ISSUE No. 30 SPRING 2002

The Newsletter of Wigan Heritage Service FREE From the Editor It’s hard to believe - issue no. 30 A FINAL FAREWELL already! How time flies. I can honestly say that, when Past It was sad to hear the news of the Forward was conceived a decade death of Roy Wareing, a very ago, I never envisaged a fraction of the success which it has achieved, dear friend both to the Heritage not just locally but nationally and Service and to Wigan Pier. even internationally. To the best of Fittingly, the church was packed my knowledge, there is nothing else like it - so a very big thank you to you, for Roy’s funeral service, and it the readers, for your feedback and was good to see a display of the encouragement, and to all the canal art for which Roy was contributors - without you, this success story would not have been particularly noted. It was not a possible. mournful occasion – Roy would It can be invidious to mention have hated that, for he was never names, but such contributors as Ernie Taberner, Harold Smith, Harold one to grumble, and always lived Knowles, James Fairhurst and Neil life to the full. Cain do spring immediately to mind, We bade our first farewell to Roy Wareing as people who have been ‘on-board’ almost from day one. Two other ‘old Roy five years ago, when he had was a natural progression – his friends’ - Harry Entwistle (alias Don to take early retirement due to ill- dedication and enthusiasm were B Norton) and Kenneth Lucas - have health. Roy was devastated to infectious. sadly died within the last few weeks. Harry lived in Ince, of which he was a have to go, because he loved his But sad though he was to have great champion, in the local press work as a heritage technician, to leave, Roy remained cheerful and in Past Forward, in which I was based at Wigan Pier, where he and positive to the very end, pleased to feature many of his letters and articles. Kenneth was a Hindley had worked since 1989. His continuing the love of archery man, and never tired of singing the association with Wigan Pier, which he and his wife Pat shared town’s praises and stirring so many however, went back much together even when he was memories of days gone by - he did a great deal to revive the name of Lily further. His speciality was canal confined to a wheelchair. He was Brayton, and latterly provoked great art, which he demonstrated at the a truly lovely man, whose discussion in Past Forward about Heritage Centre at the Pier from friendliness and love for life we t’Hut. Ken’s final letter to me appears on Page 35. We will miss them both. its opening in the mid 1980’s. Roy will always remember. Our But things move on. The plans for loved the Pier, and his sympathy goes out to Pat and all producing Past Forward on audio- appointment to the staff there his devoted family. cassette tape are progressing, and during 2002, the first tapes should appear, in conjunction with the magazine. Since I first mentioned HIRE OF the project, I have been very pleased Readers of Past Forward will to receive a lot of positive feedback, be interested in a new Wigan MEETING ROOM particularly from or on behalf of web site - www.LQQK.co.uk The History Shop has a Meeting partially sighted readers. One lady, - which I came across Room, with a capacity for 36. This is for example, has been telling me available for hire by local groups and how she reads out every word to her recently. It includes lots of old blind husband, and at the age of 80, photographs of the borough, societies at a very reasonable cost: this can become quite a strain. a quiz, memories, facts about SOCIETY RATE Ashton-in-Makerfield, and Gars- Wigan - and much, much £8.00 wood in particular, figures very PER MORNING/ AFTERNOON prominently in this latest issue, more. Well worth a look. Ed. SESSION which once again contains not only articles from the old faithfuls but also £12.00 from a number of first-time PER EVENING SESSION contributors as well. There is also a COMMERCIAL RATE new feature of readers’ mystery COPY DEADLINE photographs, as well as the Heritage £19.50 Please note that the PER MORNING/AFTERNOON/ Service’s own, and the second in copy deadline for issue Gerald Rickards’ excellent series of EVENING SESSION no 31 of Past Forward is If you are interested, contact line drawings of local townships. I Philip Butler am sure you will find it a good read. 1 June. Tel (01942) 828128

All comments and correspondence should be addressed to: Cover: St. Andrew’s Mission, Garswood, Walking Day and ‘Field Treat’, 2 Editor, ‘Past Forward’, June 1951. At the end of a ‘Procession of Witness’, a ‘Field Treat’, or outdoor Wigan Heritage Service, Market Suite, party, was once a popular ‘treat’ at the end of the walk. (More Garswood The Galleries, Wigan WN1 1PX pictures on p22). 2 A hidden gem in the Archives SINCE coming to work at the classes had to determinedly Archives last June I have search for good sources of encountered many extremely education. Girls’ residential important and interesting schools were few and far documents and publications. between. Many girls were Occasionally something taught in the home by stops you in your tracks as mother or occasionally by being particularly special. private tutors, and more When working with early often than not schooled in archives I have always felt a the fields of reading, writing, strange link with the author sewing and the management of the documents. My first of household matters. experience of this was way Some women, though, back in 1974 on a visit to, of were more determined to all places, Wigan Archives at acquire knowledge, so much Leigh Town Hall. In those so that they were held in a days the archives were certain degree of awe by situated in the depths of the those around them. These basement, haunted now as Women’s background information on women were definitely the then by Len Hudson, the the subject of early English minority as Jonathan Swift demon of the photographic Movement 350 women’s literature. (1667-1745) sadly stated, darkroom. years old? In Womans Worth we get probably 50 years after It’s hard to describe the an insight into a well Womans Worth was Many readers might thrill I experienced when educated 17th century produced, “that not one think of the women’s allowed to handle the woman systematically laying gentleman’s daughter in a movement emerging in Bradshaigh Orders (1635- down her strongly held thousand should be brought noticeable form towards the 1698), a notebook bound by views. Women writers had to read her own natural end of the 19th century. As a mediaeval missal by the early 17th century one tongue, or be judge of the early as 1529 a text which concerning mining common aspect in their easiest books that are was to become the standard operations at Haigh. As I work, that of promoting an written in it.” for many generations and looked at the scratched alternative culture alongside Many men of the time much translated was De marks of the miners, similar the dominant male culture. stated that women were best Nobilitate et Praecellentia to mason’s marks found in Women had to negotiate kept in subjection and that Foeminei Sexus (On the inventively the restraints, the lack of decent churches, I felt a direct link Nobility and Pre-eminence of formal, social and moral educational provision was no with those early Wigan Women), by Henricus imposed upon them. Such bad thing. Other literary miners who had descended Cornelius Agrippa, strategies, as seen in male figures of the time felt the shafts in the Haigh circulated in England Womans Worth, could take that the lack of an woods. throughout the 16th and the form of a challenge to the educational option was 27 years later, after spells 17th centuries. Apart from authority of male readings of leading women of the higher working and studying in this earlier work only Henry the scriptures. If this private classes to their gambling coalmines, then as curator of Care’s Female Pre-eminence work had been widely habits and general frivolous the Lancashire Mining of 1670 was to be available to published at the time, who attitudes. Museum, Salford for 15 the like minded student in knows how events might years, I find myself the 17th century. As our have been brought forward experiencing the same work is earlier than Care’s by at least a few generations. Time to take sensation in the same there is every chance it is an building. While searching important and unique study. pen to paper the Archives strongroom for An E-mail to acknow- Education Our author, sadly a requested item I was ledged expert Professor Kari unknown, obviously must diverted to the rare books McBride at Arizona lacking, of low have been fuming with the section. One small volume University Department of priority and attitudes of those men had ‘Womans Worth’ Women’s Studies brought an around her. Perhaps her lack written on its dust cover. The enthusiastic response: quality of opportunity to debate volume measures 9cm x 5cm, “What a find! I wish I could In the 17th century lower their prejudices head-on 182 pages, 93 of text. It was hop on a plane right now class women’s education was inspired her to at least study purchased for the Wigan and visit you to see this little as good as their brothers. the evidence from the Reference Library in March treasure”. Incidentally, I am Strangely we find that the 1904. indebted to Kari for daughters of the better Continued on page 4 3 even the extremes of female bad behaviour are still A hidden superior to mans attempts at gem in the virtuous living! Chapter 10, Women bare Archives rule over menmen, introduces ––––– the debate with ‘I say that Continued from page 3 shee should have the preheminency and bare rule over men but I have no scriptures and produce her sooner spoken of power and private study, to be ‘dipped authoritie but mee thinkes I into’ when needed. Perhaps heare some man begin to also she showed or lent her interrupt mee and go about study to other women and to stop my mouth with that even may have set up a punishment which was layd discussion group for those upon the woman’. with similar views? The lengthy Chapter 11, The well read and Latin Women more charitable educated author of Womans than menmen, brings the study Worth obviously felt so to a close but the ruling of strongly about her life of the following 45 pages subjection that she began to perhaps signifies a much pen her thoughts. She begins more extensive work was with references to women planned! featuring in the Bible. Chapter 1 is headed Eve As I mentioned earlier, more excellent than Adam one of the powers of the where our author argues archives is the physical that the name signifies ‘life’, connection with the author, that Eve is the mother of all the ink on the paper, the men and women living, and fingerprint alongside the that Adam ‘signifieth occasional mistake; to hold nothing else but clay, or red this lady’s study in your earth’. hands 350 years after it’s Chapter 2 is entitled Eve production is a thrill open to less sinful than Adam where anyone who makes use of the the argument is put forth superb Archive collection that ‘women do excell men held in Leigh Town Hall. in virtues and rare The subject matter of endowments of the minde, menmen, followed by Chapter 6 womans fortitude and Woman’s Worth, especially and I think we shall finde Women loved Christ more magnanimity hath not come in view of its period, that herein also women doe than men. We arrive at short of mens’. astonished and excited me, farre outstrip men’. Chapter 7 to learn why we A diversion follows in as much as I might get After the next chapter should consider Women Chapter 9 with the argument excited by the spare parts entitled Mary make(s) wiser than men and ‘we will Womans badness better manual for my 1958 Greeves amends for Eves faultfault, seek further and see whether than mans goodnessgoodness. Once trials motorcycle! Chapter 4 is headed Women women be destitute of more through scriptural Alan Davies more chaste than men where wisdome valour and suchlike extracts the author Heritage Officer in her summing up our virtues which men call concludes (debatably!) that (Archives) author declares that ‘the manlike and doe thereby scripture is full of women engross them to themselves’. who kept their conjugal Chapter 8, Women more knott entire and inviolable. valiant than men, begins But of men that are with ‘YEA that which men commended in this kind, I appropriate to themselves as read not of any but famous; their peculiar priviledge and or rather infamous they are belonging to them alone, to for the contrarie views of witt, courage and valour incontinency and shall we finde none of this in uncleaness’. women? Yes if wee looke Chapter 5 propounds narrowlie into the booke of Women more religious than God we shall read that 4 Great Days on the Great Central PAST FORWARD issue 22 he started his railway days steaming. Fred Darbyshire sent to work for a spell at contained a photograph as a cleaner. He told me that knew Billy Greenhough in Grantham, along with showing railwaymen at the a team of four to six lads later years when, Tommy Anglesea from Lower Ince shed of the old would clean the engines unfortunately, his eyesight Poolstock, Bill Pendlebury Great Central Railway which, according to Fred had deteriorated to the point from Manchester and a taken in the late 1920’s. Soon Darbyshire, were mainly where he had had to move to character Stan remembers afterwards I received a letter designated J10s and J11s. working in the store. as ‘The Count’. ‘The Count’ from Fred Darbyshire of Duties were allocated A heavy-handed driver would borrow enough Engineer Street in Ince each day by Fred Ford, the could make for hard work as money from others to buy a putting names to some of the shed foreman. Part of a far as the fireman was beer in a local pub, then faces in the photograph. As cleaner’s duties involved concerned, added to which settle himself at the piano my uncle Stanley Morris and play for tips. The others was one of the men in the had to recover their original picture I used Fred’s letter to stake by visiting the pub and prompt Stan’s memories of recoup it in the form of beers life working on the Great that ‘The Count’ had lined Central over 70 years ago. up. This often required them The Great Central calling in on the way to started life well after the work! A health and safety other railways serving man’s nightmare. Wigan. As the Wigan Next up for Stan was a Junction Railway, with a three week spell at terminus near Darlington Sandringham where he Street, it opened to recalls having fried bananas passengers in April 1884. served to him at breakfast, The plan to push on north which left him averse to beyond Wigan along the bananas ever-after, and a Douglas Valley only chip shop at nearby produced a short extension, A ‘Director’ class locomotive of the Great Central typical of Hunstanton which proudly via the now demolished the 1920’s proclaimed ‘Under Royal “Smoothing Iron” bridge by Patronage’. King George V Peppermill Brass Foundry, coaling the engines which Wigan coal could be dirty must have enjoyed a bag of to the old Central Station would usually require the stuff, necessitating regular chips! which is now the site of the shifting of between four and cleaning of the fire From Sandringham the car park at the top of Station six tons. Before automated throughout the day. This four lads moved on to King’s Road. This opened in 1892. coaling machinery was was hard physical work but Lynn where they got digs The Junction Railway was installed, the men had to it would seem that whoever together in the same house; absorbed into the Great manhandle a number of one you talk to will tell you the however, this meant that to Central Railway, along with hundredweight baskets, camaraderie was first class. reach their room they all had the Liverpool, St. Helens, each man taking one side Some of the other men to pass through the bedroom and South Lancashire whilst his mate lifted the working at Ince shed at of the owners, together with Railway, in 1906. The Great other, until the task was around this period were: that of the three daughters! Central was in turn completed. Jack Green, Jonty Banks, The lads quickly worked out absorbed into the London Billy Greenhough – one Tommy Lee, Arthur White, that the couple running the and North-eastern Railway of the men on the photo in Jimmy Barker, the lodgings saw the chance of in 1923. The goods engines issue 22 – would light the Parkinson brothers (Bert pairing off their daughters, working over these lines fires in the locomotive and Fred), J. Atherton, but as soon as they caught were in part located at the fireboxes before the engine ‘Tuggy’ Harford, Bob and sight of the girls they Lower Ince shed in the area crews arrived; at which Harry Maybury, Bob and decided to flit and drew lots bounded by Ince Green point the fireman would Pete McSorley, Harold as to who would throw the Lane, Warrington Lane and raise steam by stoking the Livesey, Bill Dutton, Jack bags out of the window to Darlington Street. Life at fire. Stan told me that there McCann, Harry Norris and the others. this shed features heavily in was a science to stoking and ‘Sergeant Major’ Christie. The next lodgings proved this story. that shovelfuls of coal had to to be a paradise by be placed accurately around ‘The Count’ comparison, with a glass of Started as a cleaner the firebox in a set manner. beer on the table and best As well as keeping an The Great Central butter. Bill Pendlebury had My uncle Stan went to efficient fire, the fireman having been taken over by never had butter and work there at the age of 18 in had to keep the correct level the L.N.E.R. (does anyone refused it, whereupon the 1925. Having passed an of water in the boiler and recall the L.N.E.R. sign on landlady said that she interview at offices near ensure that the pressure was the side wall of London Road, Manchester, maintained for efficient Woolworth’s?) Stan was Continued on page 6 5 Regular readers of Past Forward may school, and an accomplished pianist and recall an article titled: ‘Lives of a needlewoman to the very end. The A Postscript . . . Victorian Family Revealed in a Rector recalls a kindly lady, formal but Scrapbook’ (Past Forward no. 18, with a fine sense of humour, to whom he Spring 1998). took the Sacrament every month from The article related to the Laing March 1975 until her death; she knew by family, and in particular Alexander heart every Collect in the Book of Laing, who removed from Charnock Common Prayer. Richard to Wigan on his retirement Elsie Laing, died on 18 November where he had been Headmaster of 1981, aged 86. Charnock Richard C. of E. School for 30 years. Until his death at the age of 73, in 1932, Mr. Laing resided at 46 Park Road, Wigan. The writer of the article stated that he had believed this address had remained a Laing family home after the death of Mr. Laing. Canon Malcolm Forrest, Rector of Wigan, has recently sent me information which confirms that 46 Park Road, Wigan, did remain a Laing family home right up to 1981. Miss Elsie Laing, the daughter of Mr. Alexander Laing apparently never married. She was a member, as was her The Laing family c.1902. Mr. and Mrs. father, of Wigan Parish Church. She was Laing with their children, Harold (left), Elsie Laing c.1905. a retired Headmistress of a Bolton Elsie and Alexander jnr.

this period showing the commuters as delicious Altrincham in 15 minutes at date, engine number, driver, smells rose into the early 60 mph average speed. Great Days time of working and the morning air. Stan’s story of running total of firings he shooting driver Algy ‘The big boys’ on the Great had performed. Horrocks’s breakfast out of The anecdotes old the chimney by accident Most of his railway days Central railwaymen can recount are illustrates why modern had been spent working on ––––– many and varied, but one of diesel engines fail to the work horses of the Great Continued from page 5 the most common is that of fascinate most of us in the Central – the tanks and cooking on the shovel, and way old steam engines did. goods engines – but we ended both Stan and Fred make Stan’s last job on the our chat with his memories of wasn’t lowering her mention of it. The steam railway before redundancy seeing ‘the big boys’ – the standards and that if he injector was used to clean in the dark days of the Atlantics and Pacifics – at wanted margarine he could off the blade of the shovel, 1930’s, was working out of weekends. I remembered spread it himself! and then bacon, eggs and Altrincham on tank engines that a few years ago I had fried bread would be hauling local passenger seen another of these larger ‘How do you fire up?’ prepared, often – in the case trains. He remembers that types (a Director Class) at the of the morning runs to non-stop commuter trains preserved Great Central After the spell in East Manchester Central (now such as the 5 pm would do Line at Loughborough. Anglia, Stan returned to the the GMEX Centre) – to an the 15 miles from Oxford Maybe if I shut my eyes and Ince shed and in about three audience of salivating Road Manchester to focus on that engine I can years was promoted to transport myself back to spare fireman. Once again Wigan’s long gone railway. this involved an interview at The railway may be gone the Manchester offices but some of the railwaymen where he was expected to are still with us. I would be give correct answers to such delighted to hear from questions as: “How do you anyone who may recall either fire up? What is the Stan Morris or my cousin optimum working pressure Ben Langford of Crow in the boiler and how do you Orchard Terrace, Lower obtain that pressure? How Ince who worked on the hot should be boiler be? Great Central. How do you stoke a boiler?” Stan passed this hurdle and Neil Cain started acting as spare 26 Sheridan Terrace fireman should a driver’s Whitton Avenue West regular mate not turn up. Northolt He still has his log book for Stan Morris’s log for summer 1930 showing drivers’ names. Middlesex UB5 4JS 6 James Hilton THE NOVELIST and scriptwriter James Moreover, two of his novels have a Hilton is rightly regarded as one of A famous son Lancashire setting, And Now Goodbye Leigh’s most famous sons. Born in a and So Well Remembered. Published in humble terraced house, he rose to become 1931, And Now Goodbye is a moving love a best selling novelist and one of the of Leigh story set in the fictional town of highest paid scriptwriters of his time. ‘Browdley’, which is clearly based on Many of his books were turned into Leigh. There are interesting descriptions blockbuster Hollywood films including of the town and its people, and the novel is Lost Horizon, Random Harvest and well worth reading for its acute Goodbye Mr. Chips. observation of ordinary men and women. James Hilton was born on 9 Hilton excelled at describing solid, September 1900, at 26 Wilkinson Street, believable characters: people who are Leigh. He was the only child of John recognisably the same as those we know Hilton, a schoolmaster, and his wife in real life. Elizabeth (nee Burch), who had also been So Well Remembered, published in a schoolteacher prior to James’s birth. As 1947, is a long family saga, again set in a small boy James was taken to ‘Browdley’, and depicting the life and Walthamstow, where his father had background of George Boswell, a obtained a post as headmaster of an Councillor who also runs a printing press elementary school, a post he retained for and edits a weekly newspaper. So Well many years. James was educated at Remembered is filled with memorable Walthamstow and at the age of 14 became characters and incidents and – in common a pupil at The Leys, a boarding school in with the novels of Howard Spring and Cambridge, where he became the editor Francis Brett Young – gives a fascinating of the school magazine and wrote Miniver (1942), for which he won an insight into the fabric of English life. numerous short stories, articles and Oscar, and Madame Curie (1944), which Sadly, both these Lancashire novels poems. He also began writing a longer he narrated. He befriended the other can only be obtained in second-hand work which was eventually published as English expatriates in California bookshops. Indeed it is regrettable that his first novel under the title Catherine including Greer Garson and Ronald much of Hilton’s finest work is out of Herself. This was published in 1920 when Colman, soon feeling at home in America. print, although his films continue to be in he was an undergraduate at Christ’s As well as working on films he continued demand and many are available on video. College, Cambridge. After obtaining his to write distinguished novels such as We To help remedy this situation a James B.A. degree in English and History, James Are Not Alone (1937), Random Harvest Hilton Society has now been formed to earned his living through journalism, (1941), Nothing So Strange (1948) and promote interest in his life and work, and writing articles and book reviews and in Time and Time Again (1953). He died in to persuade publishers to reissue his his spare time working steadily on a California in December 1954 at the early books. Anyone interested can obtain succession of novels. He said later, “I was age of 54. details from myself at the address below. not exactly overburdened with royalties”. Although he only spent a few years For more than 10 years he worked living in Leigh he never forgot his Dr. J.R. Hammond away in this manner, living modestly with Lancashire roots and returned to visit (Chairman of the James Hilton his parents at their home in London and Leigh whenever he could. His parents’ Society) later at Woodford Green, Essex. His first home at Woodford Green was renamed 49 Beckingthorpe Drive real break came in 1933 with the “Leigh” in honour of his birthplace. Bottesford publication of Lost Horizon, a haunting Nottingham NG13 0DN story of a lost civilisation hidden in a remote valley in Tibet. This was awarded • On 18 May 2002 the Society will arrange the Hawthornden Prize, an award made a conference at Leigh, Lancashire, the annually for the best novel written by a town where James Hilton was born. The British novelist under the age of 40. He aim will be to discuss the novels set in followed this success with Goodbye Mr. Lancashire, especially So Well Chips, the charming story of a venerable Remembered and And Now Goodbye. We schoolmaster who looks back with will also discuss Hilton’s fictional town of affection on his years as a classics teacher “Browdley”, which is presumably based on at a boys’ school. The character of Leigh. A guided tour of Leigh will be “Chips” was based partly on Hilton’s own included as an optional extra. The novels will be introduced by John father and partly on Mr. W.H. Balgarnie, Hammond and Laurence Price, the the revered classics mater at The Leys. Chairman and Secretary of the James The success of Lost Horizon and Goodbye Hilton Society. Mr. Chips was so great that James Hilton’s The house where Hilton was born, 26 name became a household word in Britain Wilkinson Street, still stands today, and we and America, and he was invited to will also be able to see the handsome Hollywood to work on the film scripts of plaque commemorating him which stands these and other novels. in Leigh Town Hall. After some years he decided to settle The conference will be of interest to permanently in Hollywood, working on many of our members, and we hope it will films based on his own novels and on be of particular interest to members in other projects including the script of Mrs. Lancashire. 7 Two Courageous Gentlemen of Leigh and useful life of this brave soldier. Death of a Dear Sir, He was buried on Tuesday last, the I have been reading issue no. 29 15th instant, in Leigh cemetery; at of your splendid magazine Past the conclusion of the burial service Waterloo Forward, and read with some interest the article entitled ‘The Hitchen name Rev. Father White who officiated Veteran in Leigh in Wigan’. I was particularly said that he had not only served his interested in ‘The Dragoon who King and country in many a hard served under Wellington’, and this fought field, but also the Great King, - Benjamin has prompted me to write to you with whose banner was imperishable, and regards to another brave soldier of who had now taken him to himself to Baddeley died the Wellington era who is buried in receive his reward. the Leigh Cemetery; his name is April 1873 Benjamin Baddeley. His Battle (From the Leigh Chronicle 19 April Honours are inscribed on his 1873) tombstone. This is a gentleman who WE HAVE to record this week the served his country, and his death of one more of the very few community with distinction. now living who, in the beginning The public of Leigh may be Lance-Corporal of the present century, helped to unaware of another courageous gentleman who is also buried in the overthrow the mightiest of Leigh Cemetery. His name is Alfred Alfred Wilkinson conquerors – the great Napoleon – Wilkinson V.C. (the Victoria Cross is on the field of Waterloo. We refer the highest honour that this country V.C. to that much-respected can bestow on its servicemen), who townsman, Mr. Benjamin came unscathed through World War LANCE-CORPORAL Alfred I, only to die a tragic death at the age Wilkinson V.C. was born in Leigh, Baddeley who passed from of 43 years. amongst us on Saturday morning Thanks to Leigh Local History Lancashire. He enlisted in the 1/5th last at the age of 79. The life of this Service, I have written a short history Manchester Regiment on 12 old veteran deserves to be of these two gentlemen who lived December 1914, and went out to France in July 1916. It is recorded as a model that all young respected, and died regretted, and should not be forgotten. remarkable that although he took men entering into the world and John A Christy part in a vast number of all its troubles would do well to 1 Edinburgh Drive engagements for two and a half copy. Hindley Green years he escaped without a single He entered the British Army in Wigan WN2 4HL scratch. He first went over the top the year 1812, and joined the 23rd at Fleurs, near Bapaume, in the Royal Welch Fusiliers then autumn of 1916 and when the great operating in Spain under the for the various actions, and a Battle of the Somme commenced, command of the Duke of special medal conferred on him for he went though all the Somme Wellington. He was present at all the Battle of Waterloo. campaign. Then he went to Arras, the great engagements fought under Some time after his discharge and took part in the numerous the commander until the close of the from the army Mr. Baddeley was engagements when the Germans war in 1815, including the battles of appointed station-master at were fighting rearguard actions. Vittoria, Nive, Nivelle, Orthes, Bradshawleach, and afterwards Later he went to Ypres, now a Toulouse, the Pyrenees, Waterloo removed to the larger and more heap of ruins, and took part in the and was also at the capture of Paris. important station of Kenyon third battle of Ypres. Just after the After the Army of occupation Junction, where he served the Messines ridge had been blown up, had been withdrawn from France, company for nearly a quarter of a his regiment went there, but soon Mr. Baddeley served in Gibraltar, century. returned to Ypres, and then took the West Indies, and several of the He was compelled to resign part in the second series of the British Colonies, until the year through age and failing health; his Somme battles. His Division, the 1834, when he was discharged from service was rewarded by a gratuity 42nd, were billeted near Peronne, the Army at his own request, on a and a pension for life, and a gold and were resting a few miles from pension, after a service of 23 years. medal was also subscribed for and the firing line when the great He possessed the medals for the presented to him by the public. Peninsula campaigns, with clasps Such was the eventful, honoured, ➯ 8 German offensive started on 21 The Leigh man accordingly went March 1918; they escaped with a few back over the dangerous 600 yards casualties, and retired to Corbie. and got through again safely. Under A STORM IN In September, they took part in cover of British machine-gun fire the great offensive initiated by Wilkinson’s company then fell back WIGAN Marshal Foch, and afterwards their in open order to the reserve lines, ON Tuesday night . . . Wigan and its advance was practically continuous. but lost a considerable number of neighbourhood were visited with one of It was while fighting at Marou, near men in doing so. For the third time the most violent thunder storms ever remembered, although it was of short the big town of Solesmes in October, Lance-Corporal Wilkinson got duration. Westwood House, the seat of C. that the Leigh man performed his across the dangerous zone without a Walmsley Esq., was struck with the heroic act that led to his being wound. In the afternoon, having electric fluid about eleven o’clock in the awarded the Victoria Cross. been reinforced, the British, forenoon. Mr. W had called the children His company, under the including the Leigh man, took the out of the dining room (where they were playing) into the library, and three minutes command of Lieutenant Lucas, German position and drove the after, the top of the chimney shaft was were on a slope, the Germans being enemy back 1000 yards. shattered to pieces, and a tremendous in a sunken road only 50 yards It was for this wonderful brave explosion took place in the dining room distant. The British were act that Lance-Corporal Wilkinson chimney, which instantly filled the room advancing, but owing to heavy was awarded the V.C., invested on with sulphur and soot. All in the library were much stunned. Stones and bricks losses they could not advance any him at Buckingham Palace by His were thrown twenty or thirty yards from the further, and were in peril where Majesty the King. He also received chimney shaft over the fireplace, and the they were. The Company the hearty congratulations of the total destruction of a picture of the late Commander asked for a volunteer Divisional Commander, Major- Lord Camden, placed there. The report to go back for reinforcements. One General Solly Flood. down the chimney was as loud as the discharge of a 24-pound cannon. In the Yorkshireman volunteered, and Scholes, which forms a part of Wigan, the was shot dead while crossing the electric fluid entered the kitchen window of 600 yards level field that lay Mr. Byrom, grocer, and came out of the between the Company’s position OBITUARY: shop door, without doing any damage; but and the main reserve body of the a small factory in the occupation of Tragic Death of Leigh V.C., Messrs. Acton, Roby and Co. in the British troops. There were no trees, immediate neighbourhood of Mr. Byrom’s, only a few bushes behind which one 23 October 1940 caught fire, but was soon extinguished. could take cover, and very few Though not before the man who effected it depressions in the ground, and all Mr. Alfred Wilkinson, Leigh’s only was much burnt in the hands. A cow was this open part was being continually V.C., died under tragic circumstances also killed in Haigh, at the same time. on Friday. Employed in the surveyor’s THE TRUTHTELLER swept by a great German barrage of laboratory at Bickershaw Collieries, Vol. 1, No. 34 shells and machine-gun and sniper Plank Lane, he was found dead in a 12 May 1825 fire. Three other volunteers were chair at noon. Mr. Wilkinson was (held in the Talbot Library, Preston) also shot dead in turn – it looked testing the samples of air taken from absolute death for anyone else to go different areas of the mine to Beneath the spire – but Lance-Corporal (then Pte.) determine the amount of gas present of St. Walburge’s, Preston, Wilkinson calmly stepped forward in order to monitor the amount of there is not only and said that he would try. ventilation required in any part of the a magnificent church, Asked by an interviewer if he mine. there’s also did not think that he was going to According to a colleague, Mr. certain death, the Leigh V.C. Wilkinson felt unwell, and sat in a chair; it was sometime later that his The Talbot replied: “I did not think anything! I colleague returned (he had been knew that somebody had to get back, underground) and found him in the Library and I thought that it was to me to get chair as though asleep. All attempts to the North West’s best back, I did not think of the resuscitate him were made, and Mr. source for Catholic history, consequences or anything else.” Wilkinson was confirmed dead on the both local and national way to hospital. It took him an hour and a half to ….and much more get across 600 yards of barrage- The post mortem revealed that he swept land. Sometimes he crawled had died from carbon monoxide on hands and knees, sometimes he poisoning and a subsequent ran, taking advantage of every bit investigation found that a ventilation of cover. Shells and machine-gun pipe had been blocked by a dead bird. He was just 43 years old. On the bullets fell all around him, but by morning of his death he received a extraordinary luck none touched letter informing him that he had been him. He gave the message all right, granted a commission in the Pioneer The Talbot Library only for the Commander of the Corps. He left a widow and child. Weston St. reserves to tell him that it was Flags in the town were flown at half- PRESTON impossible owing to the intense mast and he was buried in Leigh PR2 2QE barrage, especially from the cemetery with full military honours. 01772 – 760186 machine-guns. Fr.R.J.Canavan, Librarian 9 ‘What Auntie Winnie Said’ I REMEMBER little of Crown Lane, Horwich. the information given me by Joan Francis (nee Grandfather’s birth certificate by my relatives other shows he was born 3 January than the immediate Coupe), born 7 May 1925 1866 at Upholland, his father family, but one statement being Richard Coupe, iron Street, Wigan, mining difficulty in recognising made by Auntie Winnie founder and mother Elizabeth, machinery supplier. Gullicks marriage outside their strong stuck in my mind – that formerly Turner, of Aspull. We had recently been purchased Catholic faith. our ‘Coupe’ name was on were now well and truly in the by William Park and Co. the gates of a Wigan Iron iron foundry family. (Forgemaster) Ltd. and were Foundry. No further Death certificate Looking now at the Census established at Clarington explanation was given by Returns of 1871, grandfather Forge. After working for the Grandfather Richard her or asked for by us Richard was confirmed as aged same Group my husband was Coupe’s death certificate was children on our Sunday five years living with his father finally appointed Chairman of in the family and certified visits. Richard (45 years) and mother Dobson Park Industries plc, death on 1 January 1932, aged Elizabeth (32), sisters Louisa My father, Frank Coupe, Clarington, in 1980 and it was 65; he was described as an (17) and Mary Agnes (4) and served an apprenticeship as after his retirement in 1986 engine fitter, railway works, brother Thomas (2) all living at a boilermaker at Horwich that we both took a closer retired. Obtaining his Lime Vale House, Smithy Locomotive Works and, interest in local history as well marriage certificate, we found Brook, Wigan. A domestic having to leave as a as our own family histories. Richard Sylvester Coupe aged servant, Annellin Halliwell ‘journeyman’, moved to It was at this time I 24, an engineer, son of aged 21 years, was employed remembered what Auntie Richard Coupe, an engineer, Liverpool for work. He in the household, Richard Winnie had told me about our deceased, married Elizabeth married Emily Collinson, a Senior was described as nurse from Chorley, in ‘iron founder’. 1917 at Chorley. Frank Ten years earlier the and Emily finally 1861 Census noted moved back to Richard living with his Horwich in 1927 when wife Agnes aged 29 at father was re-engaged Hindley Hall, at the Locomotive Pemberton, not Hindley Works. Hall of Hindley but I was fortunate in another of that name passing the ‘scholarship’ between Smithy Brook and Worsley Mesnes – at 11 years and, after gaining my school probably an old certificate at Blackrod farmstead. Their children at this time were Louisa and Rivington Grammar School, also started work aged 7, Amelia of 5 years at the Loco Works in the and Edward of 2 years. It seems the latter two Cashiers Office in 1941. Richard Coupe Elizabeth Coupe children died with their Donned overalls 1826 - 1886 1839 - 1978 mother Agnes before 1864 when Richard I met my future husband, ‘Coupe’ name being on an Crossley aged 24, daughter of married his second wife Jim Francis from Blidworth in Iron Foundry gate at Wigan. James Crossley, a Mersey Elizabeth Turner, daughter of Nottinghamshire, in 1944 Dredging my mind for other River pilot on 29 November Benedict Turner, a farmer of when he was on an HM Army memories after so long, I can 1890. Richard lived at 14 Highfield, Aspull on 1 August course at Bolton Technical just remember my Carnarvon Road, Walton, 1864. Father Richard is still College. We were married on grandfather, Richard Coupe, a while Elizabeth lived at 16 noted as iron founder. 1 May 1948. Demob leave bearded rather refined figure Carnarvon Road, Walton. The Subsequent searches found over, Jim donned overalls to sitting in lonely state in the marriage was solemnised at that Richard Coupe’s first work in the machine shops and front parlour of 38 Fox Street, the church of the Blessed marriage to Agnes Gobin was foundries of L. Gardner and Horwich with Grandma and Sacrament, Walton in the on 5 May 1852. Agnes was the Sons Ltd. of Patricroft, diesel Aunties Helen (Nellie) and district of West Derby. We daughter of James Gobin, a engine manufacturers. Newly Winifred (Winnie), while I were puzzled that a son of an weaver living in Poole Street, married couples had no and sister Marjorie suffered iron founder of Wigan lived in Wigan, a street connecting chance in those days of getting the discomfort of sitting on the Liverpool area. He had Wallgate with Poolstock Lane. a house and we stayed at their horse-hair chairs. seemingly gone to Liverpool mothers until we had saved Unfortunately our Sunday to seek work, the same reason Engineering enough money to buy a small afternoon walk round visits later took him to Horwich to enterprise semi at Little Hulton in 1950. were inhibited by the fact that work at the then new L. & Y. In 1957, Jim was appointed my father had married mother Locomotive Works. The 1892 The earlier Census of 1851 the first Works Manager of outside the Catholic Church Bolton Directory notes details great-grandfather Gullick Ltd., a small King and the older Coupes had Richard as a fitter living at 4 ➯ 10 Richard Coupe, aged 24, entry of Thomas Coupe is as Richard Coupe with his brother over soon after the chimney living at home with his father cotton waste spinner of Joseph as engine makers fall wrecked their Clayton Thomas Coupe (62) and Clayton Street. employing three men, while Street premises. Production mother Ellen (59) in Clayton brother Edward is a 20-year- must have continued apace Street, a side street off the Great Great old apprentice, probably because, on 22 October 1864, bottom of Wallgate, Wigan. Grandfather working with his elder they advertised a range of He has an unmarried sister, brothers. steam engines for sale in the Mary (27) and Richard (24) is Colliery Guardian under the noted as ‘engine maker Great-great-grandfather Practically capable name of R. J. & E. Coupe, employing 3 men’. Brother Thomas Coupe was noted in Worsley Mesnes Ironworks, the 1841 Census as a spinner Joseph of 23 years is also We can reasonably assume Wigan – the first evidence of noted as engine maker while and a cotton work sizer in their big move from Clayton that Richard and Joseph Coupe brother Edward of 20 years is 1851. Both he and his wife Street. Some 11 new horizontal Ellen originated from set up their engine building/ an apprentice. Here we have millwright business about 1850 steam engines were offered for the first evidence of an Houghton near Haydock and sale, finished or in progress when Richard was 23 years old engineering enterprise. Father lived on Clayton Street from at covering sizes of 24 inch least 1838. His brother John and Joseph 22. Apart from Thomas Coupe is noted as being practically capable, they diameter cylinders with a ‘cotton work sizer’ – a textile Coupe and family also lived on stroke of 4 ft. down to 10 inch Clayton Street in 1841 and was would have been helped by finisher. their father, Thomas who had a cylinders with 1 ft. 8 inch The 1841 Census of great- also a sizer. business background. Thomas, stroke. great-grandfather’s family It seems certain that now in his early 60’s, would be includes sons Thomas (20) Thomas Coupe had some retired, as there are no further Wide range of plant and Edward (10) and business premises on Clayton records of his earlier textile daughters Ellen (20) and Mary Street from the late 1830’s. The To produce engines of this operations. (15). Richard and Joseph, then 1841 map of Wigan Town The 1858 Wigan Directory range and size would have 14 and 13 years of age shows Clayton Street running refers to a Richard and Joseph required a wide range of plant respectively, were not northwest from Wallgate including large turning, facing operating as iron founders and included and could well have between Lyon Street and Miry and boring lathes, planers, been away serving an Lane, also off Wallgate. The engineers on Clayton Street, while in 1861 the business is shapers, S/C lathes, drilling engineering apprenticeship – northeast side of Clayton Street and milling machines of all referred to as Richard, Joseph possibly at Haigh Foundry, the bounded by Wallgate and sizes as well as pattern- big engine builders of the area. Brown Street appears to be a and Edward Coupe, Iron Founders, Engineers and making and moulding A search of the local area long terrace of cottages where equipment, foundry cupolas census unfortunately shows the Coupes could have lived. Millwrights, having now brought in younger brother and smithy facilities. The nothing. Great-grandfather On the opposite southwestern Works space and cranage must Richard Coupe was baptised side of Clayton Street are what Edward as a partner. Now being iron founders they must have been extensive, all 20 October 1825 at Wigan St. can best be described as requiring financing – a have started their own foundry John’s Roman Catholic various works buildings problem that probably led to Church. interspersed with the odd or taken over the Clayton Street foundry of James the above advertised sale of Having established the cottage. On this side towards stock and work in progress. Martlew. family line and finding the open ground to the west are a Joseph Coupe died on 19 early indication of his timber yard, a cotton spinning An interesting report was published on 29 May 1863 in April 1874 aged only 47 years, business, it seemed mill, Vulcan Foundry and a of dilated heart and congestion the Wigan Observer headed worthwhile to follow the large boiler shop with a of the brain. His death course of the Coupe chimney which could have ‘Fall of the Chimney at Messrs. Coupes Foundry’. The report certificate notes his previous enterprises from then on to been part of Victoria Mill occupation as iron founder stated that the 90-foot chimney wherever it led. The first note fronting on to Miry Lane. and engineer of Worsley of the Coupe name appeared In 1848, Thomas Coupe had already shown signs of deterioration with cracks and Mesnes, Wigan. His wife in the Wigan Directory of was working as a cotton waste Alice Mather Coupe died soon openings, but it is reported that 1816 when Thomas Coupe spinner in Clayton Street, after on 13 September 1875. was noted as a sizer on New while at the same time James Messrs. Coupes hoped the chimney would last them out as By this time, after 20 years Church Street, being a side Martlew worked as an iron experience, R. J. & E. Coupe street off Standishgate. This founder as did Swift and they were on the eve of moving to more extensive and were producing steam winding was repeated in the 1824/5 Tickle, both in Clayton Street. engines of repute, supplying commodious buildings in Directory as well as Thomas The Vulcan Foundry appears to the expanding coal industry of Pemberton. This was not to be Coupe, Standishgate, cotton be made up of two separate Lancashire and the rest of the and the whole of the chimney manufacturer and Thomas units on the 1841 map, country. One such engine of fell down about 10.00 a.m. on Coupe of Standishgate probably housing the above this period surviving today is that Tuesday morning. It operating a Fire and Life two iron foundries. The next that ordered for Bestwood crashed on to the pattern-room Office on behalf of the Atlas Directory of 1852/3 details R. Colliery in Nottinghamshire in and into the smithy underneath. Insurance Co. Whether these & J. Coupe as millwrights and 1873. It is interesting to note Luckily the workforce of 40 are all our Thomas Coupe we engineers on Clayton Street. that Bestwood Colliery was men and boys were withdrawn are not certain. The Vulcan Foundry appears to sunk at great financial risk by from the premises before the The 1838 Pigot and Sons be made up of two separate John Lancaster, who had over Directory notes Thomas units on the 1841 map, fall. the previous 30 years enjoyed Coupe as calenderer, tow probably housing the above Coupes must have been extensive experience in spinner and bleacher on two iron foundries of James well on with the building of building up Wigan Coal and Clayton Street, Wigan as well Martlew and Swift and Tickle. their new works at Worsley as at Haigh. In 1848, the last The 1851 Census shows Mesnes and moved everything Continued on page 12 11 The 1881 Census return the early 1900’s. Ince Forge the reduction in the U.K. coal lists Richard Coupe, now aged Co. was at the forefront of industry generally from 1950 ‘What Auntie 55 as a mechanical engineer forging technology and onwards meant that the heavy, and iron founder, while installed a 1,800 ton press traditional steam powered Winnie Edward Coupe, aged 50, is during World War I especially engineering plant became listed as a master engineer for the production of heavy gun obsolete and Worsley Mesnes Said’ employing 51 persons in the breech blocks. The forge Ironworks gave more attention ––––– firm of R. J. & E. Coupe. remained under the control of towards general welded Continued from page 11 Another tragedy, however, the Melling family until the fabrications for both mining struck the partnership when end of World War II, when and general engineering Richard, the senior partner, forging demand started to requirements. After 100 years Iron Works. Born in Bury he died on 8 May 1886, aged 60, decline. It was closed and sold of heavy steam engine based eventually moved to Ince leaving Edward to carry on the in 1946 to William Park & Co. work it must have been most where he and his partners took business. But it would appear (Forgemasters) Ltd. of difficult to change direction but up mining leases in 1845 from that the continuing financial, Clarington Forge who even in 1951, Worsley Mesnes the Kirkless Hall estate near supervisory and practical re- continued to operate Ince Ironworks Ltd. were Wigan and formed the Kirkless quirements of running this Forge with the old Melling advertising as makers of steam Hall Coal Co. In 1858 they quite complex operation was plant supplemented by some and electrically driven built Kirkless Iron Works too great a load for him, and transfers from Clarington winding, hauling and pumping which with their coal interests on 7 July 1886, only eight Forge. In 1979, when heavy engines as well as of steam were finally merged in 1865 weeks after Richard’s death, forging was fast disappearing, hammers, forge and rolling into the Wigan Coal and Iron he placed an advertisement in the Forge was finally closed. mill plant. Works Co. Ltd. of which John the Colliery Guardian offering The Forge site was later used Lancaster became the the business and Difficulties Chairman. He was Member of works of Parliament for Wigan from Worsley Mesnes Trading changes and 1868 to 1874. After an internal Ironworks for difficulties continued until on 5 dispute he resigned and left the sale. May 1966 the Lancashire Post Company in 1869 to set up his The Iron- reported ‘Wigan Ironworks newly formed Bestwood Iron works were sold for £63,000’. The and Coal Co. Ltd. soon after. bought by J. P. & company and business of S. Melling, a Worsley Mesnes Ironworks Knowledge of Wigan long standing en- Ltd. was bought by Readson gineering family Ltd., a Manchester based group Lancaster’s knowledge of operating Ince of General Engineers. Their Wigan and its people may have Forge Co. Ince. intention was to concentrate on influenced his decision to order Although the plate and boiler engineering a R. J. & E. Coupe engine for 1887/9 Directory and general fabrication work. one of his new pits at still mentions R. This pattern of work continued Bestwood, or it may have been J. & E. Coupe, until 1972 when an article in its price of £3,640. The engine Ironfounders, the the Wigan Observer of 6 ran continuously for almost 1890 Directory October 1972 signalled – ‘The 100 years, until Bestwood reports Worsley Last Act at Ironworks’ – with Colliery’s closure in 1967. The Mesnes Ironwork the closure of Readson only renewals on the engine Co., signifying Engineering at the old Worsley since 1876 have been the Mellings had now Mesnes Ironworks site. The replacement of the cast iron incorporated the subsequent housing piston rings and the piston rod business, and in development marked the glands. the 1903 Wigan Joan Coup marriage to Jim Francis 1 May demise of Worsley Mesnes On 2 January 1874 the Directory, the 1948 (Richard’s great granddaughter). Ironworks and the part played Colliery Guardian carried a R. Worsley Mesnes by the Coupe family in the J. & E. Coupe advertisement Ironwork Co. of Richmond by Gullick Dobson Ltd. the industrial heritage of Wigan. again showing the engraving of Street, Worsley Mesnes is Mining Machinery Division of Worsley Mesnes Ironworks noted as ‘Late R. J. & E. the then group Dobson Park Auntie Winnie would have and specifically referring to Coupe’. This is the last re- Industries plc. It was at this been pleased to read this story their deep mine pump working corded use of the old original stage that the oldest working of our Coupe family history. in the Wigan area capable of family name in Wigan engi- steam forging hammer was Acknowledgements to: lifting 40,000 galls per hour neering. Edward Coupe was presented to Wigan Pier for from a depth of 224 yards permanent display in their car Mike Haddon (Wigan Heritage listed, as a consultant engineer Service) powered by a 33 inch diameter in the 1891 Census and even- park. Wigan Coal and Iron Ð D. bore steam engine. A further tually died in 1897 at The mining industry Anderson and A.A. France advertisement in the Colliery Chorlton. gradually moved from steam Industrial Railways of Wigan Guardian of 15 October offers engine powered equipment Coalfield Ð Townley, Smith and rolling mill and winding Forefront towards electrically powered Peden engines for sale as well as their plant from the beginning of the Bestwood Colliery Ð Dissertation by George V. multi tubular feed water heater. Samuel Melling was a 20th century, and after World Bloomfield Coupes seemed to be Director and Chairman of both War II few if any stationary Stationary Steam Engines Ð C. broadening the range of Worsley Mesnes Ironworks steam engines were being Bowden, G. Cooper and E. equipment on offer. Co. and Ince Forge Co. during made. This trend, coupled with McAvoy 12 Every Picture Tells a Story (2) “What is the use of a book, thought Alice, without pictures or conversations?” (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland) INDEED, Alice, but what that comes to mind and in enough to risk a scrum, I was all the way round. Much of the about a book of pictures doing so, record them in lucky enough to pick up a inside was ivy clad, especially with no conversations? The writing as I have so enjoyed penny that had been missed. that adjacent to Station Road. I answer is, that pictures can doing since receiving my Taking it home with great look back in amazement now make conversations whether copy. delight to show mother, I when remembering the way received a severe ticking off we used to climb up the 10ft. viewed alone or in company. for my part in the begging high wall with only the aid of And this is exactly what Stag Hotel, chorus. the finger and footholds of the happened to me on first Garswood But the very earliest weathered steps the climate thumbing through my then memory is one of those had fashioned over the years. new copy of Around Ashton- This picture could have inexplicable occasions where It mattered not whether the in-Makerfield and Golborne, been taken from our front the picture in the young mind climb was awarded by a a compilation of old door, at 106 Station Road, the bears no connection with any spectacle of any description, it photographs by Wigan birthplace of eight siblings, I chronological event that I can was just a sense of Heritage Service’s own Tony being the sixth born. Strange think of. All I remember is achievement to us. Ashcroft. to relate but up to the standing at our front bedroom Alas, one very windy night First impressions were of gathering following my window with my sister who in December 1922, just like its pointed to the sky, over the counterpart in Jericho, The infuriation at what I though brother’s funeral two years bowling green of The Stag Stag wall came a tumbling was a crass paucity of the ago, I had entered The Stag portals on less than a handful Hotel. There, floating lazily on down. But not before the wind written word beneath each a northerly path, was a huge had wreaked havoc in our very photograph. But then, with of occasions. The venue itself, though, airship. As the year must have own bedroom. One my own mind running riot at was ever in the day to day been well after 1918, it is particularly high gust ripped every picture with which I rounds of the extensive unlikely to have been a out the whole of our front had, in some way, been playground of Garswood’s Zeppelin, at least not one on a window which came crashing connected, I envisaged the kids. One of the highlights bombing mission as the last down onto the bed’s 128 pages adding a was arrival, in summer previously known air raid footboard, thus saving the thousandfold thickness to evenings, of open topped occurred six months before I whole thing from falling onto the book with a mortgage- charabancs laden with folk of was born in October 1917 …. the bed – and we three little any clues anyone? mites asleep therein. Luckily, sized over-the-counter cost. good cheer, and departing On a pleasanter note, I we lived next door to a The experience of with even better cheer. That was the time to begin remember my bird’s eye view carpenter who conjured up, thumbing leisurely through of The Stag’s bowling green from somewhere, a suitable Around Ashton-in- the chorus, “Throw us a penny mister”. And more often than (now a car park I believe) in length of timber with which he Makerfield and Golborne is a not, there were those who the summer, fully occupied by and my father were able to pleasure in itself, but the real were happy to oblige, shirt-sleeved, cloth-capped “sprag” the window satisfaction is in taking the triggering off scrums that miners wearing, possibly for temporarily back in its alcove. time to sit down and wring would have graced Central that occasion only, boots or Come the following from every picture one can Park. It was on one of these shoes (tha mawnt goo o’ t’ morning, however, looking identify with, every detail occasions, not being robust green wi thi clogs on), in through our wounded window, which they were allowed to it became quite evident that hasten their step, if not break we were only a part of the into a bent kneed canter, overall havoc – chimney pots, whilst their hand performed a windows and garden walls had sort of wide arc scoop, urging all succumbed to the gale. And their ‘wood’ to ‘run away, run this included none other than away,’ in the hope that within The Stag wall. The result, that diagonal traversal, the however, was rather unique, tune might be changed to, “It’s nature, the artist, having a tuch-er”. Or, to his decreed that the opponent’s tune of, “Oh tha’s aforementioned ivy cladding lost thar ‘arry.” should cling to the last, A red brick wall ran round unwittingly devised a method three sides of the bowling of assembling a brick tunnel, green. Allowing for the fall of rather like an elongated the land from the road, the entrance to an igloo. This is what the original Stag Hotel would have looked like wall adjacent to the road was Sadly, pursuit of the around 1900. Built in 1890 and situated at 83 Station Road, one about 8 ft. high whilst the almighty pound by everyone, of the early licensed victuallers was a Richard Haydock, who opposite side would be at least including breweries, brought remained there until the early 1900’s. By 1909 John Hamill had 10ft. high. A glazed taken over. It is still in business. engineering type coping ran Continued on page 14 13 for a place to dispose of his two mouthfuls of bubble gum Every (probably in the hope that someone would provide the Picture Tells answer, simply by standing up), or testing out that a Story (2) screaming toy, a free gift in the ––––– current copy of a juvenile Continued from page 13 magazine …. all terrific fun! Until, that is, Mr. Taberner thought otherwise and stated about the destruction of the so by hurriedly and noisily idyllic scenes that we always clumping down the side aisle claimed as our heritage. The with long cane in hand, down motor car could pay for many, to the bottom door on the left- many ‘ends’ of bowls – all the hand side of the proscenium. I year round. With that thought should explain here that once, in mind, I have to confess that this was a perfectly good door, on the last occasion I visited Before cars became common, shopkeepers frequently employed complete with half glazed The Stag, I thought the rape of delivery boys to take groceries to customers by bicycle. Here one panel but someone, probably the old bowling green had such employee of H.J. Evans, grocer and provision dealer of panicking to escape the destroyed many happy Station Road, Garswood, poses outside Holy Trinity Church. illusion that the advancing memories; somehow, the Notice the covered wicker basket in front of the bicycle. train was about to burst sward will never be the same, through the screen, into the and neither will The Stag. those of brighter wit) entrance (Top Door), Bryn auditorium, had broken it H.J. Evans, RESTU! Street could have been a many years ago. On Bert’s demise, the shop million miles away and I’ll bet Mr. Taberner had, Garswood became a fish and chip shop Mr. Taberner, the manager, however, by accident or followed by other retail often wished that were true – design, discovered that the Beneath the picture of outlets, but the last time I saw every Saturday afternoon. plywood replacement Wigan Road, Ashton we see it in late 1998, it was a Long before the canned provided him with the Bert Evans’s errand lad, a well chemist’s shop directly musical interludes appeared immediate, if not temporary known character in Garswood, opposite the house of my on the scene, it was everybody means of changing Bedlam Hector Ralphson, holding his aforementioned late brother. for himself. The general scene into Paradise. Half a dozen errand bike outside Trinity was like that of a school sharp, staccato raps with his Church, Downall Green. (I The Palace, playground – with upholstered cane on the ready made off- had no idea that Bert’s fame seats, barely visible in the stage reproduction of a Lewis had spread that far). Bryn Street subdued lighting. The gun, combined with the My earliest recollections occupants (some actually backstage command UP of Bert Evans go back to when Cinema going meant seated) would be engaged in LIGHTS, worked like magic, he was manager of the different things to different just sitting, if not standing, to which gained him quite a few Garswood Branch of O. & G. ages for many decades. On find out where that orange precious seconds in which to (Oates & G) Rushton Ltd. reaching maturity you actually peel missile had been fired announce in most threatening whose H.Q. overlooked the remembered, almost in detail, from, or shouting at the top of tones, “Unless I have silence, western side of Wigan Market the film you had just seen. But his voice to someone he I shall stop the show” – and Square. About the late 20’s of the décor or general recognised 40 rows of seats that was before it started! Bert decided to go it alone and atmosphere throughout the away. He might be searching ➯ indeed had a wooden store building, or what went on built across the road from before the films you could Rushtons, who eventually probably remember nothing at closed their shop down. Funny all. how little things stick in the Not so at the other end of mind. In Bert’s newly opened the age scale. Firstly, it would shop, chairs were actually be most likely that your provided, not particularly of viewings would be limited to the dimensions in which one Saturday matinees for which, could grab forty winks but at in the majority of cases, your least somewhere for the weary parents had searched the or overweight housewife to bottom of their purses for one take the weight off her feet. penny, hence the term Penny In that period there was a Rush. Secondly, those pictures washing powder by the name that adults watched, were only of RESTU and guess who it fert big uns. was that supplied the chairs. Of the three Ashton The Palace Cinema, Bryn Street, Ashton-in-Makerfield, gaily What an opportunity for a cinemas, I would say that The decorated in May 1937 to celebrate King George VI’s corny homonym AND an Palace was THE place for the coronation. ‘East Meets West’ was a 1936 British picture starring advertising plus. Plastered in Saturday ‘Penny Rush’. Once George Arliss and Godfrey Tearle, whilst ‘The Texas Rangers’ large letters on the backs of the inside, either via the posh was an American cowboy film which featured Fred MacMurray, chairs was the invitation (to front entrance or the side Jack Oakie and Jean Porter. 14 HOLOCAUST Memorial Day was I cannot look at people without commemorated for the second time examining their faces. It’s been this way on 27 January (the 57th anniversary since I came back. I peruse their lips, of the liberation of Auschwitz); this eyes, hands, seeking an answer there. year the national ceremony was held Facing people I meet I wonder, ‘Would in Manchester. Wigan Council, he have helped me walk, that one? including the Heritage Service (see Would he have given me a little bit of his p18) once again played a full part in MEMORIAL DAY water?’ I examine all the people I see – remembering all those who have died yes, all of them everywhere….Those as a result of genocide during the 20th II, and Bill Hampson of the Epiphany whom I know from the very first glance century. Trust. Particularly moving was the would have helped me walk are so few. Two ceremonies were held in contribution of young people from Charlotte Delbo Mesnes Park, Wigan and Firs Park, two local schools – Kingsdown High Leigh, beside the commemorative and Bedford High – who gave He who does not learn from history is silver birch trees which were planted readings and lit candles in memory of doomed to repeat it. last year. Although this year the all the victims of genocide. George Santayana weather was far from kind (especially Exhibitions were also held in the 1905 during the Wigan ceremony), there History Shop and Leigh Library, was still an encouraging attendance with the help of the Holocaust Centre, If your neighbour’s house is burning, at both ceremonies, led by the Deputy Beth Shalom. These exhibitions were you help put out the fire, Mayor and Mayoress (Wigan) and complemented by a moving Because you don’t know where the wind Leader of the Council (Leigh). Guests programme of readings and music will blow the flames. of honour included Aukje Clegg, given by Stephen Lythgoe, Wigan Yolande Mukagasana whose parents were members of the Library Service’s Reader-in- Rwandan refugee Dutch Resistance during World War Residence.

Walking Day* based on that gained in my measured for a new suit by old guess, might have been a early to formative years. As a Charlie Gibson at the Co-op, gathering of a thousand or so Though the immovable member of a fairly strong and or by Mr. Swallwell, who worshippers, is The Reverend feast of Christmas is the most large C. of E. family, the would travel all the way from W.R.H. (William Robert important date in the Christian imminence of Trinity Sunday Wigan on the train. Hawksley) Hall, Rector of calendar, Trinity Sunday in seemed to start before Easter. But back to the photograph Holy Trinity, North Ashton, North Ashton, was without Questions like, “What ye which, I would guess, depicts more commonly known as doubt, far more visibly in wearing for Trinity?” or “ave perhaps one of the last years of Downall Green, or Deayna evidence. The picture shown you heard who’s under t’ my attendance at which, I Green. He was a tremendously here, important though it may banner this time?” being hasten to add, I had travelled popular Rector who came be, represents only a bandied around. A time for with my wife and very small from the Hightown Parish of microscopic detail of the young lads like myself to daughter, from Birmingham. Liverpool in 1933, at the age unification behind the huge prepare themselves for that Towering high above that of 33. I seem to remember that build-up to that final feature of embarrassing ordeal of being small section of what, I would he played cricket for Wigan the Trinity Sunday but an arm injury ended that celebration. career. Rector Hall occupied It would be a formidable the crumbling old Rectory task to even begin to ascertain behind Holy Trinity Church the breakdown of the logistics in, what I can only imagine to that went into (and I suggest, have been, a semi-reclusive still go into) the spiritually existence, until he died after a attractive spectacle of, not just vein operation a Wigan the final service on the Green Infirmary in 1961. but that of the procession May God rest his soul and leading thereto, not forgetting that of the millions gone by who the universal pride of each and had no hesitation in highlighting every one taking part. Sadly, their Christian beliefs on the with today’s diminishing celebration of Trinity Sunday at church congregations in mind, Downall Green. the task of plumbing the J. Harold Smith depths of what Trinity Sunday This annual Procession of Witness or ‘Walking Day’ as it was Sutton Coalfield meant to hundreds, if not known, was originally held on the Monday following Trinity Tony Ashcroft’s book thousands, of devout Sunday, with a field treat the following Sunday. Later, however, Around Ashton-in-Makerfield parishioners in days gone by, the actual ‘Walking Day’ was changed to the Sunday itself. This and Golborne is available would be nigh impossible, photograph was taken during a service at the end of the walk in from the History Shop @ even with the help of the the early 1950’s when members of Holy Trinity Church £9.99, plus £1.50 p & p. longest, reliable memories. congregated on the green at the bottom of Rectory Road. Notice My own experience of the two large banners which were carried during the procession. *See other photographs on Trinity Sunday can only be (See also p30). p22. 15 Were they ‘cooking the books’?

Dear Editor, handed over, and which you had not name in a list of paid subscriptions. But Having read with interest the recent received, but in the case of our the fact that he must pay if his name is to correspondence about the local hospital workmen’s contributions you have appear induces him to pay duly next time. (both Mr. Flo Whitehead and Ms. Migy admitted that a very large percentage of Is it because you credit certain people were colleagues), particularly Mr. amounts actually received by you have whether they pay or not that you have so Taberner’s contribution about never been credited in your reports at all. much trouble in getting prompt subscriptions to the Royal Albert We do not know how many similar payments? But even if there are other Edward Infirmary, I remember some omissions have occurred, but we do think institutions, who make up their that we are entitled and the public are accounts in your loose style, we do not items I came across whilst researching entitled to complain that whilst you credit see that two or any greater number of my story on the opening of the RAEI certain clergy and employers in your blacks make one white. which was published in issue 23. As Mr. annual lists of subscriptions received with ’ Taberner shows, money came from sums you have not received from them YOURS TRULY, JAMES DODDS many sources but the following letter you, at the same time, not once but from Pearson & Knowles Coal & Iron frequently in the case of one and the same Co. Ltd. indicates contributors were not lot of workmen omit to give credit on the Further research by me shows that always happy. Indeed the writer stated same lists for sums actually received by pits owned locally by Pearson and that the administrators at Wigan you. We have not suggested, nor do we Knowles in December 1867 comprised Infirmary were cooking the books! The consider you should publish a list of Moss Hall, Hindley Hall, Ince Hall, letter dated 1883 is beautifully written, subscribers in arrears but we do say that Barley Brook and Spring Colliery. The somewhat repetitive but the writer you have no right to deceive the public (of sum of £19.15.7d. was promised certainly makes his point. course unintentionally) by giving as a list towards the building fund set up to of subscriptions received a list which finance the erection of Wigan contains a large percentage of sums Infirmary; this was six years before its THE PEARSON & KNOWLES which have not been received, and some of which may not be received for six opening in 1873. COAL & IRON CO. LTD. In the same report it is noted that the Secretary’s Office months and some never at all. We say it is a grievance to fail to credit a body of hard workmen of the Wigan Coal and Iron Dallam & Bewsey Forges working men or anybody else with money Company “freely regularly and you have actually received by them, but it voluntarily pay a small contribution into Warrington, January 11th 1883. is no grievance to omit from a list the hands of collectors appointed by received subscriptions those of clergymen themselves”. The fund raising William Taberner Esq. or anybody else who have in hand money committee also stated “that if the same Royal Albert Edward Infirmary received by them for you, but which you plan were adopted at every colliery, Wigan. have not received from them. We have not factory, foundry and workshop, some asked you to please everybody, we would thousands could most easily be raised.” Dear Sir, advise that you do not try to do so but do I have also had sight of a note from ‘I have yours of the 10th instant, the right, to let your accounts of each cash the parish priest at St. Mary’s in Wigan accounts as they appear in your annual received represent what you have having a moan about seeing a poster in reports are as I have shown anything but received, to let them include all you have creditable to your management, but your received and exclude all your have not his church advertising a Hospital explanations show they are in a far more received or if you won’t do this we should Sunday collection at his church; it unsatisfactory state than we anticipated – recommend you to alter the heading of seems nobody from the hospital had we thought the serious discrepancies we your lists so that it may clearly indicate bothered to tell him about it! I hope he pointed out were the result of clerical what the names and amounts under it wasn’t one of those accused by P&K inadvertence but we are amazed to represent. If you act on either of these Ltd. Money also came from the better receive your assurance that the list of suggestions you will please all who off benefactors as I stated in my receipts on account of Hospital Saturday deserve to be pleased including ourselves. previous article; again during research and Sunday collections has been We doubt that your accounts are I came across a note dated 1887 from designedly “cooked” to meet the views or prepared in accordance with the Francis Sharp Powell (well known in at any rate the cases of clergymen and established rule in most other institutions Wigan as the man in Wigan Park) from employers who having received money such as yours, indeed we venture to deny Horton Hall, Bradford forwarding a from their congregations and men before it. Since receiving your letter this cheque on London value £100. Wigan March 31st 1882 for your infirmary, have morning we have asked the Honary people have been rubbing his foot on his nevertheless for reasons of which nothing Secretary of the Warrington Infirmary statue every since! is known by us kept the money back, in for copies of his last three annual reports some instances until six months after the – we enclose them, you will see the date on which you have put their names accounts are stated and balanced Don Rayner in the list not as promised but of received precisely, as we say that yours or those of 8 Edale Drive subscriptions. But not only is it admitted any other institutions such as yours ought Standish that your list of receipts credits certain to be, and no subscriber here is Wigan WN6 0LN clergymen and employers of your last dissatisfied. If he duly pays his year with at least £324 (we do not know subscriptions, he is credited, if not, as a P.S. I wonder if E. Taberner and William how much more) which they had not reasonable man he does not expect his Taberner were related? 16 A Wigan Childhood

I WAS born at 97 Own Yeomanry. He too was started teaching at Marylebone Preston and then back to Wigan Warrington Lane, Wigan devastated when he heard the School where I had only 17 where my roots lie. I have lived on 10 August 1927. The row sad news. pupils. This was very good, as in Parbold for the last 20 years. of houses on that side of the After Roy, on 25 November later on, I was to have as many road was owned by my 1924 my sister Betty (Elizabeth as 40 pupils in one class. Margaret Hirst (nee Dickinson Middlehurst) was However, that is another story Middlehurst) grandfather, Edward born. She was christened after and must wait for another time. I Parbold Nr. Wigan Dickinson (the Bottler). My Granny Dickinson. Both the taught for 40 years and enjoyed mother was Susan Lilian Dickinson grandparents played my career immensely. After my P.S. My thanks to Neil Cain for Dickinson, later to be a great part in our lives. Edward retirement in 1985 I specialised his article on his grandparents known after marriage as (Ted) was fat and bossy but in dyslexia and dyspraxia. We from Spring Street where my Susan Lilian Middlehurst. kind, and was always concerned lived in Wigan, Upholland, grandfather Edward Dickinson Father was 40 years old about our welfare. Worcestershire, Carlisle, also lived and worked. when I was born, and was the headmaster of Spring View The strap Senior Boy’s School in the James Fairhurst has kindly sent in this extract mining area of Lower Ince. One of my earliest from the local press of January 1901. My mother was 12 years old memories was of the strap and a pupil at the New behind the kitchen door “for Jerusalem British School when naughty children”. I assured The Frog Lane ‘Ghost’ she met by father (the British him that I was “always good”. schools were non-conformist, We were schooled into - January, 1901 Church of England schools obedience at an early age, but were called National Schools). we also had a great sense of THE loneliness of the road for this was soon Father was a pupil teacher at the belonging, which was so leading from the workhouse forthcoming for there New Jerusalem British School important to every child. into Wodehouse Lane is suddenly emerged from an and he said that he fell in love In 1933, when I was six, we notorious and would, in the adjoining footpath, not a with my mother from the time moved to 51 Swinley Lane, opinion of many, form a ghost, but flesh and blood in when he helped her with her Wigan. The houses were built happy hunting ground for the form of a man, having Arithmetic. He was always by Jolleys of Mesnes Road. The spirits and goblins from the on only his nightshirt. The good at both Maths and Music. price was £350, the last £50 was far nether world. On Friday passers-by were naturally He played the organ at the New for the garage! We did not own a night, at the hour when startled but, determined Jerusalem Church across the car, as my father never learned churchyard’s yawn, a young upon action, were not long road. He later became a local to drive, so the garage became a man was wending his way in having him secured. The preacher. storeroom for all his many homeward, past the above kindly offices of P.C. papers. He always wrote in harbour of refuge – when Meakin, who was Disciplinarian green ink which made it rather something most uncanny fortunately in the distinctive. He wrote books of caught his eye. The neighbourhood, were The headmaster of the New General Knowledge and apparition – for such it sought after and the “ghost” Church was Richard Intelligence Tests, one of which appeared to be – was was transferred into a Middlehurst, a very strict was published by Schofield & enveloped in a garb of white passing cab. disciplinarian. Mother was Sims of Huddersfield. and gesticulated in an It was afterwards found afraid of him, as were many of In 1933 Betty (who today unearthly manner which that one of the inmates of his pupils. (This was described also lives in Parbold) and I had an immediate effect the workhouse had broken by Neil Cain in his article in started at Marylebone School in upon his feelings. He out of his bedroom by way Past Forward 28 about his Wigan Lane. The Post Office on resolved at once to seek of the window and emerged grandfather who came from the corner had the name safety in flight and at once into the lane. While the Spring Street, where Edward “Mariebonne” on the wall. We took to his heels, followed above drama was being Dickinson had the bottling were there for two years until it closely by the supposed enacted the governor and works, which he called “The became an infant school, the “ghost”, and his speed was male attendants had set up a Stores”. They had the agency children then having to leave at such that he broke all search for the missing man for both Guinness and seven. We then went on to the previous records for the in the adjoining grounds, Watneys.) Wesleyan Methodist School, off distance traversed. but then fears were soon set My brother Roy was seven Standishgate, because my father However, nature had to give at rest when the police years older than me, born in knew the headmistress, Miss way and he sank to the constable turned up with his 1920. He was said to have been Nellie Lathom. I enjoyed the ground exhausted, near the charge. The young man will a delicate baby. In 1918 mother Methodist School where I met entrance to Park Road. not soon forget his escapade had given birth to a first child my friend Margaret Griffiths, In this condition two and will in future be keeping (whom she called “Little later Margaret Watson. passing pedestrians found his eyes about him when Frank”). He had a heart problem him, soaked in sweat. He passing this lonely spot at a and lived only for ten minutes. Started teaching could scarcely speak to his time approaching the Father was fighting in France questioners and the reason midnight hour. with the Duke of Lancaster’s Jumping ahead to 1947, I 17 HISTORY SHOP NEWS

aspects of the Holocaust and of Ashcroft at Leigh Library on Exhibitions modern day war crimes and 01942 404559. genocide. Not always comfortable Then we will be into the viewing, but challenging and summer again with the usual in the thought provoking. We also had season of Wigan Photographic some readings in the History Shop Society’s annual show in by our Reader in Residence, August, followed by the Atherton History Shop Stephen Lythgoe, to mark the and District show in September. occasion. The temporary area in the Although plans are very busy, Taylor Gallery at the History Shop The Wickham Gallery they are a little fluid as well. Downstairs at the History Shop has once again been very busy. Following the Holocaust The New Year had seen the we have made no significant exhibition, we shall be putting up changes to the Art Gallery or to opening of the 1901 Census, a either the exhibition on this very significant occasion for Wigan 2000. These two building as a Library or sections of family historians. It was marked in attractions will be open Back to Your Roots, then in May the gallery with the exhibition throughout the spring and we will have the long awaited 5th Back to Your Roots, all about summer this year, with the Manchester’s show. how to trace your family history possibility that we will be following This has been mentioned in and use the records such as the Wigan 2000 with a new show in new Census. This had been held previous editions of Past Forward. the autumn or winter. For those over the Christmas and New Year But for those who haven’t heard, who have not yet seen Wigan period to give people a chance to the Manchester’s were evacuated 2000 it is a colourful and fun look study it and as an introduction to from Dunkirk in 1940 (26 May – 4 at Wigan at the turn of the those who had been inspired to June), and earlier in World War I Millennium. The borough was come in after 2 January to see the fought in the battle of Krithia, 4 recorded with a series of new Census. Nevertheless, the June 1915, during the Gallipoli photographs to mark the occasion week after it came down, the campaign. It would seem and these are displayed along inevitable comments from people appropriate, then, to schedule the with examples from local returning to have another look and exhibition to commemorate this. businesses, leisure activities, get more genealogy tips were Don’t forget we are still very groups, schools and individuals heard. Yes, we will be putting this interested in talking to anyone building up an ordinary picture in excellent exhibition up again in who has memories of the battalion an extraordinary setting. This the future; however, it is unlikely to and particularly any photographs modern view is contrasted with be this year because there is from World War II. Please contact examples from the museums fierce competition for space. Dawn Wadsworth or Philip Butler permanent collection of objects An area of the gallery is still at the History Shop, and once and pictures showing life as it has given over to the Census and in again a big thank you to all of you been in ages past. As this is on the particular the Friends’ indexing who have contacted us already. ground floor, it is fully accessible project of the 1861 Census for the We were hoping to follow it very with a ramped entrance and borough. There is still time to get closely with a small show to mark adapted WC. involved in this or in the next the opening of the We are hoping to put on a show indexing project; just come along Commonwealth Games in or two in the spaces that remain to the History Shop to find out Manchester in late July. Following on the ground floor. There is an more. a disappointing response to an opportunity to get involved with Back to Your Roots had to appeal by Tony Ashcroft in the last one that can bring together come down by mid January, issue for information on local national events with your own though, because the exhibition sports clubs, however, this is now communities. This year is the following it marked a specific in doubt. If you do have anything, Queen’s Golden Jubilee – the occasion and national day of however, there may still be time to 50th Anniversary of her Accession remembrance. Holocaust revive the idea. We want any to the Throne. Nationally the Memorial Day 2002 was on 27 local material, stories, themes of the celebrations have January and was marked in our photographs, medals of been set to include Celebration, gallery by a detailed and sporting heroes of the past Involving Communities and challenging exhibition from the involved in the sort of sports Looking Forward as well as Back. Holocaust Centre, Beth Shalom. competed for in the We thought we would Three bays of photographs and Commonwealth Games. If you contribute to this by sharing our text were accompanied by a video think you might have anything Jubilee memories and presentation dealing with many at all please contact Tony ➯ 18 HISTORY SHOP NEWS celebrations with you. A small for more information. local history. The Jubilee seems to exhibition in the Wickham Gallery 4 – 11 May is Local History be the ideal focus for this so get is planned for May and June so Week across the UK. The involved. There is a national once again if you have anything Historical Association is looking to website for the Historical from the coronation itself or the local groups and communities to Association at www.history.org.uk, Silver Jubilee 25 years ago devise their own way of which also contains activities and (doesn’t time fly!) then bring it celebrating and exploring their competitions for schools. along and share it with us, and we may be able to incorporate it THE HISTORY SHOP in the display. It could be an object, a picture or just Wickham Gallery Wigan 2000 Feb 2002 – Autumn/Winter 2002. memories, but contact us soon Golden Jubilee May 2002 – June 2002. as we are putting the pieces Taylor Gallery Library/Roots March 2001 – May 2002. together right now. Contact 5th Manchester’s May 2002 – July 2002. Philip Butler at the History Shop Sporting Heroes? July 2002 – August 2002. FRIENDS OF WIGAN HERITAGE SERVICE THE message this time about our put you in touch with the pictures and it doesn’t help to set off Friends group is that things are appropriate Friend. on something we can’t achieve. definitely moving forward. The Friends Other projects are taking off too for Again, the invitation is open to are soon to have a voice on the newly people with interests other than anyone who feels they would be formed Cultural Forum. This is a group genealogy. We are undertaking a interested in getting involved to that feeds local opinion on cultural basic inventory of the maps in the contact us at the History Shop. matters into a wider group, the drawer cabinets of the History Shop. Projects are not the only form of Leaders Forum, part of the Council’s This is hoped to be the first step of a activity the Friends could generate. At partnership with the public. We are wider project driven by Heritage staff the last meeting a volunteer was very pleased about this and feel that to rationalise and sort our map sought to take responsibility for social lobbying on behalf of our service is an holdings. As you can imagine this sort activities and public relations. Not as important role for the Friends to adopt. of detailed work can be very labour onerous as it sounds, simply someone Friends group meetings are well intensive, and the assistance of possibly from this sort of background established and attention has now Friends is likely to add a whole new to give some thought to how the been turned to activities. Much dimension to the way we can Friends and the Heritage Service progress has been made on our operate. portray themselves and add some fun headline project, the indexing of the We are also trying to develop an to ideas for future meetings and 1861 Census for the area. No fewer indexing project for our files of archive events. As no one came forward at the than eight willing volunteers have photographs held in the History Shop. meeting we are still looking. If you been working on the transcription This has to be both useful and think you may be interested contact from microfilm on our dedicated practical, we have a huge archive of Philip Butler at the History Shop. reader in the Taylor Gallery. A big thank you to each and every one of them, and especially to Barbara FRIENDS OF WIGAN HERITAGE SERVICE Davies who is tackling the job of entering these on a database for us. Name ...... With their continuing efforts the project is now well advanced and Address ...... thoughts are turning to the next Census year to tackle. It could possibly be to do the areas not so far ...... covered by the 1891 Census index done for us by the Chorley branch of Interests ...... the Lancashire Family History and Heraldry Society, or to undertake a ...... complete index for the 1841 Census. Please enclose £5 subscription for one year’s membership. Cheque/P.O. payable to If you feel that this is the type of Wigan Council. Please return to the History Shop, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU. work and company that might suit Remember your subscription entitles you to a priority mailing of Past Forward three you, and can spare up to a few times a year, starting with the currrent issue unless you request otherwise. hours each week, then why not N.B. If you do not wish to cut this coupon out, a cheque along with your details on contact us the History Shop? We plain paper is fine. can explain what is involved and 19 Orrell Here is the second in the series of line drawings by Gerald 30. Library, near to a private nursery and Council Offices. Rickards, covering all townships in the Borough. Orrell was a 31. Orrell Clinic. The names Nordene and Oakdene boldly cut out above the particularly appropriate choice for Gerald: two doors. 32. Orrell Holgate Primary School. The old school demolished in 2002 to make “having lived in Winstanley Road for 37 years and knowing one way for a new road. end of the village particularly well has no doubt been a bonus. Our 33. Holgate National School where the first pupils were girls, who had children walked down to two of the schools in the village and later previously all ended classes in a room at the Rose and Crown. Extended in went on to two secondary schools just over the boundary. In the 1883 to accommodate boys. Now offered for sale. early 1960’s when I was appointed Head of Art at Upholland 34. Farmoor Residential Care Home, built on land where Crabtree’s Farm was Grammar School (later Winstanley College) the school had an on one side and a foundry, used by the local nailmakers on the other. Orrell postal address. During the next 26 years I got to know 35. Abraham Guest High School, named after a well known councilor who pupils, parents and staff from Orrell and beyond and learned much lived across the road at ‘The Mount’. 36. Orrell YMCA. The brick building has replaced the structure opened in 1920 about the area, past and present. by Princess Marie Louise. Cricket pitch in the background. As with the Aspull project, I again apologise for any omissions in 37. Rose and Crown public house, in Far Moor part of the village. Once a the selection of items – 45 (plus a few hidden extras) are quite a lot meeting place for burial clubs, lodges, etc.. to crowd into the space available. I have tried to represent the 38. Replica Iron Age Roundhouse at Greenslate Farm. Constructed in 1986 as different areas of the village, as well as including some reminders a joint venture between Wigan Education Department and the Archaeology from the past. I have received help and advice from so many Unit at Manchester University. people, which has been much appreciated.” 39. Orrell United Salem Reformed Church, which was established in 1804. Gerald is also working on an Orrell painting, similar in style and Present building dates from 1907. 40. Majestic Cinema, near ‘The Grapes’ crossing. Built 1936, and like the Lyric content to the drawing but on a large scale. Prints will be in Up Holland named after a naval ship. Later the home of Majestic Glass. available for purchase as the series progresses. Ed. Recently demolished and replaced with domestic properties. 41. Anvil, at the entrance to the Rugby Club. It appears on the crest and is a 1. OrrelI Rugby Club, Edge Hall Road, where the first match was played in reminder of the local nail makers. 1950. Team later received national recognition. 42. Orrell Station, opened in 1848. The Ticket Office is no longer in use but the 2. M6, approaching Junction 26, for M58 and Orrell. Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway sign can be seen above the door. 3. Rivington and Pennines in the background. 43. Road sign, warning that ducks stray on to Winstanley Road from the 4. One of the many coal mines that used to be dotted around the village and adjoining water park. surrounding area. 44. Artist’s home in Winstanley Road. Postal address used to be Orrell but 5. The original gatehouse to ‘Harvey House’, leading to.. now it is Billinge and along with many Orrell residents the telephone 6. St. John Rigby College. number is in the St. Helens rather than the Wigan Directory. 7. St. Luke’s Parish Church, where the 75th anniversary is celebrated this year. 45. ‘Mog’, the cat, depicted in a few special paintings and murals. 8. Parish Hall, added to the church building in 1983, using stone reclaimed from the old Parish Hall. 9. Old Parish Hall, Church Street; built in the second half of 19th century. Used as church and school. I 0. St. Peter’s Catholic High School in Howards Lane, near the busy road junction. 11. St. James Catholic Primary School, alongside the church and social club. 12. St. James Roman Catholic Church, built in mid 19th century, with the distinctive belfry added around 1870. 13. The Presbytery just visible behind trees. 14. Orrell Lodge, 19th century home of the engineer Robert Daglish; designer of the steam locomotive for the Orrell Colliery. The building later became Education Offices and is now Wish FM Radio Station. 15. OrrelI Hall in Spring Road. Listed 17th century building on the site of the Orrell Hall Colliery. Now a rest home, it was for many years the home of the Leigh family. 16. Rangers House, which was once the property of the Water Board. The two former reservoirs are now part of Orrell Water Park - a favourite spot for waterfowl, walkers and anglers. 17. Newfold (previously St. James Road) County Primary School. 18. Priory Wood, previously Orrell Mount. An impressive ashlar stone building, now a restaurant. Built by John Clarke, coal owner. 19. Railway engine, as used at local collieries. The ‘Yorkshire Horse’ designed by Robert Daglish of Orrell Lodge. 20. Trinity Trees. Distinctive decorative windows and memories of an idyllic garden with steps leading to a tennis court. Currently offered for sale. 21. Former Police Station. Now private houses but the Lancashire Constabulary emblem remains above the entrance. 22. Abbey Lakes Inn and Lodge, close to the borough boundary and Up Holland Parish Church. 23. OrrelI Methodist Sunday School in Church Drive. 24. OrreII Methodist Church, built in 1964. A stone alongside inscribed ‘Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Chapel, 1859’. 25. Orrell Post; probably constructed in the first half of the 18th century. 26. Large beech tree, near the inn. A well known landmark, until blown over in the great gale of 1920. 27. Stag Inn, standing on a site used as staging post since the mid 18th century. 28. OrrelI Post Methodist Church as it is today with the extension on the left that was added in the 1970s. 29. Council Offices, in Orrell Gardens, opened in 1908 and still used by the local authority.

20 21 Dear Sir, Prompted first by my sister-in- law, Irene Migy’s interesting ST. ANDREW’S MISSION contribution in the latest issue of your excellent magazine; and secondly by the fact that I have just GARSWOOD reached the “Biblical Limit”, I felt it was time to dispose of the boxes of (from a box of ‘mementoes’) “mementoes” my late wife Elaine (nee Hosker) and myself had amassed over the years. Well aware that any material, particularly photographs, are of little use without titles and dates, I have quite enjoyed myself over several weeks piecing together bits of diverse information to title and date most of the enclosed items. I freely admit defeat on a few Ð also some of the information may not be totally accurate. I hope at least some of these photographs may be of interest to your readers Ð and some of the material also suitable for your archives. Some items were displayed at the 150th Anniversary of Downall Green Holy Trinity church in 1988. May I take this opportunity to thank you for a very interesting publication. Bill Foster “Bonhill” Glenacre Innelan Dunoon Argyll PA23 7TL Garswood and Downall Green Sunday School Gathering c.1950. Rev. W. R. H. Hall is prominent (See also Harold Smith’s right of centre. reference to Walking Day, p15.)

Annual walk, 1935. Annual walk, 1963.

Left to right: Elaine Hosker, Enid Redford, Bill Foster, Annual walk, 1948. Norma France, 1952. 22 My Year in Garswood, 1928-1929 AS I am now mother’s brothers, Tom and chosen to be one of the fairies cross-stitched sampler approaching 79 years of Jim Parkinson. Mother, my attending the May Queen at mounted in a picture frame. age, I find I have the brother Newton and I were to the May Day Festival. Clad in This sampler hangs in my stay with Grandma Parkinson my gossamer blue silk dress bedroom, and every day fills time and desire to in Garswood to see how things and with a garland of flowers me with joy. The sampler is reminisce. In doing so, went for Dad in Australia. around my head I rode with most beautifully stitched with my thoughts return to the May Queen on the a little girl and a boy, a house, the land of my birth, far Much joy decorated May wane which some roosters, a little girl away from my present was drawn by a shire horse. praying and these words, I was five years old when Later in the day I was one of which I still say to myself home in Hobart, dad left, but despite my early the Maypole dancers and then every night before I sleep – Tasmania. My husband age, I have very distinct we all joined in the fun of the Alex and I moved to memories of my year in fair. A few weeks later, on 29 God keep you safe this small island south Garswood, and these May 1929, mother, brother Throughout the night of the Australian memories have given me Newton and I sailed from From candle until much joy. As I recount them I mainland soon after our Southampton on board the Morning light. feel it is only yesterday. I was S.S. ‘Largs Bay’ to begin our When you awaken marriage. Alex and I a shy little Welsh girl, but I new life in Brisbane, Australia Kneel and pray had met when we both have never forgotten the – but that is another story. God keep you safe served with the happiness I found from the As well as my memories, I Throughout the day. Australian Air Force kindness of the folk, during have some treasured my year in Garswood. I keepsakes from my year at Olwen Mary Colquhoun during World War II. attended St. Andrew’s Church Garswood. As farewell 4 Namoi Place I was born in Wrexham, school which was opposite presents, the superintendent, Lenah Valley Hobart Wales, the daughter of grandma’s house in Garswood teachers and children of St. Tasmania 7008 Elizabeth Parkinson whose Road. It seemed quite a small Andrew’s Sunday School Australia family lived at “The Oaks”, building – very old even then presented me with a Bible. Mr. 319 Garswood Road, – and had been under the and Mrs. Clarke gave me a ● A letter from Olwen’s Garswood, and Eli Green auspices of the Lady of prayer book. Miss Roberts and brother appeared in Past Manor, Lady Gerard. In earlier my classmates gave me a Forward 29, p36. whose family home was times, my mother told me that “The Laburnums”, 296 Lady Gerard dispensed Bolton Road. Ashton-in- charity and welfare in the Makerfield. My father district and did her rounds in served in the Great War, and a pony and trap. I loved my on his return he attended the year at St. Andrew’s School, BOB DOBSON Wigan School of Mines and and I especially loved the gained qualifications in schoolmistress Miss Roberts. Publisher and Book Dealer mining engineering, In Garswood Road, just surveying as well as in up from grandma’s house, was a lady who sold ribbons LANCASHIRE safety procedures, and and laces from her front decompression. My room, and she would give me YORKSHIRE & CHESHIRE grandfather, also Eli Green, the remnants to dress my was a coalminer, and he had dolls. At another house, Mrs. married Alice Hart, whose Glover sold sweets which I I buy, sell and search for second-hand family had been for loved to purchase with my books relating to these counties: I search generations, hingemakers in treasured penny. I remember for books: I issue lists. I buy quantities of Ashton-in-Makerfield. My coming home with sweets to mother’s father, Thomas share with my brother. I had other books. Parkinson, was a coalminer, two cousins living nearby. They were both boys and and he had married Mary more than seven years older LIST OF MY NEW PUBLICATIONS Brimelow. The Parkinson than I was but we would walk ON REQUEST and Brimelow families together to the local picture came from Pemberton. show. We walked on a path After their marriage my through a field of golden parents moved to Wales where corn, and in the Spring we BOB DOBSON my father worked at the Llay walked to a little forest to “Acorns” Main colliery, but as a result of pick bluebells. 3 STAINING RISE the Great Strike of 1926, and STAINING the subsequent lockouts, my Fun of the fair parents decided to migrate to BLACKPOOL FY3 0BU Australia. In 1928 my father Lucky me – while I was Tel: (01253) 895678 set sail with two of my staying with grandma, I was 23 THE last issue of Past Forward featured an article about Jonathan Dewhurst, the Lancashire Tragedian – the subject of a new book by Susan and Philip Taylor. Susan has sent me the following additional details about some of the family connections in Wigan, which have emerged since the publication of the book, which has recently been shortlisted for the Society for Theatre Research Book Prize. Jonathan Dewhurst was born in listener that he had been brought up in Lowton, near Leigh, Lancashire on 28 the workhouse before explaining (to April 1837. His father, John, was at the merriment of the assembled the time a jail turnkey, but over the audience) that as his father was years followed various trades, being Governor and his mother the Matron, at one time or another a provision of course he was brought up there – it dealer, a victualler, a police officer, a was the family home. publican and for several years Jonathan’s primary education was Governor of the Workhouse at Wigan. provided in Wigan, after which he Somewhat surprisingly for the times attended school in Manchester. On John always seemed to be in work and leaving school he worked in the able to find the means of looking after editorial offices of the Leigh his family. One of Jonathan’s private Chronicle at the time of its jokes was to tell an unsuspecting foundation. I remember when . . . . . I LEARNED my first lesson in laziness most often, and can Four to a bed I saw each boat race “applied psychology”, within be translated usually as such to between Oxford and the proverbial stone’s throw of ‘can’t be bothered’. If you I remember clearly those Cambridge from the river the present Wigan Pier honestly don’t know, it’s my days, sleeping four to a bed in Thames embankment for Heritage Centre, (where I was job to impart knowledge, so a small back room bedroom several years and have dined born and bred) in the that you do know, and what is with neither lighting nor at all London’s top hotels. formative years of my long more important, in such a way heating, with an old army I was responsible for life! that you get the right answer greatcoat as an eiderdown, persuading the Duke of It was at St. Thomas’s first time. Do you understand?” heated oven shelves wrapped Marlborough, the father of the Church School in Caroline Meekly I answered, “Yes in rough ‘wrapperings’ present Duke, to open Street, as an eight-year-old Miss”, and was about to sit (discarded flour sacks washed Blenheim Palace to the public pupil of Mrs. Hodgson, a down when she added, “I over and over until pliable) as when only the gardens were widowed mother of three haven’t finished”. And she bed warmers, and for previously available to them. children herself. On a bitterly continued with many breakfast a slice of half burned cold morning she suddenly examples of people who had toast toasted on an extended Personal friend rapped out my name, when I refused to accept defeat and fork in front of a coal fire. wasn’t paying attention. I laboured on to overcome Porridge was better but took I have played in “The stood up in due deference and initial obstacles to the ultimate longer, and there was never Black Rose” with the lead acknowledged her with “Yes benefit of mankind rather than enough time. In fact we had a taken by Tyrone Power. I have Miss” (even though she was a admit “I can’t”. saying, “first up – best also played with Robert Mrs. - all lady teachers were Among them I remember: dressed”, because he had the Newton and the boys from Miss). She rapped the George Stephenson, who choice of shirts, ganseys (a Rugby School in “Tom command “repeat what I have produced the first steam woollen pullover fastened at Brown’s Schooldays”. I was a just said” and in all honesty I locomotive; John Bridgewater, the neck) and stockings personal friend of Sir Eric replied “please Miss, I can’t”. whose canal linked Manchester without holes in toes or heels. Quentin Hazel who kindly Had I surreptitiously released to the Irish sea; Sir Richard The last one out of bed got the sent to me a copy of his book a stink bomb I was not Arkwright, who gave leftovers! endorsed “To Ernie Taberner, prepared for the next part of Lancashire ‘The Spinning So it was, that mid keep up the good work for the altercation! Jenny’, vital for transforming morning ‘day dreaming’ was Wigan and Lancashire”. imported raw cotton into cloth, nature’s way of compensation As a full time carer of my Vituperative reaction and others, until I was until Mrs. Hodgson’s invalid wife of almost 60 beginning to think we hadn’t admonition altered everything, years, I rarely do any “Don’t you ever use that won the 1914/18 war and it was when the psychological “I travelling these days, but I’m word again to me, or anyone my fault, when she eased my can’t” became “I can and I will quite happy to let others sit in else,” and dreamily I tried to guilt with her final words: successfully.” Others must be judgement of Mrs. Hodgson’s remember what word could “Therefore never say ‘I can’t’, the judges of whether or not I effect on one of her pupils who have caused such a instead say ‘I can and I will’, succeeded when I remind once said, “Please, Miss, I vituperative reaction. But she Do you understand?” “Yes them of my past experiences can’t”. soon enlightened me, telling Miss”, I acknowledged, as a former slum kid and some me “can’t is an expression of suitably subdued. of my subsequent activities. © E. Taberner 24 Aspull & Haigh Historical Wigan Archaeological Society SOCIETY NEWS Society Meetings are held in Our Lady’s R.C. The Society meets at the BP Centre Church Hall, Haigh Road, Aspull on (Scout HQ) in Greenhough Street on the second Thursday in the month at 16 April the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30 p.m. Further details from the Manchester Police History 7.30 p.m. Entrance is only £1. Secretary, Barbara Rhodes. Curator of the Manchester Police 11 April Museum Wigan Civic Trust AGM 21 May The Trust stimulates public interest in 9 May Oral History for Family Historians the Wigan area; promotes high Wally Rouse, historian & author Ann Monaghan standards of planning and 13 June 18 June architecture; and aims to secure the Colin Bean Visit Ð to be arranged preservation, conservation, development and improvement of the Atherton Heritage Society Leigh Literary Society historic parts of town and country. Meetings are held on the second Meetings are held in the Derby The Trust meets at Drumcroon Tuesday of the month at 7.30 p.m. at Room, Leigh Library, on the last Education Arts Centre, Parsons St. Richards Jubilee Hall, Atherton. Wednesday of the month. For further Walk, Wigan, on the second Monday Admission £1 (members), £1.50 details contact Tony Ashcroft, Local of the month at 7.30 p.m. For further (non-members). Further details from History Officer, Leigh Library (01942 details contact the Secretary, A.J. Mrs. M. Hodge, 82 Leigh Road, 404559) Grimshaw, 6 Bridgeman Terrace, Atherton M46 0PA. Wigan (01942 245777). New 9 April Leigh Probus Club members always welcome. Queen Victoria’s Visit Members of the Club, which is non- 8 April Anne Monaghan sectarian, are generally retired The Wildlife Trust at Wigan Flashes This illustrated talk tells the story of professional/businessmen. The Club Mark Chapman Queen Victoria’s stay at Worsley meets at the Leigh Masonic Hall on 13 May New Hall, 1851. alternate Thursday afternoons Barons and Saints 14 May between October and April. New Walter Carney What the Papers Said members are welcome Ð anyone The history of the Gerard family of Glen Atkinson wishing to join should contact H. Ashton-in-Makerfield Was the Victorian media the same as Wilkinson (01942 671943). 10 June today’s? Or was it worse, or better? 11 April The Lancashire Cotton Famine 11 June Secret Britain Fred Holcroft The Bowmen of England Peter Robinson Len Heathcote 25 April Wigan Family & Local History No wonder the English longbowmen AGM Society were the scourge of the French! 26 April Meetings are held on the third Annual Dinner Tuesday of the month at the Billinge Local History Society 9 May Springfield Hotel, Springfield Road, For further details contact Jack Annual Outing Wigan, at 7.30 p.m. For further Boardman, 38 Garswood Road, information contact the Secretary, Billinge, Wigan, WN5 7TH, (01744 Shevington Memories Group Tracie-Ann Brown, 16 Florence 892613), or visit our web site at This small, informal group meets Street, Higher Ince, Wigan WN1 www.billinge-history.com. each Friday at 2.30 p.m. in 3JS. Shevington Methodist Church (New Golborne & Lowton Local Lounge), to share memories about History Society old times. Anyone is welcome Ð just Founded in 1984 the society now has turn up! Contact Maurice Hilton ‘H.M.S. WIGAN’? an average monthly attendance of (01942 223107) for further details. Dear Sir, over 20. Meetings are held at I am trying to obtain photographs Golborne Library on the second Tyldesley & District of all the ships my late father was in Tuesday of the month at 7.00 p.m. Historical Society during World War Two and have not Non-members are welcome. Further Meetings are held on the third been able to purchase one of H.M.S. details from Ron Marsh, P.R. Officer Wigan, a minesweeper trawler. Thursday of every month from I wondered if any of your readers (01942 726027). September to May at the Tyldesley might have a photograph of the ship. Pensions club on Milk Street at 7.30 I know it’s a long shot but worth Leigh & District Family p.m. We do not charge an entrance trying as neither the Imperial War History Society fee although voluntary contributions Museum nor the R.N. Museum have Meetings are held on the third are always welcome. Refreshments one. Tuesday of every month at 7.30 p.m. available. Contact the Secretary 44 Main Road Bilton Hull in the Derby Room of Leigh Library. (01942 514271) or Email East Yorks HU11 4AR For further details contact the [email protected]. You can Email: Secretary, Mrs. O. Hughes (01942 also visit our website at [email protected] 741594). www.amw02593.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk. 25 HAVE you been to the teeth which made him look as pictures lately? Isn’t it if he were always smiling – a posh?! I went recently with kindly man who often let these my daughter and was patrons in free. One day, Billy stunned! Although it Boydell was just in front of mK?< 9L>n my brother and the manager lacked the character of the said, “Go on in, Billy Lad” cinemas of my childhood, I and let him pass, whereupon have to admit to being Mo Lias’s sister, who was in impressed. Shortly after queue – the kids just scuffled Cocker in the alley and the kids the foyer, and had paid for Mo, the film started there was a about outside, pointing on their own inside! My charged up, all guns blazing! scene in which it was outstretched fingers as they brother doesn’t remember the “Tha’s let ‘im in fer nowt!” raining – and so realistic fired imaginary guns, and outcome but he has never she screamed, pointing at was it, that it seemed to be slapping the seats of their forgotten the glorious poor, quaking Billy – “An’ our all around me. I glanced short pants as they rode pandemonium in ‘The Bug’ on Mo’s dafter than ‘im!”. round, but all eyes were on imaginary horses in imitation that long-ago Saturday of their cowboy heroes, until the screen. Was I imagining afternoon! Regular turn the owner of the cinema, a Mr. it? “Can you hear that?” I Pennington, known to one and Very smart lady asked, “It sounds like it’s all as ‘Owd Penny’, arrived to My brother also recalls a raining in”. Whereupon Hindley Cinema that held a open up. Whereupon an In the evenings, a relative my daughter – child of the talent-show between the first almighty cheer arose and the of Cocker’s manned the age of technology that she and second-house pictures, ‘Penny Rush’ lived up to its paybox – a very smart lady, is – gave me a withering name! The kids got in for a which was the cause of much who had beautifully-styled chaos, as the first-house people look and informed me that penny and a jam-jar, which the blonde hair. One year she owner sold back to Teg’s stayed in their seats for the it was “Dolby Surround holidayed on the Isle of Man, show and the second-house pickle-works nearby. Sound”. Gathering as and a local Ince family was were trying to get in. Another much dignity as I could, I staying in the same boarding local character, a contemporary told her that I couldn’t be ‘Cocker’ house. During the polite, of Billy and Mo, was a regular expected to know that, as I murmured conversation in the ‘turn’ on the talent show. One remembered ‘The Bug’ in Once everyone was in, he dining room, the little lad of evening he opted to play “Oh Ince where it really did went home, locking the front the family, spotting the Mein Papa” on a trumpet, but rain in! And I closed my door and leaving inside just familiar face, bellowed, “Ey he couldn’t find the end of the eyes and let Memory guide the patrons, the projectionist look mam! – it’s t’Bug lady!” tune, and kept on playing it and the chucker-out, who was much to her embarrassment! me back there. . . . . over and over again, whilst the a former wrestler known as In the early 1960’s I audience fidgeted and the ‘Cocker’. The kids sat on long accompanied my brother to remaining ‘turns’ grew “Wozzee say?” forms, and Cocker had a collect some hardboard increasingly impatient as the clothes-prop with a rag tied to ordered from a local hardware cinema-clock ticked its way To be honest the Doric the end with which he shoved shop which used the now towards the second-house. In Cinema (known as ‘The Bug’ them along to make room for a empty ‘Bug’ as its storeroom, the end he had to be led off the for reasons we won’t dwell on!), newcomer. This resulted in the and I found it a strange stage (still playing!). closed when I was five in 1957, child at the other end falling experience. There is When I was nine or ten I but I have a hazy memory of off – can you imagine that something very sad and eerie belonged to the “ABC Minors” being taken to see “The Wizard happening today? – but in about a disused cinema or Matinee Club at the ‘Ritz’ in of Oz”, and of hiding under the those days it was all part and theatre. It becomes a place full Wigan – were you a member seat when the green-faced witch parcel of the ‘Penny Rush’ – of ghosts – waiting in vain too? We each had a glow-in- appeared! My brothers, and no hard feelings! By the through the silence and the the-dark badge and sang “we however, (many years my time the picture started the din dust and the memories for the are the boys and girls well- senior), remember it well and was horrendous! Orange-peel bustle of its former days and known as the Minors of the recall our Grandma, who I sadly flew through the air and for the people who will never ABC”, to the tune of ‘Blaze never knew, telling them of the carefully-aimed apple-cores return. I can still recall the Away’. I imagine this era of silent films, when many hit backs of heads as the relief of getting out on to Ince organised camaraderie was elderly Incers couldn’t read, and villain was booed and the hero Bar, of seeing people going intended to unite children from would take along a young received the deafening about their shopping, and of all areas of Wigan in fun and companion – perhaps a information, “’E’s be’ind noise and normality. friendship, but I can still see the grandchild – to read the thee!” from a hundred My eldest brother often poor manager struggling to captions. And, in the silence of Lancashire voices. went to the cinema in Hindley, make himself heard above the the cinema, maybe during a One particularly rowdy as a boy, where there were a din, and I suspect we were scene with a jealous lover, a Saturday, Cocker decided few local characters who were every bit as bad as the ‘Penny rather deaf old lady would pipe enough was enough! He regarded as “a bit slow” and Rush’ gang at ‘The Bug’! up, “Wozzee say?” and her little opened the exit-doors, which were held in great affection by companion would bellow “’E opened outwards onto a little the kindly Hindley A lifetime away sez ‘e’s gooin’ t’porr ‘im!” alley, stepped outside and community. Two of these were In later years, my eldest yelled “Right! The lot of you – Billy Boydell and “Moses brother attended the ‘Penny out!” – whereupon some Elias” (known as Mo Lias). But back to the start of my Rush’ at ‘The Bug’ on opportunist little lads jumped Now, one cinema had a story, in the modern cinema- Saturdays. There was no up and shut the doors, leaving manager who had a set of false ➯ 26 My Grandparents MY GRANDPARENTS badly. both married at the age of Dear Sir, Grandfather’s funeral 19 and both worked hard I enclose a snippet from the memoirs of my mother, was a grand affair, with and prospered. Grandma Mary Lilian Hodge and, I hope, an amusing yet true dialect shiny black coaches pulled had a small legacy when poem relating to an old friend Eric Cowsill who lives in by Belgian horses (specially she was 21 and this helped Whitefield, Manchester. bred for the purpose with purchase a small, two up I hope these may be of interest to Past Forward black plumes on their and two down house in a readers. heads). A slap up boiled mostly poor part of Wigan. Elene Humphreys ham tea for 50 people was My grandmother was a Rockliffe Cottage held at Voses. Myself and tall, handsome woman with Corwen Road cousin Jane had new black fine dark hair, always worn Treuddyn Mold coats for the occasion. Not in a severe unflattering Flintshire CH7 4LE quite a year had elapsed style, scraped behind the since grandad’s death – I’m ears into a bun. Had she items to furnish their Sadly, as the years sure this was the most favoured a softer coiffure homes; this was again progressed my grandma’s miserable period of her she could have been a operated at a very small health worsened – the entire life – when grandma beauty, since her features rate of interest – quite a bronchitis went from bad to died. Perhaps an extra were attractive and well- clever business flair! worse and she was beset sleeping pill had been taken defined. My grandfather had a with insomnia and pills to help her insomnia but we She was a proficient steady job at Clarington were prescribed in this will never know. She must needle woman and was able Forge as a storekeeper. The regard. My grandfather have welcomed there being to produce beautiful foundry predominated the nursed her with great an end to it. crocheted mats, tablecloths surrounding terraced devotion during her After another elaborate and tray cloths; another of houses and today is owned suffering. funeral we settled down at her accomplishments was by Gullicks. There was an During most of his life number 1 Gordon Street to make everyday items, enormous chimney which my grandfather had which had been left to my such as cotton bloomers – spilled out smoke and boasted excellent health mother, along with eight after unpicking bloomers fumes but in those days no- and didn’t need an overcoat, other houses. Uncle Arthur, she had purchased and cut one cared about any even on the coldest days, so her brother, was willed the out a pattern from these. adverse affect this could it was a terrible shock to other nine houses in She would turn the front have had on health. It is learn that a sore toe had Chatham Street. In those room into a shop and only in recent years I have become gangrenous, so that days rents from these displaying business sense come to realise that my his leg had to be amputated terraced houses provided a would allow her customers grandmother’s chronic at the knee. He died shortly nice income for their to purchase them on weekly bronchitis might have been afterwards. I was owners, unlike the terms, charging a small as a result of breathing in devastated, as were the rest liabilities they became in interest for this privilege. the polluted fumes from of the family. Grandma took the ‘80’s when a whole Later, when she became Clarington forge chimney, his death particularly week’s rent would not have landlady of a number of as for a woman to smoke bought a pound of bacon! terraced houses, my cigarettes in those days grandmother extended this would have been regarded ERIC’S CARDI service to lending money as perfectly shocking and with which her tenants the last thing grandmother Ah ad this cumfy cardi could purchase necessary would have contemplated. It wuzzant up t’much T’wer great fot doin’t jobs in ‘An gerrin’ full o’t slutch complex – a lifetime away ice-cream tubs with cardboard It’ad rat ‘oles in th’elbows from ‘The Bug’ and the ABC lids and wooden spoons, the ‘Wer pull’t awl out o’true Minors, where memory had led ‘Film Review’ magazines, Ah allus felt at ‘ome in it me – and slowly, slowly, my ‘Payne’s Poppets’ from the (Ah allus like’t pale blue) mind came back through the kiosk, and popcorn, which has Ah paid mi mam er visit years, and I found myself survived the years – my Shi sed ah look’t a mess staring unseeingly at the huge daughter sits eating some now Shi sed ah should look smarter screen and, reluctant to leave engrossed in the film, in her Tek more pride i’ mi dress the past, I let my thoughts wide, comfortable seat, linger for just a few more surrounded by air-conditioning Su, shall ah say reluctantly precious moments on the old and ‘Dolby Surround Sound’ . . Ah left i’ jus’ mi’ shirt ‘Pearl and Dean’ adverts, when . . I wonder what she’d do if she Shi sed shi’d chuck it straight in t’bin you were “never alone with a suddenly received a sharp prod Ah mus’ say ah felt ‘urt Strand”, the local adverts for from Cocker’s clothes-prop?! Nex’ time ah paid er visit ‘Rathbone’s gold-medal Ah couldn’t trus’ mi eyes bread’, the Pathe News, the Irene Roberts Shi add it on (wi’ th’elbows darn’t) ice-cream lady’s torch and her Abram ‘Ows tha’ fer er surprize! tray laden with ‘Kia-Ora’ and Nr. Wigan 27 You may have been reading elsewhere in this work has been going on by volunteers for many issue (see p 19) how the Friends as a group are years. In the last issue we thanked the allowing us to get some projects going to index continuing efforts of Ted Cheetham on local the local census records, order our map church records. This article features Ken collection or sort our photographic files. We are Taylor and the work of the Lancashire Parish always looking for support in this and you are Record Society. more than welcome to get involved. However, it Alan Davies, must not be forgotten that a lot of excellent Heritage Officer (Archives) PARISH REGISTERS FEW family historians would Thomas’s, Ashton-in- deny the importance of parish Makerfield. These are in two records or that they can be very volumes and cover the frustrating. Baptisms, for baptisms 1810 – 1873 and example, frequently mention burials 1810 - 1873 (vols. 141 only the father; burials rarely and 142). Earlier registers give ages so we cannot tell if 1698 - 1809 are available on an adult or child has died. microfiche. Two years earlier Some registers, though, are John’s transcriptions of unusually full. From the late Prescot Parish Church 1770’s, both Hindley and Registers from 1531-1595 Wigan registers give details of had appeared (vol. 137). mothers of baptised children, (These registers are housed at the position of the children in the Lancashire Record Office, the family, occupations of not at Leigh). This volume is fathers, specific places of truly magnificent for it keeps residence, details of the as faithful as possible to the mothers’ parents, ages at death original format. It has set a and causes of death. They thus standard that is unlikely to be can be marvellous sources of equalled. A more recent information for local history volume, published in 2000, researchers as well as for covers the Prescot parish family historians. registers 1665-1726 (vol. Finding just which 149). Two years earlier, Ken registers we need, however, is Taylor transcribed All Saints, not easy. Because of their Hindley 1644 – 1814 (vol. importance and the need to 138). In 2001 his prevent deterioration and wear Ken Taylor transcribing a Wigan parish register. transcriptions of St. Peter’s, and tear, most Church records Newton-in-Makerfield are now deposited with Record on a screen. The easiest access expressed his disappointment (Newton-le-Willows) 1735 – Offices. The particular Office to parish register material is that no one seemed to be 1837 were also published is determined by the Diocese that provided by working on registers of the (vol. 151). In the same year rather than the County transcriptions, especially if Merseyside and Greater Ken edited the late Len boundaries. The records of they have been indexed. The Manchester area. Although Marsden’s transcriptions of Leigh Parish Church, for Lancashire Parish Record there were several volumes of All Saints, Wigan 1626 – instance, are deposited in Society has been publishing churches in that area that had 1710 (vols. 152, 153). Manchester, while those of such transcriptions for just been transcribed earlier, there Ken is continuing to Newton-le-Willows are in the over a century. Normally, their was no current research. transcribe the Wigan registers Wigan Record Office at Leigh! policy is to have a cut-off date Helped by early retirement, a and has reached 1800. He is To help with both conservation of 1837, when the civil doctor, a couple of engineers hoping to retain enough sight and also ease of availability, registration of births, and I, a teacher, have been and sanity to get to 1812! His many of the registers have marriages and deaths was rectifying the deficiency by typed transcripts up to 1790 been microfilmed, but there introduced. transcribing some local parish are available at the History still remain the problems of registers held at Wigan Shop. Michael Follows is readability. Fading, damage, Disappointment Record Office, and several trying some computer difficult handwriting as well as volumes have recently been wizardry to provide a kind of the differing styles of earlier Some 15 years or so ago published. In 1997 John index. Despite having moved handwriting, are all made even the editor of the Lancashire Perkins edited the late John more frustrating when viewed Parish Register Society Bulmer’s transcriptions of St. ➯ 28 ROMAN COAL MINING IN WIGAN

DURING excavations bloomary furnaces. The commissioned by the geologist Edward Hull in the centre of Wigan use of coal is hardly Geological Survey of who mentions ‘ancient in 1982, extensive surprising considering England and Wales workings’ at Arley in his Roman remains were the fact that high-quality (Lancashire Sheet 85SE) memoirs published in found dating to the coal seams outcrop all and shows the various coal 1860. He specifically 1st and 2nd centuries over the Wigan area and measures and where they identifies these workings as AD. Amongst the could well be the reason outcrop, including the Roman in his book entitled finds, the that the Romans were famous Arley seam, whose “The Coalfields of Great archaeologists found attracted here in the first quality is renown Britain”, published in scorched clay, iron place. throughout the South 1861, in which he slag, charcoal and So where were the Lancashire area. describes finding “a series significant quantities Romans getting the coal of polygonal chambers, from? On a 1930’s map of coal. Ancient Workings with vertical walls opening It was obvious that the note ‘supposed Roman into each other by short the Romans were workings found’ is marked passages “. He goes on to carrying out some kind in the area which is now Presumably the map- say “The chambers were of metalworking part of the golf course of makers got the Roman regular in both size and operation; probably iron the Wigan Golf Club at reference from evidence smelting in small-scale Arley. This map was given by the Victorian Continued on page 30 out of the area. Michael Watts readers will already know, discussion about producing Library. Although the is continuing to tackle St. Michael has made it an even the transcriptions on published works are Luke’s, Lowton 1733 – 1837. bigger achievement by microfiches or on CD-ROMS, principally for the members Perhaps the most gleaning information of Leigh so there is hope that readers of the Society, additional monumental work, however, people from other local will be spared some of the copies are sometimes printed is that by Michael Follows. A registers and incorporating problems of ancestor hunting for purchase. Enquiries about few years ago the parish entries from the pre-1837 on microfilm! There may well availability should be made registers of St. Mary the registers of Astley, Atherton be other transcribers working to the Society’s Publications Virgin at Leigh were still and Tyldesley. The typed but on local registers. It would be Manager, Neil Hudson, housed in the Church. Tony unindexed transcriptions of nice to hear what is being Raising House, Leece, Near Ashcroft, Leigh local History Leigh up to 1790 are available done. Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 Officer, asked Ken Taylor if at the Archives Search Room. 0QP. Enquiries about he could make a start to John Bulmer’s transcriptions Numerous checks membership should be made transcribe them because the of Winwick were privately to Tom O’Brien, 135 Sandy microfilm copy was difficult printed some years ago. They The transcribers would Lane, Orford, Warrington to read and the registers were are available on microfiches like to issue a note of caution. WA2 9JB. Those wishing to due to be re-housed at and in book from at Leigh Errors are made. Parish join the ranks of transcribers Manchester Central Library. Library. clerks make them and so, should contact the Hon. Manchester agreed to relevant Although the LPRS will unfortunately, do transcribers Editor, Colin Rogers, volumes being ‘lent’ to Leigh. continue to publish registers, despite numerous checks. Ebenezer Chapel, 121 Old The work had reached the the size of those of Leigh and Entries in the original Road, Tintwistle, Glossop 1790’s when Michael retired Wigan is posing problems. It registers are often badly SK13 1JZ. The Society’s web early and continued the work is likely that each Parish will faded and damaged and may site is www.genukiorg.uk/big/ that Ken has started. He is occupy some further eight to be mis-deciphered or eng/LAN/lprs. now in his final check, having ten volumes. As the Society misinterpreted. Where at all As a postcript to this reached 1837. When the can afford to publish only two possible, information should article you may be interested transcriptions are published, or three volumes a year, it is be checked with the actual to read that Michael Leigh will be the first of the unlikely that it will continue entry or with the microfilm Follows’s indexes for Wigan Lancashire pre-Victorian ‘big’ to give priority to just these copy. Parish Church mentioned towns to have a complete two parishes. Therefore it may Most of the printed LPRS above are available for transcription of its registers be many years before the volumes are available in the reference in the History Shop from 1558. It has been a registers are available in book History Shop, Archives (baptisms 1676 – 1790, massive task and, as many form. However there is Search Room and Leigh burials 1626 – 1802). 29 and so far no other mineshafts. Without military grindstone and ROMAN corroborating evidence completely digging these would have belonged to an has emerged. out it would be impossible eight-man unit (10th part COAL to date these and, as of a century). The find has MINING IN Field Work landscaping of the greens been properly recorded is now complete, the and entered into the Sites WIGAN In 1998 the Wigan chances of further and Monuments Record ––––– held by the Lancashire Archaeology Society investigation in this Continued from page 29 Archaelogical Services carried out extensive field immediate area is now based at Preston. Recent walking in this area but, impossible. foot and mouth form over an area of at despite collecting over restrictions have prevented least 100 yards and were 1200 shards of pottery, a Roman Evidence any further detailed study altogether different from Roman connection was of the site, but before these anything within the not established. Last year, Earlier this year a came into force, a quick experience of the miners of the nine-hole course of remarkable new discovery check of the area the district”. Hull was Wigan Golf Club was came to light, in an area immediately around the convinced of their Roman extended to a full 18 holes. not far from the tunnel spot, failed to find any antiquity, remarking on Before construction, an field we have been archaeological context. “the symmetrical archaeological assessment investigating. A member arrangement and There should also be a regularity of workings … lower stone upon which reminding one of their this stone acted. As soon as tessellated pavements or the recent emergency ground plans of their baths restrictions have been and villas”. removed, the Society will Edward Hull’s be able to carry out a ‘workings’, however, where complete survey of the not under the golf course, find area and hopefully but in the adjacent field establish the full extent of which lies between the the Roman activity. Arley Brook and the Finding the Roman Wor thington Lakes. The quern stone has caused River Douglas flows quite a stir, as it may well directly under this field, in confirm the report by a tunnel which dates back Edward Hull as being to the 1850’s. At that time genuinely Roman. This the reservoirs were being would perhaps establish a constructed to supply unique site in British Isles drinking water for the Quern Stone section. as well as being a Wigan area. The River significant first for the society. Douglas, however, was carried out in the area of the Wigan happened to be the main around the 13th and 14th Archaeological Society, Bibliography drainage for all the mine fairway, which happen to who lives near to the 1. Greater Manchester water being pumped out of be in the field beneath Wor thington Lakes, found Archaeological Unit the many shafts and which the 19th century a quern stone half-buried Journal 1984 ‘soughs’ along the Douglas 2. The Use of Coal in Roman tunnel runs. The in the ground, while field- Britain by Martin. J. Valley, thus it had to be assessment, carried out by walking near his home Dearne and Keith diverted to avoid the Lindsey Archaeological alongside the Douglas Branigan - The Antiquaries resulting pollution. It was Services of Lincoln, valley (see above). The Journal 3. Memoirs by Edward Hull during the construction of involved stripping the 44cm diameter stone, 1860 the tunnel that Hull, acting topsoil and excavating two which has a 7.5cm hole in 4. The Coalfields of Great as government inspector, 25 metre long trenches. the middle, would have Britain by Edward Hull identified the ancient coal Again no specifically 1861 been used for grinding 5. Wigan Coal & Iron by workings. There was also a Roman activity was corn and is thought to date Donald Anderson & A A report at the time of hoard detected, but a from the 1st or 2nd France of Roman coins being considerable amount of century AD. It has been 6. Arley Excavation Report Ð Lindsey Archaeology found in one of the ground disturbances was confirmed as Roman by galleries; however, Hull evident, including at least Lancaster University, who Bill Aldridge - Wigan does not mention these two unrecorded have described it as a Archaeological Society 30 to the other side was like school for children with refrigerator and I must head sometimes got in the risking life and limb. special needs. Finally on have been a direct way, leaving the guilty the front row is Mr. descendant, hence Kelvin, party with a huge grin all Camaraderie Simister (Mathematics). a name I learned to loathe. over his face, and the It is interesting to note The names in the innocent with a sore head. that seven of the nine second photograph are; Choose Your Weapons teachers in the first back row (l to r): Brian Stan Ralls mentions in Elephant Detectors photograph also appear in Merry (Mathematics), his story the punishment Mr. Simister, I recall, the second. It comes as Fred Ward (Art), Mr. his father inflicted on used to stand pencils up on From the quite a shock to realise Rowottom (?), Mr. pupils, either real or their end on his desk; these that these men must have Anderton (Woodwork), imagined; to my he described as elephant other side shared a friendship and Gordon Derbyshire knowledge Percy Ralls detectors. This was his camaraderie, which I (Mathematics), Mr. rarely used physical method of acquiring of the myself experienced over Winnard (Music), Bill violence, but preferred to silence in class – should Ditch 20 years working with Corcoran (Physical give out a verbal lashing. I one of his elephant colleagues in my chosen Education) and Mr. Kelly remember him as a gentle detectors fall over, it would HAVING read with great career. We pupils could (English); front row (l to giant with a booming result in a mouthful of interest ‘Memories of the not imagine these men r): Mrs. Corser voice, which could abuse, with the offender Central School, Ashton- having souls, let alone (Secretary), Mr. Latham certainly give your ears a being required to stand in a in-Makerfield’ by Stan friends and family. The (Woodwork), Mr. good bashing. This was in corner. One of this Ralls in issue 28, I would names of the men in the McKenzie (Geography some contrast to other teacher’s favourite like to complete the 1948 photograph are: and Gardening), Percival teachers who used a comments would be made names to both back row (l to r): Gordon Ralls (History), mMr. variety of implements to when anyone needed to photographs and to Derbyshire Simister (Mathematics) inflict punishment. use the toilet; the request of correct Stan on a couple (Mathematics), Percival and Mrs. McMinn. One teacher, for “Please Sir, may I leave the of mistakes, that is if a Ralls (English), Mr. example, used to have a room?” would be followed chap from the other Anderton (Woodwork), Sinbad the Sailor two foot cane, a black by a reply of “You can take school across the playing while the man standing on I can recall two plimsoll and a tartan it with you, boy”. fields dare challenge a the right looks like a very teachers who acquired slipper; should any boy The above may all chap from Ashton young Tom Aitkin; front nicknames – one was the cause him annoyance, the sound like sour grapes, Grammar (Heaven row (l to r): Mr. McKenzie Headmaster, S. J. Price, offender would hear a but by and large I did forbid!) I should add at (Geography and which became Slimy Joe, terrifying summons such enjoy my time at Ashton- this point, for the benefit Gardening), Firth Hartley and Simister, who became as, “Thompson, choose in-Makerfield Secondary of your readers, that the (Woodwork). The Sinbad the Sailor; all the your weapon”; it made no Modern School, to give it Grammar School and the Headmaster Mr. Lester I rest escaped this indignity. difference which you its correct title. I still have Central School had do not recognise at all; Mr. Simister did bestow chose, as he would apply my school report, and the adjoining playing fields, next to him is Bob Vernon upon me the nickname of them with equal force. final page written by with the Jack Brook (History), who Stan Ralls Kelvin – because my Another used to throw Percival Ralls fills me dividing the two; this was describes as Arthur Jones, name was Thompson, he chalk, or occasionally the with pride. Thanks Percy! something like a moat a name I cannot recall; but expounded that Lord board duster would be David Thompson between two enemy Bob Vernon certainly Kelvin Thompson was the launched at an offender; (Central School pupil encampments. To cross moved on as Head of a inventor of the unfortunately, an innocent 1954-1957)

11th April - 11- 4pm Derby Room SPOKEN (Mondays was Washday) North West Sound Archive Recording 3rd Ð 30th APRIL 2002 Day and a Brief History of Sound exhibition. With complimentary buffet. MIXED MEDIA EXHIBITION IN THE ARTIST’S STUDIO, 11th April - 1- 4pm THE DERBY ROOM, STAIRS GALLERY Turnpike Centre (TURNPIKE GALLERY) AND ST. MARY’S CHURCH. Exhibition tour and talk with artist in residence Suki Chan. This exhibition celebrates the completion of the reminiscence 18th April - 2-4.30pm project ‘Mondays was Washday’- Meet Foyer of Turnpike Centre inspired from the memories of the Learn about our local heritage on a guided tour of Leigh with local people living in Leigh. historian,Tony Ashcroft. £1 There will be a programme of educational and reminiscence 29th April - 11am-4pm events to compliment the artworks. Derby Room Screening of video on the past, present These include craft workshops, WORKSHOP/EVENTS and future of Wigan, commissioned by slide shows, music quizzes, North 3rd April - 11am-3pm Wigan Council. Come and meet new West Sound Archive recording day, Derby Room (Turnpike Centre) media artist Jackie Chattur and find out tours of Leigh on minibuses and by Exhibition opening. With slide show, more about the video, CD-Rom and foot, as well as a talk by the artist in music quiz, craft activity and website designed to encourage the public residence. complimentary buffet. to play a role in community planning. We welcome participation from 9th April - 10.30 am, 2pm For more information on the project, all members of the public, in Turnpike Centre or how to get involved in any of the particular the elderly community Exhibition tour and talk with artist in above events, please call Suki at the living in and around Leigh. residence Suki Chan. Turnpike Gallery, on 01942 404469. 31 34 years at Ashton-in-Makerfield Central School Wigan area are very father started With reference to Headmaster and was happy and I would like teaching there was a the 1948 photograph; replaced by Mr. to receive further salary cut (10%, I Back row from left to Lester. copies of Past Forward think, and called ‘The right: The Headmistress for which I enclose a Geddes Axe’.) How Ernest Heaton, Percy of the Girls School Dear Editor, cheque. would that be received Ralls, Dick Anderton, ? was Mrs. Bradbury I am not a regular Barbara M. Hartley today? Front row left to right: and she must have reader of Past Forward 2 Southwood Avenue My father was a Alec McKenzie, Firth been amongst the but a friend informed off Hall Ing Lane Yorkshire man who Harley, Cliff Lester first women teachers me of an article about Honley committed the terrible (Headmaster), Bob allowed to keep her Ashton-in-Makerfield Holmfirth HD9 6QP sin of moving from Vernon, Herbert job after getting Central School which Brighouse in the West Symyster. married. Prior to had appeared in a I read Stan Ralls’ Riding of Yorkshire to 1960’s photograph; World War II woman recent issue. My article about the Lancashire! He was Back row 4th from left teachers who married interest was aroused as Central School in very happy at the Dick Anderton, 5th had to relinquish my father (Firth Ashton-in-Makerfield Central School and from left Gordon their posts. How Hartley) had taught (issue no. 28) with stayed there Derbyshire. things have changed! there for 34 years. It great interest. My throughout his Front row left to right: The school was a very happy and interest was generated teaching career. When Arthur Lathom, Alec caretaker was Mr. fulfilling time for him. by the fact that I had he retired in 1965 he McKenzie, Percy Jim Cottam. He was a I am enclosing known the school well declined an offer to Ralls, Cliff Lester, loyal and some notes about my over many years and I return to Yorkshire Firth Hartley, Bob conscientious recollections of the feel I could add to the and remained in Vernon, Herbert member of the school school which I hope information Lancashire until he Symyster. staff who in later might complement contained in the died in 1968. The Headmaster years accompanied Stan Ralls’ article. article. My later My father had who succeeded Mr. the school on their I attended the father, Firth Hartley, many colleagues who Farrand was Mr. T. annual visit to ‘British School’ in joined the staff of the became good family Moore; he was a Grasmere. Ashton and then the school in 1931 when friends including the bachelor who came I hope my Grammar School. After he was a newly Ralls family. I have from Southport and recollections will add leaving the area for a qualified teacher and copies of the photo- lodged during the to those of Stanley few years I returned to one of 19 applicants graphs reproduced in week with Mrs. Ralls. They are based teach for seven years at for the post who were your magazine in my Hayes who lived in on my father’s the Girls’ High School interviewed. Teachers possession and I think Wolmer Street off experience over 34 in Wigan. Although were very plentiful at I can identify many of Old Road in Ashton. years and it has given now living in Yorkshire that time; in fact staff and fill in some Sadly he died while me much pleasure my memories of the shortly after my gaps. he was still recounting them.

Robert Chadwick has kindly sent in this Dear Sir, These are the Dr. Lewis Cup photograph of the Hindley & Abram Grammar As a former pupil of for Senior Boys’ cross HAGS (1944-49) and country, the F.K. Platt Cup for School 1st XI of 1949, with every player named. secretary of the football club, Junior Boys’ cross country, I am seeking ‘lost’ silver the Old Pupils Cup for the trophies, the disappearance of Middle Girl champion, the which came to light when I Mrs. Stone Cup for the Senior attended a recent Old Girl Champion and the Student’s reunion. I wonder if Eckersley Cup for the Senior any of your readers may be Boy champion. able to shed any light on this The trophies may be mystery. forgotten in some trunk, or on I am particularly anxious display by a former winner to locate the two trophies who may feel it appropriate to presented to the Grammar return the trophy, no School by the Old Boys’ Club questions asked. These when they disbanded in the trophies are a big part of the early 1960’s – the Len Fielden school’s history and deserve Memorial Trophy, for House to be found and restored to football, and the Old Boys’ their ‘home’, hopefully to be Trophy for house hockey. put on permanent display. But I am also keen to Robert Chadwick Back row: l-r R.Molyneux, G. Withington, R. Chadwick, M.B. locate other ‘lost’ trophies, all Nottingham Rothwell, G. Alldred, Mr. Berry. Centre: B. Lawson, D. Huntington, of which would appear to Email: H. Sharratt, Capt. E. Forshaw, W. Gill Seated: G. Barratt, K. Sumner. have been in use before 1970. [email protected] 32 ‘I NEVER WANTED TO LEAVE SCHOOL’ Dear Sir, which I saw every day from my bedroom window I attended Whelley Senior School, at the bottom in Ivy Brow, New Springs. (I think people called it of Great Acre, off Bradshaw Street, from the “wutchy rook”). I never did finish the school September 1941 until December 1943. I remember pullover in all the years I was there. I was also forming into an orderly line outside my previous desperate at sewing; though in later years I made school, St. Stephens, then we were taken down to most of the clothes for my four children, and Bombardier the new school, which stood in a nice setting with knitted dozens of jumpers for my grandchildren. green lawns sloping down to the playground. This Mrs. Swinley would never have believed it! Grimshaw was quite a contrast to the old Victorian buildings I Cookery lessons were something else; I ate a lot had previously attended – St. David’s in Haigh of the ingredients before they ever got the chance to did survive where I was born, then St. John the Baptist, New be cooked. The day we made a Victoria sponge, for Springs, and lastly St. Stephens, Whelley. example, I put all the ingredients into the bowl and Dear Alastair, You may recall that in On arriving at the main entrance we were told stirred the mixture well; but then I had a little taste, the last issue of Past to stand still and wait; after a while we saw another then another little taste, and just a bit more. When Forward you included my line of children coming towards the entrance, my tin was lifted out of the oven, the teacher lifted appeal for any relatives of a another wait, then yet another line. We were finally it on high and said, “I think this little fairy cake former POW named taken into the main assembly hall, where the belongs to you, Edna!” I had rather a pale Grimshaw to make contact. I really thought it a forlorn headmistress, Miss Ore, introduced herself, then complexion as a child, but on cookery days I was a hope, but this morning’s welcomed us to our new school. picture of health! Miss Ackers put it down to the mail brought a letter from Then we were sorted into groups of about 25 or heat in the kitchen, but I had my own little secret – the former soldier’s son in 30, and ushered into separate classrooms to be I had found some red food colouring in one of the Standish. Once again Past assessed as to whether we would go into 1A, 1B, or cupboards, and applied a quick dab on both cheeks, Forward pulls it off! I will now be able to send the 1C. This was done by an exam in Maths, English when Miss wasn’t watching! family, which includes and General Knowledge. After a long wait, the Another episode of St. George’s (where we grandchildren, the post- teacher came back and called out names. I was in went at least twice a week during the War as some card my late father sent the 1B group. I remember there were four rows of of our rooms had been taken over by the ARP) was their relative nearly 60 years desks in our classroom, two seats in each desk. the day a gang of us girls were found smoking in ago. The happy outcome of the story is that Bombardier 12 o’clock was dinner time. We had been told the toilets at break time. One of the infants had Grimshaw did survive the beforehand that dinner money had to be handed in complained to the teacher that they were being Japanese camp, living on one week in advance, so, the money duly handed stopped from using the toilets, so the teacher until the mid 1980’s. over to the teacher, we walked down the corridor hauled us out to face a furious Miss Ackers. I wonder if I could back to the assembly hall, which was now lined Another time we were late back after the dinner make yet another of my pleas? Whilst going with tables and chairs. This was luxury as up to break, because we had been paddling in the River through some old photo- now dinner times had mainly been a packed lunch Douglas. “Where have you been?” I replied with graphs, my uncle Stan of jam butties and an apple. the first thing that came into my head, “please Morris found pictures of At 1 o’clock we were back to the classroom. We Miss, we couldn’t cross the road because there was his late wife’s best friend were then divided into teams, as follows: Red – a funeral passing and it took a long time”. She Doris Moss (nee Nelson). didn’t believe a word! Both times we got slapped Doris sadly died shortly Romans, Green – Trojans, Blue – Spartans and after the birth of her only Yellow – Greeks. Being on the first row near the on the hand with a ruler. child – a daughter, name window, we became the Romans. We had elocution lessons and poetry once a unknown. We believe the During the first week we had a music lesson week, but I think the teacher was flogging a dead child, who would now be with Mrs. Swinley, the singing teacher; I had heard horse here as well. We had to say over and over about 70, grew up with her every week, “how now brown cow?” One night on father Tom Moss on the grapevine that everyone had to sing a song to somewhere around the see who was good and not so good. As I came the radio I heard a very good ending for the brown Upholland area. Should under a third category – can’t sing a note! – I was cow saga. So the next lesson I was ready – when she, or perhaps one of her dreading my turn. I tried to sing “Early one the teacher asked “how now brown cow”, I piped children, read this and Morning! But the teacher never let me finish the up, “grazing in the green, green grass”. There was a wish to have the photo- hushed classroom, then Miss said “very good, graphs, then they may first line, and told me to sit down. contact me and I will I never could draw or paint either, but I did where did you learn that?” From then on, it was arrange it. make an effort; I drew a picture of an old coal tip added on to brown cow. I find that with each We had some very good teachers, including issue of Past Forward I am Mrs. Berisford, the Geography teacher, who corresponding with more always made the work easy with her stories of far and more fellow readers of THOMAS CHAPMAN? the magazine and we are all away places. I was to remember her one day when I Dear Alastair, he had connections with stood in a rubber plantation in Malaga (my husband awaiting the next issue Can Past Forward Liverpool. with anticipation. Perhaps readers throw light on the Two poems in was stationed with the RAF in Singapore) the film ‘Band of Brothers’ author/poet Thomas ‘Namby Pamby’ lead me watching the rubber tappers at work, just as she had should have been made Chapman, who is credited to think he may have been told us. about the Past Forward with compiling a book of a member of Hope Street I never wanted to leave school, but in those brotherhood (ha ha). “Poetic Tit Bits” entitled Congregational Church, Neil Cain days, at 14 you had no option. But I will always 26 Sheridan Terrace ‘Namby Pamby’, c.1876. Wigan – unless there is a remember my days at Whelley Senior School, and Whitton Avenue West He also wrote about church in Hope Street, all the girls, most of whom I have never seen since Northolt “Widder Bagshaw” and Liverpool. the day I left. If there are any of you out there who Middlesex UB5 4JS her trips with her nephew from Chowbent to Paris, Bob Dobson remember, please give me a call, or drop a line. ● The story of Neil’s Uncle New Brighton and the “Acorns” Edna Land (nee Heeley) Stan’s life on the Old Great Crystal Palace. So, 3 Staining rise 63 Botany Brow Central Railway appears on perhaps he was an Staining Chorley PR6 0JN p5 Ed. Atherton chap. I suspect Blackpool FY3 0BU Tel: 01257 263510 33 THE STORY OF GREAT GREAT GRANDFATHER HORROCKS law, who had right of ownership to famous ‘Siege of dreamer, I wondered Dear Sir, emigrated to Australia lands and properties in Scholes’ in 1864. what it had looked like Early last year, now in 1870. Many Emails and around Wigan. The I recently wrote to in reality, so I asked a retired, I decided to have since passed old man bitterly the History Shop local artist to paint an investigate a suitcase between us. regretted withholding seeking more impression, a copy of full of documents The story of great- this evidence from information and which I enclose. I which my father gave great-grandfather James for such a long received a copy from wonder if anyone to me before he died. Horrocks is long, full time and begged his an old newspaper of a recognises the old He asked me to keep and ongoing, but forgiveness. very dilapidated drawing? It seems to them even if I was not briefly is as follows. As it happened, one Scholes Manor. I sent a have come from an old interested in them. James Horrocks was of the properties named copy of this to my publication which may The case contained born in Wigan on 27 in a will had become Australian contact, and have more information. letters sent from January 1805. His vacant and James was received in return the Thank you. Australia in the early mother was a Ford encouraged to take enclosed picture of the Mrs. J. Cooke 1900’s, solicitors’ heiress, totally blind, possession. This he manor in its heyday. 36 Shadwell Walk papers, lists of while his father had did, so began the Being a bit of a Leeds LS17 6EG documents, copies of tuberculosis and died wills and an ink when his son was still a drawing of my great- toddler. His great-grandfather. grandfather put the child and his inheritance in the care of a trustee, also sent young James and his own young son to Usher College in County Durham for his safety (so he said) and to get an education. Y ears passed before James, now Scholes Manor House as it appeared in the 16th century (above) married and and (below) an artist’s watercolour impression as it may have with a family, appeared in its heyday. returned to I made a journey to Wigan in search of his Wigan Library last year ‘roots’. He met an old and found more details man who recognised and was ‘hooked’. James. He told James While playing around that he had cared for on my son’s computer, him as a child, when in by pure luck (or more the service of the by divine providence) I trustee. He said that got into an Australian some years earlier his website, saw a list of master had sent the old names and recognised man looking for James, it as being an exact and although he had copy of one in my searched for almost a possession. With my year, had been unable son’s help, I contacted to find him. the person who had Fortunately the trustee submitted the list and was still alive – just. found she was a James visited him on descendant of great- his death and was given great-grandfather’s a case of documents eldest son, his heir-in- which would prove his 34 seems there is a memorial there to commemorate those killed at the Battle of Pachendale. As his Uncle Hance Cain, who served with the Royal North Lancs Regiment, Those who was among those killed there his name would died young, be on this memorial. As it happened remembered ‘Tyne Cot’ was on our list for visiting. As we Dear Editor, approached it my I should have had daughter stood up to this article in for the address the girls. She Dear Sir, members of the club – athletes, boxers, November issue held up a very large bar I am a member of Leigh Harriers wrestlers, and cyclists, between 1890 because my story of Belgian chocolate, Athletic Club trying to put together a and the 1960’s. pictorial history of the Club, for which Left to right: relates to the saying, “this is for the I need information, photographs and Arthur Darnell, N. Thomas, battlefields and first girl to find Hance programmes etc. unknown, Teddy Roberts, Jimmy memorials to the boys Cain’s name on the If any reader is a relative of the Andrews, W.T. Battersby, unknown, who died in France and memorial”. athletes shown in this photograph, unknown, Jimmy Noon, unknown. Belgium 1914-18. About 10 minutes taken on the Athletic ground c. 1930- However, I expect it after we had begun our 31, recognises any of the athletes, or John Taylor will hold some interest search, one of the girls knows their names, please get in 287 Twist Lane for your readers. called out “Its here, Mr. contact with me or leave a message at Leigh My daughter Sheila Lees, Miss Lees, Its the Leigh Harriers Athletic Club. Lancs WN7 4EH teaches Fine Art at here”. I am also interested in any past Tel: 01942 730904 ‘Tudor Hall’, an all To think! Here are girl’s school in youngsters of another Banbury Oxon. The generation calling out KENNETH’S FINAL LETTER Head of History had the name of a man, a Dear Mr. Gillies, Joe Izzard presumably tiredness’ I haven’t arranged for a party of stranger to them, who Another interesting gave those been able to contact 40 girls and teaching had given his life for snippet on the Stoney unemployed or on short any of the informants. staff to visit the them like thousands Lane 1930’s Dance time the hall to dance in It’s nice to know, battlefields of France more, 84 years ago. Hall has been and for various uses. though, how people of and Belgium, including I am sure that if it telephoned to me by Another dance hall, the senior years the Somme and Ypres. I were possible there Castle Hill, Hindley, Carlton was situated ‘remember’ a once was also invited to join would be smiles on the Past Forward reader behind the Bonnie popular part of Stoney Lasses pub at one time. Lane! the party if I wished. faces of those brave Bob France. Bob believes the This information Kenneth Lucas Now I had hinted in dead soldiers, knowing dance hall came came my way on 80 Park Road a letter to one of your that people still courtesy of the late Joe Remembrance Day but Hindley regular contributors to remembered them – Izzard, likely a joiner. due to ‘Leukaemia Wigan WN2 3RX Past Forward, Neil and particularly the Cain, of my intention to young, because that’s go on this trip – and in a what most of them reply letter Neil wrote were. to say how it was his John Lees own intention to one 49 Sherwood Drive day visit ‘Tyne Cot’ – it Wigan WN5 9QX

NOT A WELLINGTON BOMBER Dear Sir, Wellington Bomber but On reading issue is in fact a Short no. 29 of your excellent Stirling Bomber. magazine, I beg to pass comment on the article T. Bimson “Our Clifford”. The 64 Church Lane wording under the Shevington photograph on page 27 Wigan WN6 8BD is incorrect, as to the description of the ● Mr. Bimson is only one Mrs. E. McDonald of Orrell, has kindly loaned us this splendid aeroplane. The of several readers who photograph of the Wigan Wheelers, c.1920. Her grandfather, Jim aeroplane on the spotted this mistake. My Chisnall, (front row extreme left) was a founder member. Tom Hughes, picture is not a apologies. Ed. snr. (front), the founder, was featured in Past Forward no. 4. 35 somewhat more KENNETH’S WORD PICTURE exclusive in clientele and which for me did EVOKED MEMORABLE LOVE not have the attraction of a band of the calibre FOR DANCE MUSIC of Ken Hewitt. Well done Wigan Dear Sir, certainly trod the same within such easy reach 98cc James on becoming We have been avid path. Hopefully I will of home I was motorcycle with the internationally known readers of Past get the opportunity to fortunate to have some trumpet strapped on for your Annual Jazz Forward for many meet Kenneth on our trumpet lessons from the back. One Festival and attracting years, thanks to my next visit “wom”, Ken Hewitt’s lead Saturday each month the best in the world to sister Joan McAvoy of possibly later this trumpet to help with was a two band job Wigan. The best we Whitley and school year. my section work. with a “name band” could do in my day friend Chris Settle of My love for dance Young musicians half an hour on, half was a very rare Ince who between music started as a around Wigan today an hour off with such appearance of Eddie them ensure that we young trumpet player are so fortunate to stars as Ronnie Scott, Calvert, Kenny Baker never miss a copy. We in the school orchestra have the facilities and Jack Parnell and Ivy and Doctor Crock and left Wigan for at Hindley & Abram opportunities afforded Benson. Our dance of His Crackpots at Rhodesia as a young Grammar School and to them by the Wigan the year was Leyland Wigan Hippodrome married couple in a short spell with a Youth Jazz Orchestra Motors Ball at the and a once only visit 1958. Maureen hailed brass band. I later and such an able and Winter Gardens, of Billy Cotton to the from Spring View and traced a very similar dedicated team of Blackpool. We also Ritz featuring a great my home was in route to Kenneth administrators. We had a few gigs at lead trumpet (Grecia Higher Ince. We have around the district had to find our own Floral Hall, Southport. Farfell). made frequent return starting as a teenager ways and means of As an aside I A big thank you to visits “wom” over the at Ince Public Hall musical growth 50 remember taking Past Forward for past 44 years. where Roy Crabtree years ago. I then Maureen to see Ted preserving my pride in Of the many and his band held the played with, I think Heath at the Winter my home town and a articles I have enjoyed stage, although I was his name was Jess Gardens when we particular thanks to I would like to make not a piano accordion Greenalgh, at were courting. We Kenneth Lucas for particular reference to fan. His comments Atherton on Saturday were walking home to reminding me of all a letter from Kenneth about the Manley nights and have vivid Spring View from the pleasure I had Lucas* in Issue 26 were so apt. I then recollections of the Wigan North West from jazz, swing and under the heading graduated to pianist checking his Station very late at popular music around “Take Your Partners becoming a regular at football coupon from night when Maureen Wigan in my early Please”. Kenneth the Empress Hall the Football Pink complained that we days. You have a great painted such a vivid where I thought Ken Saturday night paper had spent a night at quality magazine. word picture of a Hewitt and his band on the piano as we the Winter Gardens Please keep up the memorable time of my were fantastic. They played the first dance. and I never asked her good work. life. It is quite had a great He was a very good for a single dance. I uncanny how such arrangement of the pianist to play a big had sat us very close Mr & Mrs Joe Siney similar interests in a Mexican Hat Dance. band score and check to the brass section 11 Methven Mews very narrow field At this stage I was his coupon at the same and was glued to them 99 Methven Road locally could be doing my National time! I then went a in a trance for four Westville 3630 matched over half a Service in the RAF at small step further hours! South Africa century later. Perhaps Padgate where I was afield to play with Bill One of the few Email: Jomos1 my interests were highly involved in the Shuttleworth and his local dance halls not @freemail.absa.co.za centred more on the band at the camp, both band at Preston Public mentioned specifically *Sadly Kenneth died music than the Military Band and Hall every Saturday. I by Kenneth was the earlier this year; his final dancing but we Dance Band. As I was travelled on my little Court Hall which was letter appears on p35.

Dear Sir, names and be able to I have just received The Round family of Wigan and Pemberton help me in my research. your latest copy of Past Thank you for an Forward. I enjoy the family of Wigan and Elizabeth Alice who Some of the excellent magazine and articles that you Pemberton. My was married to Thomas families I am good luck on your publish very much. It grandfather, Edward Yates immigrated to researching besides projects. helps me to learn more Round was born in Canada about 1906 and the Round are: Betty Lalonde about Wigan and the Wigan in 1903. His settled in Guelph, Rutherford, Bibby, Box 359 people who lived there father William Round Ontario. The earliest Barker, Brown and Wabamun as I research my family married Isabella record I have is the Winnard. AB TOE 2KO history. Rutherford in 1893. marriage of Adam I am hoping that Canada I am currently William and his family Round to Sarah Brown some of your readers Email: blalonde researching the Round along with his sister in 1799. will recognise the family @compusmart.ab.ca 36 sister took me and another boy (Dicky Wallgate, Wigan, 100 years ago Armstrong) to Lancashire’s Aigburth cricket ground to watch Lancashire play the touring West Indies side. It was a great opportunity for GLAD TO collecting autographs of the famous! HAVE Regretfully, the only one to refuse our MISSED autograph was the Lancashire and MISS GEE! England wicket-keeper George Duckworth. Dear Editor, A popular visitor to I was very the school was one of interested in the letter its managers – from Mrs. Margaret Alderman Carey. Hirst recalling days at Whenever he was Marylebone Primary spotted approaching School. I, too, attended the school Miss Greig that school after would be duly warned removing from and, as Alderman Pemberton to Mesnes Carey entered the room Road in 1929. My we all stood up and teacher was the Head chorused, “Good Teacher, Miss Greig, a morning Mr. Cary”. kind and thoughtful The benevolent old person who, when my gentleman smiled father became benignly as he unemployed, gave me acknowledged the the Manchester greeting with a little Guardian each day to wave of the hand. help him look for jobs. Incidentally, Alderman The two other Carey’s grandson still teachers were as lives today at described by Mrs. Hirst Upholland (Hi! Joe & – Miss Holliday (not Lucy). Halliday) who took us Thank you, Mrs. Dear Editor, “My dear Sweetie – this town once a week for Nature Hirst, for triggering Your readers may be interested is full of factory lads and lasses Studies, and Miss these recollections – in this postcard [above] showing who stare at one with their Parkinson (not Parker). and how glad I am to Wallgate, Wigan, as it was 100 mouths open!!! Madge joins me in Out of school, Miss have missed Miss Gee! years ago. Some of the buildings heaps of love to you all. I am Parkinson taught the are festooned with flags and scribbling this in my dressing piano and was a keen C. Miller cricket fan. On one 28 Norbreck Crescent bunting, possibly in celebration of room so excuse pencil!!!” occasion, she and her Wigan WN6 7RF the accession to the throne of As a matter of interest, the Edward VII following the death magazine Picture Postcard of Queen Victoria on 22 January Monthly maintains a list of EVEN EINSTEIN GOT 1901. The King’s Coronation had earliest posting dates from been planned for 26 June 1902 locations in Britain, as submitted IT WRONG – but, due to an attack of peritonitis, by readers. This particular card, TWICE it had to be postponed until 9 which was posted on 15 March Dear Sir, August that year. 1902, is recorded in the magazine In Issue 29 I read Mrs. Hirst’s article about her The postcard, which is as having the earliest known sister who 60 years ago was admonished about the addressed to a Miss D. Ashpen of posting date from Wigan. spelling of belief. She was reminded of the rule ‘I Guildford, Surrey, appears to comes before E, except after C’. have been written by someone in John Myers I remembered one of Barry Cryer’s asides the field of entertainment whose (ex. Upholland and Garswood) about this ‘rule’: “Even Einstein got it wrong…twice!” comments concerning the local 23 Marston Drive populace are less than flattering, Rhos-on-Sea David Whalley to say the least! The message, Colwyn Bay 18 Kingsdown Crescent which is signed “V. Amnesley” Conwy Wigan WN1 2RS reads: LL28 4SH 37 taken the machine to various carnivals in the Wigan area. We are now trying to Readers’ find anyone who served on the Bradley Hall Ordinance Factory fire brigade around 1941 Dennis when the machine was delivered from Dennis Light Four Bros. Such a retired Fire fireman could be very Appliance – helpful in explaining what fire fighting kit info wanted was carried and where it was stowed on the machine. Each brigade Dear Sir, had its own ideas and an In October 2001 I ordinance factory had with four others became its own special risks. the owner of a Dennis Photographs of the Light Four Fire machine in service at Appliance. The ICI (Metals) and Heinz Dear Sir, Thank you for your wonderful machine has been in would be very I wonder if you could find space in magazine, I hope that one of the private hands from interesting and helpful, Past Forward for this photograph readers might recognise the photo. around 1974. While not least with [above]. It was found amongst some Anthony McIntosh mechanical restoration restoration work. family photographs and we are in the 10 Northiam Road had been undertaken on dark as to which colliery it is. My Old Town Eastbourne the engine and chassis, Chris Todd family came from the Astley/ East Sussex BN21 1RP the bodywork was 25 Sandringham Drive Boothstown areas and worked in Email: AnthonyMcIntosh allowed to deteriorate. Great Sankey several of the pits there. @eastbourne10.freeserve.co.uk. Work started in Warrington December to replace the WA5 1JG bodywork on the Email: Chris.A.S.Todd machine. @care4free.net The machine does carry a Lancashire Registration number (ETJ 590), and it would Photographs appear that it was new submitted for to the Bradley Hall Ordinance Factory at Readers’ Who? Standish. I understand Where? When? that this factory was run by ICI (Metals) Ltd. cannot be We know that the published machine finished at the H J Heinz factory at Kitt without the Green. As Heinz took a name and Above possibly Garswood area; contact Bill Foster (see page 22). lease on part of the address of the Ordinance Factory site in the post war years, it sender. would appear that on opening the Kitt Green Factory the machine was transferred across. Dear Mr. Gillies, We have now found one I enclose a photo- of the Heinz fire brigade graph of pit brow girls officers, Ken Bowden, at Wigan Junction who remembers the Colliery [right]. I do machine, and thinks that not recognise anyone it was moved to Kitt on it. Some of your Green either in 1958 or readers may, if you 1959. It served until care to print it. 1972, when it was sold C. Williams on to Ainscoughs, a 30 Liverpool Road local scrap metal firm. Hindley They appear to have Wigan WN2 3HU 38 Who? Where? When? Dear Editor, I enclose a photograph which was taken last year by our son John while he was visiting friends in Malawi, Africa. With time to spare he took a walk through the graveyard and this is what he saw.

Dear Editor, look familiar but I’m unable to make First of all I’d like to say how a positive identification of anyone on much I enjoy Past Forward; the this wedding photograph. I feel sure magazine is always full of interesting that you will get a good response, articles and covers a wide range of especially in the Golborne/Ashton topics. area where several generations of the I’m enclosing a photograph family lived. above that you might like to include Josie Polkin (nee Davies) In Loving Memory in your Who? Where? page. The 102 Claremont Road photograph was probably taken by Salford Lancs M6 7QF JOHN ALBERT my great grandfather James Davies Email: CALLOW in the Golborne area. Many faces [email protected] Born at Ashton-in-Makerfield Lancashire, England On 22 May 1897 Died at Limbe Malawi On 26 February 1973

I would love to know can any reader tell me anything more about John Callow.

Jean James 2 Lytham Road Ashton-in-Makerfield Wigan Lancs WN4 9RU Above and below possibly Garswood area; contact Bill Foster (see page 22) Published by Wigan Heritage Service, Leisure & Cultural Services Department, Market Suite, The Galleries, Wigan WN1 1PX. The views expressed in this issue are not necessarily supported by Wigan Council, or by its Cultural Services Panel. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated. Neither Wigan Council, nor the Editor, accept liability for any matter in this publication. Contributions are welcome but no responsibility can be taken for loss or damage to contributors’ material.

© Wigan Council, March 2002

39 imary

y of the four photographs below, photographs y of the four

s School (latterly Orrell Holgate Pr

wn Hall (01942 404432).

To

One of the mystery photographs in the last issue has been positively identified Ð the children (top right) are in front of Holgate’ School), Moor Road, Orrell; the school was recently demolished, but the plaque has been preserved. It is very possible that the coronation celebration (bottom right) was held in Darlington Street, Wigan. If you can provide any more information on last issue’s photographs, or think you can identify an or think you photographs, issue’s please contact Len Hudson in Leigh

Who? Where?