FORWARD PAIssue No. 42 S T April – July 2006

Wigan 1841 Census Index now available!

New Exhibition at the History Shop - Secret Life of Textiles

Early Mining Gem Rediscovered at the History Shop

Produced by Heritage Service FREE

Letter from Wigan Heritage the Editorial Service Team You Contact Us It is very gratifying to report that Carole Heritage Services and Wigan your letters, articles and snippets of Pier Manager 01942 323666 local history keep rolling in, which is just what we want. Obviously, we cannot guarantee to publish them all At the History Shop (see our editorial policy below). If any reader has any ideas about the Email: [email protected] types of articles and information they think should be included in Past Forward (especially if you want Reception 01942 828128 to write them!), then please let us Philip Butler Visitor Services Manager 01942 827594 know. We are sad to report the death of Yvonne Webb Collections Development Manager 01942 828123 the well known, local artist Gerald Chris Watts Family and Local History Officer 01942 828020 Rickards. He was involved with the Heritage Service, producing several Mike Haddon Industrial History Officer 01942 828121 competitions and drawings for Past Dianne Teskey Community Outreach and Forward and also exhibiting at the Education Officer 01942 828124 History Shop. Alastair Gillies (former editor and manager of the Heritage Service) worked closely with Gerald At Archives - for many years, writes in tribute on page 33. Email: [email protected] Finally, we wish all our readers a Alan Davies Archivist 01942 404430 Happy Easter. Notice to At Leigh Local History - Leigh Library Contributors Tony Ashcroft Leigh Local History Officer 01942 404559 Copy should be sent to The Editor, Wigan Heritage Service, OUR EDITORIAL POLICY History Shop, Library Street, Many of you have been asking what our editorial policy is, so we have printed Wigan WN1 1NU. Email it here. [email protected] • All correspondence, articles and material submitted, must be It would help us greatly if accompanied by the name and postal address of the author. Anonymous copy could be submitted material will not be published. electronically, either by email • Publication of any material is at our discretion, and cannot be guaranteed. or disk. However, if you can only manage hand or type • We reserve the right to edit any material we decide to publish. written, that’s fine too. We • Unfortunately, we cannot acknowledge receipt of material or return any reserve the right to edit material submitted, except photographs if requested. material for publication. • Material is kept on file for one year, and then destroyed. Copy deadline for issue 43 is 19 June 2006 Cover: Background detail 19th century silk pattern, Charles Hilton Archive, main picture detail from De Re Metallica by Georgii Agricola 2

Exhibitions at the History Shop The Secret Life of Textiles Historic Buildings in Wigan and the 6 March – 27 May 2006 Douglas Valley The Secret Life of Textiles is a touring exhibition by The Work of the Heritage Trust for the North West in Museums, Art Gallery and Aquarium, John Moores Greater University, Museums, Manchester 19 June – 19 August 2006 library, (The National Trust) and Wigan Heritage Service, and has been generously supported by the The Heritage Trust for the North West is a Building Heritage Lottery Fund. Two years ago we joined together in a Preservation Trust established in 1978 as a registered Heritage Lottery bid to make our textile pattern book charity. It has rescued and restored many historic collections known to the public, and highlight them as a buildings in and the North West. Its aim is to fabulous source of historical information and design history. find new and appropriate uses for redundant buildings of Pattern books and other design material will be on display architectural importance, and through renovation, from each of the partners. There will also be a timeline of the encourage good design and craftsmanship. Many are major advances in textile technology, a model loom which open to the public. explains the technique of and an AV presentation This exhibition looks at the work of the Trust in Greater featuring highlights from the six partners’ collections. Manchester including Wigan and the Douglas Valley. We will also be displaying additional material from our They are currently surveying buildings at risk in the own collection, the Charles Hilton Archive. The fabrics Wigan area, and the record should be completed by produced by Charles Hilton (a Leigh firm of silk weavers) June. The trust owns 25 Wallgate (pictured) which were made into clothing for the less expensive end of the typifies the type of building they are interested in. market. Survival of this type of material is much rarer, and it gives us a good insight into what great, great grandma’s ‘posh’ frock was made out of! A catalogue of the exhibition, featuring coloured prints and a wealth of information about the industry and our collections, will be on sale in the shop.

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CAN YOU HELP?

Dear Editor, Mrs Susan Williams, has sent this photograph, and would love to know I hope that you will be able to help as I the occasion for this outing. Any ideas to [email protected] have been stuck on this one line for several years. My ggf JOHN GRIME(S) died in Atherton in April 1926 aged 78 years. He married ELIZABETH HIGHAM on the 12th April 1868 at the Wesleyan Chapel, Pennington. John was 20 and Elizabeth was 19 years. Her parents were Richard Higham and Ann Molyneux who were married on 13th November 1842 at Leigh Parish . When John and Elizabeth married both lived in Atherton and children were baptised at Atherton Parish Church. The 1881, 1891 and 1901 census says that John was born in Atherton. The 1871 says that he was born in Ulverston, which I think is a mistake by the enumerator. I have not found the family on the 1861 census. John must have been born From Dorothea Ruddle, been able to trace Fred Mort’s 1847/48 but he is not registered on the My great grandparents lived in marriage. National Index – I have tried Wigan and Leigh and had a grocers shop in One of Joseph’s sons, Frank Ulverston. Bradshawgate for a period of time, Isherwood, who was a bus inspector, I have not found John’s baptism. When Joseph Isherwood died in March had a daughter named Dorothy born he married John was a boltmaker. His 1911 (I have a notice of his in 1924. She married Leslie Fletcher, father was named Thomas but he was obituary) also his brother, who was and I understand that she also deceased. Thomas had been a coal dealer. Mayor at a later date. appears on this photograph. Can I have searched for several years but The photograph was taken at the anyone confirm any of this? cannot proceed further along this line. I celebration of a wedding anniversary Dorothea can be contacted at would appreciate any help from your of Fred Mort (son of Elizabeth Mews Cottage readers. I would like to find John’s Isherwood, daughter of Joseph). 19 Victoria Street baptism or his date of birth. His mother’s Other people in the group are Craig-y-Don name would help me to find his parents’ probably relatives, but I have never Llandudno LL30 1LX marriage. Did John have any siblings? Are there any readers researching the Grime(s) family? I have struggled for many years on this problem without any success. Hopefully some reader may be descended from a sibling of John and will enable me to continue with my genealogical research. Looking forward to making contact with anyone who can help. Thank you. Mrs Sheila Sivill [email protected]

Dear Editor, Margaret Lupton (nee Walsh) would like to see Photographs or programmes of the productions by Wigan Operatic Society in the early 1930s. Harold Rigby is known to Dear Editor, have sung principal roles. Other Jack Knowles would like to contact Irene Roberts, with particular members of the Rigby and France reference to PF35 and the article Brass Bands and Kind Hearts. The families were active members of this photograph in the article showed young people taking part in a 1950’s Society. Are there any descendants walking day. Jack suspects that he is one of the young men. Can Irene of Harold’s brother Eric? contact Jack (01942 21594) with any information she may have. ¶ 4

Memories of a Golden Voice by F Morris It was before the developer began to destroy every bit of house. As the beautiful sound of his voice gradually faded away, countryside he could lay his hand on. it seemed as if everyone was afraid to break the silence. The wife, Lilian, and myself lived in Parkbrook Lane, Then came the time we never saw Jim for well over a month. . We could get a bus, half hour’s ride into Wigan, or Everyone knew why, he had lost his little boy who had caught a the train from Gathurst Station into for shopping, cold which turned to pneumonia, from which he never recovered. both about the same distance. We were all enjoying our beer, listening to the local talent, when There were nine houses in our lane, we were the last but one Jim walked in and joined us. All the singing had finished and we at the bottom. After that, came the John Pit Wood, which in the were chatting away, when one of the regulars came over and said spring was alive with bluebells, primroses, cowslips, harebells “I don’t suppose you feel like doing a song do you Jim?” To my and every wild flower one could mention. All gone now, the wood surprise, he walked over to the pianist, and after a few words, ruthlessly torn up to make way for a housing estate. The little the pianist played the introduction to ‘Two Little Boys’. waterfall we would listen to on a lovely summer night while lying In the meantime, Jim Cain went round the rest of the pub to in bed, all smashed up and diverted elsewhere. A little bit of tell everyone Jim Aston was going to sing, and everyone heaven nature fashioned, and man the developer, destroyed. crowded round the door to listen. At first his voice was very During the summer months, every evening Lilian and I would quiet, until it came to the part where it says “do you think I stroll along the country lanes until we came to the country pub would leave you dying”. The tears were streaming down his face, called The Black Horse, which Jim and Agnes Cain kept. They and everyone there was crying with him. As his lovely voice were a charming couple, who would come and sit with us until faded away, there was no applause, just a deathly silence and the their attention was needed. Every Saturday and Sunday evening, echo of that golden voice which would live in the minds of those they hired a pianist for the local talent who wanted to sing. who heard it as long as memory lasts. Whether he could read music, I never found out, but he was a The tragedy of this story is that every word is true. The genius on the piano. If you could sing it, he could play it. The destruction of John Pit Wood, the waterfall, the very lane itself people came from miles around to hear Jim Aston, who was a and poor Jim’s boy. The cornfield that came right up to our great friend of mine, sing. They would listen to the local talent, garden fence is now a girls’ high school. The pretty hamlet of which was very good, and then came stamping of feet with Almond Brook has disappeared, as the M6 rushes on to “Come on Jim, sing us the ‘Little Old Church in the Valley’. When and the Lake District, leaving neglect and bitterness behind. it came to the part where mother used to pray, the silence was We should leave the past alone and never go back, it brings so intense, it was more like being in a church than a public too much sorrow.

Dear Editor, Dear Editor, The photo right was bought by my I am trying to locate my father’s family grandmother from a Charity Shop. I in the UK. My father’s name is Michael hope one of your readers may Terris Donovan. His parents’ names are recognise the child and then the William and Elizabeth Donovan. They lived photo can be returned to the family. in Wigan, their street address was 70 On the reverse of the photo there is Dicconson Street, Wigan. William was a an address in Lily Lane, Bamfurlong. greengrocer at one time. They had I do hope it can be traced & daughters, Kathleen, Vicky and Patricia returned back to the family. alongside my dad Michael. Stuart Pilkington I understand the parents may have died Abram in the past ten years, as there is no Please contact the editor if you Donovan in the telephone listings for that recognise the photo. address anymore. I am desperately trying to find my connections as I have lost all ties with all Donovan relatives, as my dad and mum separated when I was 3. Dear Editor, area of Leigh. Edward and Eliza (maybe I want also to see if my father Michael I have been trying for a year, without Ryan) had a son Thomas born in Ireland Terris (or Terriss) Donovan is still alive as success, to find the exact place in 1880, Myles born in Leigh 1881/2 and he will be in his 60’s now. His parents Southern Ireland where my ancestors Mary (1886) who married a Rothwell or were 80’s plus when I last spoke to them originated. I know a lot about the family Rodwell, also Henry born 1900. Andrew which was at least 10 years ago. I will be and most are buried in Leigh Cemetery. A married Louisa Wilkinson in 1889. My most grateful for your assistance. brief summary of the family is as follows: grandfather Patrick was born 1896, but Victoria, the daughter married someone Thomas and Margaret Kennedy born unfortunately his brother Joseph was with a name like Recihe or Reiche and 1830 in Ireland. Sons Andrew (1856), killed in WWI in 1916. moved to Cognac, France. Her husband Edward (1860), James (1869), dates Anyone with information can contact worked for a brandy company. approx. and maybe more. Andrew is my me on 0161 790 9275, or email Sarah Donovan great grandfather. On the 1891 census [email protected] [email protected] they were living in Lion Court, Bedford Kathleen Mills New Zealand 5

Templeman, Ian. From Mill to Millennium: 50 years of Ashton Town AFC. 796.3340942736 Burchett, Philip J. Red Rose rhymes. 821 BUR Family History Simm, Tom. Write now and again. 823 SIM Oliver, Richard. Ordnance survey maps: a concise guide for historians 2nd ed. 912.41 Wigan Visitor Guide 914.2736 Pappalardo, Bruno. Using navy records. 929.1 Henesy, A. Routes to your roots: mapping your mining past. 929.342 Fields, Ken. The mysterious north. 942.7 Bennett, Edward. Memories. 942.736 Old Wigan 2006. Calendar. 942.736 Ridyard, R. Memories of Lowton 2004 ed. 942.736 Fleming, R. H. Prescot: a town trail. 942.754 Rothwell, Catherine. Lancashire sea stories. 942.76 Keery, Rosemary. Historic Culcheth. 942.919 Casualties sustained by the in the Korean War Additions to the Local and Family 1950-53. 951.9042 History Collection (for reference) Lines, G.W. The Ladysmith siege. 968.0484 Project News Donations Once again our Friends and volunteers have been Genealogy enormously productive, as you can see from the above list of Raymond, Stuart A. Irish family history on the web 2nd ed. donations and CD ROMS. Freda Chorlton and Gerald Marsden Marriage Index to Dalton St Michael & All Angels Sept 1872- have produced two more CD ROM transcript indexes to Wigan Sept 2005 Lower Ince Cemetery Records. Coverage has therefore now Baptism Index to Dalton St Michael & All Angels 31 July 1897 been extended to 30 August 1901. Freda and Gerald have been - 25 Sept 2005 joined by Carol Lowton, who is currently attempting the period Upholland St Thomas Index to burials 15 Aug 1825-23 Oct from September 1901. These are available for consultation on 1882 CD ROM or in paper form in our reference section. 1901 Census Index to RG13 3589-RG13 3591 Bedford, Two other very welcome CD ROM donations are the Glazebury, Culcheth and Astley memorial inscriptions of Park Lane Unitarian Chapel, Ashton, and the long awaited Memorial inscriptions for St John the CD ROM Divine, Pemberton. Both discs are searchable by surname and Wigan Lower Ince Cemetery Vol.6 Index to registers 31 Dec can be viewed at The History Shop. As usual the Upholland 1894-30 August 1901 Parish Register group has been prolific in the past three months Park Lane Chapel, Ashton Memorial Inscriptions and have recently deposited with us indexes to burials at St John Pemberton Memorial Inscriptions (unindexed but Upholland St Thomas Church for 15 Aug 1825-23 Oct 1882, searchable) Marriage Indexes to St Michael’s at Dalton for the years 14 Wigan Lower Ince Cemetery vol.5. Index to registers 14 Dec December 1887-31 Dec 1894, and baptisms indexes for the 1887 – 31 Dec 1894 same church for 31 July 1897-25 September 2005. General Despite being kept extremely busy publishing the latter National Archives. History for all: annual report 2004-2005. indexes, Gerry and Shirley Rigby have also been instrumental in 027.5 the indexing and publishing of 1901 census indexes to Bedford, Wallbank, Sally. Chingle: Britain’s most haunted house. Culcheth and Astley. The team of indexers has long been 133.129 supported in their endeavours by Alan Maloney, with his dogged Holt, Geoffrey. Some old Catholic missions. 271.53094276 inputting of their collected data into his computer. For his Mitchinson, Alan. Catholicism in Standish: from persecution to lonely dedication to this key task, Alan deserves our gratitude. parish 1559-1884. 282.42736 One other donation, not mentioned in the lists above but North West Labour History Group Journal Vol. 30 (2005). which deserves mention here is from Mr Karl Gaskell. He 320.531 recently donated a fiche reader complete with a set of sundry Dennis, V S. Discovering friendly and fraternal societies. fiches, consisting mainly of the International Genealogical Index 334.70941 for Lancashire and Cheshire. The fiche have promptly been put Wise, T. Guide to military museums 10th ed. 355.0074 to good use by Tony Ashcroft at Leigh with the fiche reader Home Guard Instructions No.51: Battlecraft and battle drill being installed at the History Shop. Other fiche donated by Part IV. 355.370941 Karl are now available at the History Shop, notably an index to Forth, Anita, D. Edgworth to Crowthorn. 362.732 marriages at Holy Cross Church Liverpool for 1855-1897 and O’Brien, P. Academy 1757-86. 374.942719. the burials 1657-1838 of the Society of Friends, Hardshaw Nock, O.S. History of the LMS 3. 385.0941 West. Yeadon, H.L. The motorway achievement. 382.122 Many thanks for all these lovely gifts. They will be well used, Bradley, Anne. Mary, Mary nurse contrary: life of Mary Alicia I am sure. Hodgkinson 1912-1995. 610.7309 Finally an update on local input to the lancashirebmd Ashcroft, Tony. The Sixpenny rush. 791.430942736 ¶ 6

project. With marriages being complete for 1837-1950, work is and British government. 70% of the children settled in Ontario. well under way on the birth indexes for Wigan and Leigh The Society has ready access to ship and military records as registration district. The first tranche has now been uploaded well as civil registration documents. The Society therefore has for Atherton 1837-1862, Culcheth 1837-61, Lowton 1837 and indexed the children who arrived by ship in Canada 1869-1948 Westleigh 1846-62. Sections for other areas have been checked and the Middlemore children, arriving 1873-1933. Details and are expected to be uploaded in the next month or two. in the database include full name and age, date of birth, date the ship left Britain and arrived in North America and where the The really exciting news this issue, is the long child first settled. awaited purchase of GRO Indexes to births, marriages and deaths 1919-1950. By the time you read www.theshipslist.com this, the fiche will be installed in their drawers at the History Another site useful for tracking down emigrant relatives, and Shop, ready for use! which is linked to the above site. There are a number of searchable databases, such as marriages at sea, diaries and Another long awaited event is the arrival of an amended descriptions of the voyages and ships. The ships lists edition of the 1861 census index on CD ROM. The first databases are mainly for the early period c.1825-40 to edition proved very popular locally and around the globe Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the USA. with stocks quickly selling out. The new edition can be Also included though, are U.K. assisted passages to Australia purchased from our shop priced at £9.00 (+ p&p £1.00). 1847-1886 and emigrants throughout the Irish famine period. Bargain! http://castlegarden.org Even greater cause for celebration, especially since we This site offers free access to the records of 10 million thought it would never happen, is the arrival of the CD ROM immigrants who arrived in America from 1830-1892. Castle of the index to the 1841 census. This covers not only the Garden itself was from 1855-1890 America’s first official current Metropolitan Borough area but other areas as immigration centre. Situated within the Battery in Manhattan, it diverse as Haydock, Eccleston, Clayton Le Woods, is today known as Castle Clinton National Monument. Details Adlington, Whittle-le-Woods, Rufford, Euxton, Anderton, are brief, as usual, with only full names, occupation, age, date Rivington, Sharples, Lostock, Kearsley, Rumworth, of arrival and name of the ship being given. Westhoughton, , Litherland, Netherton, Orrell and Ford and many, many more. This name index is also www.genealogy.gc.ca available for purchase from the shop priced at £9.00 (+ This is the web-site of Library and Archives Canada which p&p £1.00). Another delightful bargain. holds the national records of Canada. Online databases include the census 1866-1901 (with the newly issued 1911 census), immigration records 1925-35, soldiers in World War I, Canadian naturalisation 1915-1932, along with some more unusual records notably divorces in Canada 1841-1968. The Home children database can also be accessed from the site. Continued on page 8

Museum Collection – New Acquisitions The following items have recently been donated to the museum collection. C05.001 Miner’s lamp, Spiralarm Type S made by J H Naylor Ltd, Wigan. C05.002 Tea and sugar caddy of metal, for personal Websites use. www.bifhsgo.ca/home_children.htm C05.003 Match box of metal, advertising the Abbey This is the website of the British Isles Family History Society of Lakes Hotel Pleasure Grounds. Greater Ottawa, Canada. The purpose of the Society is to C05.004 National Registration Identity Card, 1943. encourage and to facilitate research and its publication, by C05.005 National Registration Identity Card, 1943. people having British Isles ancestry. This includes therefore, C05.006 National Registration Identity Card, Under 16, emigrants from not only and Wales but also from 1947. Scotland and Ireland, to North America and Canada. The C05.007 Trophy shield, presented to Councillor D. project works closely with the Library and Archives Canada Rourke. Mayor of Wigan indexing project of Home Children as found in ships passenger C05.008 Miner’s tally, Scot Lane Colliery Co. Ltd. lists, and in the records of Middlemore Homes. Estimates of No.435. C05.009 Programme, FA Youth Cup 1st Round. over 100,000 Home Children arrived in Canada between 1869- Manchester United Youth v Wigan Athletic 1948. These were aged upwards of 6 months old with some Youth 9.10.1961. “children” being in their twenties. They were brought to Canada C05.010 Programme, Lancashire FA Youth Cup Semi- for adoption, in the case of the younger children or to work as Final. Manchester United Youth v Wigan labourers and domestic servants. The children were poor but Athletic Youth 8.2.1994. not generally orphaned. They had been institutionalised, C05.011 Lamp, heavy duty inspection lamp made by perhaps in a workhouse, children’s home or reformatory. Heyes & Co. Wigan These emigration schemes were supported by both Canadian 7

a guide to internet Memories are made of this… Family History genealogy and a family After many years of successfully delivering school tree chart) and the workshops and family activities, Wigan Pier is now individual attention of an expanding its service and developing a reminiscence experienced genealogist, programme for older people in the local community. who can cater the session Reminiscence is increasingly being seen as an important to your exact needs. activity which can restore and preserve a person’s sense of identity, and in a society that puts little value on old Sessions take place at Continued from page 7 age, reminiscence can give older people the chance to be 1.30pm and 3.00pm. The listened to and have their memories valued. Kirsty Hall, a remaining dates are Learning Officer at Wigan Pier, gives Past Forward an Family History insight into her reminiscence work. 12 April 26 April Workshops at the 10 May 24 May Trivets and Toffee Apples! History Shop 7 June 21 June Last year I was charged with the task of developing a 5 July reminiscence programme for Wigan Pier – a daunting A new series of family prospect for someone more used to working with 5 year history workshops for If you are unable to attend olds than 75 year olds! I began by rummaging through our handling collection to see what objects we had and beginners, run by the on these dates, we may be deciding on appropriate themes. Friends of Wigan Heritage able to arrange a I then needed to learn how to plan and run a Service, started in workshop that is reminiscence session. I attended an “Introduction to February. The cost, £3.50, convenient to you. Booking Reminiscence” course at Age Exchange in London, is remarkable value, as it observed sessions at Chester’s Grosvenor Museum and is essential, telephone the Orrell Park Nursing Home, and was then ready to try out includes a starter pack History Shop (01942) some sessions and needed some guinea pigs! In (full of useful ‘goodies’ eg 828128. partnership with Age Concern, pilot sessions were arranged with a group of ten ladies from Brackley House in Goose Green. They reminisced about washday, Stephen Hill BSc Hon’s household chores and holidays, and were rewarded with Project Officer a trip to Southport for some well-earned fish and chips! I Coops Foyer learned how to plan and run a reminiscence programme Chequer Street but a lot of information about Wigan’s history and Wigan, WN1 1HN traditions was also gleaned – the sort of information that Dear Sirs, cannot be read about in books. For example, jam jars I am a Project Officer at Coops Foyer, which provides were taken as payment at the cinema! accommodation for young people aged 16-25 years old who have The pilot was a tremendous success, some of the been homeless, whilst at the project the staff provide support, ladies’ comments included, “I enjoyed it all, it was a good information, advice and guidance on employment, education, laugh”, “everything was perfect”, “it’s a chance to talk training and housing related matters. and get to know your neighbours better”. The ladies are This year is the tenth anniversary of the forming of Coops keen to continue reminiscing – a follow-up Christmas Foyer and to recognise this we intend to do something a little session complete with carols, card making and mince pies special. On the 90th anniversary of The Battle of The Somme we was very popular and even attracted some new members. will be taking a group of young people to France on holiday. In More reminiscence sessions at Brackley House are particular the residents will take time to pay respect to seven planned for 2006. men who previously worked in Coops Mill, the site of the Foyer, who volunteered for service and died in the War. Shevington Schooldays As it stands the only information we have regarding these men On Friday 13th January, along with Sue Maiden (a is a plaque commemorating them which is stored in the local fellow Learning Officer) and Barbara and Maureen – two History Shop. The residents will be starting a project to find out of Wigan Pier invaluable volunteers, I visited Shevington more about these men and we would like you to help us if you Memory Group for an afternoon of schooldays can. reminiscing. An interesting time was had with us The plaque reads: learning, amongst other things, why girls had a pocket in Coops & Co Limited, To, The their gym knickers and how to cheat at cross-country running! Some very positive comments were received memory of, Norman F Adamson, with one lady saying the session was “one of the best I’ve Harold Beach, John Cartwright, been to because everyone participated”. Henry Deitz, Norman Fulton, Henry Monks, Frederick Parker, Who sacrificed their lives, For their King Future Plans and Country, In The Great War, 1914- Keen to build on our successes, a number of 1919. reminiscence sessions are now being offered to groups who visit Wigan Pier and groups within the local Please contact me at the address community, hopefully using some local libraries to host above if you can assist us in any way. sessions. We currently offer the themes of “House and Thanks for your time. Home”, “Holidays”, “Schooldays” and “The Home Front”, with new themes being developed. Yours faithfully Stephen Smith Foyer Stephen Hill BSc Hon’s Resident holding picture For more information about Reminiscence at Wigan Project Officer of the Coops Plaque. Pier, contact Kirsty Hall on 01942 707049. 8

Ephemera From The Archives

Those of us who work in the Shop are a good example, The period the clerk his web site at heritage field chewing the creating indexes of the covered 1853-1888 was a www.wiganworld.co.uk and cud of history are well census or local particularly busy one in the either look under the links aware that occasionally newspapers. A friend of history of the borough, with chronology or stuff as he some of the more mine who I got to know new mines, mills and other curiously terms it and have enthusiastic members of through being a close friend industries springing up left a ‘reet good root’ at this the public know far more of is Brian right and centre. In 1850 latest work, you’ll be than we do about particular Elsey, a web designer who the population of the amazed what turns up. areas of local history. We established the humungous borough and parish totalled enjoy it when they expound Wigan World website 107,000. By 1860 this had Date required their knowledge at us rather www.wiganworld.co.uk. risen to 133,000. As I have nearly than on us! Their expert When I first looked at The chronology lists all completed my book on The knowledge can save us a Brian’s website about 5 manner of events, from Pit Brow Women of the great deal of time if we years ago even then I someone drowning in the Wigan Coalfield I myself am suddenly get an enquiry thought it was a great piece canal (a regular occurrence stuck for an exact date, the like: “Can you tell me when of work with a mass of inter- it seems) to the gift of land date when the decision was locomotive Respite at esting information on, there for Mesnes Park to be laid taken by the National Union had it’s was nothing like it in the out on June 20. 1871, from of Mineworkers to stop last set of boiler tubes?” borough or even on the the regular colliery women working on the Obviously we don’t like to internet. Well five years on explosions to the opening of surface at collieries in say in humility “Well the site is going from railways, to the opening of Lancashire. Due to a gap in actually no” so are keen to strength to strength. I knew the Lancashire and the run of minutes I have find out. Believe it or not I in the archives we had a fas- Cheshire Miners Permanent access to the closest I can can draw on the knowledge cinating handwritten Relief Society, Bridgeman get is 1953. After then the of a particular member of chronology of local events Terrace. on March 7th 1874 number of females on the the train set in the loft 1853-1888 drawn up by the (now closing with the books at pits dramatically fraternity kitted out in a blue Wigan town clerk John archives being transferred decreases. If you can get anorak to answer that Charnock (clerk 1895- to us ). me that date I’ll enquiry! 1900). Arranged alphabeti- As this chronology only acknowledge your help in If there’s one type of cally and not always laid out covers the years 1853-1888 the book. It’s not too late enquiry which can be very in order within each letter Brian is now avidly also for any ex pit brow frustrating being time section it was not easy to transcribing the list of women to write to me with consuming and which search for a particular event events from the yearly reminiscences and I’ll try to usually flounders the as John headed each entry Wigan Almanacks which we squeeze them in. keenest of local experts it’s as he thought best. have a full run of from the Alan Davies when someone needs the 1880’s onwards. Go onto Heritage Officer (Archives) exact date that an event You can’t put a good man took place such as the down! momentous occasion I sounded Brian out on Kentucky Fried Chicken whether he thought this Easter Family Activities at opened it’s doors at Ince. If worth putting onto his web the History Shop someone is writing a decent site and he enthusiastically local historical study it isn’t agreed to transcribe the Wednesday the 12th April make your own Easter card. really good enough to say document, hundreds of the Maypole Colliery pages long onto his Wednesday the 19th April make an animal finger puppet.. explosion took place in computer. After many hours Both sessions are FREE but booking is essential. To book 1908, we need the exact work this was completed. a place ring the History shop on 01942 828128. date and in this case the Our mutual friend ‘new exact time. technology’ now allows us Suitable for children aged 4 - 11 years but all children to search the document must be accompanied by an adult. Friends and volunteers vital using key words such as pit, Enthusiastic members of coal, colliery, mine, miner, The History Shop is also out and about the community the public are often cannel….. etc. We can also over the summer holidays. Look out for further prepared to work extremely carry out a group search for information at the History Shop and in the local libraries. hard at projects we do not all entries which mention Do come and join us to find out why it is a Very Small have the time to spare for. Ince for example and save World. The Friends of the History the results together. 9

Who? Where?

We have not received any positive identification of the pictures featured in issue 41. If you can identify any of these please contact The History Shop on (01942) 828128.

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Shopping at the History Shop!

Lancashire 1939-1945 The ‘Lancashire within Living New Books Secret War by Ron Freethy Memory’ by Lancashire £9.99 176 pp Federation of Women’s Available To Buy Ron Freethy’s well-researched Institutes book will fascinate and inform £8.95 224 pp ‘The Making of Wigan’ by all those who took part in the Between 1900 and 1960 the Mike Fletcher last war and anyone interested pattern of life and particularly £10.99 176 pp in Lancashire’s all-out country life, altered almost The Making of Wigan determination to play an beyond recognition. Members of summarises the evolution, and important role in the defeat of the Lancashire Federation of highlights the significant the enemy. To defend the Women’s Institutes, conscious of changes in one of Lancashire’s country if necessary a secret the importance of recording most important towns, from its army was formed from local these changes, have compiled Roman origins through to anglers, poachers, gamekeepers, their own personal recollections modern times. Tribute is paid to miners, foresters and postmen. and have also interviewed the resilience and determination Underground holes were built elderly friends and relations, of Wiganers in times of and old caves and mineshafts both men and women. The adversity particularly during the opened up. Training was given remarkable memories they have English Civil War and when in arms, explosives and general uncovered reflect the moods and dealing with the trauma of two survival and all this was kept a aspirations of bygone eras. World Wars. The town’s secret. In fact, the slogan of the And, in spite of two world wars, prosperity and economy day was ‘Be Like Dad, keep hardship and difficult times, a expanded during much of the Mum’. Lancashire’s skilful and sense of cheerfulness and nineteenth century, helped by willing workforce were involved community spirit shines coal and cotton but also saw in secret development in through. Here then is a mixed fortunes as Wigan munitions (the famous goldmine of information about experienced poverty and bouncing bombs were made at life in Lancashire in the first half unemployment alongside the Chorley), planes and materials of the century. It stands as a decline of its traditional to help the war effort. permanent record of a past way industries. In more recent years Fleetwood fishing trawlers were of life, which can be read and Wigan has been transformed secretly converted to enjoyed by this generation and into a modern urban centre but minesweepers. One way or those to come. remains proud of its history. another Lancashire’s civilian population got involved and ‘Wigan Home-Thoughts, from ‘The took their oath so seriously that France (Written on the Some, Explained (Steam, Sparks & only now, some 60 years later, May 1918) by Donald Massive Wheels)’ by Stan can the full story be told. Alexander Mackenzie M.A., Yorke M.C. £2.00 15 pp £7.99 128 pp ‘Lancashire Tales of Mystery See separate mention on page The English Industrial & Murder’ by Steve Fielding 12. All profits from this Revolution was a triumph of £7.99 127 pp publication will be donated to ingenuity and invention. New Each holds within it a the Royal British Legion. sources of power, better store of amazing mysteries and manufacturing methods and chilling murders. Lancashire is ‘The Maypole, Diary of a expanding transport systems no exception. This collection Colliery Disaster’ by John brought fantastic changes includes the fascinating stories Hannavy and Roy Lewis affecting every walk of life. Man of a Fylde witch who was Was £4.95 now £3.00 77 pp and machine worked side by exhumed and reburied head- This book was out of print but side to produce iron, coal and first to prevent her from digging we have been lucky enough to cotton cloth on a scale never herself out; sixteen ghosts who source a further supply but before imagined. In this well haunted Chingle Hall in numbers are limited. researched book, Stan Yorke Goosnargh; and Walter Rowland The Maypole Pit Disaster was explains the background, from Manchester who was said one of the most costly in human machines and processes that to have been reprieved for a life in the Wigan coalfield, with helped create our industrial murder he did commit and 75 miners killed. It was also one world. hanged for one he did not. Continued on page 12 11

of the first to be subjected to book will be a nostalgic trip for the close scrutiny of the press many, and an eye-opener for a Authors have brought the photographer. This has younger generation and following to our attention provided the authors with a rich newcomers to the area. source of visual material. Fifty- Booklet two pictures include scenes at ‘Around Ashton-in- Donald Alexander Mackenzie Home the pithead on the day of the ’, by Tony Ashcroft Thoughts from France (Written on the explosion, portraits of the £5.99 128 pp Somme May 1918) edited J A Hilton leading figures in the disaster This fascinating collection of 2005. and the subsequent inquest and old photographs provides an Mackenzie’s poem is well known in inquiry, and views of the evocative visual record of the Wigan (it appears in the North Swinley colliery itself. Urban District of Ashton-in- Makerfield and the township of parish map, on show at the History THE FOLLOWING TWO BOOKS Golborne. It looks back to a Shop). This version has been HAVE BEEN OUT OF PRINT time when the pace of life was authorised by his son Kenneth BUT ARE AVAILABLE NOW IN slower, but often arduous. Mackenzie, and includes biographical A SMALLER POCKET SIZE Mines and mills once details of the author. The editor sets WITH A MATCHING PRICE TAG dominated the industrial the poem in its literary and historical OF £5.99 INSTEAD OF £12.99. landscape and the area was contexts and includes a useful famous for the production of bibliography. ‘Around Hindley and Abram’, hinges and locks. The profits from the sale of the by Bob Blakeman and Staff book will be donated to the Royal of Wigan Heritage Services The photographs for the above British Legion. Copies can obtained £5.99 128pp two books have been selected from the History Shop, Smiths of This book of nearly 200 mainly from the archives of Wigan or by post (£2 post free) from photographs illustrates the Wigan Heritage Services which Carol Littler, 17 Sefton Avenue, Orrell, recent history of the have, over the years, acquired Wigan, WN5 8UN. neighbouring communities of the images as loans or Hindley and Abram. The donations from the people of Book photographs cover a period Wigan and surrounding areas. Daniel Lythgoe Wigan Bred and Other from the mid-nineteenth Poems, illustrated by Alan Prosser, century to the post war decades Available from the History 2005. It is being sold in aid of Wigan and show some of the great Shop, Library Street, Wigan & Leigh Hospice, and is available from changes that have occurred as a WN1 1NU, and by mail order. result of industrialisation and Telephone (01942) 828128 the author (£6) telephone 01695 its subsequent decline. The for details. 555190. CD Park Lane Unitarian Chapel Graves Wigan and Leigh Souvenirs Plan and Inscriptions is available from We have just produced a selection of paperweights (£7) fridge magnets Mrs Knowles (£5 plus £1.50 p&p) (£1.30) and keyrings (£1) decorated with the Wigan Ancient & Loyal telephone 01695 623676. All monies and the Leigh coats of arms. Ideal presents for your ex-pat Wigan and raised will be given to church funds. Leigh relatives! They are available from the History Shop, Leigh Library and mail order. Telephone the History Shop (01942) 828128 for details. Book and CD Ted Dakin Not Far from Wigan Pier is a collection of semi-autobiographical short stories set in the 1930’s and 1940’s. The book, which is being given away free with the CD, contains 15 stories. The CD contains nine stories from the book. All monies raised will be used in aid of the community radio group Making Waves Radio. Available (£5.50) from Smith’s of Wigan, Making Waves Radio Group 85 Church Street, Leigh WN7 1AZ (01942) 679867 or www.Makingwavesradio.org.uk and Ted Dakin (01942) 498193. 12

A REFUGE IN WIGAN THE first refugees, victims of Hitler’s racial policies, funds to supplement the government’s allowances for arrived from Europe in Wigan on a cold, dark evening in food and shelter. Then, as now, in any emergency of this January 1939. Ten Austrian and German Jewish boys nature, people responded with extraordinary generosity. aged 14-17 years, arrived almost unnoticed clutching On the 22nd of May the first wave of 171 Dutch their meagre belongings. They went on to the Catholic refugees arrived in Wigan and was met with an army of Land Association’s hostel at Priorswood Hall, Parbold, volunteers. The refugees told of their experience of being where earlier, three other German refugees had been machine-gunned by German warplanes as they boarded housed. The boys had first arrived in Britain in their boat in Amsterdam. The boat was a small cargo December, and were to be trained in agricultural work. vessel with accommodation for 50 persons, yet 270 They were to stay a year and, hopefully, to go on to South people were crammed into every available space. Africa or other Dominions. Whether they stayed or went Fortunately the sea was calm. The party included German on to other countries, is not known since, as we now Jews ( who had previously fled into Holland), Austrians know, Britain was embroiled in war with Germany by the and Poles. Six persons were described as “stateless”. end of that year. There was a three years old boy whose parents were During early May 1940, following the heroic retreat missing, a blind musician and a Rabbi. All were weary from Dunkirk, Britain braced itself for possible invasion and carried bundles of belongings or suitcases. Several by German forces. That month, Wigan’s Town Clerk little girls were clutching dolls. They had come from an received a confidential communication from the Ministry orphanage in Holland. The large crowd that met them at of Health about the reception of war refugees. Detailed the entrance to Wallgate clapped and cheered when the instructions were given for their accommodation and on refugees appeared. the 10th May a telegram was received to “prepare for war Having been bussed to The Drill Hall and fed, the refugees”. Consequently, a War Refugees Committee and visitors were taken to their temporary billets. The Dutch Voluntary War Refugees Committee were set up and were housed temporarily in King Street Baptist School (31 advance preparations made for the coming influx. persons), King Street Methodist School (24), and the The Women’s Voluntary Services undertook the job of Queen’s Hall (33). Distressingly, there were 83 parentless canvassing householders as to who would take in children. These were split between St Michael’s Parish refugees either voluntarily, or for a billeting allowance. Hall and All Saints Institute. Seven empty houses had Later on, an important part of the work of the War been requisitioned and generous local organisations such Refugees Voluntary Committee would be the raising of as The British Legion and individuals stepped forward to equip the houses. Interestingly, four persons were interned. A larger group of Jewish refugees followed from Dear Mrs Watts, Belgium. My sister-in-law ZILMA TOLCHER has shown us the letter By the time of the War Refugees Committee meeting on she received from you concerning the Vale School evacuees 25th May, the Wigan Local Youth Committee had who were biletted in Wigan in 1940. volunteered to undertake the welfare and aftercare of the My husband, ZILMA’s brother, who I married in 1953, children. This would include suitable recreational having known him all my life, doesn’t remember his address activities and games. A special cinema show was in Wigan, only that it was a new house by wasteland and a organised at the Baths Café for the refugees on the 26th, bridge. He does however say that the family was very kind to which was swiftly followed by an offer from Mr Buxton of him. Prince’s Cinema of free entrance to any performance. Even My sister and I were put in separate billets. We were the Borough Librarian felt it necessary to “do his bit” by terribly distressed to be parted, and although my family would setting aside tables in the Powell Juvenile Library and have let her come to them, her lady wouldn’t allow it. I lived Pemberton Library for the use of French speaking with a wonderful family – Mr & Mrs Edwards, 141 refugees. Road (opposite the Bowling Green Hotel), the elder son was When the War Refugees Voluntary Committee met on Norman the two girls were Doreen and Joan. Mr Edwards 10 June, the feeding arrangements needed to be altered to was a local police sergeant. He used to take me with him to include a wider variety of foods on the menu, due to his allotment. He grew veg and flowers, he also had an aviary complaints and of course to accommodate the Jewish of budgies, I loved it there. Near by was a public house, a refugees who had different dietary needs. How they blind lady lived there. I remember the morning we had to managed this, considering rationing had started in leave and how they all cried, as we boarded the bus. January, must have been a major feat. On top of this, 75- We are thankful to the people of Wigan who took us, small 80 children still awaited permanent housing, since they children into their homes. Many were so traumatised that they were still living in All Saints Parish Room and St find it hard to remember details of that time. Michael’s Institute. We went on to Wrenbury but when Mum (Dad stayed on in However, events were about to send the War Refugees Guernsey) found us we went on to Halifax, . Committees into overdrive. On the 21 June the Town My husband, along with his 4 sisters, stayed the 5 yrs in Clerk received word that 709 Channel Islands refugees Wrenbury. Both their parents, elder brother and sister also would be arriving the next day. In the event, the party stayed in Guernsey. Sadly their Dad died in 1941 leaving their proved to be a part of a school evacuation scheme for the Mum pregnant. When they returned in 1945 they had a new Junior and Infant children of Hautes Capelles School and brother. of the Vale School, Guernsey. Every 10 children were Best wishes accompanied by a teacher. There were also a few parents Delma & Arthur Whales, Guernsey Continued on page 14 13

in the party and even a complete family, the Windsor’s, managed to find work. consisting of father, mother and 10 children. On arrival, On the Eve of their departure a letter expressing their all were taken to the Drill Hall. Four persons were on thanks was written by C. Martel, Headmistress of Hautes stretchers and were taken straightaway to Billinge Capelles Junior School on behalf of the children and her Hospital, two persons were intended for Stockport and colleagues was passed to the Wigan Observer for were immediately despatched there. Some children were publication. “From the moment of our arrival we have been found to have chickenpox and measles and were sent to deeply touched by the kindness and sympathy everywhere hospital. Also in the party was a mother with a three shown to us ……we leave with the greatest regret…..” weeks old baby boy. Both were temporarily housed at St The greater number of the Guernsey evacuees having Margaret’s Home in Goose Green. Incredibly, by the 23rd left, the interests of the children, though technically June all were billeted. passing to others, was still very much on the agenda of the The Government, however, had other plans for the Voluntary War Refugees Committee, since donations were children. Within two weeks the Town Clerk, W.H Tyrer, still coming in from a range of sources. One source of was dealing with the Ministry of Health’s representative in funds was collected by A.Bradnum and Sons, Fruiterers of Manchester, protesting vigorously against the imminent Newcastle on Tyne, and forwarded to Owen Owen’s fund in removal of the children from Wigan to other parts of the Wigan for the Guernsey children. The princely sum of country. He emphasised the great trouble that the War £402-19s-6d was collected. This was added to by the Refugees Committee and all volunteers had gone to, and Headmaster of Vale School, Mr Carre, who forwarded 32 moreover “expressed the great disappointment felt by the pairs of boots for distribution. large number of foster parents who had taken the In the event, these gifts proved timely, since the Guernsey children into their homes and, indeed into their Ministry of Health announced that it was not able to make hearts”. The Ministry’s representative, however, though provision for the re-clothing of Channel Islands children grateful for all that had been done, was insistent that the for the coming Winter. The Channel Islands Refugees move was for the good of the children and their teachers, Committee in London and the local committees were as they were evacuees NOT refugees. obviously concerned, especially since it was felt that some Consequently, on Sunday July 7th, the Guernsey pocket money for the refugees and evacuees would help children were moved out to various places. Of the original alleviate their situation. This was thought to be 709 persons, 455 were moved to Nantwich and 118 were necessarily the concern of the local authority with all moved to other areas. The rest were still billeted with monies being claimed back from the Ministry. Older Wigan residents or in the empty houses that were offered. refugees were also obligated to find work. Some were adults with families. These were the occupants With this initial flurry of activity and excitement over, of 70 Mesnes Road, 18 Avondale Road and 343 Ormskirk life returned to “normal” and the remaining evacuees and Road, Pemberton. Those that could, found work to pay the refugees were left to get on with the sometimes, very rent on the houses. To help furnish the houses, the daunting prospect, of life in another town, and for some, occupants appealed to the committees for their assistance in another country. and were granted a loan of £10 for furniture. In all, 136 Christine Watts persons remained. The Windsor family, who were living in Heritage Officer Avondale Road, remained. Mr Windsor found a job on (Local and Family History) Government work and one son and daughter also To be continued in Past Forward 43

Dear Sir, pass and I used to go and look if my mum and Dad were on Mrs Tolcher told me she had written to you about when we the trains. I used to wave and some would wave back and I were evacuated to Wigan. She told me I too should write and was sure at times I had seen my mum but it was not to be. tell you what I too can remember. My parents were unable to leave Guernsey. The Germans As you know we were only 2 weeks in Wigan, then we went arrived soon afterwards and they could not get away. They on to Nantwich where we stayed during the war years. In stayed in Guernsey for 5 years of the war. On 7th July on a Guernsey we were told to be at our school by 2pm on the 20 Sunday, we left for Nantwich and we were taken to all the June 1940. When we came to the school we were told that villages around. I was taken to Worleston first, to the the boat would be coming at 2am in the morning. We left the vicarage. The vicar had only been told the day before, by a school for the boat at daybreak, the boat was an old cargo, phone call from the Nantwich council saying they would be cattle and coal boat. Nevermind, we had a boat to leave on. bringing 30 children & helpers and they must find homes for While we were on our way the German planes were trying to them. So the vicar phoned around to his congregation saying bomb us. When we arrived in Weymouth there was a boat that we were arriving at 2pm and we had to be found homes. On had been hit and its’ nose was pointing straight up in the air. arriving at the vicarage we were greeted by all these ladies We were so frightened. We were put on trains for Wigan, then and had a tea, then a lady came up to me and said would you taken to a church Hall and we slept on the floor. The next day like to stay with me? I stayed with them for the rest of the war. a few of us went to a small shop for postage stamps. We I was very lucky my sister who had just come to England, wanted to write to our parents. I can see the kind lady of the before the Germans arrived, found out where I was and she shop giving us the stamps and being so sad that we were then came and worked as a maid on the farm. She married evacuees. We tried to pay the lady but she would not accept a farmer’s son, so I had someone from my family with me. I any money. I was staying at a Mr & Mrs Halton, 18 Walkden used to go and see her most days. Both places I was, in Avenue East, Wigan. I shall always remember that, they were Wigan and Nantwich, I had kind and understanding people. I so kind to me and so sorry when I had to go on to Nantwich. shall be ever grateful to both the kind people who took me in We left on Sunday 7 July. During my short stay in Wigan Mrs when we had nowhere to go. Halton used to give me bread to go and feed the ducks in the I send my best wishes to you all. Park. I became friendly with the Park keepers. I also used to Yours sincerely, go in a kind of playing field and alongside the train used to S T Martin, Guernsey

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Memories of War Time Working at Rushton’s I READ with much interest the letter from by Mrs Edna Land organisation (I never understood how it Mrs J Walsh from in issue 41 (A (nee Heeley) worked) then they would pay it back Refuge in Wigan p.29). weekly. Most of the amounts were £20 and I worked for O G Rushton from 1943 to 1946, not at the that was a lot of money in those days. if they (women) spent the warehouse, but at the drapery branch in Market Place, Wigan whole £20 they were allowed to purchase a pair of fully (at the top of Commercial Yard). fashioned stockings. Mr Rhodes, the manager, used to go down Every dinner time I went across to the warehouse for my to the cellar where he kept his stock of precious stockings. I dinner hour, as my auntie Doris worked in the tea room there, know it sounds daft now, but fully fashioned stockings were like she had to bag up all the loose tea for all the Rushton’s branch gold dust in the war years! shops, which were situated in all parts of Wigan and the out I remember we found some rolls of material that had been lying districts. I got to know most of the staff. There was Mrs there for years before the war. One of the girl’s had the bright Mort who worked on the big counter down stairs along with a idea to cut them into headscarves, but we didn’t have a sewing school friend of mine called Stalla Marsden. Eileen, who machine. So we used a pin and pulled out the fibres to make worked in the flour room (mentioned in Mrs Walsh’s letter) was a fringe all round. We made about 50 altogether, because they always covered in flour, I don’t think I would have recognised were sold without clothing coupons, they went like hot cakes at her if she had been minus the flour! Murial worked on the 1 shilling (5p) each. We had a window display in the morning hardware counter, but I remember she spent most of her time and by teatime they had all been sold. in the tea room because it had a radiator, it was the warmest I was a great fan of James Cagney, so I decided I would room in the place! decorate the ladies washroom with a bit of graffiti. I wrote on In the summer the staff used to sit on the steps outside the the wall in pencil JIMMY CAGNEY IS A TOUGH GUY. I thought it main entrance facing the market square. I came over at 1pm was brilliant, but I forgot that the manager’s wife, Mrs Rhodes and I had to be back at the drapers shop at 2.15pm. I used to used the same washroom. I spent the next couple of hours watch the clock on the market hall and at 2.10pm, I would run scrubbing the walls! I ran errands for Mrs Rhodes. On Friday’s through the market hall and arrive back just in time for opening I would collect her groceries from Redmans in the market hall, the draper’s. then deliver them to her house in Swinley Road, she gave me The shop was freezing winter, we had a small radiator at the (10p) shillings a week for this, which was very good, my weekly bottom of the stairs where we used to stand to keep warm. wage was only 7 shillings and sixpence (c.37p) You couldn’t buy anything in the shop unless you had I did enjoy my time at Rushtons’, even though there was a clothing coupons. I think there was a new issue about once war on, and I would love to hear from J Walsh of Knotty Ash. every two months. On the day of the issue we were very busy, the busiest day would be Saturday. Lots of people came in with If any other reader has memories of working at Rushton’s, the clothing cheques. They would get a cheque from some Heritage Service would like to hear from you. Editor. Henry Tennyson Folkard, Librarian of Wigan Library Henry Tennyson Folkard was the first 1877-1916. The Wigan Free Public Library, its rise librarian of Wigan Library. Born in and progress. 1899 December 1850, his father was a doctor of his death, the collection was A Lindsay Record, being a handlist of in Bayswater, London. He trained at the estimated at 80,000 volumes including books written by or relating to the clan London Library, and held the post of rare books, incunabula and illuminated Lindsay. 1899 sub librarian at the Royal Academy medieval manuscripts. Strengths The Court Guide Gazeteer and royal 1875-1877, before taking up include mining, French literature, art blue book of the county palatine of appointment at Wigan in October 1877. and freemasonry, Greek and Latin Lancashire. 1903 He was an early member of the classics (the latter five subjects of Gabriel Peignot, a list of his works in Library Association and its Council, and particular interest to him). Also large the Wigan Reference Department 1905 of several societies including the collections relating to Lancashire and Old Wigan in Memorials of Old Library Association Council, the Cheshire. As a result, Wigan Library Lancashire 1911 Vol 2 ed H. Fishwick Bibliographical Society and the was reputed to have one of the largest, and P H Ditchfield. Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian best and most up to date collections of He died 25th August 1916 in a road Society. its time. traffic accident involving ahorse drawn He eventually became a Fellow of the Folkard compiled a catalogue of the milk float. Royal Society of Antiquaries. Wigan collection arranged by subject, He assisted in the initial purchase of the mining section was used as a Further Reading books for the new library (opened in bibliography by the British Library and Daily Telegraph 28.8.1916 1878). He was responsible for building the Bibliotheque Nationale. He also Manchester Guardian 26.8.1916 & up the collection, engaging experts in published many works relating to the 28.8.1916 given academic fields to provide lists of Wigan collections, Wigan’s local history Wigan Examiner 29.8.1916 the best, most update works then and its industry, including – Wigan Observer 29.8.1916 & 2.9.1916 available. These were then purchased, A Journey Around Wigan Reference using money given by Dr Taylor Library. 1884-86 Hawkes, A J Henry Tennyson Folkard Winnard c.£15,000. After this money Wigan Bibliography. 1886 1850-1916 first librarian of Wigan in was spent, Folkard managed to Wigan County Council Chamber, a Librarian and Bookworld May-June persuade the council to raise funds for descriptive sketch. 1890 1942. library book purchase from the rates. Freemasonry in the Wigan Library. See also the piece by Alan Davies on De He was so successful, that at the time 1892 Re Metallica by Georgius Agricola. 15

BROWN & HAIGH’S CHARTERED TRAIN JOHN MYERS of North Dorning Street) was associated cab sides. Unfortunately the Wales has forwarded this with both businesses, or if it was narrowness of the angle and the postcard photograph of a another member of the Coop family reflection of light renders the cab ‘works outing’ special who was originally in partnership side numerals illegible and a train, which he correctly with the Browns. buffer head obstructs most of the identifies as having just A good idea of the extent of the front digits. Only a 5 is clearly left Wigan Central station, business can be found in the April visible followed by what appears hauled by a London & 1929 obituary report of David to be a 4. This would be Haigh, which states “The firm’s North Eastern Railway appropriate for the majority of this career has been one of remarkable class of locomotive, which like the class B7 steam locomotive. progress, and it has extended so line to Wigan Central itself, has its He goes on to say that he much that at the moment it origins with the Great Central would be interested to employs close upon a thousand Railway. This type of 4-6-0 engine know when and on what hands, whilst its operations extend was in fact the very last occasion the photograph from South Wales to the North of locomotive design to be introduced was taken. Scotland, there being branches in by the GCR before it and other east The following additional Cardiff, Manchester, Liverpool, of England & Scotland railway information is a result of research Preston and Newcastle-on-Tyne.” companies were compulsorily done by the Heritage Service’s How many employees were based combined to form the London & Mike Haddon. at Wigan is not clear, but four North Eastern Railway with effect On checking various directories years earlier the Southport funeral from 1st January 1923. and newspaper references he of Arthur Brown had been There were 28 engines of this found that the Brown & Haigh attended by some 250 of the Wood type, which the GCR termed as partnership was established as Street Mill workforce. Despite the Class 9Q, built between 1921 and ‘wholesale clothiers’ operating deaths of the original partners the 1922, in three batches as shown from Wood Street, Wigan, in about firm continued under the same below :- 1895, when David Haigh, a native name and at the same premises The GCR itself constructed 13 of Huddersfield joined the existing until the late 1960’s, having examples at its works in the clothing manufacturing business become a limited liability company Gorton district of Manchester. run by David and Arthur Brown some time prior to 1947. Numbered 72, 73, 78 and 465 - under the name of Brown & Coop. Turning now to the railway 474 they entered service between A Wigan directory for 1890 aspect of the photograph, Mr Myers May 1921 and August 1922. includes the entry “Brown & Coop thought that the number displayed Next a batch of ten were ordered wholesale clothing manufacturer on the circular headboard and from the Vulcan Foundry Co. at Wood Street Mill Chapel Lane.” repeated separately on the top lamp Newton le Willows. These were However there is also a separate bracket would be that of the delivered between September and mention of “Coop & Co. wholesale locomotive. This is not the case November 1921 and carried the and retail clothiers 1 & 3 Wallgate: however, the 648 is a train numbers 36 - 38 and 458 – 464. Works - Dorning Street (and recognition number, allocated The final five were supplied by intriguingly) also Alliance because this is a one off special, so Beyer Peacock & Co., also of Collieries, Crompton Street”! This that signalmen and other rail staff Gorton, Manchester, in July and latter revelation seems to be such en route will be able to identify the August 1922 and were allocated an extraordinary location for a working by referring the number to the numbers 31 – 35. clothing firm to be associated with, the list which would appear in that These locos were powerful four that it raises the question as to week’s notices and thus not cylinder machines, just one step whether it is in fact a compositor’s confuse it with a normal timetabled down from the GCR’s top express error when the directory was being service. engines, but having smaller prepared for printing. It is not clear The locomotive’s own number driving wheels were designed for whether Timothy Coop (originator appears on the right hand side of ‘mixed traffic’ duties, equally of the distinctive Coop’s building in the front buffer beam and on both ¶ 16

suited to long distance passenger Company and records show that mid 1930’s. As to the train’s workings, fast freights and fish the first of our possibles was so destination, without an exhaustive trains from Grimsby docks. They treated in February 1924, thus study of official railway archives, were good performers but giving us the earliest possible date we can only speculate that it was somewhat heavy in their coal for our view. In reality it is presumably somewhere on the consumption, a reputation that probably several years later than LNER system. If it was a seaside earned then the nicknames ‘Black this as the first carriage is of a trip then it could have been to an Pigs’ and appropriately for the Gresley LNER design. East Coast resort such as Wigan area ‘Colliers Friends’. Such The second coach is very Scarborough, Bridlington or a large locomotive would not be identifiable as an ex GCR Cleethorpes. required for the normal passengers ‘Barnum’. Its unusual flat-sided Is there anyone out there who services out of Wigan Central, so it construction was based on North can recall as a child being taken on was probably brought over from a American practice and these such a works outing? Presumably Manchester depot specially for the English examples got their it could have been an annual occasion. nickname from their resemblance tradition, if so does anyone know The LNER reclassified and re- to the carriages of the famous for how long it continued and was numbered all its newly acquired Barnum and Bailey’s circus train. it always by train or were motor motive power into a single fleet. All Just before it and the other three coaches also hired by the firm locomotives of the 4-6-0-wheel big regional railway companies especially in the post war period? arrangement had a ‘B’ prefix were nationalised on 1st Jan 1948, It would be much appreciated if classification, in this case B7, and the LNER decided to renumber its anyone with knowledge of the all ex GCR engines had five locomotive stock into a more illustrated special train or similar thousand added to their old logical sequence. From this activity excursions run for employees of numbers. Thus the B7’s became we can therefore determine the Brown & Haigh, would contact numbers 5031-5038, 5072, 5073, latest possible date of the Mike Haddon at Wigan History 5078 and 5458-5474. One of the photograph which turns out to be Shop, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 last sequence of seventeen locos is January 1947. 1NU. tel. 01942 828121 or E therefore the subject of our As it is highly improbable that mail:- [email protected] illustration. such an excursion would have Any information received will be Naturally it took time to repaint been run during World War II, the passed on to Mr Myers and and re-number the thousands of photograph was most likely taken reported in a future edition of Past locomotives inherited by the new between the late 1920’s and the Forward. 17

Early Mining Gem Rediscovered at the History Shop WIGAN Public Library, today’s History Close to the library stood the first Shop at the bottom of Library Street, true coal mining (rather than general opened it’s doors in 1878 shortly after mining) college in the world (1857) and the Public Libraries Act amendment no doubt many a Wigan mining student had allowed the local authority to levy must have been excited as I was back in a charge on the rates to provide such a the mid 1970’s by being allowed access library with ongoing funding. Along to such a superb collection. with funding from this source the Recent index card work by a student library was already paid for, both land listing early works held in reserve at and building to the tune of £5000 by the History Shop showed the volume local benefactor Thomas Taylor JP. It was still held on site and had not left The ornamental wood engraved lead was designed by architect Alfred when the main mining collection went Waterhouse of Manchester Town Hall capital begins the first chapter of De Re Metallica. into store for many years at Leigh fame, and received a very large bequest Library. From there the collection from the estate of Joseph Winnard headed off to join the library of the borough in the world. The Wigan area MRCP, a surgeon formerly attached to Lancashire Mining Museum at Salford was famous for it’s many and varied the Wigan Poor Law Union, to stock its (closed 2000). That library is now held mining engineering skills, innovation shelves. The Winnard Bequest by of Science and in the field, teaching and research. amounted to £12,000 and along with Industry. Even though no doubt he would rather £590 from other local individuals, Georgius Agricola was born in 1494 add early first editions and classics to which in today’s terms would be in Saxony. His real name was Georg the library, the core mining collection equivalent to £814,000. Bauer, but following the custom of the always took prominence and eventually The first librarian, Henry Folkard time, it was latinised to Georgius became one of the finest in Britain. (d.1916) could add to the reference Agricola early in his youth. A Although having access to substantial collection virtually any volume he contemporary of Copernicus, Martin funding, Folkard still struggled to track pleased, he was not restricted Luther, Leonardo da Vinci, and down the most rare works for the financially as we are today and could Christopher Columbus, Agricola is collections and it was to be also add volumes on any subject today regarded as the father of approximately five years before he had matter, from an 18th century work on mineralogy. a chance to acquire an example of the smoking traditions, to a 16th century Initially educated at the University most famous early illustrated work on Greek theological study (in Greek!). of Leipzig where he taught Greek and mining techniques and technology, De Today, collecting policies restrict how Latin, Agricola subsequently continued Re Metallica by Georgius Agricola. Even the small amount of funding for new his education at the Universities of then, he only managed to acquire a accessions is spent. Bologna, Venice, and Padua where he second edition copy, yet with it’s Folkard was well aware that he lived studied philosophy, medicine, and the original binding of 1561. in the most famous coal mining natural sciences. In 1527, he accepted a job as town physician in Joachimsthal an important metal mining town in Bohemia. The time he did not spend in the practice of medicine was devoted to the study and exploration of everything he could find that dealt with mining. In 1530, Agricola left Joachimsthal. He spent the next three years travelling and studying mines. He settled in Chemnitz, Saxony, in 1533 where he again assumed a position of city physician. In 1546, he was appointed Burgermeister of Chemnitz. During this time he was frequently consulted on matters related to mining engineering. It was also during this time that Agricola devoted himself to setting down on paper what he had learned. A prolific writer in many disciplines, De Re Metallica open at a double spread of illustrations of hand forged miners tool he is especially respected for his bars and hammer heads. ¶ 18

A reversible water powered winding The very arduous task of boring out tree A cross section of the workings wheel. Amazingly one of these was in use trunks for use as pipes in pump ranges. showing multi level winding in place. at Oak Pit, , Atherton around These occasionally turn up in old shafts 1820, it’s water supply channelled from and opencast sites around the Wigan close to Bolton Old Road. area.. numerous books on mining and other views of equipment and procedures topics dealing with the earth sciences. explained in the text, made this study As a medical doctor he observed at first unique and unlike any previous work. hand the mining operations commonly De Re Metallica remains today an used, as well as the ill effects on the important historical and scientific miners, silicosis for example. document. It was not until 1738 that One of his earliest books on mining De Re Metallica was surpassed by and mineralogy, Bermannus (1530), Schlüter’s book on metallurgy was based upon information obtained Grundlicher Huttenwerken…. De Re from his conversations with the Metallica was reprinted in three “learned miner” Lorenz Berman during languages and ten editions. As was the his time at Joachimsthal. In 1546, four custom for scientific literature Attaching feathers to the edges of a four paddle ventilation fan rotor. Believe it or of Agricola’s multi-part books on produced during his time, Agricola mining and natural science were not the Walker Brothers (Wigan) wrote and published his works in Latin Indestructible Fan in use from around 1860 published. They were De Ortu et Causís instead of his native German. Doing so to modern times was virtually identical to Subterraneorum, one of the first works apparently strained the resources not this design, minus the feathers! on physical geology; De Natura Eorum only of the writer, but of readers and quae Effluunt ex Terra, which dealt with translators as well. In the sixteenth scholarly and analytical translation was subterranean waters and gasses; De century, as today, Latin was pretty performed, you may be surprised to Veteribus et Novís Metallís, which was much a dead language. Many of the learn, by American mining engineer devoted to the history of metals and concepts that Agricola attempted to and subsequent President of the United topographical mineralogy; and De describe in his works defied simple States Herbert Clark Hoover and his Natura Fossílíum, the first book which description. Latin just did not have the wife Lou Henry Hoover. The translation attempted to cover mineralogy in a words to express his ideas. As a result was done in a day when Presidents systematic fashion. Agricola was forced to invent a large were chosen for their previous positive Agricola’s most famous work De Re number of Latin terms to convey his contributions to society, rather than Metallica was published in 1556, one thoughts. This made translation into for their media appeal and political year after his death. Twenty years in English centuries later very difficult. chicanery. The translation was the making, the text was complete by Agricola was largely forgotten in his originally published in The Mining 1550. Another three years were spent country after his death. Neither the Magazine, London, in 1912. A by Blasius Weffring producing the cities of his birth, residences, nor subsequent edition was published in woodcut illustrations. Agricola interment have ever demonstrated any the United States in 1950 by Dover describes in detail the mining recognition of his contributions to Publications. methods, prospecting, equipment, science and engineering. The eventual For those interested, Dover smelting and metallurgical processes, translation into English in 1912, 356 publications still sell the reprint of the geology, mineralogy, and mining law of years after first publication created an translation which can be ordered the day. It is comprised of, as he enormous impact on the mining world. through Amazon online or at a termed, twelve “books”. The inclusion Once more the work came to life for Waterstones shop. of the 292 remarkably detailed and thousands of mining engineers, miners Alan Davies animated woodcuts showing cutaway and students. This first successful Heritage Officer (Archives) 19

THE SETTLEMENT LAWS OF THE 18th AND EARLY 19th CENTURIES by Robert Evans

PRIOR to the Industrial Revolution most people lived the whole of their lives in small closely-knit rural communities. Here most of their basic needs could be provided locally and they could expect some degree of help and support if they became ill or incapable of earning their own living because of illness, disability or ageing. Strangers coming into such communities could not expect any such help and from medieval times laws had been passed to move them on.

This right to help only in one’s own parish was the central principle of the 1662 Settlement Act. It made clear that ‘settlement’ and the associated right to receive parish relief depended on where a person’s father had existing ‘settlement rights’ which would normally, but not necessarily, be one’s birthplace. Only if certain specific conditions were met, such as serving In the latter part of the century a simple signed slip an apprenticeship, being hired to work for longer than could provide sufficient reassurance for a township to twelve months or renting property valued over £10 per accept someone from outside .(C3/1) year in another parish could these rights be transferred. Married women were given the settlement entitlement of their husbands while the children of unmarried women were automatically granted a settlement in their place of birth. From the many Atherton township documents dealing with the application of this Act a small selection has been chosen to illustrate the affect on local people.

There are several bonds which in the years following 1662 guaranteed that people coming in from By the late 18th century with the growth of new neighbouring townships would not become a liability industries and the demand for labour the movement of on the township. (C3/3) people had become so common that certificates were only issued to confirm that another parish accepted responsibility for someone who had become destitute after moving into Atherton. Many of these are for women who had been widowed or abandoned by their husbands and left with children to support. Others, such as one made out in 1828 for Lettice Eden, are for By the turn of the century certificates were being unmarried pregnant women who together with their provided confirming that a parish would accept a holder child would become a burden on the ratepayers.(C3/1) back if they needed relief.

In 1720 the Westhoughton officers wrote explaining that John France, his wife and three children were: (C3/1) “desireous for their more Convenient Subsistance and better way of Living to reside and dwell for sometime in your said Townshop of Atherton and to that end have requested us to give Such Certificate for Indemnifieing your Township of Atherton as by law is required” and went on to acknowledge that they would take them back into Westhoughton: “whensoever they or any of them shall become The 1662 Act did not prevent people moving to Chargeable or Burdonsome to your sd Townshipp of another area to seek a better standard of life and none Atherton or the Inhabitants thereof in any wise” of the Atherton documents suggest that there was any objection to newcomers who were fit and able to earn a In1769 the officers in Atherton were provided with a living to support themselves and their families. One much simpler statement that Tyldesley would accept responsibility for Samuell Smith and his family. (C3/1) ¶ 20

fragmentary document suggests that until the mid 18th In 1803 there was no doubt about Alice Partington’s century some monitoring of outsiders was undertaken to settlement as she provided a statement in which she keep a check on how many people without certificates said though Atherton was her birthplace her father’s were lodging in the township. (C3/11) place of settlement had been the township of Tyldesley with Shakerley. C/3/2)

The Settlement Laws did, however, require that if such people became incapable of supporting themselves and their families, then they should return to their original parish. If they would not go voluntarily then the Justices were asked to approve removal orders. In 1727 the Atherton officers obtained an order to remove Margaret Rothwell and her children to Westhoughton following the death of her husband. (C3/4)

The Justices confirmed that this was indeed the township that should provide relief (C3/2)

In 1760 the overseer of Westleigh claimed that it was Atherton’s duty to provide for Mary Reeves. (C3/4)

Following the decision of the Justices, unless there was an appeal, a removal order would be issued giving the overseer the responsibility to supervise the move and confirm that it had been carried out. In 1784 Atherton was required to accept a family from Pemberton. (C3/4) The overseer of the township to which a person was to be returned was notified so there was an opportunity to lodge an appeal with the Justices, as the Atherton overseers did in 1839. (C/3/4)

But often there were disputes and when overseers successfully appealed against decisions they were able to recover expenses as in 1768 when the Justices overturned a decision to send Thomas Ridgway and his family to Little Hulton (C3/6)

The Justices had to be satisfied that a particular township was the rightful place of settlement and they came to a decision after receiving statements – ‘examinations’- from the person whose settlement right was being questioned and from others who could confirm their status. Continued on page 22 21

apprehended in Berwick as “Rogues and Vagabonds” He stated in his examination that “he was discharged THE SETTLEMENT LAWS from the said Regiment on Account of his being wounded and unfit for Service by a Shot received as he OF THE 18th AND EARLY was standing Centry.” He stated that his legal settlement was in Atherton and the order shows that 19th CENTURIES he was passed on from Newcastle to Gateshead, and then into Durham and Yorkshire and finally from ––––– to Chowbent. (C3/7) In March 1741 Jane Continued from page 21 Smith was regarded as a vagrant in Halifax and the Constable there was ordered to convey her “on horseback” to the House of Correction in Wakefield and the governor in his turn was required to see that In 1736 Wigan paid costs after losing an appeal over she went to the next House of Correction in Lancashire the settlement of John Heaton and his family. (C3/5) “in the direct way to the Township of Atheron”. It appears that she evaded her supervisors at some stage as her name appears on another order made in late May in Warrington requiring the Warrington constable to take her “to the parish or Town of Chow-Bent”. (C/37)

This brief survey does not provide space for the many more accounts of the lives of local people and the reasons they became paupers seeking relief. The following are just a selection of the circumstances in which, apart from the death of husbands, resulted in Removal would be postponed if a person was too some women becoming destitute and together with sick to travel. (C3/4) their children subject to removal. Some had been deserted by their husbands. (C3/4)

In such cases the overseer of the receiving township was presented with a bill for care during the period of Mary Openshaw’s husband was out of the country suspension and this included the funeral expenses if “in foreign parts.” (C3/4) death had occurred. (C3/4)

The wives of serving soldiers who became dependent on relief could only receive help from the township where their husbands had settlement when they required help. In 1803 the overseers of Atherton were required to accept and provide for Mary Ratcliffe and her son from Westmorland. (C3/4)

On occasions people were returned to Atherton from distant parts of the country and in such cases the In 1831 the family of Arthur Peake, “a private removal orders served as passes requiring the soldier in His Majesties Eighty fourth Regiment of township officers to supervise passage from one Foot” then living in Rochdale were returned to township to the next. Each stage of the journey was Atherton where according to his examination he recorded on the removal document. In 1748 Joseph claimed settlement. (C3/4) Seal a “Discharged Soldier from General Chambres regiment of ffoot” together with his wife were ¶ 22

VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

In 1829 the husband of Hannah Dauber was in prison and an order was issued to remove her and her , WIGAN PIER child from Manchester to Atherton. (C3/4) The Trencherfield Mill Steam engine, situated at Wigan Pier, is the largest original working mill engine in its original setting. It provides a unique surviving resource which gives huge opportunities for the sharing of A rather intriguing reason is given for the removal knowledge and enjoyment to present and future of Harriet Green from Ashton-under-Lyne to Atherton in 1832. (C3/4) generations of visitors. Anybody who has seen the engine come to life cannot fail to be impressed by the size, grace and beauty of this surviving example of Victorian cutting edge technology. This engine needs continual inspection, cleaning, Reading these records one must have sympathy for care, overhaul and repair. This is where YOU can those people who at a time when they were help. As well as these roles, volunteers can have the experiencing personal hardship were forced out of familiar surroundings in a community where they were chance to speak with visitors about the engine and known and where they had perhaps made a valuable assist the engine team with special events and contribution to the local economy. As the records interpretative activities. illustrate particularly bereaved women together with Wigan Pier is also recruiting Volunteers to work in their children could be sent to distant townships to be The Way We Were Museum in general visitor alone amongst strangers. Nevertheless the documents assistance, interpretation and guiding. do make it clear that removal was governed by a legal process which did identify where each person was Interested? Why not pop along and have a look for entitled to receive help and which made some provision yourself; come and have a talk to our engine team for personal circumstances. In 1808 Elizabeth Wilkin about the exciting and varied opportunities available. together with her three children was left destitute Please telephone Debby Hill on 01942 323666 for following the death of her husband Joseph who had an initial chat or to arrange and appointment. originally come from Ormbersley in Worcestershire. Though the Justices recognised that this was the place were she should receive relief they appear to have taken pity on her situation as at the foot of her examination sheet they added: (C3/2) 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 £8.75 PER MORNING/ AFTERNOON SESSION COMMERCIAL RATE REFERENCES £21.65 The account is based on extracts from the Atherton PER MORNING/AFTERNOON SESSION Township Records now in the archives in Leigh Town Hall. There are several hundred of these in folders TR If you are interested, contact Philip Butler Ath/C/3/1-11. The writer acknowledges the assistance of Mr Alan Davis in making these records available Tel (01942) 828128 and for help in identifying other related sources. 23

Robert Ogden – Gone But Not Forgotten ON 24th May 1941, Battle Cruiser HMS Vivacious HMS Hood sank during combat with by Paul Ogden 11 June 1929 – 6 October 1930 the German battleship Bismarck in HMS Wakefield the Denmark Strait, with the loss of Ashton-in-Makerfield. Although, sadly, 7 October 1930 – 17 June 1931 1,415 lives. Only three of the crew the gravestone is now broken in two. HMS Vivacious survived, and of those three, just Eventually I received Robert’s naval 18 June 1931 – 30 November 1931 one, Ted Briggs is still alive today. record from the National Archive and it HMS Victory Some sixty years after the sinking, proved to be a great surprise to me. I 1 December 1931 – 31 August 1932 the wreck of the Hood was discovered had thought, quite wrongly as it HMS Nelson and explored. Ted Briggs was turned out, that Robert had merely 1 September 1932 – 11 January 1934 transported there for an emotional signed up for the war, but, in fact, he HMS Victory memorial service and a bronze plaque had signed up as a teenager and he 12 January 1934 – 8 March 1934 was placed to commemorate those who served on a number of ships before he HMS Excellent had given up their lives for their joined the Hood. He was a Boy 2nd 9 March 1934 – 14 November 1935 country. Television programmes were Class from August 4th 1926 to June HMS Coventry shown and several books were 12th 1927, a Boy 1st Class from 13th 15 November 1935 - 21 February 1937 published. One book, “Hood’s legacy” June 1927 to 1st January 1929, an HMS Excellent by Nixie Taverner, listed the names of Ordinary Seaman from 2nd January to 22 February 1937 – 1 March 1937 all the 1,415 dead and included in the 2nd May 1930 and an Able Seaman HMS Diomede list was one Robert Ogden – my from 3rd May 1930. He also received 7 March 1937 – 18 April 1937 grandfather’s brother. two good conduct badges – the first on HMS Griat I had known for some time that 2nd January 1932 and the second on 19 April 1937 – 5 May 1939 Robert had died on the Hood, indeed I 2nd January 1937. HMS Mantis had received a copy of his death Having discovered that Robert had 6 May 1939 – 8 June 1939 certificate from the General Register served on a number of ships, I then HMS Victory Office a number of years previously, wrote to International Maritime 9 June 1939 – 8 September 1939 but some of the other crew members Research and I was sent detailed HMS Windsor had their photographs in the book and accounts of the movements of the 9 September 1939 – 17 October 1939 I suddenly realised that, apart from his various ships during the time he was HMS Victory birth and death details, I knew aboard. I also joined the HMS Hood 18 October 1939 – 1 March 1940 nothing else about him. I, therefore, Association which has a website – HMS Suffolk decided to find out more. www.hmshood.com. The Association is 2 March 1940 – 31 January 1941 If someone served in the Royal trying to put together a HMS Excellent Navy, then the closest living relative is comprehensive history of the ship and 1 February 1941 – 7 March 1941 able to apply to the National Archive all those who served on her, so I sent HMS Hood Office for a copy of their career record. all Robert’s details for them to display. 8 March 1941 – 24 May 1941 Robert never married or had children At this moment in time there are so I had to contact someone from my individual pages set aside for all those Post Script father’s generation. Sadly, my father who were lost when the Hood sank but It may be of interest to know that died several years ago but I got in they only have photographs of 571. It the late entertainer, Jon Pertwee, touch with his cousin and not only did is to be hoped that more can be famous for his roles in “The Navy he give me permission to apply for the provided so that those individuals like Lark”, “” and “Worzel details, he also sent me a series of Robert Ogden are no longer just names Gummidge”, served on the HMS Hood photographs of Robert and the Ogden on a list. until its fateful mission. He was, family. These were a revelation to me Robert Ogden was born 2nd January however, transferred to the Dunlice because my grandfather hadn’t kept at Stocks Farm in Haydock to Paul and Castle with several others thought to anything of that nature. Margaret Ogden. He died on HMS Hood be officer class and so was spared. At the time of his death, Robert was on 24th May 1941. Apparently when he featured on the a resident of Eccleston in Chorley but a television programme “This is Your search through all the local The ships/shore establishments he Life” in 1971, the two remaining newspapers in Lancashire failed to served on read as follows: survivors from the ‘Hood’ were brought produce an obituary. It saddened me HMS Impregnable on as guests and so emotional was he to think that someone who had served 4 August 1926 – 27 October 1927 that he found it hard to retain his his country and made the ultimate HMS Emperor of India composure. As he says in his sacrifice didn’t even merit a few lines 28 October 1927 – 30 December 1928 autobiography “I am the Doctor”, “In in the press. His name does appear on HMS Renown War people die. Friends die. It is the war memorial at Eccleston 31 December 1928 – 13 May 1929 impossible to have lived through Churchyard though and also on the HMS Victory something like that and not be Ogden family grave at St. Thomas, 14 May 1929 – 10 June 1929 affected by it for the rest of your life”. 24

DANCE IN TIME GOING back to 1941 at age 13, by Fred Darbyshire So, when on early shift on a my mother took me to my first Saturday you got a privilege ticket dance. It was a charity dance I guess he was the one who got me from the boss, you’d go home, in aid of the war effort, I had interested in dancing and big band change, then pick up the girl friend, on my only suit, a brown music. Jack joined the army at age go to Wigan N.W station and catch 18, where he had a rough time an express to Blackpool. This got double breasted with short you there by tea time, you found a pants, long stockings and my being wounded on two occasions. At age 16, I change jobs, going to cheap café for tea, then you had a only pair of black boots. My choice, remember these were dancing was restricted to old work on the railway and get myself a girl friend (now my wife) who can exciting times in the late 1940s and time waltzes and the like. The dance. Because of staff shortages at early 1950s if you were a dancer reason I was my mothers Park Shed in Manchester, I and big band fan. At the Winter partner, was my dad had two get transferred there. This curtails Gardens you danced to Horace Finch left feet and was also on shift the dancing to holidays at the on the organ and the resident band work, travelling to and from Hindley British Restaurant, dancing (the name eludes me). Other artists Irlam Steel Works, which to Donald Atherton on Christmas I remember were the Ted Heath made it a long day for him. Eve and Hindley Public Hall (over Band and singers Dickie Valentine, One year later, and I am travelling the Co-op in Market St) New Years Lita Rosa and Dennis Lotus (this to and from Irlam working in the Eve. The war ends, I am transferred was my favourite British big band, engine shed as “Oil Lad”. I stayed back to the Lower Ince Shed, and and still is). Not much dancing got on at evening class doing an now we can get on with some done when Ted was in town, engineering course three nights a serious courting and dancing! because the floor was packed tight week, and this introduced me to The young cleaners and firemen around the bandstand, you could more dancing at the “Penny Hop” at the shed all seemed to go out just about get round the dance floor. held on a free night at Argyle Street dancing, mainly to Wigan Emp. If You could also go to the Opera School. There we danced to the you danced the last waltz to the House or Pavilion Theatres, both in records of the day, if you could find tune “Whose taking you home the Winter Gardens first house, then a partner of the opposite sex. I was tonight” then you expected to walk into the ballroom free. This was in now learning I bit about modern her home, this was one way of summer; dance till train time, the dancing. I was still my mother’s meeting the girl of your dreams. last train to Wigan was around partner attending charity dances, Shift work to a certain extent 11pm, then a nice walk to drop the but now in long pants and guess curtailed your dancing, however the girl friend off (she lived in Ince) what? Another brown suit! big thing was, that working on the then home to Hindley. My brother Jack, four years my railway, you got privilege tickets Another option was the Tower senior, was a very good dancer and (cheap travel) and some free passes. Ballroom, were you could watch the children’s show, followed by dancing to the Charles Barlow Orchestra, then the one the old people had been waiting for Reginald Dixon on the organ to play for dancing, no seats by the time he appeared. In summer they had guest bands to play for dancing, the best of these and my favourite, was Billy Ternant, beautiful band to dance to. The third option was the Palace. It stood where Woolworth’s now stands. Again, you could see a variety show first house, then into the dancehall free, till train time, these were great Saturday nights out. 11 August 1951, Saturday (Wigan v Warrington) was our wedding day, we could have gone anywhere on our honeymoon with a free railway pass, but we chose Blackpool for two weeks, why Here I am at age 13yrs in my brown suit (fourth one up in the centre) with Blackpool? St. Peter’s Boys Brigade in Market St, Hindley 1941. Entwistle’s newsagent Sunday 12 August - the Andrew in the background, brother Jack was on the big drum, that’s why we are Sisters at the Opera House (ticket all in step. Left column, Jack Taylor, ? ? John Whiteside. Centre, Fred price 10/6d circle). Valentine, Bill Markleton, F.D-Frank Lowe? Nearside, ? Kenny Croft, Fred Wolstenholme, Billy Edwards, Edwin Bibby, Jack Fillingham. Continued on page 26 25

Lee and the Cherokees and Jess Hall in April 1968, Duke Ellington Greenhough. (Jess is no longer with in November 1969 and Ella us, he managed the Monaco Fitzgerald with Ronnie Scott. Glenn DANCE IN Ballroom, Hindley for many years Miller was my brother’s favourite and played their with his band. He band, I treated him to a concert by was a remarkable man, serving in Buddy de Franco and the Glenn TIME the army during WW II, joining as a Miller Orchestra, it was the only ––––– private and being de-mobbed as a concert we attended together. captain). Roland did national However, we did go to the Monaco Continued from page 25 service with the Gordon Highlanders many a Saturday night to dance to Military Band. Now married and Jess Greenhough. One very exciting living in Hindley, it was easy for him concert was Stan Kenton at the Sunday 26 August - the Andrew to pick the wife and me up on a Floral Hall, Southport in 1973, we Sisters and the Edmundo Ross Saturday night and take us to Orrell got to meet and talk to the great Orchestra. British Legion, where he played in a man. We saw Sid Lawrence the Monday 13 August - Al Read at four-piece dance band. Later on, it Queens Hall, Wigan, the Monaco the Central Pier, there was also was where Roland Ballroom, Hindley and at the dancing on the pier in the played in a 10 piece band. These Llandudno National Theatre. Lets afternoons. were great nights out, but in the not forget local lad Andy Prior, who Wednesday 15 August - Vera eighties they had the fire at the we have seen on many occasions. Lynn and dancing toGeraldo. Town Hall, this was the end of our Also at the Monaco, the Don Lusher Friday 17 August - Palace regular dancing nights out. Roland Big Band plying lots of Ted Heath Theatre, Morton Fraser’s Harmonica joined the Wally McKensie Band at music. A regular Monday night Gang. Sunday 19 August - Opera Town Hall, our dancing is venue in the 1970’s and 1980’s, House, Sugar Chile Robinson now restricted to charity dances, was The Horseshoe, Little Hulton, (rhythmic child pianist) from that Roland was playing at around Bolton to listen to the Ron Bold Big America. the Wigan/Manchester area. Come Band. Wednesday 22 August - Winter the nineties, we took up sequence We have supported many local Gardens Pavilion, Norman Evans dancing at Ince Public Hall on big bands at many local venues and dancing to Geraldo. Monday nights, dancing to records over the years and still do. Our last Thursday 23 August - Palace played by Tommy Taylor. We still big concert was special for my 77 Pictures to see ‘Lorna Doone’. attend Wednesday and Friday birthday. I, with my wife and On what free nights we had, it nights, and also go on dancing family went to see the City of was to the Tower to dance to holidays twice a year. There is Birmingham Symphony Orchestra favourite dance band Billy Ternant. nothing as exciting as dancing to a and the BBC Radio 2 Big Band play We finished the honeymoon off at big band! a concert of Duke Ellington music in the Grand Theatre, Wilfred Pickles Over the years, we attended many the magnificent Birmingham in ‘Hobson’s Choice’. big band concerts including Count concert hall. What more can I say Once we got back home and into Basie at the Manchester Free Trade “keep music live”! the routine of work, the rest of the fifties was just as exciting. In 1953 Frankie Lane, Billy Daniels and The Merry Macs at the Opera House and many more stars over the next few years to been seen. Shows featuring Charlie Chester, Nat Jackley, Val Doonican, Morecambe & Wise and Matt Monro, all followed by dancing. In 1955, we left our first house in Platt Bridge, and moved to a new house in Hindley, where our first daughter is born (1956). With the aid of a baby sitter, we start dancing again on a Thursday night at the Monaco Ballroom in Hindley (music by Jess Greenhough and his band). In 1960 we moved to our present house in Ince, where our second daughter is born (1961).We soon start dancing again, our good fortune is that my wife’s young brother Roland, is a very well respected local musician who started his musical career at the Tudor House Youth Club playing with the M Furray - piano, Harry Pemberton - piano accordion (that well known Madhatter’s dance band in 1951 local funny man who sadly is no longer with us), Kevin Aldred - drums, aged 13 years. K Holland, Roland Slater - alto sax, Norman Livesey - tenor sax, Bill Roland next played with Derek Turton – trumpet, name not known. 26

Part Three by Glyn Jones first headmaster of Higher Folds Primary School, Atherton. Joe arrived in a Jaguar In 1970 the outstanding event of Eventful times There was also a day when the the year was the presentation to the infant classes were open to visitors. school of an oil painting of Bedford During 1972 I was absent from In June Robert Drabble came third Colliery. At lunch time, some work due to ill health, enduring a out of one hundred and fourteen fathers on their way to afternoon major operation at Manchester contestants in the Junior Cycling shift at Bedford Colliery would Royal Infirmary in the October of Rally organised by the Road Safety wave to their children in the school that year. I returned to school in Officer and an examiner from the playground. By the ‘seventies’ January 1973. In April 1974, Leigh Victoria Music Board came to however Bedford Colliery, like many became part of the Wigan examine children for Grade 2 in other pits in the country, was Metropolitan District. I had taught Brass Instrument playing. The scheduled for closure. I approached with the Lancashire Education results were most pleasing. Joe Gormley, Secretary of the Authority for 26 years and found it National Union of Mineworkers, to a good authority for which to work. L. Harper. Cornet Distinction see if we could get a grant to The change over however, was J. Johnson Trumpet Distinction commission a painting of the mine. cushioned by the fact that Charles J. Newman. Cornet Merit. He was eager to oblige. I knew that Hopkinson was to become Director L. Marsh E Horn Merit. Roger Hampson, Principal of Bolton of Education for Wigan. S. Rushworth Baritone Merit. College of Art and Design had During the events of the next few staged a number of exhibitions of months I was thankful that I was In December rewiring of the hall his paintings of Lancashire mines dealing with administrative and classrooms commenced. The and miners. He was a native of personnel with whom I was boiler had one of its winter Tyldesley and enthusiastically took familiar. There was a spate of tantrums. In spite of every thing we on the commission. The oil painting vandalism on the roof, a number of went ahead with our usual he did of the miners coming up broken windows, flooding in one of Christmas activities. In 1975 we from the last shift at Bedford the classrooms and water coming opened on a positive note. Miss Colliery was four feet by three feet through the roof. There were more Lambert, Nursery Education and took three months to complete. boiler problems. Temperatures in Adviser, came to discuss the Parents, children, staff and former the classrooms were as low as 48 F, proposed addition of a Nursery miners, together with school and an emergency meeting was Unit. There were further visits from managers and Education Officer called with the Chairman of Miss Lambert who was to prove Charles Hopkinson gathered in the Managers and Mr. Burman from the most helpful in the future school hall for the presentation. Education Department. A point was development of the project. Former miners recalled some of reached where 209 children, whose their past experiences. Children parents could be contacted were “Bottles of beer in the sang a folk song on the topic of pit sent home and 56 children whose wardrobe” closures, written by the headmaster. parents could not be contacted were The presentation was made by kept in school. We had our usual summer Joe Gormley on behalf of the Meanwhile there had been a activities and two school trips were National Union of Mineworkers, number of staff changes. Miss organised. The infants and class with Sid Vincent, who represented Robinson, Mrs. Schofield and Mr. four went to Chester. We were more the Lancashire Mineworkers Union. Fisher (Probationers) commenced, adventurous with the top juniors . The fact that Joe Gormley later and Miss Owen, Miss Smith , Mrs. We decided to use Banbury as a received a knighthood was purely Black and Miss Meadows left. In base. From there we would go on to coincidental! The arrival of Joe view of the staff changes I decided Oxford, Blenheim Palace, Stratford Gormley reminded me of the only to move two infant classes into the on Avon and Warwick Castle. We time I had the privilege of meeting a open plan unit and move the junior had not realised quite what an serving Minister of Education. A classes into the two traditional adventure it would turn out to be. Lancashire school in which I was classrooms. This was recalled some time later teaching in 1948 was in the In February 1972 schools held a when in March 1978 my daughter constituency of George Tomlinson. Divisional Arts Festival. At Higher sent me a cutting from the Oxford During his Ministry he asked to Folds we were blessed with a Times. It featured a hostel present the prizes at the school number of staff who were ‘somewhere in the Cotswolds.’ It Speech Day. I was slitting on the exceptionally talented in Art, Craft had apparently become a half way bus waiting to set off for the school and Music. Parents, teachers and house for homeless people who when a short squat figure boarded children took part in a variety of needed somewhere to go. Besides and asked whether the bus passed activities. Other members of the providing bed and breakfast the school. I told him I was a Higher Folds community from accommodation for lorry drivers teacher at the school. He introduced youth to senior citizen were also and construction workers, it took himself. George used public invited. Many tried their hands at transport. Joe arrived in a Jaguar! musical instruments and artwork. Continued on page 28 27

coach returned, so it was about brought to me yesterday. Thank turn and more fun and games for you to you and your staff not just another hour or so. After a lengthy, for my own kin, but for all the Joe arrived and sometimes rather heated children in Higher Folds. From the exchange, the matter was finally contents of the magazine you have resolved. We finished up in two certainly rubbed off a little of in a Jaguar separate AA 2 star rated hotels. It yourselves on to these children and was with some relief that next helped them on the way to learning ––––– morning we arrived in Oxford at what life is really about.” In the Continued from page 27 the University of St Mary where we anthology a ten year old girl were met my daughter who had expressed in verse the frustrations volunteered as an addition helper she experienced one dinner time. I for the day. By the time we know exactly how she felt. I once on social service families. It breathlessly climbed the spiral penned my personal experience of accommodated people on social stairs and viewed the city of school dinner times. security, probation cases, and dreaming spires the trauma of the people who had come out of jail traumatic beginning had SCHOOL DINNERS and had nowhere to go. It had disappeared. The icing on the cake Nothing seemed to go right today originally been a British Rail Hostel came at Leamington Spa where we I slipped in the hail and dropped and had 87 bedrooms. stopped for lunch. I was my tray, At about 5.00 pm on a warm approached by a retired I went for the mop when I slipped evening in 1975 a happy, but tired headmistress and the head of a on the floor coach load of thirty children and cathedral choir school who both But some one had locked the four adults from Higher Folds complimented us on the children’s caretaker’s door. arrived at this very hostelry. It had behaviour. Nothing seemed to go right today. been booked through a reputable Perhaps tomorrow will be a better holiday agency which the school day. had used before. It was to be a base Great achievements from which we would set forth to I know just how she felt. I had explore the rich cultural heritage of During 1975 Higher Fold my first experience of dinner duty Oxford, Blenheim Palace, Stratford received further visits from Miss in a large city school in 1946. on Avon, and on the homeward Lambert in preparation for the Twenty years later, when I route pay a visit to Warwick Castle. opening of a Nursery Unit. We also arrived at Higher Folds, the winds To say the start was somewhat received visits from Dorothy Cryer, of change that had been blowing inauspicious would be something who on re-organisation had through the classrooms blew a gust of an under statement. become our Primary Schools or two through the school meals Since the children were tired, Adviser. She had previously been service. Meals were no longer restless and hungry we felt there our PE Adviser, and in relation to delivered from central kitchens, but was no alternative but to drop this subject had been of were cooked on the premises. I was anchor and at least let the children considerable help to the number of fortunate that the two cooks, Mrs have a wash and a meal. We did probationary teachers we had. The Aspinall and Mrs Davies stayed at however tell the children to leave log book also records that we had school during the whole of my time their luggage in the rooms but not some visits from Mr. Lambort HMI. there. Both ladies always took an to unpack. Our troubles were just These were the days when active interest in all aspects of the about to begin. “Please sir, there’s a Inspectors arrived un-announced, school activities and always gave couple of beer bottles in the and saw schools ‘in the raw’. their utmost loyalty. wardrobe.” This was followed by To celebrate the tenth “Please sir, there’s some stale bread anniversary of the opening of the on the table.” We eventually school we printed a small “Bloody starving” gathered the flock together and anthology of children’s work, shepherded them into a dining which we called ‘A taste for words.’ Changes to the dinning-hall room where a number of long I wrote the following foreword. meant that long forms and trestle distance lorry drivers and “Children have a satiable curiosity tables were replaced by stacking construction workers were tucking not only about the curious world in chairs and tables with shiny into their meals. Obviously the which they live, but also about the formica tops. A teacher or monitor place was completely unsuitable. magical world of words. Once this would sit at the head of each table While the children and staff went taste is titillated they come easily to and take on the role of Mum or for their meal I used the very public the feast. We trust that this Dad, serving each child telephone to contact the office of anthology will help dispel the myth individually. This sometimes led to the travel agent in Manchester, that the isolated community of problems when children would go only to be informed that the person Higher Folds live in a cultural home complaining about perceived in charge had gone home. desert.” All the written work in this injustices. Some parents aired their Meanwhile the coach driver had anthology arose from work done grievances politely. ‘For some time agreed to search for a recreational with the children by myself and Arthur and his sister have been area where Mrs. Andrews, Mrs. Glennis Andrews. The following is coming home complaining that Newman, and Mr. Fisher, could an extract from a letter I received . other children on their table are keep the children occupied for an Names have been changed. always getting bigger helpings than hour or so. Negotiations still had “This note is prompted by the not been completed by the time the delightful little magazine Betty ¶ 28

they do. I know that some times children exaggerate, but as they are WIGAN PIER THEATRE COMPANY – both adamant I feel something should be done about it. ‘Some OUTREACH: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE parents were not so polite. “Our DURING 2005, Wigan Pier Theatre Company delivered two major pieces of theatre Barry reckons ‘es not gettin ‘is fair shares at dinner. I don’t pay dinner with the community that focused on heritage themes. money for ‘I’m to be bloody The first was a newly commissioned play financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund starved!’ about the history of . Four local high schools researched and rehearsed All teachers did not find the “Haigh Fever” – a promenade performance of the Haigh Hall building with ghosts combined role of teacher, parent, of Haigh’s past coming to life over eight performances on one night in July. social worker and feeder of manna Home Front Recall funding also allowed the Leisure Trust’s resident professional to the hungry entirely to their taste. theatre company to work with primary schools in creating a celebratory “Street As usual, it was the teachers in Party” performance to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War schools where a high proportion of II. Young and old attended the event, discussed the past and had a great time in children were lacking in table a sing-along of World War II songs. manners who took the greatest At the end of 2005, the theatre company was awarded a grant of £34,000 to strain. The question of whether run a three-year programme with Higher Folds Community Centre in Leigh. Two school dinner time supervision was youth theatres and an adult community group have now been established to a statutory or voluntary duty was a perform another new play called “The Folk On The Hill”. This will be penned by subject of much heated debate. local playwright, Julie McKiernan, and will look at past, present and future times There came a point when action of the Higher Folds estate in a story that will involve all generations of the was taken nationally and many community. It will be performed at the Community Centre on Stirling Close teachers withdrew their labour. At between 5th – 7th July 2006. this time supervision at Higher If you are a community group and would like to develop a youth theatre or Folds was done by Mr Cooley and create a performance project whether it is heritage based or not, then please myself. Fortunately this only lasted contact Wigan Pier Theatre Company’s Development Officer, Martin Green, on a short time and a compromise 01942 709305 or e-mail him at [email protected] was reached. I personally found Don’t forget that you can visit “The Way We Were” museum at Wigan Pier on the hour and a half lunch time Wallgate to see the theatre company’s live heritage interpretation work, where session the most challenging and actors bring Victorian Wigan back to life. The unique Victorian Schoolroom is an stressful time of the school day. It experience that will take you back to the strictness of 1900. New scenes that tested one’s patience, tact and have recently been added to the repertoire look at the themes of the Boer War authority to the utmost. Some and Votes For Women. Call 01942 323666 for opening times or further details. teachers, fortunately not many, were incapable of exercising control over a hall full of lively children in a situation where there were ample opportunities for bad The Mayor’s Charity behaviour, mob psychology sometimes takes over, and even DO you know of any local different hero each month. For normally well behaved children heroes? As part of the Mayor’s both the calendar and the then behave badly. This Charity, it is hoped that we can commemorative plaques, we are occasionally led to strained honour those who have looking for suitable sponsors relations, particularly when non- achieved fame or infamy by a who will be willing to contribute teaching staff felt that children series of commemorative to the cost of these projects. In were allowed to be excessively plaques placed in public places return, sponsors’ generosity will noisy and rude. On these occasions with a link to the person. It can be acknowledged. I would have to diplomatically be an entertainer, sportsman or The Mayor’s Charity smooth ruffled feathers. There was woman, inventor, writer or Committee will make the final an especially delicate relationship artist. Nominate someone decision on who and what will between welfare assistants and whose life has affected others in be remembered with the coveted children, particularly when it involved playground supervision some way. Whoever they are, blue plaque. So, let’s give the before and after meal times. On the they must fulfil one criteria – area a positive image by other hand, there was often a really they must be dead. Dead for a reminding ourselves and caring relationship between welfare few years or a few hundred visitors to the borough of our assistants. At Easter time they years, so don’t nominate Lord local heroes! would give the children a special of the Rings star, Sir Ian treat. They would be given a sweet McKellan. Events can also be Suggestions to: in the shape of a bird’s egg, with a commemorated in the same way Mr Philip Loudon, 80 Bag Lane, chocolate egg in the middle. – for example, the Battle of Atherton M46 0JX or Wigan Lane or the site of Wigan Ms Christine Charnock-Jones, To be continued in the next Casino. The Mayor’s Secretary, Wigan issue, when Glyn recalls some For the year 2007 a calendar Town Hall, Library Street, magic moments, great is being planned featuring a achievements and his enforced Wigan WN1 1YN. retirement due to ill health. 29

Riley’s Gym in the 1950’s IT WAS when I started my by Derek Yates now, the other wrestler would be apprenticeship with the Wigan flexing his muscles on the front Corporation Electricity Works in the platform of the booth and Matt Moran late1940’s, that I first met Ernie Riley. consisting of a large mat for the would be giving his spiel about the Despite our paths dividing and wrestling, a few barbells and some forthcoming contests. “And tonight’s diversifying, we never were to lose minor aids to fitness scattered main contest will be between two contact for the rest of our lives, until around, plus a very basic shower American soldiers fighting over a his death in October 2000. He was the compartment. And that was it! From married woman”! That being the son of Billy Riley and like his well then on, all that needed to be added, accepted humour of the time and known father, was to become a was a lot of sweat and effort, by some occasion. At the same time he issued world-class “all-in wrestler”. The more than others. The weekly a challenge to “Any likely lad that family home in Great Acre was membership charge, was one shilling fancies his chances against my boy, always a venue for friends and and sixpence (15p in today’s £5 for the winner”! Then I would step characters from the wrestling money).It seems incredible to recall, up and take the challenge on behalf fraternity, some of whom were that some of these lads who for the of “my boy”, who was of course already becoming well known on most parts were only earning basic totally unknown to Matt’s champion! television. Bob Robinson, alias “the wages, went on later to earn the kind We then went around to the back into Farmers Boy” and Jack Pye, “the of money that they could have never the caravan, to prepare. villain”, Tommy “Tucker” Moore alias dreamt of. Yet they were all the same Five rounds would ensue in that “Jack Dempsey”, Alan Latham, Matt to Mr Riley, for his sole satisfaction tightly packed booth, the crowd Byrnes and many others who, when came from helping anyone willing to always supporting the local lad, not engaged in the usual show of learn, and who were willing to put the especially as it was Billy Riley’s lad. aggression in the ring, were as well effort into it. He frowned on bad The ring was normally erected to behaved as you or I. Their only aim in behaviour, swearing, and also “big stand at about chest level, and I stood life was to avoid any other form of heads” who did appear occasionally down there in “my mate’s” corner. fighting at all costs, although at the through the door of the gym, and who The contest as usual had been well same time they could take care of seldom came back for more when, practised and was pretty convincing themselves otherwise. The logic of after a nod from Billy, the likes of Bob to the uninitiated, with lots of this was, “that only fools fought each Robinson would invite them to an slapping of hands and forearms on other for nowt”. introductory session on the mat! Billy the hard canvas as they took the falls. When training in the gym there always kept in touch with the gym In the early rounds of course, the was, from time-to-time, a lot of sweat and was very often to be seen there. villain was inflicting grievous damage and hard work involved and also the Even when as a senior citizen, he (or so it would seem). But by the end basics of straight wrestling. However, would be seen down at mat level on of the third round, I thought it was to be of any entertainment value at one knee, advising and high time for me as ‘manager’ to be all, the art of “show wrestling” had to demonstrating the appropriate seen to be passing at least some be practised. To watch wrestlers in “holds”, dressed in his everyday instructions to my corner. So tapping training would bore most people to waistcoat, shirt and trousers and only Ernie on the ankle, who bent down tears, and would not encourage them discarding his trilby hat that he often close, I whispered “fish and chips, greatly to part with their money to do wore in order to do so. fish and chips, fish and chips” in his so. Some little time later in the 1950s ear, which seemed to convince the Ernie’s father, Billy Riley, in his after I was “de-mobbed” out of the crowd, as from then on, Billy Riley’s heyday wrestled for the World Fleet Air Arm, we were to join up with lad went on to win! Eventually, on Heavyweight Championship in South other wrestlers, Alan Latham for pushing our way out through the Africa, and like his father, Ernie also instance, with myself acting as so- crowd, we were being warned and wrestled abroad, in India, Turkey, called manager for Ernie Riley. We advised by the well-wishers that on Japan and also, if I remember turned up at boxing/wrestling booths receiving our money, we should make correctly, in America and Australia. on various fairgrounds, which a quick escape, in the likelihood of us Some of his opponents from these appeared around the district from being ambushed and robbed by the locations whenever visiting this time to time, and were typical of the men from the booth! country came to know this little gym kind of booths that were being run by In the event we did, only to meet up that we all helped to build. It was fairground promoters such as Matt again with Alan, far enough away situated to the rear of Whelley Senior Moran. Because none of us possessed from the fairground to escape School, and was the second of Riley’s cars at that time, we travelled on the detection, and for all three of us to gyms to have existed. The early one bus together, splitting up, just before return in high spirits on the top of a being situated at the bottom of entering the fairground. The third local bus, both contestants being Scholes, to the back of Farr’s Haulage member of our party would disappear equally satisfied with their earnings. company’s yard, adjacent to the river around into the back of the booth, As previously mentioned, they Douglas. It was far from what we whilst Ernie and myself, wearing a were to go on from this early start to have come to expect from today’s trench mac with turned up collar and earn a great deal more than £5 a bout standards, being a small, plain brick snap-brimmed trilby (a la Humphrey in later years. Riley’s gym however, oblong building, built to basic Bogart), wandered around the continued to encourage youngsters standards by enthusiastic members, fairground for a while, in order to and others in keeping fit and in the but nevertheless waterproof. The provide some time for a crowd to skills of wrestling. Billy would have equipment was equally basic, assemble in front of the booth. For by been happy enough, with that! 30

They Called Her ‘The White Mother’ EMILY SPROTT (nee France) 1928 she continued to carry on parts of the island. was the daughter, and one of 22 the good work in which they had Readers can read an account children of Joseph France, a been jointly engaged. of her experiences in the Wigan confectioner, who had a The Wigan Parish Church, Observer of 1st May 1943. business in Millgate and Market through the agency of a special, In June 1943 Emily was Street. One of her brothers was local Melanesian Mission Fund, awarded an MBE in recognition Richard France who was a maintained a practical interest for her work. After the war she prominent member of Wigan in Emily’s work, and from time returned to Santo Isabel to Parish Church, another brother to time sent out such supplies as spend more time with the people was Charles France, sanitary were needed in the South Seas she loved. Emily, the unknown inspector for Wigan Corporation. missionary settlement. heroine, a Wiganer, came back From her girlhood, Emily was Whilst undertaking work in to the peace of the Berkshire actively associated with Wigan social and child welfare for the countryside where she died in Parish Church and Sunday mission in this British Solomon 1958. She never acknowledged School which led her to embrace Islands Protectorate, the her age, but it is possible by her missionary work in the early Japanese invaded the country. death she was in her mid 1900’s. She received her Although she could have been eighties. training in London before taking evacuated, she decided to stay Should anyone have any up work, initially in Korea. She and help the local children and further information about Emily then travelled to the Solomon attend the wounded. Emily (the or her work I would be pleased Islands under the auspices of the only European on the island) to hear from them. Melanesia Mission. Emily lived deep in the jungle with the Tony Ashcroft married Rev. R. Sprott a local people, whilst the Japanese Leigh Local History Officer missionary. Although he died in looted and murdered in other (Tel: 01942 404559) Do You Remember? Mr R Heaviside takes on a shopping trip around the Wigan of over 50 years ago I REMEMBER Poole’s Central Warehouse in Brothers. Millgate, quite a long row of shops, selling Finally, we come to Christmastime and who furniture, carpets and hardware. How about remembers Father Christmas arriving at Lowes? Pendleburys (now Debenhams) - who We used to stand out in the cold and watch him remembers the terrific fire and the fire engines? arrive, then mounting the fire brigade’s I went to watch in my pyjamas with my mother! turntable ladder - WHOOPS! He nearly fell as he I used to go there into the basement to be went down the chimney. measured for my Grammar School uniform - The store of course was a real Aladdin’s cave, who was the outfitter, a portly gentleman, well and once again there was the restaurant! dressed? Later there was the café, what a treat! As we travel around the township we If any other reader has reminiscences of remember, for instance in Market Street, shopping in Wigan let us know. Mr Heaviside Latimers, U.C.P, Meesons and Webster was obviously fond of his cafes! Editor.

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Atherton Heritage Society 20th May April 11th SOCIETY NEWS AGM “Surnames” Speaker - Peter Watson Everyone is welcome to come along to May 9th listen to the speakers. There is a charge for “Samuel Coulthurst” (Salford To all Secretaries guests of £1.50 (£1) for members. Photographer) Speaker - John Aldred Would Secretaries please note the copy Membership for the year is £6 for June 13th deadline on p2. individual members and £7 for family “A visit to Chowbent Chapel Atherton” members. Overseas membership £10. For Meet at the chapel at 7pm. Programme of Events membership form contact John Wogan at Meetings held at St. Richards Hall, 18th April 01942 321163 [email protected] Atherton - 7.30pm. Details from Margaret North Country Folklore by Peter Watson or visit our web site at Hodge- Tel. No. 01942 884893. 16th May www.wiganworld.co.uk/familyhistory Records held by the Latter Day Saints by Visit www.wiganworld.co.uk for everything Golborne & Lowton History Society Rita Greenwood related to Wigan old and new. Coming Talks and Events 20th June News 11th April Project Night Wigan and Leigh Marriages from 1837- AGM. 18th July 1950 are now on the internet at 9th May Project Night http://www.lancashirebmd.org.uk Trolley Buses by John Bradbury. 15th August or use the link from our website. 13th June Getting Started Snippets From Our Members Visit – to be arranged. Stuart Wade who works at the Priory Meetings are held at Golborne Library Wigan Register Office for BMD Wood Hotel and Restaurant Orrell would every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Indexing like any information about the building 7.00pm. Non members welcome. The volunteers at the Register Office have which used to be Orrell Mount . Priory Enquiries to: Derek Briscoe (chairman) completed all marriages for inclusion on Wood will be renamed Orrell Mount later (01942) 747366, Frank Hill (01942) the Lancashire BMD website from 1837 - this year. 728066, John Maconie (01942) 706595 1950 for the Wigan & Leigh Registration So far, we have unearthed that the building District. was built by John Clarke a banker and Hindley & District History Society Checking has started on the Birth indexes mine owner of Orrell Colliery (who can Dear Editor for the same area. Check boast one of the first locomotives in Many churches or chapels built during www.lancashirebmd.org Lancashire) and used by an order of the 19th Century were unfortunately for French nuns for a short time. destined to close down during the next coverage update details. It then became the home of Abraham century. Hindley & District History Society Glenys McClellan Guest, a prominent member of the Orrell is undertaking a project to gather Hon. Secretary Leigh Family History Community, the school just down the road information on such places of worship in Society and Co-ordinator at Wigan Register from the Orrell Mount, is named after him. the Hindley area. We already have much Office for BMD Indexing. Finally, the building was used as a Berni information on places such as Bridgecroft Inn before becoming Priory Wood. Independent Chapel, St Paul’s Leigh Literary Society Douglas Roberts who lives in Nottingham Independent Chapel and Ebenezer Meetings are held in the Derby Room at would like any information about Particular Baptist Chapel whose premises the Turnpike Centre on alternate Monday Henry/Harry Roberts a railway man living have either been demolished or converted evenings at 7.30pm. Details from Tony in Spring View prior to his death in Spring St into other places of commerce, but we are Ashcroft, Local History Officer, Leigh 1850s. lacking information on other less well- Library (01942) 404559. known places. 10th April Rorke’s Drift – A Wigan Connection We are particularly interested in St AGM & The Great Comedians by Davis Hill By John Wogan, Wigan Family and Augustine’s Chapel which is shown on a Local History Society 1925 map of Hindley as being off Atherton Standish PROBUS Club One of our members, Keith Guest found Road, (possibly near where Corsey Road is Members are retired/semi retired this snippet ‘Wigan Hero’s Defiant now), the Salvation Army Barracks on professional business men and women. Stand at Rorke’s Drift’. Market Street and the Church Army Meetings are held at The Crown, Platt There must be few folk who have not Mission off Liverpool Road plus any other Lane, Worthington on the 2nd Tuesday of heard of Rorke’s Drift, depicted in the places of worship which were in existence every month at 10.30am. epic movie Zulu, starring Michael Cain during the 19th and 20th centuries but Details from Bryan Shepherd on 01257- and Stanley Baker. One hundred and which have now closed down. 424994. thirty-nine British soldiers stood against The sort of information we are looking overwhelming numbers of ferocious Zulu for is when and where such places were Wigan Family & Local History Society warriors, fresh from a stunning victory built or opened, when and why did they We meet at the Springfield Hotel every 3rd over the British at the battle of close, as well as any other activities which Tuesday in the month. Isandlwana. Eleven Victoria Crosses were may have taken place in the premises. Last year was a record year with 104 won at Rorke’s Drift, the highest ever Readers can write to me c/o Hindley subscribing members who joined the awarded for a single action. History Society at Hindley Library, Market Society. One thing, which may be unfamiliar to Street, Hindley. Speakers remaining for the rest of the year readers, is a little-known Wigan Norma Brannagan, Hindley. 18th April connection. When the Zulu War broke out Paul Cross in January 1879, the British sent a force Leigh & District Family History 20 Artifacts from the past with stories and of some 16,000 men into Zulu territory Society (part of Liverpool & SW humourous tales. under the command of Lord Chelmsford. Lancs. Family History Society) 16th May The majority of these troops were Natal Website: www.liverpool-genealogy.org.uk Peter Watson natives. Amongst the ranks of the 5,400 Stranger than fiction. Brilliant speaker ¶ 32

Gerald Rickards (1931 – 2006) THE packed church at his that I will most remember funeral last week and the Gerald. In 1996, as part of huge array of sympathy Wigan’s 750th celebra- cards that filled his tions of its first charter, I lounge said it all – Gerald commissioned Gerald to was a much loved and produce a 37 foot Charter respected person who will Mural, depicting many of be deeply missed by so the local buildings past many. and present. From the I had the pleasure and outset, it was clear that privilege to know Gerald this was a labour of love for over 10 years. We first for Gerald, and I look met when I visited his back with many fond house to discuss the memories of this time. Charter Mural in the The magnificent Charter History Shop. And what a Mural can still be seen in surprise I got! Artists are the History Shop today. frequently not the easiest Gerald also had three people to get on with, but not so Gerald. He was one exhibitions of his work in the History Shop, and I of the most gentle and amenable people I have ever considered it a great honour when he invited me to met. In subsequent years, when I had to contact him, open the last of these. This particular exhibition I often thought I might be disturbing him as he featured paintings and compositions developed from worked in the front room of his house, but never once a series which Gerald had produced for Past Forward was there a hint of irritation, always the same from 2001, depicting the buildings of each local friendly, warm welcome. township, in his own inimitable style. Again, I have And what a house! The walls – and often the floors many happy memories of our meetings – and Gerald’s - were literally covered with his paintings! It was many anecdotes - to discuss these; and again, this quite an experience to see them all. was a project very close to his heart. Sadly, however, Gerald was a Wiganer through and through, and it was never completed; it was clear in the last few proud of it. He was born in nearby , and years that Gerald’s health was declining, and he was attended Wigan Grammar School and Wigan School not able to put in the necessary work to produce these of Art. Following further studies in Liverpool, works to his own high standards. Typically of Gerald, Edinburgh and Europe (a travelling scholarship to though, he was determined not to let me down, and study mural painting), his two principal posts were came up with various alternatives from work he had as Head of Art at Upholland Grammar School (later already carried out. Winstanley College) and as the first Artist in This included a number of quizzes which he Residence at Drumcroon Education Art Centre in produced, partly out of his deep interest and affection Wigan. for Wigan, but also to raise money for Wigan & Leigh Following his early retirement, he spent over 20 Hospice, for which he also produced a number of years painting, in his own attractive and distinctive murals. The Hospice was a cause which became style. And what a prodigious output! He had increasingly dear to his heart. exhibitions throughout the country, many with a Sadly, Gerald lost his battle for life in February, particular theme – National Trust properties, when he died peacefully at home. I will miss the churches, cathedrals, Thomas Hardy, to name but a friendship of this very gentle and humble man, as will few. so many others. Fortunately his legacy will live on, in Closer to home, he designed and painted the his many wonderful works, painted in his own very central window in Queen’s Hall, Wigan, and was distinctive style. To his wife Mildred and his family, commissioned to produce a large number of paintings we extend our deepest sympathy. for the opening of Wigan Pier in the mid 1980’s. Alastair Gillies But it is for his work for Wigan Heritage Service, (former Heritage Services Manager & Editor of and the History Shop and Past Forward in particular, Past Forward)

British regular soldiers were Wigan born enlisting in the army, aged nineteen. He into the regular army. It is believed he was William Neville and John Smith. Both continued his service until his discharge in the only soldier to suffer injury from a privates in the 2nd Battalion (2nd 1889. Described as of bad character and native spear, when he received a wound to Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot. Neville intemperate habits he lived with his wife the abdomen from a Zulu assegai whilst had enlisted at Liverpool in 1877 and and children in Broom Street, Ince. He defending the barricade at Rorke’s Drift. Smith on Christmas Eve 1876 at Ashton- died in 1895 of a heart attack at the age of John Smith discharged from the army in under-Lyne; it was not unusual for men to thirty-seven and was buried in an 1882, described as of good character and enlist in units whose nominal home was unmarked public grave in Ince cemetery. temperate habits and went to live in Bury. many miles away. John Smith was born in December Both men received the South African William Neville was born the son of 1851 in Chapel Lane, Wigan - the son of a Medal 1877-8 and 1879 clasps. Abram farmer, James Neville, on Railway worker. He had worked as a For more detailed information see Warrington Road in February 1858. He labourer and served in the Lancashire Rifle Rorke’s Drift Men by James W worked as a colliery weigh clerk prior to Militia. At the age of twenty-five, he enlisted Bancroft 33

WAR TIME CYCLE ADVENTURE TO SOUTHPORT Dear Editor, glorious view from the top of the much money for the fun fair, so I wonder how many of your hill. Then someone said, “We we went to the open air readers rode to Southport on will never get there at this rate”, swimming pool, which after a their bicycles just before or so off we went down Parbold swim, made us feel quite during the last war? Hill – what a thrill! For the first hungry, so we ate the rest of our Ghostly I think the year would have time no-one fell off, so we butties and set for home. been around 1942 or 1943. A carried on our merry way, past Someone had a puncture, a Policeman group of us lads got together the aerodrome that was in the chain came off, all of which Dear Editor, and our plans were hatched – fields at that time, the army caused quite a delay, as we I was talking to a friend and Southport or bust! We set off depot at and finally wanted to stick together come she told me that in the 1950’s, from Higher Ince early morning. to the Morris Dancer, we were what may. Parbold Hill was a lot when she was 17, she was Not a lot of traffic on the roads, nearly there. harder going, most of us walked going to a dance hall at Higher except maybe the odd bus, or After more than two hours, up. After that, it was nearly all Ince. As she was walking down someone with a horse and cart. we finally arrived in Lord Street. down hill in to Wigan. Most of the lane and going past the Petrol was rationed and not There were plenty of places to us were really hungry by this alleyways, she saw a policeman many people had cars. In them leave your bike, they charged a time, so whatever we had left who was wearing a cape. She days, only the well to do could penny or tuppence to look after we shared between us, saying, thought she was safe with the afford to run a car. Wigan up to it for the day in their back “I will eat the table top off when policeman walking behind, but Standish - quite a climb on a yards. Some more butties, we I get home”. Tired and weary, when she came to the ending of bike. Legs felt a bit heavy, but bought some chips and then we finally made it back to the road and she turned no-one wanted to get off and down to the front. A lot of Higher Ince. Everybody was around, there was no sign of the policeman. That same week walk, so we made it to a flat barbed wire around, soldiers looking for us, but thank the she found out that a policeman road at last, then down to who had been wounded in the Lord, we all arrived home safe had been killed. Was that the Almond Brook. hotels, with their blue uniforms, and well. We were better Phantom Policeman? Can fish pond, we did rest there for red ties and white shirts. They prepared the next time we anyone else recall this at Higher a while to have a drink and a would wave to you from the went! Ince in the 1950’s? He just butty, then up to Parbold. Again hotel windows. Of course we Mr A E Smith seemed to vanish in mid air. we stopped to admire the waved back. We did not have Winstanley E, Grimshaw Kitt Green

Once Upon A Time WWII RUFC tankards In Lancashire Dear Editor, mammoth task and not always a younger brother. A photograph I found the story by Gordon rewarding. and a report of the accident and Unsworth, very sad and moving. Hamish Hunter, who was death were published in – I think Why have all the His quest to reunite the RUFC mentioned, was the son of a local the Wigan Examiner. Before he Chimnies gone tankards to any remaining doctor who lived on Wigan Road, enlisted Hamish was employed That towered high friends and relatives of the Ashton-in-Makerfield. He had by Coop & Co. In the terraced sky? young men who lost their lives two sisters who may have been E. Wilkinson in World War II was truly quite a twins, I am not sure if there was Blackpool Where burning mills In wet cobbled grey Saw lighter man LOST HORIZONS The fogs to slay? Dear Editor, on the script of MRS MINIVER, now regarded as a twentieth I read with great interest Dr made in 1942. He also century classic, but also wrote Echo’d clogged street Atherton’s letter regarding the narrated the films MADAME the best selling novels In gantry lines with Ritz cinema and the showing of CURIE and SO WELL RANDOM HARVEST and Coaled canals that the film LOST HORIZON, based REMEMBERED. GOODBYE MR CHIPS. Knew no mines on the famous novel by James Your readers may be John Hammond Hilton. interested to know that there is Nottingham My article on Hilton was now a flourishing James Hilton The worker ants specially written for Past Society which organises (For those wishing to contact Are all long done Forward and I therefore meetings and conferences, the society here is the address. Why have all the focussed on his Leigh and publishes a quarterly Ed.) Chimnies gone? Lancashire connections. It is newsletter, and issues an The James Hilton Society true that James Hilton was a annual scholarly journal. Hilton 49 Beckingthorpe Drive Ernie Woodcock Hollywood scriptwriter for many deserves to be remembered, Bottesford years and won an Academy for he was not only the author Nottingham Award (an “Oscar”) for his work of LOST HORIZON, which is NG13 ODN 34

Ashton Town FC When Dracula Came to Dear Editor, As a journalist who used to work in Ashton-in-Makerfield, I Wigan was interested in the article in Dear Editor, soon convinced us that our Past Forward (Issue no.40) on The recent letter in Past Dracula was too big for any of 50 years of Football in Ashton-in- Forward re Cinema the coffins. We now had a Makerfield. reminded me of an incident at problem, and for some time I would, however, like to the Prince’s Cinema some just stood there looking at each Refugees in Wigan correct an error repeated in Ian years earlier. other. Finally I said “ We only Templeman’s history of the club. This cinema was built in the want him getting out of the Dear Editor, He refers to them winning early 1930’s and opened by coffin, not lying in it”. Looking I have just been reading among their Warrington League the famous film star Anna around, I then selected the issue 41 for the umpteenth time honours the Dodds Shield and Neagle, who was accompanied largest, which was a very dark and thought I should write a describes it as a cup by her film director, Herbert oak casket lacking any note of praise. I am an 87 year competition for Division one Wilcox, whom she later ornamentation, it looked just old Wiganer who has lived in clubs. The Dodds Shield was, in the thing. I asked Dracula to Co. Durham since 1946. A fact, awarded to the Champions married. Some years later, Wiganer I shall always be. of Division One, as Ashton were around 1937, the Prince’s half sit in this, and with his left I had a lovely life in Wigan – in their “triple crown” season of management decided to re- hand, pretend to be raising the born in 1918 to Robert 1963-4. screen the horror film ‘Dracula’ lid. With some difficulty he Sandford and Priscilla Horner. I I used to report a lot on and contacted me to take a managed to do this, and my attended the Blue Coat School Ashton Town in the 1950s, series of photographs of an flask powder did the rest, a and Wigan High School. In 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s actor made up to resemble very realistic photograph. I was 1935 I worked in the Education and still have many newspaper Dracula. Arrangements had about to pack up my Office and knew many cuttings of what I used to write been made for me to meet him equipment, when the full prominent people. down about their successes and at an address in the vicinity of menacing figure of Dracula I have recently read the failures during that period. The Greenhough Street. This came walking towards me from letters from the Channel Island late founder Mick Mycock was a turned out to be a decrepit old out of the shadows and refugees with great interest, as I regular caller at the Ashton building down one of the side stopped just a few feet away. met the train full of arriving Reporter Office in Earlestown to streets and appeared to be a Then, in what can only be children as part of my job in the give me his reports. When they former stable. It had a floor of described as a whisper, said Education Department. I got joined higher leagues,I used to rough, rounded paving stones “Have you a couple of aspirins, them to their rest centres and write freelance reports for and walls covered in flaking I don’t feel at all well”. The saw them off again when they papers representing the visiting layers of old white wash. In coffin must have affected him were moved on. I can still teams. I only wished I had fact, it was now being used by more than the fiend he was remember handing out apples written a history of Ashton Town a coffin maker, it was perfect impersonating. I had to to them as they got on the train. and wish them every success in for the job. Part of my brief was restrain myself from howling A sad occasion! their efforts to progress the club. with laughter, as I called out Mrs Margery Parkinson Gordon Brown to show Dracula getting out of C. Durham Whitehaven his coffin. “This is going to be the request to the coffin maker easy” I thought, “the place is in his little drab office, who full of them”. fortunately was able to oblige. By now Dracula had arrived, My pictures were put on Wall of Death! nearly all six feet of him, display in front of the cinema, Dear Editor, could one want! Oh yes, and I dressed in a black mourning whilst Dracula earned himself Referring to the article can mention that I also went to suit complete with the dreaded his fee by walking around Father’s Chimney by J the Wesleyan School (with the black cloak, his face a mass of Wigan advertising the film. Whitehead (issue 41) reminds teachers Miss Wilcock, Miss green and white make-up. A Austin Lyons me of my childhood days in the White, Miss Clark and Miss quick look around the place Wigan Swinley area. Born in 1927, I Latham) where I remember a was on ‘Rylance Lobby’ and the certain boy being tied to the tips near by, a little earlier than banisters of the staircase Published by Wigan Heritage Service, Wigan Leisure & Culture the writer. Yes, I remember the leading to the classrooms! I Trust, The History Shop, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU railway line, shelter and loading note Mr Whitehead mentions bay and of course the pond and the League of Health and The views expressed in this issue are not necessarily supported the chimney. Beauty – I too remember the by Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust. Nothing printed may be During the school holidays, ‘Miss Dance’ ladies that were construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated. on my bike (a Hopper without involved. brakes or mudguards) I What about this magazine Neither Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust, nor the Editor, accept attempted the ‘wall of death’ Past Forward and the old saying liability for any matter in this publication. ride and fell into the water in “you’ve got to laugh”? The younger people will not Contributions are welcome but no responsibility can be taken for the middle! One could start on loss or damage to contributors’ material. the swings in the park, cross remember the war years, but over Walkden Avenue (where surely they can’t help but smile the houses were being built) at the article Fire Watching by through the Halls estate to Margaret in the last issue (41) . Whitley. There was also the “Our Annie’s Fire Watching”, brook (that used to dam) the that takes the biscuit!. tunnel under the railway and of Mr R D Heaviside © Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust, March 2006. course Scouts Hill. What more Wigan 35

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