten minutes while you got past the terrified of big ladies. buttress. I only knew it was a buttress, because some boring History teacher told us castles had them to stop the Bessie, I think they called her! I didn’t of course! I walls falling down. just tried to be very little so she wouldn’t see me. She sat there, on a stool - well, half of her was on a stool, the other He never said nothing about them being put on half was sort of free flowing - and she skinned the rabbit shops so as little lads, who had never done anybody any for you as you bought it. Great big hands, like shovels, got harm, had howling hurricanes blowing up their pants legs. hold of these scrawny little rabbits and skinned them Right up to your waist if the pants were a bit big, having easier than I could take a pair of gloves off. If I’d ever had been bought to grow into. any gloves that is! And rain! It was just like it said in the Bible when they started building Arks. Only little lads didn’t have any Still, once you had your rabbit, you could be on your Arks, they just got witchert! way home. You would think that by now, you would be really looking forward to a rabbit feast. And for just standing there, being patient and fed up waiting for a rabbit, you could get in no end of bother. Not me. By then I hated the rotten rabbits in a way only little lads know how to hate. Evil, venomous, There were always big ladies, (you would never hopeless! have thought there was rationing, the size of them!), who were always going on about “Her.” Her was some other Soon there would be the smell of the hot oven, and lady whose identity you never knew, because she was pastry being mixed, and eventually rabbit pie cooking. always referred to furtively through pursed lips, and a Now wouldn’t you think, that when this pathetic little heave of ample bosoms. rabbit finally got chopped up into a pie, that it would be all lumpy? Then they would look at you, standing there all innocent, as though you were trying to listen, and you got But no! There were never any lumps in my bit. the look. The one that turns little lads to stone, even if they There was plenty piecrust and plenty dip, but I don’t don’t understand what they can’t help hearing. remember lumpy! Anyway, all the Yanks I ever met were really nice I suppose it was good - everything‘s good to hungry and gave you toffee and gum and nylons for your mam. little lads who could manage it with the skin on if need be. But I never remember any lumps, and there must have Usually, by the time you got turned to stone, you been lumps. didn’t really notice anyway because you were so frozen. In a way, being turned to stone with the look wasn’t a bad Anyway, that was that, another Saturday morning thing. By then you were halfway along the queue, nearly gone. At least I would be able to go out and play for the past the buttress, where it got a bit warmer. afternoon, wouldn’t I?

Mind you, when I was a little lad, nothing was ever But that’s another story! gradely fair, and when you got past the buttress, there was no guttering, so all the water went down the back of your Alan Lloyd neck. Astley Nr Manchester 36

area and one who visited our home quite often. Wigan’s wartime Auxiliary Re ‘Childhood Revisited’ by Harold J. Smith….I remember Fire Service (AFS) most vividly Mr. Waterhouse and his trains which to us kids was sheer magic. He lived approximately 500 yards away, and I remember spending many happy hours leaning on the Past Forward fence and watching Mr. ‘triggers a string Waterhouse with his trains. I wonder if Harold J. Smith is the of memories’ Harry Smith who lived a few doors away from us? Dear Sir, Re the short piece ‘Better Being an avid read of Past than Heaven’ by K. Dutton from Forward I always find some Billinge, yes, Wiggin Infirmary This photograph was taken in war. The warehouse on the left article or letter which triggers was somewhere better than 1940 opposite Tom Hughes’s of the picture is now The Way off a string of memories. None heaven in those days. I trained Cycle Shop in Wallgate, Wigan; We Were museum. The more so than Issue no. 34 as a student nurse there, 1954 the building was the Canal Co. building on the right is now The (summer 2003) to 1957, when I qualified as an offices. The room with Orwell Public House. The I was born in Bryn, Ashton- S.R.N. Some of the happiest sandbags round was the head engine is parked where the in-Makerfield on 6 August days of my life were spent Air Raid Warden’s Post for Queen unveiled a plaque at the 1929, and lived in Downall there. I wonder if any of the girls Wallgate and Poolstock, official opening of Wigan Pier in Green Road until 1957 when I in the same P.T.S. as myself covering the mills. 1986. left home to get married in remember me? My maiden The fire engine was manned The driver was George Day of Darlington Street, and for 1957….exactly 46 years ago. name was Liptrot. Two people I by the Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) who were full time on practising the engine was taken The photograph on the back vividly remember are Lilian shifts and slept at night in the across the cobbled yard up to page (bottom left) is Holy Trinity Leverington and Lorraine room above the ARP Post. the edge of the Leeds and Church, Ashton….or as we kids Jones; Lilian lived in Scholes When Wigan fire engines from Liverpool canal. and Lorraine in Hindley. Who knew it….’Downall Green Chapel Lane Station went to The photograph was taken Church, Rectory Road’. It was knows they may read Past relieve the Liverpool or with a Kodak Baby Brownie the ‘mother’ church of St. Forward and remember…. Manchester firemen during the camera (hawkeye model) given Peter’s Church, Bryn Road, Thank you for such an blitz this engine went up to with the boys magazine Bryn, which I attended. The interesting magazine. Chapel Lane on standby. It was Modern World. minister at that time was Rector Irene Riley stationed at the Wigan Pier for Alan Davenport Hall. A well-known figure in the Dunham Massey Cheshire the duration of the 1939-45 Whitley Wigan From all at Wigan Heritage Service to all readers of PastPast ForwardForward a Happy Christmas and

Wigan Police Cricket Team, at Wigan Cricket Club in the early 1940’s. Mrs. B.J. Berry of a Prosperous Eccleston, Chorley has kindly loaned this photograph. Her father, Jos. Leather, is standing third from right. New Year. 37

ison of a mining problem with something outside of mining. MADAME DORIS WOOD’S When hydraulic supports were introduced he remarked one LIFE OF MUSIC day on their time-saving Dear Mr. Gillies, Lancashire shows featuring aspect. Seeing the questioning Earlier in the year I wrote to Tommy Handley and Rawicz & look on my face, he asked, you about a letter from A.E. Landauer. She was a great Smith who was the nephew of singer at celebrity concerts “How many times do you have Doris Westhead, better known with Toni & his orchestra at to hit a rigid support to put it in perhaps to many people as Blackpool’s North Pier and Earned respect place?” Not having given the Madame Doris Wood. You also at St. Annes Pier; she was matter any thought I was kindly sent my letter to Mr. accompanied by Horace Finch of all in mining unable to comment. He went Smith and we have since been (Blackpool Winter Gardens circles on, “How many strokes of the in contact. We feel that Wigan organist) and Stanley Tudor razor do you have to make folk would be interested in the (Manchester Gaumont cin- Dear Editor, before you are clean shaven?” highlights of Madame Doris ema). Wood’s life of music which Perhaps the peak spots in Mrs. Tonge was quite right He pointed out that, apart from in assuming that the H.M.I. I tragically ended at the early her career, however, were the long strokes, there were the age of 59 attained at Bridge Methodist worked with on dust suppres- innumerable little nicks one Doris Wood, leading lady of Church, Ratcliffe where, in sion at Bold Colliery in the late had to make. Similarly with song in Wigan and, indeed, 1947, she sang in ‘Messiah’ 1950’s was her father, Mr. rigid prop-setting. Apart from throughout the country, lived there with Isobel Baillie, Tom William Challoner (ref. Past the large hammer blows there with her husband Bill Phillips and George Allen; and Forward 34, p39). During that were the numerous little taps Westhead in Coniston Park in 1958 she appeared in the short period I came to see him before the support was finally Drive, Standish, a few doors same work with Isobel Baillie, not as another stick for the erected. I told that story many away from her married sister Heddle Nash and Owen back of officials but a person of Mrs. Mary Fishwick with whom Brannigan. times afterwards to working she had sung duets so many The march of time did not wide experience, always willing miners and it was always times. deter this fine artist. She to offer help and advice. He received with nods of approval. For 43 years, from the age retained her voice by disci- was never happier than when Mr. Challoner earned the of 16 to her death, she was a plined practice. Her favourite discussing mining problems respect of all in mining circles staunch choir member of modern show was ‘The Sound and envisaging the industry’s for the invaluable contribution Standishgate Methodist of Music’, the theme tune of future. he made to safety and health. Church and was a soloist at which she often sang. At 59, I never failed to be amazed James Fairhurst most special services. Her first her musical zest and enthusi- at his ability to draw a compar- Ashton-in-Makerfield ‘Messiah’ was with Wigan asm were unbounded and her Choral Society. She returned rich, mellow contralto voice as soloist with the society in still gave pleasure to all who several subsequent ‘Messiahs’ listened. FOR OLD TIMES’ SAKE and performed the work on I considered it a great hon- many occasions in various our and privilege to have Dear Editor, Parish Church, Downall parts of the country. In lighter accompanied her on several I was introduced to Past Green. The vicar at the time vein, she took part in produc- occasions at Rodney Street Forward by a dear friend, liked may have been the Rev. W.W. tions by Wigan Amateur Church of Christ, Wigan and it so much I became a sub- Willliams. The girl second left Operatic Society. elsewhere. scriber. front row was Joan Brownbill Although oratorio work was Mr. Smith and I pay this In issue 34 (p42) there was who sadly died shortly after. her first love, she had a vast affectionate tribute to Wigan’s a letter by Tom Silvester, who I frequently visit Wigan for repertoire of songs from gifted musician who so freely mentioned his sister Dorothy. I a walk about, and if I pass shows. Among her wartime gave her talent and delighted feel sure she is the little girl through Mesnes Park, for old charity concert appearances, thousands of music lovers. centre right, back row in the times’ sake I rub Mr. Powell’s she sang with Bickershaw C. Miller Colliery Band and at 28 Norbreck Crescent enclosed photograph; next to foot, and perhaps make a Wigan WN6 7RF her is Irene Lavin. wish. The photograph was taken E. Wilkinson I remember Roger Taylor at a garden party held at the (address supplied) Dear Sir, I was given a copy of Past Forward no. 33 and I remembered Roger Taylor c.1931 as a boy. I wrote to Roger and he put me in touch with two boyhood friends, Leslie Seddon and Reggie Lamb – we all lived in Atherton Street in Wigan. Les, Reg and I have met and I visited Roger (in Lindsey) three weeks ago. Both Roger and I would like to contact Leslie Grundy (Platt Bridge c.1934) I was in the same class as Les and Roger and we worked together for a time. In 1941 I joined the RAF with a Jack Taylor (ex Wigan G.S.) On the photo Roger sent to you is a J.E. Rigby – I wonder if they are the same. Jack lived at Crawford House in Appley Bridge. I have just received Past Forward no. 34, and see that Roger’s article has awakened even more memories. Geoff Yates Over Hulton Bolton 38

ter from a Mr. Chris Ward of Blackburn. It seems the coat of arms is that of our famous WRIGHTINGTON HALL ‘Man in the Park’ Sir Francis Dear Sir, Sharp Powell, and Mr. Ward Please find enclosed two photographs of Wrightington Hall. suggests the location as the The picture of the Hall appears to have been taken during the former Powell Museum, restoration and re-building between 1860-62. The Old Hall is demolished to make way for visible on the left, the Barn can be seen through the gap between the ring road. the buildings and the porch appears to be in the middle of I also wonder what hap- construction at the front of the New Hall. The extension has yet to pened to a smaller slab show- be built. MYSTERY ing the Moot Hall emblem The people featured in the ‘Horses’ picture are not known. which was built into the gable SOLVED end of the old porter’s lodge at Perhaps one of your readers will be able to identify them. Dear Mr. Gillies, Wigan Infirmary (a picture of it David Roughley When I wrote to you asking can be seen in issue 23 p11 of Email: [email protected] for readers of Past Forward to Past Forward, as part of my help with information about story of “Wigan Infirmary in the two photographs of slabs the Early Years”). I do know for found dumped in the Wigan a fact that it wasn’t preserved area many years ago (issue by the hospital authorities at no.34 p38) I was confident the time. that, our readers and their con- Don Rayner tacts would come good. 8 Edale Drive Yesterday (18 September) I Standish received a very informative let- Wigan WN6 0LN CAN ANYONE HELP? Dear Sir, anyone help? I ask if the following conflict I enclose a photograph of of memories can be satisfacto- our N.C.B. training group, rily resolved by your readers. taken at Low Hall, Platt Bridge, An elderly gentleman friend in the spring of 1950. I am of mine (incidentally only third from the left, back row. located by me in Blackpool The only others I can remem- through a caption in Past ber are Benny Bennison, sec- Forward!) and I recollect that ond from left, back row, (his No. 1 pit, at the Maypole parents were the licensees of Colliery, had a main winding the Bath Springs, near the engine, at the top of the pit; Little Theatre), and John halfway down the shaft, there Lawless, who lived in the same was another electric winding locality (third left, front row). engine that took a smaller cage I should like to add that to the Arley mine. In other the publication of Past words, a continuation of No. 1 Forward is one of the best shaft. things that has happened in My cousin, however, who Wigan in modern times. worked there from 1940 to 1949, has no recollection of Albert Edward Short this. No way can I convince him 20 Geldof Drive that this was in fact so. Can Blackpool FY1 2AQ

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

© Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust, November 2003.

39

There was a good response to last issue’s Who? Where? – and particularly to the bottom right photograph. Although one or two thought it was Montrose Special School, the overwhelming verdict was for St. Cuthbert’s Junior School, Thorburn Road, Norley Hall, Wigan (a number Who? Where? of readers identified the school by its distinctive water tower). Holy Trinity, Downall Green was a popular and firm identi- fication for the church. Closer inspection of the posters in the top right photograph would suggest it is somewhere in Leigh. Nothing at all, however, for the house (top left). I must apologise to Mr John Dootson, whose photograph appeared in Who? Where? in issue 33. Reference was mistakenly made to Mr Dootson’s widow; however, I am delighted to confirm that reports of his death, in the words of Mark Twain, “have been greatly exaggerated”. Mr Dootson is, in fact, alive and well, and living in ‘glorious Devon’. As his son wittily remarked, “ Is that our father which art in Devon?” If you can identify any of this issue’s photographs, please contact Len Hudson in Leigh Town Hall (01942 404432).