Issue No. 40 July – November 2005

Produced by Wigan Heritage Service FREE

THIS edition of Past Forward is Not forgetting Andrew Busby of the significant in two ways. Firstly, we have Trust’s IT section, for his help in getting reached the milestone of no. 40, which Farewell Past Forward on the internet - and I find absolutely amazing – it certainly doesn’t it look great! does not seem 14 years since the from the Then there are the many contributors appearance of no. 1, way back in 1991. to the magazine. One of the greatest Today, the magazine has a worldwide sources of pride and satisfaction for me circulation of 10,000, and is also Editor is that Past Forward has enabled so available on cassette tape and now the many readers, not just locally, or even internet. In saying goodbye, I am conscious nationally, but internationally, to put pen Time certainly marches on, which that I have so many people to thank for to paper and write an article which they brings me onto a personal note – this their help and support on what has would probably never otherwise have will be my last issue as Editor of Past been such an exciting and successful done. It is always dangerous, and even Forward. An opportunity has arisen for adventure. Where do I begin? Perhaps invidious, to single out individuals, but me to take early retirement (very early, with my good friend Alan Roby, who one person I would like to mention in of course!). Not that that is any bad shared my vision back in 1991 for a particular is Irene Roberts, whose thing for the magazine. I have had the local history newsletter; Alan at the time delightfully unique style of writing has pleasure and privilege to edit it from the had a small printing business, and thus captivated so many; and there is further very beginning, and while it has began Past Forward – a humble eight evidence of Irene’s talents, and of how unquestionably proved an outstanding page effort which we cobbled together, much they are appreciated, in this issue. success – far in excess of my wildest more in hope than anything else. Other regular and faithful contributors dreams – that is not to say that it will Little did we know what we were include Ernie Taberner (long-standing not benefit from a change in direction. beginning! Within only a few weeks of readers will remember his splendid ‘I During recent discussions with staff publication, I had received more than Remember When ……’ articles), Harold about the future direction of the enough contributions for the next issue. Smith, Neil Cain, Fred Holcroft, Harold Heritage Service in general, it was very And since then, I have always been Knowles (see p3 for a tribute to Harold), noticeable that the concern which was spoilt for choice for material for every James Fairhurst and, of course, Gerald raised most of all was for the future of single issue, and the magazine has Rickards, whose centrespreads have Past Forward. The staff, as well as you grown and grown, from that humble been a regular feature for many issues. the readers, care passionately about it eight pages to the present 44! To them, and the many, many others – they are proud of it, and see it as So my sincere thanks to Alan for his whom I do not have space to mention, something unique to Wigan. They are help and support in these early days my sincere thanks for helping to make determined that it will continue, and I and indeed over many issues, until this venture so exciting and successful. can assure all readers that it will, under personal commitments meant he could Finally, my thanks to all the Heritage the able guidance of a small editorial no longer devote the time needed. Service staff for their help and support. team from the Heritage Service. Douglas Printers in Wigan, who had All of them, in different ways, have had I’ve lost count how many favourable already worked on the production of the an important part to play in the success comments have been made about the magazine, then became increasingly of Past Forward. magazine (these were summarised in involved, and thus began an excellent I have many happy memories of my the last issue). The only criticism, in working relationship over recent years time with Wigan Heritage Service. The fact, has been that there are only three with Steve and Cyril, two of the most History Shop, for example, was, and still issues a year! How often has the pleasant and co-operative people it has is, an exciting development with lots of comment been made, “how I wish my been my pleasure to work with. potential; also the Parish Map, the local service had such a publication”. A Thanks also to Mitchell & Wright of Wickham story, Wigan’s 750th Charter poem has even been written in praise of Southport who have printed most issues celebrations - and all of these have Past Forward! (see p27). It has brought of the magazine, and made a featured prominently in Past Forward. families and friends together from all marvellous job of it too. My thanks in But it is the magazine itself which I over the world, even reuniting old war particular to Keith Mitchell for all his would like to think of as my legacy. comrades who had not seen each other kindness and support. Thanks to all those who have joined for over half a century. For the past few years, Past Forward me on this memorable adventure. has also been available on tape for the Please give Carole, my successor as COPY DEADLINE visually impaired. For help with this head of the Heritage Service, and the Please note that the copy service, I am indebted to a splendid new editorial team, all the friendship deadline for issue no 41 group of people at ‘Making Waves and support you have given me - that of Past Forward is Radio’ in Leigh, led by Dave Rigby, one way Past Forward, and the Heritage 16 September 2005. of the bravest people it has been my Service, will continue to go from privilege to know and to work with. strength to strength.

All comments and correspondence should be addressed to: Editor, ‘Past Forward’, Cover: This photograph has baffled me for many years. It appeared way back in History Shop, Library Street, issue 10, on the ‘Who? Where? page, when any suggestions received were tentative, Wigan WN1 1NU Email: [email protected] to say the least. So I thought, for my last issue, I would try again - can any reader identify this intriguing photograph? Ed. 2

Harold Knowles 1926 - 2005 IT IS with great sadness that I have to inform readers several similar roles in of my father’s sudden death in March this year. He different UDCs, until in had written several articles for Past Forward about 1960, he secured one of his time as a young boy in Ashton-in-Makerfield. On his ultimate goals, behalf of my family, I would like to write a short Engineer and Surveyor article in his honour. and Water Engineer of Harold Knowles was born on 18 September 1926 in Standish UDC. On local Ashton-in-Makerfield, the first child of Harry and government Lilian Knowles. From what my father told me he reorganisation in 1974, he grew up to be quite an independent sort of boy, became Assistant Director of Works at Stockport always willing to work hard, taking on odd jobs, MBC. He retired in 1980. such as a delivery boy for one of the local grocers During his retirement my father enjoyed and helping his Auntie Maggie collect payment for swimming and listening to brass band music, and her window cleaning round. both he and my mother also took great advantage of He attended the British School situated on Wigan being able to go on holiday several times a year! He Road in the town centre of Ashton-in-Makerfield, certainly enjoyed his four granddaughters. from where he passed his 11-plus and went on to His death earlier this year from a stroke was very Ashton Grammar School. sudden and was a shock to the whole family. As we My father left Ashton Grammar in the summer of knew how much his background and early years in 1943 and started work as an articled pupil with Mr A Ashton meant to him, his funeral took place at St K Dennis, Engineer and Surveyor to Ashton-in- Thomas’s Church, Ashton-in-Makerfield and his Makerfied Urban District Council. However, about ashes are buried in the lower graveyard of the two years later he was ‘called up’ into the army, and church. went into the Royal Engineers. (I know from some I am immensely proud of what my father achieved; paperwork I recently found, that my father’s next it must have taken great guts and determination to articles for Past Forward were to be about his time get where he did in his career, especially in his early in the army). years, when life was hard there was not much After being demobbed in 1948 my father found a money about. The family miss him terribly but our job as Assistant Engineer in the Borough of memories of him will be with us forever. Farnworth. During the next ten years or so he had Gillian Drummond

I FELL under the spell of Chat Moss follow, for I concluded that Conan on my very first journey over it from Murder On The Doyle must have made the journey Kenyon Junction to Manchester himself sometime and this pleased Exchange. I was a young schoolboy Moss me as much as it would have at the time and it seemed like a vast pleased the school boy of 1936. The alluring wilderness. Fortunately, line from the colliery joined the editor points out that Doyle was an before I left Leigh about 15 years main railway line not far beyond the ardent railway buff, as is obvious later, I had been able to spend Rindle Road crossing. from his other well-known stories, enough time exploring the mosses - It was this well-remembered and the actual place names in this with permission where necessary - scene that came back to mind in story are given from west to east - to get a good knowledge of their most unexpected circumstances. For St Helens, Earlestown, Newton, interesting flora and fauna, light reading I had borrowed a Kenyon Junction etc. especially the rarities like long- library book with a rather intriguing However, the essence of the story eared owls, nightjars and visiting title. It was Mysterious Railway lies east of Glazebury - a body was harriers. Stories edited by William Pattrick left near Windy Bank - but that is all I was permitted vehicular access (W H Allen, 1984), and it included a I am telling you! On first reading the from the north west through Windy story 'The Lost Special' by Sir story, I decided that Doyle must Bank to Red House on Bedford Arthur Conan Doyle. This is not a have had Astley Green Colliery in Moss by the railway. From there I Sherlock Holmes mystery in the fog- his scenario but that was not so - used to roam eastwards through ridden, dimly lit streets of old Conan Doyle wrote 'The Lost birchwood scrub and over heather London but a Victorian melodrama Special' in 1898 and construction of and moor grass to or beyond Astley which tests credulity - as the author Astley Green colliery only began in signal box to where Rindle Road intended. The main action involves 1908. from Astley Green crossed the line. a journey from Liverpool to Tom Edmondson Astley Green colliery lay a mile or Manchester across the Moss. Chester more to the north on the far side of I will not venture further into the Email: the Bridgewater Canal and a mineral plot but will leave it for the reader to [email protected] 3

Gibfield Colliery Pithead Baths still open for business RECENTLY my car broke inscription ‘Fletcher provide pithead baths if a ‘tommy tins’ on hooks down and was towed to a Burrows 1913’. My ballot of the work force near the door. The local garage on Coal Pit interest in local history showed that they were shower cubicles were Lane, Atherton for and mining inspired me wanted. Fletcher along side the buildings repairs. On collection of to find out more about Burrows, the owner of and overhead were the my car I was surprised to the bath house. the mine, however, did pulleys and ropes on find that the garage was not wait for a vote before which the men hung their situated on the site of The Opening building the baths. change of clothing. The Gibfield colliery. On Representatives of the clothes were pulled up to entering the garage I was The pithead baths at firm visited similar the ceiling and after each astonished to find myself Gibfield were officially installations in France shift had washed, all the actually standing inside opened in October 1913. and Belgium, but decided windows were closed and the original Gibfield The press were that the continental baths the temperatures raised pithead baths. Looking summoned to inspect the were too lavish for the to 100 degrees F so that closely around the inside building and miners were Atherton miners. Mr the working clothes of the building beyond lined up for photographs. Clement Fletcher thought would be dried for the the garage equipment, I “The washed and the they were fitted up with next day. could see the original unwashed”, read the “quite unnecessary Not only were the bath tiles on the walls caption in the Manchester luxuriousness.” baths welcomed by most and the pulleys in the Evening News. Even then Neverthelss, the baths of the men but they also roof space which were there was a murmur of at Gibfield were popular made life easier for their used for hanging the dissent from the miner with most of the men, wives. In fact some miners clothing on. After who preferred the tub in and almost two thirds of women were quite talking to the garage front of the fire at home the coal getters, datallers, ecstatic! In ‘Baths at the owner I discovered that to wash off his pit dirt. “I surface men and boys Pithead’, a booklet the pithead baths was the thowt as on’y as were used them. “It seems to produced by the Women’s only remaining building ‘enpecked at home was make our time above League, an article read: now standing on the usin’t’ baths,” he said. ground two hours colliery site; he showed The Coal Miners Act of longer”, one collier was “At Last! in England, me a tablet set into the 1911 had ruled that quoted as saying. The now! outside wall showing the management must pitmen would leave their To those of us who have been in at the agitation for ‘Baths at the pit head’ from the start and faced discouragement in so many forms, the news seems almost too good to be true. But there is no least doubt about it.

“The bath house ……. The white shining Temple Ô

Original bath tiles still on Pulleys in the roof space from which miners used to hang their clothes the walls 4

The Baths today

Gibfield Colliery Baths, 1913. “A white shining temple of health” of Health! …… which Glasier, went on … “the when we first wrote red Ruabon tiles of the about it, was regarded as floor of the dressing hall a sort of fantastic made a picture which set celestial vision, as far as one women at any rate least the miners of Great longing to dance a sort of Britain were concerned … Miriam’ dance of triumph and as they used to be that Bath House is here all down its aisles.” … nay, there are two of Baths had been opened eventually three shafts that is taking place at the them on English soil … in earlier in 1913 at Howe sunk on the site, the Old moment around the the Lancashire colliery Bridge and Chanters Gib, the Arley and a third Gadbury Fold area. I village of Atherton, near followed suit the shaft sunk in 1909. In found the past Manchester. But not are following year. 1842 the Old Gib shaft photographs of the they finely outlined, was extended so that coal pithead baths slightly substantial brick Conclusion could be worked from the haunting, but what a buildings, but in spite of Arley seam. Gibfield great improvement it all being used..… Gibfield colliery was colliery closed in 1963. must have been for the enthusiastically and the last Of Atherton's The Fletcher Burrows miners of Gibfield, who increasingly used by the deep pits to be sunk, but Co Ltd were owners of the were the first in Britain miners.” like other local mines colliery and made many to have pit head baths. such as Chanters and steps to provide for their At the time miners all What the miners Howe Bridge, it was a workers. For example, over the country still thought of such lyrical historic mining site and they had built houses for went home in their black. prose would be to easy to pits close to Gibfield are their workers at Howe Miners at Gibfield could guess, particularly when shown on the map of Bridge in 1875. In later now have a hot shower the writer, Kathrine Bruce 1793. There were years the company also and then get changed gave the colliers the into clean clothes. It must opportunity to buy their have been more welcome own homes. Over the to mothers and wives of years a bowling green, miners. No more filling tennis courts, football and emptying the tin pitch, cricket grounds bath. No more dirty and many other leisure clothes having to be activities were enjoyed by picked up and banged the pit workers of against the outside brick Atherton. wall to rid them of coal I am amazed to find dust. No need for the rest that the Gibfield pit head of the family to scatter baths have survived and I whilst the miner had his wonder if the building bath! will reach its 100th K Wood birthday especially with Hindley and District Tablet commemorating the opening of the Bath, 1913 all the development work History Society 5

Killed by electricity by Michael Finney SOME time ago, whilst searching for a genealogical ‘missing link’ in deceased had been informed, and had the burial ground of Saint James’ Roman Catholic Church in Orrell, made his way to the colliery. He near Wigan, I was distracted from my task by an inscription on a tall demanded that the body be taken granite memorial. It read as follows:- home without delay. PC Grantham warned him that the body could not Sacred Heart of Jesus have Mercy on the Soul of John T. Alker of be removed without the Coroner’s Winstanley. Killed by electricity June 24th 1898, Aged 21 years. consent and order, but Mr Alker ‘Killed by electricity.’ The starkness remained insistent and found support of the words was an uncommon in Mr Hilton, the colliery manager, departure from the usual florid who provided a horse-drawn brake to take the body home to Winstanley, outpourings of Victorian epitaphs. My despite PC Grantham’s warning. first thought was that the Although Alker’s actions as a unfortunate young man may have grieving parent were understandable, been the victim of a lightning strike. they did, nevertheless, complicate I knew that electrical engineering was matters. The death of his son had relatively well advanced at the time of taken place in the township of his death, but I nonetheless thought Ashton, and he had removed the body it unlikely he had been the victim of from that township prior to the some form of industrial accident. Coroner being informed or a jury Curiosity prompted me to investigate summoned, and taken it to his home the matter further, revealing both a township, Orrell. This meant that the tragic story, and a public official’s inquest would have to be held in indignation at breaches of protocol Orrell, several miles from the scene of and procedure ...... death, and inquired into by an Orrell jury, who in all probability would not “Stuck fast with the looked back to see what had become be familiar with the colliery and its electricity” of him, and saw Alker’s head and environs. All in all, it was an irregular shoulders leaning out of the cabin business. Just how irregular, would The younger son of a well known doorway. He appeared extremely soon become apparent. farming family in the Winstanley distressed, his face contorted with district of Orrell, John Thomas Alker pain. McGill ran back to the cabin Inquest was training as a mining student, and, on entering, saw that Alker was under Messrs. J and R Stone at Park holding one of the switches on the Three days later, on the morning of Collieries, Garswood, Ashton-in- electrical control panel. 27 June 1898 at the Railway Hotel, Makerfield, some four miles from his Realising what had happened, he Orrell, the Coroner for South West home. On the morning of 24 June shouted to Cunliffe and Smalls that Ô 1898, he descended the shaft of the Alker was “stuck fast with the colliery’s Number One Pit, in the electricity”. Both men hurried back to company of mining surveyor the cabin and, when Cunliffe threw Frederick McGill, and colliery firemen the main switch on the panel, the John Cunliffe and Joseph Smalls, in lifeless body of John Alker fell into order to carry out an inspection. They the arms of Joseph Small. The body arrived at the ‘pit bottom’ shortly was taken to the surface, and a doctor before 1O.45a.m., and in order to summoned. When he pronounced life allow their eyes to become extinct, the police were sent for. accustomed to the brightness of the Police Constable Grantham of Ashton- underground electrical lighting which in-Makerfield attended the scene. had only been installed two days According to the accepted legal previously, all four men stepped into procedure, the deceased should then the underlooker’s cabin, which have been conveyed to the nearest contained the control panel for both public house, and a Coroner’s jury the lighting and the electrical summoned to view the body. pumping systems. Arrangements would then be made After about half an hour, McGill, for an Inquest at a later date at those Cunliffe and Smalls left the cabin, and premises. This procedure, however, started along the roadway. Finding was not complied with. By this time, John Alker was not with them, McGill Robert Alker, the father of the 6

Lancashire, Mr Samuel Brighouse, that he also saw opened the inquest into the death of the deceased’s John Thomas Alker. The father of hand on a the deceased, being unfit to attend, switch. He was represented by his son, Robert further junior. He testified that he had last explained that, seen the deceased (his younger whilst the brother) at about 8 a. m. on the day deceased was he died, at which time he appeared to holding the be in good health. He went on to say insulated switch he had been present when the body handle between was brought home, some hours later. his forefinger These facts having been and thumb, his established, an evidently irritated Mr remaining three Brighouse called for PC Grantham, fingers were and addressed him: resting on the “I want some explanation as to how ‘live’ metalwork it came about that the deceased’s body beneath the Copy of John Alker's death certificate has been removed out of the township handle - of Ashton into the township of Orrell evidently the cause of his shock. the shock, and if you have a without my consent. I have been told Mr Matthews, a Mines Inspector, suggestion which would tend to that the deceased’s father insisted on was then called. He expressed the preserve life in the future, you will be removing the body to Orrell. I have opinion that the actions of the entitled to add that suggestion.” been informed that the colliery deceased had been the result of The jury returned a verdict of manager also approved of them being youthful curiosity; the fact that he accidental death, and recommended removed. What is the result? The body had evidently been leaning out of the that in future switch boards should was removed into the township of cabin suggested that he was looking be operated by one authorised Orrell, and the gentlemen of that to see if the switch he was holding person. They further recommended township have to inquire into the operated the lighting system. This that all live components be ‘boxed cause of death, when the jury of theory was largely accepted. in’, and the switch handles better Ashton ought to have done so. All this Mr Allen, representing the insulated. They concluded by offering inconvenience has been caused by an company responsible for the electrical a vote of sympathy to the relations of illegal and irregular action. They installation, stated that similar the deceased. might as well have removed the body switchboards were in use all over the to London. I quite appreciate and country, and that the power of The Lancashire mining industry sympathise with the parents wishing current generated was not sufficient claimed many hundreds of lives. Roof the body to be removed home, I would to kill a healthy man. Some falls, flooding and gas explosions have done so as well, but certain amusement was caused at this point were only three of the many ways a formalities have to be gone through by a juror, who commented: “I should man could lose his life in this most before that can be done, and they not like to try it”. Mr Allan pointed dangerous of industries. There is a could have removed the deceased the out that the deceased had recently terrible irony in the fact that the same day, if they had communicated recovered from a bout of typhoid, and unfortunate John Thomas Alker met with me.” that this could have weakened his his death by way of a medium only No doubt taken aback by this constitution, and made him more recently introduced to his colliery as onslaught, PC Grantham could only susceptible to shock. He went on to a safety measure. reply that he had warned Mr Alker of explain that he knew of many colliery Sources:- The History Shop the illegality of his actions, to which workers who had received shocks, but Wigan Register Office Mr Brighouse replied: “if it occurs suffered no ill effects. He qualified again after this explanation, I shall this statement by adding that, once have the body taken back into the they had experienced one shock, township, and then it won’t be done “they did not particularly put again I know.” themselves in the way of a second”, Mr Brighouse, having left both which prompted a rather acid reply witnesses and jury in no doubt as to from Mr Brighouse: “if they died from his authority, then continued the the first, there would be no necessity inquiry into Alker’s death. Mine for the second”. surveyor Joseph McGill gave evidence Finally, Mr Brighouse addressed the of how he had seen the deceased jury: “It is not my rule to order a post leaning out of the underlooker’s cabin mortem examination unless it is door in apparent pain, and how when absolutely necessary for the enquiry. he entered the cabin he saw that the As far as the immediate cause of death deceased was holding a switch on the is concerned, your duty seems to be electrical control panel. He added that purely formal. That is the lad died the deceased had no cause to operate from the result of an electric shock the switchboard. Fireman John received from the switchboard. You are Cunliffe told the inquiry of how he entitled to take into consideration the switched off the current, and stated circumstances under which he received Memorial to John Alker, 1898 7

TRIPS ON THE BARGE I AM looking forward to meeting village when the barges were going to tales of drunken men fighting over Uncle Bob who has a barge along Wigan Power Station and Burscough who had won at card games. On our the Leeds and Liverpool canal, corn mill. When it was sunny, and trips to Wigan, there would be the based at Crooke Village. I can’t always on Fridays and Saturdays, my summer fair on the old Market wait for the holidays and weekend cousin and I would sit in the garden Square, where they had candy floss, when I’m able to go with Uncle Bob at the pub alongside the canal; toffee lollies and cups of black peas; and help him with taking coal to sometimes Uncle Bob would sit with my cousin and I thought they were the Wigan Power Station. Some us outside or he would stay inside the delicious, and they certainly made us days we change route and go to pub. He would like to get chatting to feel warm and ready for the walk Burscough, and take flour to a corn the other barge owners and discuss back down to Wallgate, where mill at Parbold through to what they had heard and seen during ‘Shelga’ was moored. Burscough ………. the day. Some of the old people around As there wasn’t a fish and chip Wallgate canal area would ask Uncle ‘Cebbing’ shop in Crooke village where I lived, Bob to get them some Indian Brandy another favourite pastime was having from the shop at Burscough - they In August, the potato picking fish and chips from Burscough, six thought it was a stronger flavour season, my cousin and I would go to miles away. We loved these fish and because it came from the barrel. Other Valentines Farm at Appley Bridge, chips and raspberry pop. We liked requests would be to bring back near Wigan, and help with picking going with Uncle Bob on his barge, paraffin from the barrel and bottles of potatoes. We would both get half a which was called ‘Shelga’. We liked it Lanry bleach which was more crown which seemed a lot of money too when we could help with the powerful and stronger. The old people to us; of course, we would spend it on cleaning of the brasses around the would repay Uncle Bob by buying raspberry pop and Smith crisps, but fireplace on the barge. him some pigs’ trotters and black these only cost us 3d., leaving us tripe in Wigan, or they would just plenty of change. Poker to the rescue give him 5s. for getting their I liked it when my cousin and I shopping. would go to the drift mine at John Pit Our last night on the ‘Shelga’ was Colliery at Crooke, where the big coal At first, my cousin and I were always on a Sunday, as we would go wagons loaded with coal would go scared when we came up to the canal to school on the Monday, but we down the railway lines to be weighed locks, so we would ask Uncle Bob to couldn’t wait until the next Friday on the roundabout. The coal would be leave us at the side of the bank until when we would set foot again on released down a chute in the barge we became used to the big wide locks. ‘Shelga’. and some of the coal would spill over It took us a while to get used to them; from the barges and fall into the what probably helped us was finding Horse shoes and muck canal. One old villager thought up an a stray mongrel dog who had become our friend, and whom we named idea on how to get the coal from the It was Uncle Bob’s dream to retire Poker. Uncle Bob told us that if Poker canal. He would get a big shovel butt, and settle down in the old lock house wasn’t afraid of the big lock, then we put thick wire mesh over the shovel at Appley Bridge with ‘Shelga’ shouldn’t be either. He said we and tie rope over the shovel, which moored at the side, ready to use for should hold Poker and try not to look could then be thrown into the canal; barge trips once the tipping of coal down at the big walls inside the lock; slowly they pulled out pieces of coal. was finished. Uncle Bob would get we did this, and remembering what This method was called ‘cebbing’. The into talking with other barge owners Uncle Bob had told us, and thinking coal was then put into some old flour who had horses pulling the barges. of our reward of fish and chips which sacks and these full sacks of coal Sometimes, the old people at the we would get afterwards, we didn’t were then placed into wheelbarrows, cottages would ask Uncle Bob to save think of the danger! After that, we which was then taken around the the horses’ shoes and the shoes from became less and less frightened and village and old age pensioners asked other horses that pulled the barges, soon got used to the locks and big if they would like to buy some cheap so that they could nail them on their keys. coal and slack. coal sheds to promote good luck Sometimes it would be raining and Sometimes the lads next door around the cottage. Some would also cold, so we would stay below in the would go into the wagons and get a ask for the ‘horse muck’ to put on cabin and have our Oxo drink with shovel of whatever was left in them. their gardens, to help the roses and our bullies of sliced bread, cheese and Helping with the coal would provide fertilise the soil; this would get good pickle and an apple and pear. We coal for the winter and I remember Burscough potatoes, as everyone at would read our comics - the Beano many people would cycle from Crooke village said that Burscough and Dandy. Springfield and Beech Hill, bringing potatoes tasted better than the ones their families with them on their from Wigan Market. They could also bikes, so that they could watch the Black peas tell the difference between Burscough tipping of the coal into the barges. and Wigan chips! Uncle Bob would sometimes go to But eventually ‘Shelga’ got too old Fish and chips the pub at Parbold with the other and, sadly, she ended up in the boat barge owners and we would meet yard at Wigan. In the school holidays, people with other children from nearby Barbara Anderton would spend all afternoon at Crooke Wigan; they would sometimes tell us Chorley Lancs 8

WINSTANLEY HALL “WINSTANLEY is a during the Banastre fertile and picturesque rebellion. The two factions township, rich in the of Sir Adam Banastre and prevailing mineral of Sir Robert Holland the district…” (Baines, generally caused havoc by History of Lancashire their incursions 2nd rev. ed. 1891) throughout South West Local press has recently Lancashire, especially in reported that the current the areas around Wigan owners of Winstanley and Pemberton. The Hall, Dorbcrest Homes, rebellion was crushed in were being urged to 1315 with one of the complete urgent work on participants, Sir William the Hall and Courtyard. Early engraving of the Hall Bradshaigh, being forced Dorbcrest had originally to flee the country. Others bought the property around four stone foundations. Towards the end paid with their lives. years ago with the view to restoring of that century, fashion changed the Hall and converting part of it to and more substantial houses out of The Bankes come to luxury flats. Unfortunately, they stone began to be built. The oldest Winstanley decided this was no longer feasible, portion of the present Winstanley Following the death of Edmund since the schemes put forward were Hall dates from the period 1555- Winstanley in 1592, the manor deemed incompatible with green 1561. An even earlier house passed to Edmund’s nephew, also an belt policies. probably existed from as early as Edmund, who was living in Wales. This has led to Wigan Council 1402, adjacent to the still visible Since he was evidently settled there, Planning Department issuing an moat. a buyer was sought. In January Urgent Works Notice to safeguard The earliest documentary 1595 James Bankes, goldsmith and the future of the Grade II listed hall evidence regarding the Winstanley resident of London, took possession and courtyard buildings. These family, however, is dated 1240. of the manor of Winstanley. major structural problems include These early houses were built by Upon the death of James in 1617 bulging walls, dry rot, collapsed the Winstanleys. They intermarried the manor passed to his son floors and dangerous chimneys. But with other local landowners, William, who in turn came to leave a look at these pictures show the notably the Langtons, who held the the estate to his son. The Hall’s former splendour and proud Barony of Newton, and the Crosse succession continued smoothly heritage. family of Wigan, Chorley and Liverpool. through the generations until the The Beginnings This particular period of time in death of another William Bankes in Lancashire was turbulent, with 1800. This William had been born Most early 16th century manor invading Scottish armies and in 1751 and was an indefatigable houses were built of timber on pillaging by barons, especially Continued on page 10

An early aerial photograph of Winstanley Hall and estate buildings Squire Bankes in front of the Hall 9

very active locally, being variously President of Ince Women’s Unionist WINSTANLEY Association, the Billinge branch of the National Life Boat Association HALL and the Wigan and District Nursing ––––– Association and Vice-President of Continued from page 9 St Margaret’s Home for Girls, Goose Green, as well as being a member of traveller both in Britain and abroad. Billinge Parochial Church Council His health, however, was never and a Trustee of Edelstone Charity, robust and Lancashire’s damp Billinge. For many years she was climate did not help. By the age of also County Commissioner for N.W. 47, he was confined to the house Lancashire for Girl Guides due to his failing health. Upon his Association and organised many death the direct male line died out local events for charities. and the property was left to his first George Hildyard Bankes became cousin, Rev Thomas Holme of Sheriff of Lancashire in 1921. Upon Upholland, the son of Ann Bankes. his death, their daughter Joyce Rev Holme died in 1803 and was Amy Bankes Helena Murray Bankes inherited the succeeded by his eldest surviving property. Joyce married Captain son, Meyrick Holme, who took the Wigan in 1945, and there was said Edward William Jervis Bankes R.N. name and arms of Bankes in 1804. to be “not a yard of black cloth” to at Billinge St Aidan’s Church on 23 He became High Sheriff of be had in Wigan. The assembled April 1929. Their grandson, Lancashire in 1805. crowds watching the funeral Timothy Guy, was still living in the procession were said to have Lodge at Winstanley Hall until numbered in the region of 10,000. recently. Other members of the The estate then passed to the family had moved south to Squire’s daughter, Eleanor, wife of Gloucestershire and one branch now William John Murray. She too has a bookshop in Bath. assumed the name and arms of Joyce Bankes was very interested Bankes. Following her death in in the history of the estate and had 1907, her son, George Hildyard completed two volumes of a history Bankes, inherited the estate. He and part of a third volume before was married to Amy Orkney her death in 1974. The last volume Stracathro, daughter of Charles was completed by her daughter, Robertson of Kindeace, Ross-shire. Elizabeth Garland. There is a copy The 20th Century of this three volume work in the History Shop for reference Meyrick Bankes Both George and Amy Bankes purposes. became local magistrates. Amy was Upon his death in 1827, his only Ô son Meyrick succeeded him. At this time the Winstanley estate extended to Winstanley, Billinge, Pemberton, Upholland, Newton Park and Lower Cudworth (near Barnsley), as well as the houses of Winstanley Hall and Holland Hall and, of course, the coal pits. By the time of Meyrick II’s death in 1881, the family had also acquired a large estate at Letterewe in Scotland and Bispham Hall near Billinge. Squire Bankes was heavily involved with the running of his coal mines and was often to be seen at one or other of his pits at 5.30 a.m. Meyrick actually died at his offices in Old Hall Street, Liverpool. His funeral was still remembered in Wedding of Joyce Bankes and Capt. Edward Bankes, 1929 10

Winstanley Hall during the Wars

During the two World Wars, the Hall and its grounds were given over to a different clientele. In 1914, G H Bankes offered the Hall as accommodation to the Red Cross Society for wounded soldiers and sailors. He offered not only to fit out the Hall as a hospital, but also to do the same at his other seat, Balconie Castle, Ross-shire. However it would also seem that the Hall was used as a military training and transit camp. Units of Royal Engineers who were sent to Gallipoli Winstanley Hall Lodge, Pemberton Road and also the 6th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment are known to In World War II, the grounds were overcrowding”. Arrangements were have stayed there. home to W.A.A.F.’s in nissen huts. made to collect rent of 10 shillings. After they moved out, squatters They stayed for about a year. moved in - 20 families of local Sources homeless people, many of whom Joyce H.M. Bankes Winstanley Hall were ex-servicemen. By September (unpublished typescript) Billinge Council’s Medical Officer W.B. Savigny History of Bispham Hall, had inspected the dwellings and Billinge (typescript) pronounced the squatters R. Winstanley Winstanley and Highfield “comfortably settled and wanting (1998) Typescript Wigan Council website for nothing from the public health www.wiganmbc.gov.uk/pub/council/agendas. The Stable block standpoint. There was no Wigan Observer

THE Hall, in the main, is a stone built Elizabethan manor house with extensive alterations at the end of the 18th century. The basic plan of the Tudor House can still be traced i.e. central hall with parlour coming off one side and a chamber over the hall. The hall faces east and west according to Tudor custom. Over the succeeding centuries, the Tudor house was extended to provide more comfortable accommodation, with Meyrick (Holme) Bankes making considerable alterations in the years 1812-27. Part of the west front was raised by one storey and a parapet added. A three-storey block with porch was added to the North West front and became the main entrance. The Holme and Bankes coat of arms and the date 1819 was added (see right, top). It is thought that Lewis Wyatt worked at Winstanley 1818-19. Plans are in existence that were signed by him. Meyrick’s son Meyrick (1811-81) further extended the Hall and its site. The courtyard and an outside staircase were added alongside an older barn. William Spence (1793-1849), a noted sculptor from Liverpool, was commissioned to create a large fountain of Neptune in the courtyard (see right, bottom), apparently to Meyrick Bankes’ own design. William Spence is thought to have sculpted a marble bust of William Roscoe, the Liverpool abolishionist, which now resides in the National Portrait Gallery in London. Meyrick Bankes also designed the new decorative glass windows. Further alterations were made between 1881-1904 when two bays were built on the west side of the house.

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Lancashire Football Association A Celebration of 125 Years 1878-2003 796.334 * Tarbuck, Martin Let’s Hang On (Wigan Athletic) 796.334 Family History Leigh Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club Celebrating 150 Years 1854-2004 796.358094227 Howe, Malcolm Death the Grim Reaper – the Pilkington Crest 929.2 Briody R F House of Briody 929.2 BRI Ellis, Miles From the Falls of the Pig’s Brook 929.2 ELL * Shotter, David Romans and Britons in North-West England 3rd ed. 936.2704 Bonner, Robert Great Gable to Gallipoli (6th Manchester Battalion) 940.48141 Ferguson, A P Lancashire Airfields in the Second World War 940.5443 * Women at War Eye Witness Accounts from the Imperial War Museum’s Sound Archive 941.08409 Griffiths, A Memories of an Atherton Pitman 942.736 Additions to Taylor Gallery Leech, Joseph Extracts from the War Diary of Joseph Leech, (for reference) Wigan 942.736 Ridyard, Richard Mining Days in Abram (new edition) Donations 942.736 Davies & Rigby; Pemberton St John marriage index 1835- Bark, Gertrude Around the Kitchen Table: a Lancashire 1926 Childhood 942.76 Rigby et al; Upholland baptism index 1813-1900 * an asterisk denotes copies are available for purchase in our Rigby et al; Upholland marriage index 1600-1837 shop. Rigby, Newton, Chorlton et al; 1891 census indexes Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley RG12 3083-3091 Project News Registers for Liverpool Road, Platt Bridge Methodist Church Once again our indexing Friends have come up trumps, on marriages 2 April 1934 – 28 August 1993 our behalf, with a bumper crop of research aids. Volume 2 of Registers for Ashton-in-Makerfield Congregational Methodist Wigan Lower Ince Cemetery register indexes for July 1865- Church marriages 15 Sept 1979 – 3 June 1989 February 1873 has been added to our growing stock of CD ROMS, thanks to Gerald Marsden. Both he and Freda Chorlton CD ROM are currently indexing the next two reels of the registers which Marsden, G; Surname index to Wigan Lower Ince Cemetery will soon take the indexes up to the end of 1887. registers 23 July 1865 – 21 Feb 1873 As usual Gerry Rigby and his industrious group of helpers, have been hard at work producing indexes to the 1891 census Transcripts for Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley. So far they have indexed Lancashire Parish Register Society vol. 158: Registers of All the greater part. This project amalgamated the indexes Saints Newton Heath Part 1: 1655-1796 produced by Tom Newton and Freda Chorlton along with some produced by Gerry’s own group. Copies of the indexes Genealogy are available for reference both in the Taylor Gallery at the Beckett, I.F.W. The First World War: essential guide to History Shop and Leigh Local History with a CD ROM version sources in the UK National Archives being at Leigh Archives. Watts, C.T. Tracing Births, Deaths & Marriages at Sea Incredibly, Gerry Rigby’s group has, in addition to these General indexes, this past month, presented to the History Shop Ashcroft, Tony 150 Years of Service: a brief history of Christ research area, a copy of their Index to Baptisms at Upholland Church, Pennington 1854-2004 283.42736 St Thomas for 1813-1900. Hamilton, Jill Thomas Cook : the holiday-maker 338.76191 Meanwhile, Barbara Davies soldiers on in her solitary but Higgins, Peter The Surgeon’s Journal, Lancaster Castle mammoth task of indexing the burials of St John, Pemberton. 1843-49 365.66 The latest news from Wigan Register Office’s volunteer Miller, Alan From Upholland Grammar School to Winstanley indexers is that the current number of Wigan and Leigh College 373.42736 marriages indexed, checked and whose details are listed Suggitt, G Lost Railways of Merseyside and Greater online at www.lancashirebmd.org.uk, stands currently at Manchester 385.094273 * 941,131. The next tranche to be added, possibly by the time Darbyshire, Fred A Footplateman Remembers: the staff and you read this edition of Past Forward, will consist of a further workings at Lower Ince Shed 385.0942736 * 36,021 marriages for Leigh, Atherton, Astley, Tyldesley, Pixton, Bob Main Line Railways around Wigan 385.0942736 Golborne and Lowton, covering the period c.1843 to c.1931. Jenkinson, David LNWR Carriages: a concise history 625.23 Astonishingly, Wigan All Saints marriages are represented Maconie, Stuart Cider with Roadies 780.92 from 1837 to 1926. Goose Green St Paul, whose marriage Hayes, Dean P The Who’s Who of Wigan Athletic in the registers still remain at the church, are indexed by the site for Football League 1978-2004 796.334 1916-1930. Ô 12

Websites www.lan-opc.org.uk I included this site in Past Forward 39 highlighting Atherton Family History and Tyldesley. There are, however, many other areas of the Borough listed, each giving valuable information for Workshops genealogists and local historians. The sections devoted to Wigan, Standish and Upholland If any of you out there have always felt you would fancy have grown apace these last few months. Standish now has finding out more about your ancestors, this is your searchable indexes to burials, baptisms and marriages 1653- chance. At the History Shop in Wigan all the local church 1840, with links to entry details. The Wigan section includes records and 19th century census returns are kept. This a link to Highfield St Mathews burials (reviewed collection forms the core of our genealogy study centre in Past Forward 36) online at for the borough and it is here those secrets could be www.stmatthewhighfield.org.UK/registers, and growing databases to the church records of All Saints, Wigan, St unlocked. David’s Haigh and, unusually, to the Catholic registers of St A couple of guiding notes about this material. Firstly Mary and St John Wigan and St Marie’s Standish. The Online Parish Clerk for Wigan, Margaret Gardner, is to be it is mainly on microfilm or increasingly the computer, so commended for her considerable efforts. pre-booking is required. Secondly this is a local/regional activity. Records of your forebears from our area can be www.stmichaeldalton.co.uk found here but not from further afield. Once you trace This new site is devoted, as the title suggests, to St Michael’s Church at Dalton, providing burial entries complete back to relatives from outside our borough then I’m with an excellent search engine, with links to the grave details, afraid travelling is required. a pointer to the exact location on the churchyard plan and including a colour photograph of the headstone. If all of this is new to you why not come along to one www.ancestry.co.uk of our Family History Workshops? These are one-to-one Many readers will already be familiar with this site and also sessions run by our ‘Friends’ organisation to help people its sister site at www.ancestry.com. to get started on their family history. They are on the The site has recently added the 1861 census to its list of following Wednesday afternoons in the Taylor Gallery on searchable sources, in association with National Archives. the first floor of the History Shop. Unfortunately this Thus for a subscription you can now view all census images venue is not yet accessible by wheelchair (though we are 1861-1901. There is still an initial free search. To view the image, formerly, you would have had to pay a working hard on this!) as a staircase needs to be hefty annual fee of £69.95 or quarterly fee of £29.95. Now a negotiated. If disabled arrangements are required new pay as you go system is available, whereby for £6.99 you please ring the number below. may view 20 pages anytime over a period of seven days. Civil indexes to births, marriages and deaths can still be searched Date Time Location for free and for an up-grade in subscription, it is possible to 3 August 2005 1.30 & 3.00 pm History Shop check Aerican records also. Other records available are the Pallot marriage index, UK 24 August 2005 1.30 & 3.00 pm History Shop and Ireland Parish and probate records, Irish immigrants to 14 September 2005 1.30 & 3.00 pm History Shop the Port of New York, Indian Army records and early UK and US directories 1680-1830. The arrangements are the same as for previous series - New local history DVD from the booking is essential. The fee of £2.50 is payable in advance, and in return a Family History pack is Billinge History/Heritage Society distributed before the session. The very best features of We have just got news that a brand new 34-minute DVD featuring film, photograph and even song has been created by the sessions are: this busy society in Billinge (see also Society News page for v further details). It features Billinge history from the very earliest one-to-one tuition from an experienced genealogist, times through to the last century, and is expertly narrated by including a tour of the History Shop study area. Alan Rooney of BBC Radio Merseyside. v A high point must be a rendition of ‘Eau'r Nell’s Jack’, a song free use of the machines and facilities with advice about a champion speed skater from Billinge, Jack Hill, who and guidance as to the next steps. took on the then national champion in 1879 on Carr Mill Dam v and won! [see Past Forward 36, p30 for an article on Jack Hill]. the general approach is for the beginner, but more All sales will be for a very good cause. Joe Taylor of the advanced workshops can be arranged. society said: "We are just trying to sell enough copies to cover v the cost of supplying a disk each to all the primary school Similarly, if the Wednesday afternoon slot does not children in the village. I’m sure people would pay for it anyway, suit your circumstances, other times can be but as all money collected is going back into free copies for the arranged. kids I hope it will be an extra incentive." If you fancy a slice of Billinge history on DVD, contact the Please ring the History Shop with your society via their web site at www.billinge-history.com. At the time of going to press the price has not been fixed, but the Past requirements or to book your place, on 01942 828128. Forward verdict is that it must be well worth a few pounds. Continued on page 14 13

grandparents made their Family History way to Wigan via Cardiff following the work GLADYS WRIGHT available in the mines and Dear Editor then finally to Wigan I am a new member of the Wigan FHS and am where William was born. endeavouring to carry out research into my mother’s The family like many family in and around Ashton-in-Makerfield where my others left their farm mother came from. I wonder if anyone can help me with labourers jobs after several a couple of queries I have. Continued from page 13 years of bad harvests. I My relative Gladys Wright used to work, I believe, at knew very little of him Wigan Casino - there is a flower case on her grave in until recently other than Our Lady of Good Counsel, engraved “From your that he was killed in Iraq friends at the Casino”. She died at the age of 47 on 10 William and was awarded the DCM. February 1954. If there is anyone that could give me The medal unfortunately any information about her I would be most grateful. Moore's has vanished. I wonder if it Also my mother used to tell me a rhyme about a little DCM Medal is in some collection of mouse that went out one night and left half it’s tale in military history. It would be a mousetrap; I think she could possibly have learnt this Dear Sir good to know that it does at school. She and her family all attended St. Oswald’s Thank you for not simply sit & St. Edmund’s RC Church, where my great publishing Fred Holcroft’s anonymously in a grandparents, grandparents and a few other relatives article ‘Another War in cupboard somewhere, with are buried. Also my great grandfather Jacob Wright, as Iraq’ (Past Forward no the human story behind its a child, used to receive clothing etc., from the ‘Woollen 38). It was of particular existence unknown. & Linen Charity’; do any of your readers or members of interest to me because I have lived in Toronto the Society know anything about this? for 30 years but my William Moore was my Thank you very much for any help your readers can interest is Wigan is father’s eldest brother. The give me. smaller of the two sustained by my sister who Catherine Webb photographs in the article still lives there and sends 15 Longmeadow was one I have never seen. me copies of Past Forward. He was of a line of Eric Moore Weaverham William Moores that I have Toronto Canada Northwich CW8 3JH traced back to 1748 in Email: Email: [email protected] Devon. William’s [email protected] Elizabeth Spencer DAWSONS Dear Sir (nee Burns) I have been researching my grandparents’ families for the past 10 to 12 years. I have had considerable success with the Dear Mr. Gillies The very little I know about Beesleys, Liptrots and Forshaws but the Dawsons are proving a I was very interested to Elizabeth is that she lived in little more difficult. I would appreciate any contact from read the article about the Clopton Street, descendants of the following families (all are brothers or sisters sinking of the ‘Priam’ in the Hulme before she married of my grandfather Fred (James Fredrick) Dawson). latest issue of Past Forward Alfred Spencer on 9 March Newark Shipley Dawson (tailors cutter) married Jane Leech in (p7). John and Harriet 1903 in the Registry Office in 1902 Darbyshire were my Chorlton, Manchester. Alfred May Agnes Dawson married grocer Alfred John Davies in 1909 greatgrandparents - I have was a coachman to a doctor Ernest Dawson (tailor) married Monica Magraw in 1911 already corresponded with and lived in Leigh. Gertrude Dawson married Fredrick Bell in 1927 Tony Ashcroft about them. Alfred and Elizabeth are Other siblings were John Arthur Dawson born 1884 However, I was wondering buried in a grave in Leigh Norah Dawson born 1889 if there was room in the next cemetery, along with Gladys Percy Dawson born 1891 issue for an enquiry about my and Edith, their daughters. Olive Tamar Dawson born 1893 paternal grandmother There is also a child named Sydney Dawson born 1898 (Sydney might have married Sarah Elizabeth Spencer nee Burns Harry who was born after the Kendrick in 1906) of 17 Abbey Street, Leigh. I death of my grandfather. I I would appreciate contact from any relatives. am trying to find out where knew nothing about the Thanks in advance. and when she was born. existence of Harry - my Margaret Hegan Although I can remember my grandmother’s name is on his Suffolk grandmother, as she lived birth certificate as his mother. Tel: 01359 244194 until she was 81, I cannot find If anyone can throw some Email: [email protected] her place of birth, nor can I light on the above, I would be find her on the 1881 census. most grateful. She died in Leigh on 10 July Pauline Howell SOS 1961, having lived there all Mrs D Leonard 3 Felixstowe Close, Hartlepool, Teeside (nee Spencer) her married life; 38 Glossop Road TS25 2RE (tel: 01429 423218) is anxious to contact unfortunately, however, all her Marple Bridge descendants of the Good family, namely John, Mary- six children, including my Stockport SK6 5EL Ann, Augustus, Clara, children of Michael and Mary- father, are now dead, so no Email: paulinehowell@ Ann Good (nee Brannan). information there. breathemail.net 14

40 years ago, Higher Folds Primary School opened its doors. Here the first Headmaster, Glyn Jones, in the first of a fascinating new series, recalls these exciting early days, with mixed emotions. Higher Folds A New School Opens “HIGHER Folds school says by ‘Handbook of Suggestions’ goodbye with Bingo. A local Glyn Jones Primary school will be welcoming The years between the War and my visitors to look around before it arrival at Higher Folds saw closes its doors for the last time. new school on 25 February 1965, at a momentous change. In my early years The school will be demolished over there was no Ministry of Education, the summer holidays to make way salary of £1,585 per year. The building was due for completion on but a Board of Education. Children for a new building. Ex pupils, staff who did not go to Grammar schools and governors and members of the 23 April and the school was to admit its first children one week later. The stayed on at Elementary schools until Higher Folds community are being they were 14 years old. The Board invited to take a last look timetable was obviously a very tight one - in sharp contrast to the published a Teacher’s manual called around”. Thus reported the Leigh the ‘Handbook of Suggestions’, which Journal in June 2001. prolonged negotiations which had preceded the building. was used in my teacher training days. As I mingled with the parents It gave guidelines for the curriculum waiting in the school hall for the start and teaching method. The curriculum of the Bingo session it became for me “Even the storks have was set out in detail and timetables an occasion to “summon up bronchitis here!” were adhered to strictly. Scripture remembrance of things past”. If those lessons ended at exactly 9.30 a.m. walls could only speak! and arithmetic, which was divided At the time of my appointment I into times for tables drill, mental was a full-time teaching head of a arithmetic and problems, lasted from “Leigh’s stop-go school to three teacher village school, with no then until 10.30. Every Friday open at last” non-teaching time and no clerical morning there would be a written test. assistance. I was then given sole The teaching of English was This was the Journal’s headlines responsibility for requisitioning all similarly divided. There was round- for 1May. The article continued: stationery and text books for the new the-class reading, group reading, “A school which was built after school, but as my resignation could silent reading, and comprehension more than four years of dispute has not take effect until 30 April, this had exercises. There was also a time when opened its doors at last and now to be done in my ‘spare’ time, again the teacher read excerpts from faces the threat of over crowding. without any clerical assistance. I was literature and poetry. There was a Leigh’s Higher Folds County Primary also given sole responsibility for lesson for composition preparation, School was included in the 1960 making timetables and schemes of for the writing of the composition, and building programme but because of a work for the new school. It was a lesson for corrections. Excerpts from ‘who pays for what’ wrangle between fortunate that I had a number of years some individual compositions would the National Coalboard, Leigh of varied experience. I had taught in a be read to the class, and exercises in Corporation and the County Council, large Junior school in a city, had two spelling, sentence construction and the project was held up. years teaching a Remedial class in a grammar would be taken from these. Eventually the delays about where non-affluent district and finally, I had Handwriting lessons were also given the school should be and concern 10 years as Head of a village school. with attention to posture, the ‘correct’ about compensation for possible My first visit to the school to see way of holding the pen, letter mining subsidence were settled and how the building was progressing formation and neatness. The same the children moved in last week. convinced me that my own standard was expected from the There was another shock waiting for background made me ‘tailor made’ teacher when writing on the the education authorities. It had been for the task ahead. I was blackboard! estimated that there would be an accompanied by ‘Charlie’ Bratt, the initial intake of 120 children, but on Chairman of Managers. He viewed opening day 170 turned up, and 150 the factory chimneys on the horizon ‘Seamless robe of learning’ wanted to stay for dinner. There were and the panorama of surrounding crowded classes until a temporary coal tips. “Even the storks have By the ‘60’s the Board of Education teacher was found. The problem of bronchitis here”, he said. My father had been replaced by the Ministry of providing extra meals was solved by was a coal miner and I felt Education, and teaching in Primary having them brought from a immediately at home. I had the schools became child centred, not canteen.” feeling that I had arrived at the right subject centred. Teachers were to I was appointed Headmaster of the spot at the right time. Continued on page 16 15

W G Jones, Headmaster was a calm and unflappable person L Johnson, Deputy Head who had that quiet air of authority to Higher Folds Mrs C Davies and Mrs D Pitt, Infant which children instinctively respond. teachers A New School But the new school hardly got off to The ‘tone’ for the day a dream start. It had been anticipated Opens that 120 children would start on the I always attached great importance first morning, with numbers to the Morning Assembly. It set the ––––– increasing at the beginning of the new ‘tone’ for the day. More importantly, it Continued from page 15 school year. But on the first day 172 showed that the school was a children arrived. Panic stations! Staff community, not just a collection of at the Leigh office must have pulled individual classes. The content of the adopt the ‘seamless robe of learning’ out all the stops. Extra chairs and Assemblies would hopefully enhance approach, with emphasis on the desks were found, as well as an extra this feeling. correlation of subjects. A subject such member of staff, Miss J Lowe, a The first Morning Assembly set the as transport would be chosen, and student awaiting entrance to Teacher pattern for the years ahead. Mr. planning of the lessons would include Training College. Johnson would bring in the top class aspects of literature, maths, The school kitchen had been Juniors first. He would lead them from geography, art etc. Unless a watchful designed to provide a maximum of 100 his classroom along the linking eye was kept on this it could result in meals. On the first day 150 children corridor, chairs held in front of them, children doing a lot of repetitive work stayed to school dinner. Extra meals to their place at the back of the hall. from class to class. Indeed they would were brought from a nearby canteen, They would deposit their chairs and sometimes find that in their first year and I had to organise two sittings. Mrs sit in lines as straight and equally at the ‘Sec.Mod.’ they would be Aspinall and Mrs Davies, the two spaced as though they were lined up repeating projects they had done in cooks, were to stay at the school during for inspection on Horse Guards Junior school. This was the the whole of my time there. Parade. Other classes would be sent educational climate which prevailed The first term was obviously going for in turn. when the Higher Folds school opened. to be something of a ‘holding To background music supplied by Head teachers at this time were given operation’ until the beginning of the the gramophone or by myself at the a great deal of freedom in establishing new school year which, in those days, piano, children would proceed quietly the curriculum to be adopted. commenced in August. It was to their places. Staff would sit opposite Meanwhile in society at large there important to gain the confidence of their respective classes. was emerging what was to become the parents, so that they would pass known as the ‘permissive society’. on favourable impressions to other Shoe inspection There are some who argue that many parents on the estate. Some parents of the problems facing schools today continued to bus their children to The first term went reasonably have their roots in that period. other schools in Leigh, and some well, but even at this early stage, there Certainly the tendency to place fewer understandingly felt a sense of loyalty was evidence of shortcomings in the restraints upon children made the to those schools. design and structure of the building. maintaining of discipline in schools Two factors, however, were of The immediate concern was the more difficult. On the other hand there considerable help to me. Firstly, Mrs landscaping. This had not been were some positive sides to this era. I Davies and Mrs Pitt brought with completed before the first children doubt whether some of the creative them two Infant classes which had were admitted. In wet weather, the talents shown by many of the children been housed in an annexe of St. green verges bordering the asphalt at Higher Folds would have Matthew’s church This meant that, playground were a sea of mud. In blossomed under the old authoritarian though the surroundings were new, spite of adult supervision, the mud regime. the young children were met by had a magnetic attraction for the familiar faces. The second positive children at playtimes and dinner Panic stations! factor was the temperament of Mr times. Unlike in the case of the Johnson, the Deputy Head (he later hippopotamus of Flanders and Swann The original staff appointed were: became a Head at Cadishead.) - he fame, wallowing in the mud did not

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cool the blood. On the one hand I had “Nothing but the best for Higher Evenings and the first of what was to parents complaining about the state of Folds” was his introduction. Some become an annual fixture, whereby the children’s shoes, and on the other years after, in a moment of rare parents played against children at hand I had caretakers complaining cynicism, I wrote the following poem. cricket and rounders. At such times about the mud in classrooms and hall. the vibrant atmosphere in the Drastic action was called for. NOTHING BUT THE BEST playground and on the playing fields At the end of playtime the duty made one feel that the school was The Chairman smiled teacher would blow the whistle. becoming part of the community. and swelled with pride Children would then cease their By now our fourth year group was as he viewed the parents gathered activities and walk to their allocated large enough for us to have a rugby inside. line in the playground. Each class team which could join the Leigh The Architect smiled teacher would then supervise their Schools Rugby League. I recall that and viewed with elation entry in single file - a great advantage our first victory was against his wondrous creation. when trying to solve the problem of Pennington, and that the scorer of the But the ravage of inflation the muddy shoes. I instituted a shoe first try was a well-built redhead led to much modification inspection. I would inspect each child called Peter France, who later went on and the building as it stands at the entrance to the classroom. to play rugby union with Tyldesley. is not quite as he had planned. Children with excessively muddy Peter was a quiet lad, but on the rugby The Education Officer smiled shoes would deposit their shoes field he steamrollered his way over and advised outside the classroom door in neat less well physically endowed ‘Don’t set your sights too high lines and collect them at home time. youngsters. I composed a calypso to good teachers are in short supply. However, this measure only had celebrate his first try. Just make the best of what you get. limited success. In the first nine Of course it often happened that We haven’t reached Utopia yet.’ months of the school’s life, four boys on the rugby field showed a caretakers resigned! The Headteacher smiled hitherto unseen side of their And had it filed. characters. One such boy, who did not Miss Dorothy Shepherd go on to play professionally, inspired Beginning of a music me to write this poem (this was later The school log book for the tradition broadcast on Radio 4 in a programme beginning of our first complete school called ‘Pen to Paper’). year contained the following entry: At Christmas 1965 we had our first Teacher says “Miss Dorothy Shepherd, carol service. We set the ‘tone’ for He’s rude, insolent, (Probationer), commenced.” what I hoped would be the Lazy, a perfect nuisance Dorothy was the first of many establishing of a music tradition in the A trouble maker. teachers who started their career at school. We had a small ‘ensemble’ Psychologist says Higher Folds. performing a ‘Christmas Suite’ . Our He’s retarded, aggressive, Unfortunately the log book for 27 own singers and recorder players were Shows signs February 1989 read: joined by two guests. We had Mr A B Of maternal deprivation. “It is with sadness we record the Pearson, Divisional Education Officer, Mother says death of Mrs. Dorothy Hayman.” playing the treble recorder and Miss Never does as he’s told, Dorothy was a talented, Jennifer Patterson, County Music Not at all unassuming teacher, who was Adviser, playing the violin. More than Like my other children. dedicated to teaching in general but to 100 parents attended. His pals say Higher Folds in particular. She was We now had 223 children on roll He’s tough especially gifted in producing, and and two Infant classes had to be A fast runner sometimes writing, dramatisations of accommodated full time in the hall. A smashing tackler. Bible stories. I often helped her with The hall was well equipped as a gym Please sir these, providing suitable recorded but could not now be used for that Can he be on our side? background music. We kept in touch purpose. An experienced teacher, Mrs after my retirement. I let her have Morris, was appointed to a graded A number of Higher Folds boys some recordings of these and other post in the Infant Department and, at went on to play professional rugby memories of happy occasions at the beginning of the new school year, with Leigh. I recall going to one match school. I know these sometimes gave we had two further appointments, at Hilton Park when Leigh were her enjoyment during her illness. Miss G Waind and Mrs V Wilkinson. playing Wigan. The Wigan team One of the most enjoyable events in included John Pendlebury and the Leigh team Darren Beazant and “Nothing but the best” this period was a visit to Manchester Opera House. 64 children, parents and Wayne Atherton. They all started their rugby at Higher Folds C.P. School. The official opening of the school teachers went to see the D’Oyle Carte production of ‘The Mikado’. Following Paul Hardman also played for Leigh at took place on 23 October. During the that time. Steve Davies, another ‘Old morning clean up to get things spick this the large windows in the linking corridor were filled with almost life Boy’, signed for Wigan as a teenager. and span the bulldozer was reversed Other boys, including John’s brother into one of the large glass windows in size paintings of several of the characters, as seen through the eyes Gary, went on to play amateur Rugby the linking corridor! Since League. proceedings were not to commence of Mrs Andrews. until 3.00 p.m. there was time for To be continued in the next repairs to be carried out! Success at rugby issue, when Glyn recalls more No one was prouder than the teething problems of the new Chairman of Managers, Charles Bratt. We also had successful Parents’ school in the late ‘60’s. 17

I'll tell you a tale HAVE you ever tried telling Sport was king someone under 40 that you grew up in a house without Sport was king to lads television? Once they’ve playing in the streets. Some stopped looking at you as if from that district became top you’ve sprouted a second flight rugby players, such as head, they will ask the Jonnie Lawrenson, Dick Green and Tommy Holland. After inevitable question - what Bolton won the famous 1923 did you do? Well you know ‘White Horse’ final, the game the answer of course. We was recreated, with a lad named talked and listened. Hotchkiss as the Bolton goalie Pym. Another boy (Aaron His tales live on Roby?) had a short leg and, if the tale is to be believed, played My dad Jack Cain needed no as a winger so he could prop his second bidding to talk of his short leg on the kerbstone. beloved Ince and Wigan. Give The Cain family at Francis Street, Ince 1926 Come summer the boys him the chance and you’d have played cricket at the foot of the better not wanted an early slag tip at the side of Hemfield night. Scraps of old paper and the Wigan’s ‘Black Diamonds’, you can Road. Makeshift stumps would be set backs of envelopes would serve to imagine the state he went home in. up on the narrow strip of grass and draw maps. The next day all the the game would get under way. Play boxes, crosses, lines and squiggles “You prize idiot” was interrupted many a time as an meant little, but the night before they ironworks locomotive would release had been railways, mills, tram tracks Belle Green school and mission its load of slag filled ladles. As these and forges as he created the world of church obviously served an important had often solidified to some degree his youth. The tales he told, well yes role in community life. Despite their they would roll down from the top of - maybe some were a bit on the tall physical toughness, many miners the tip high above the cricket match. side - but he could take you with him, were quite religious men . Living with The stumps would quickly be pulled back to the ‘20’s and ‘30’s. Here a the constant danger, as well as and the boys would flee. Sometimes miner with a blackened face, trudging possibly having survived service in the slag boulders would break open home after a long shift; there a the Great War, may have contributed and showers of sparks and red hot shrimp seller from Southport touring in some way. John Willie Heaton was slag would shower everywhere. the streets. There were kids kicking a one such and played the little church Many adventures were to be had rag ball while the sound of a trumpet organ. around the ironworks. One involved floated in and out of the terraced Some readers may recall the straddling a huge pipe that ran across rows. Pennington family, painters and the lodge of steaming water pumped Although my dad is no longer with decorators in Ince - Arthur, the father, from the great boilers. Another was us, his tales live on in my mind, and and sons Jack and Corny. Corny and wading in Hindley Hall golf club lake in sharing them with you maybe it my dad were pals but was Corny quite to find lost balls, all the while will stir some of your recollections. So so ‘head in the clouds’ as dad made believing in the huge pike that might imagine him on one side of a out? One day the teacher was telling bite your toes at any moment. Then crackling fire, me on the other and the the class how Deakins got the fruit for there was the delf between Kirkless cat curled up on the rug between us, their jams from the Vale of Evesham and Aspull, which in dad’s account whistling down her nose, and and Corny was called up to point to resembled Jurassic Park, or Conan twitching - dreaming of mice, while the area. He supposedly obliged by Doyle’s ‘lost world’. the old grandfather clock filled the pointing to the middle of the North Kickcap was a rather unkind game room with its heartbeat. Sea, to be sent back with the words of played when a new boy entered the Dad was born at the top of Belle the teacher ringing in his ears area. Each boy took turns to kick a Green Lane in Ince in 1915. The rows .....”You prize idiot Pennington”. folded cap as far as possible. When it of terraces built for the workers at Top The Pennington’s business was the new boy’s turn a stone or half Place iron and steelworks are gone, as activities were prone to mishap too. a brick was slipped inside. Many a are the works, most of the pubs and Once they set fire to a woman’s clog was broken and the poor the bowling greens, but if you can curtains with a blowlamp and ran unfortunate given a clip around the picture them, picture also a small boy down the street shouting “Eh missus ear on his return home for incurring holding the reins of the coalman’s tha curtins is aleet.” Mrs Pennington repair bills the family could ill afford. horse while the coalman delivers his was obviously a woman of principle Another of dad’s stories concerned sacks. For this assistance my dad was as my uncle, Teddy Cain (in his 100th a girl named Mary Nichols who had sat up on the horse and taken for a year) told me how she took an axe to had a brand new scooter, the envy of ride up the street. After this close Corny’s bike as he had kept my dad encounter with horse, coalman and waiting. Ô 18

all. Edward Atherton’s dad couldn’t hot molten iron as it was run into the Lancastrians gave best to Wiganers. abide his son being without, so he set pig beds and splashed up into his Towards the end of his life I about building one for Edward. The face. Scars from burns were almost a introduced him to a charismatic friend only trouble was that he built it with badge of office, it would seem. Then of mine and they got on like a house whatever he could find and it ended there was the hated manager, Big Daf on fire. Afterwards he said, “talking up looking and sounding like a tank. the Welshman, who lived in Kirk1ess to your pal was like being back in Ince The wheels were so wide it couldn’t Hall by the canal. He would see the with the people I grew up with.” The lean over, and so couldn’t go round children waiting with their fathers’ ultimate accolade. As they say, you corners; but Edward was dead proud drink and refuse to let the men take it. can take the boy out of Wigan but of it. When he took to the street on it, The Hill was on dad’s paper round you’ll not take Wigan out the boy. people rushed to their windows to see and the dark, unlit lane that ran past what was making the noise. it filled him with dread as a little lad. * * * * * As a child my dad was obviously a So he would hurry on to reach Back in issue 26, the Editor kindly great one for getting his way into sanctuary on Cale Lane as quickly as published photos of Ince Boys places. Next door to his home in possible. He used to recount how one Brigade at camp in the 1920’s. Francis Street lived the Holmes day a horse fell into the canal when it Fortunately some further shots have family, and they had a cat’s whisker slipped while pulling a loaded barge. come to light. The fun that the lads wireless set which they used to let Men were trying to secure it with had on these trips is evident and they him listen to under the headphones. ropes and pull it to safety. At other also illustrate the more simple Another port of call was the signal times people were forced to throw amusements of young lads in days box that controlled the level crossing fighting dogs into the canal to part gone by. Are any members still which took the Springs Branch them. Walking along the tow path about? railway across Belle Green Lane at the towards Top Look now, it is hard to Neil Cain Oak Tree pub. He would sit on a stool imagine the once constant noise and Northolt Middesex watching the signalman pull the activity of the place. The levers and keep warm in there on a famous ‘glow upon the winter’s day. If he couldn’t get in heavens’ caused when the there, there was a cloggers roughly furnaces were opened at night opposite where once again a small for loading is something that boy might scramble up on a some readers may have convenient stool. He always experienced when young. mentioned something that had made an impression on him as a lad - how Stopped two weeks the flags rang at a certain point near pay the cloggers. He wondered in later life if it had anything to do with the By the 1930s Jack Cain was workings of the industrious Bee apprenticed to the famous colliery underneath. Wigan engineers Walker Bros. Unusually Wigan RLFC were Came in at 33-1 playing a midweek daytime match, a cup replay I think. Together with another chap As I mentioned above, the Kirkless named Harry Cowser dad (Top Place) ironworks dominated that slipped away to watch the area, and the men who worked on the game. They were found out great furnaces could drink like fish and were duly hauled before due to the heat in which they worked. Major Walker who stopped The young children in each family them two weeks pay. The would deliver drink to their fathers shame of having to admit to come break time. The men loved a his mother that she wouldn’t Fun and games for the Brigade at Ansdell flutter on the horses and one day see any money from him for a near Lytham, 1931 encouraged dad to choose a horse. fortnight was something that His choice of one called ‘The Bug’ at was never forgotten. 33-1 didn’t meet with universal Even allowing for some delight but the men went with it - and embroidery over the years, it won. Thereafter they kept asking Jack’s memories, and those he grandad Cain, “When’s your little lad inherited from his father, coming up again?” serve to show what a hard but The ironworks was the source for vibrant world existed back many stories handed on from then. The war took him away grandad to my dad. Many of them from Wigan and, for nearly 60 were sad, and illustrative of the harsh years, he lived down south; working conditions either side of but somehow nothing quite World War I. The one that used to recaptured those colourful, give me a chill as a child was of the youthful days in Ince as far as man suffocated to death in a flue he was concerned. To him when the doors were shut by accident there were two kinds of whilst he was inside cleaning. There people -Lancastrians and Ince Boys’ Brigade at Rhyl, 1932 (Jack was a one eyed man blinded by red other folk - and even other Cain is 2nd from right) 19

HISTORY SHOP NEWS Exhibitions at the History Atherton Photographic Society Annual Show Shop 14 September - 1 October Atherton will presenting a cross section of members The Taylor Gallery work from their 2004-2005 competition entries, originally shown at their club premises. It includes a wide variety of subject matter in both in traditional and digital formats. Routes to Your Roots This serene picture of Derwentwater is by Sue Riley. 19 March - 20 August You still have time to catch this fascinating travelling exhibition from the National Coal Mining Museum for England, supplemented by local material, if you have not already done so. If you want to find out about your ancestors who worked in the coal mining industry, and how they lived their lives in the heart of the coal mining community. Then this is the exhibition for you. Using photographs, artefacts and documents from our collections, we explain the sources available, and how to use them. Younger visitors can use our special storyboards to learn how to become family and local history detectives, and play the ‘Back to Your Roots’ game.

A Feast of Photography! The Changing Face of Wigan The History Shop welcomes Wigan Borough’s two 15 October 2005 - 11 February 2006 distinguished local photographic societies for their Can you remember what Wigan looked like 20 years annual exhibitions. If you love photography, you must not ago? The town centre is currently undergoing miss either of them. redevelopment to build a grand new shopping centre. We have taken this opportunity to explore how and why Wigan Photographic Society Annual Wigan has changed over the years, and is still changing. Show Through old maps, documents, photographs and works 27 August - 10 September of art from our collections, we present the changing face of Wigan from the early 19th century to the present day. The members will be showing works that they have produced over the last twelve months. There will be over 400 images, both prints and slides. Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite picture. Last year, Next Year! you voted for this picture of a very appealing seal by Derek Swift. The Secret Life of Textiles 6 March - 27 May 2006 This exhibition takes a look at the fabulous wealth of design and textile history hidden away in pattern book collections throughout the NW. Produced with lottery funding, it features our own collections alongside those of Bolton Museum & Art Gallery, Macclesfield Museum, Liverpool John Moores University and Quarry Bank Mill, and will help you decode the secrets they hold. A catalogue of the collections will be on sale in our shop. Don’t know what a pattern book is? Come along and find out! Yvonne Webb Collections Development Manager Wigan Heritage Service 20

HISTORY SHOP NEWS Visitor Services Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Provide an efficient, friendly and customer focused service √ Wigan Heritage Service From our survey 96% of you rated our services good or excellent Offer a range of services, both educational and Customer Charter recreational, designed to meet the needs of all our visitors √ Last year, in Past Forward 37, we published our Last year the Heritage Service put on 33 educational or ‘customer charter’ to you. In it we made a commitment outreach based activities, from family friendly workshops of the sort of service to which we aspire and which you in the History Shop to guided walks and evening talks as our visitors deserve. Consult with existing and potential users and This commitment was split into three sections: partners for their views to help us improve our service √ Our surveys themselves generated 1,276 responses last year alone. That is not counting the visitor ‘Visitor Services’ comments in our books. o provide an efficient, friendly and customer focused Respond to your feedback and enquiries as speedily service as possible, and certainly within 10 working days √ o Our record for the year April 2004-March 2005 offer a range of services, both educational and was 96% answered within ten working days recreational, designed to meet the needs of all our visitors Collections o consult with existing and potential users and partners Ensure that all artefacts and archives within our for their views to help us improve our service trust are cared for to national standards √ o Wigan Heritage Service continues to be a registered respond to your feedback and enquiries as speedily as museum under the Museums Libraries and Archive possible, and certainly within 10 working days Council and an authorised repository for church records. Ensure that they will be made available for your ‘Collections’ enjoyment, inspiration and education, subject to o ensure that all artefacts and archives within our trust availability √ are cared for to national standards During the year the History Shop was open for o exhibitions and family history study for 299 days. ensure that they will be made available for your The Archive search room was available 139 days enjoyment, inspiration and education, subject to availability Facilities Ensure your safety by complying with all Health ‘Facilities’ & Safety policies and procedures √ o We have had 0 complaints ensure your safety by complying with all Health & Endeavour to make your visit a pleasant and Safety policies and procedures o comfortable experience by ensuring that our endeavour to make your visit a pleasant and facilities meet acceptable standards of quality comfortable experience by ensuring that our facilities and cleanliness √ meet acceptable standards of quality and cleanliness No really, we have had 0 complaints! o seek to provide reasonable physical access to our Seek to provide reasonable physical access outlets to our outlets √ The ground floor of the History Shop is fully accessible. One year on, we are happy to report back on these Comments on the accessibility of the History Shop first floor are being carefully collected and looked at; however commitments and tell you exactly how we have done. an alternative study area is provided. You will recall that the Charter published in Past The Archive search room is already served by a lift. Forward 37 was accompanied with a questionnaire. The results of this were fully published in the last issue of our We are keen to continually improve our service. The Heritage Service staff would welcome any comments, magazine. Also a survey of visitors to the History Shop compliments or complaints, which you may have. You was carried out last year, as was a survey of non-users can always contact us at: through the Citizens’ Panel. These are the main sources The History Shop, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU of the following data: Tel: 01942 828128 Email: [email protected] 21

Personal circumstances have prevented Gerald from continuing his series of local drawings, at least for the time being. However, I am delighted that he has allowed this series of drawings, completed in the late 1990's, to be reproduced here. Wigan Pier Many of Wigan's landmarks are included, but the

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drawings focus particularly on Wigan Pier. This, I first came across, and was immediately attracted to, think, is very apt at this time - exactly 20 years on the paintings of Gerald Rickards. Since then, it has from when it first opened, and when the Pier is now been a privilege to display his Charter Mural and undergoing a considerable change of focus and several exhibitions of his work in the History Shop, direction. as well as to have known him as a friend. On a personal note, it was 20 years ago when I Ed.

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Just One Day IT IS a holiday from school, to my mum and then come out”. Barley broth with summer holidays, Easter Putting the loaf on the kitchen dumplings holidays, it does not really table before she says anything, I matter; all that matters is that run out of the back door and off we I wonder what time it is, must be go, straight onto the black patch. It the sun is shinning and it is hot. nearly tea time. I’m hungry. “I’m is a black patch of dirt across the going for my tea, come for me when What a lovely day to pick the tar road from the Empress Mill. it’s dark and we’ll play hide and out from between the cobbles; Because it’s a hot day all the side seek.” Off I go round the back, all I need now are some lolly doors to the mill are open, so we go through the back gate and into our sticks. Found some, that didn’t across the road to watch all the mill yard, then climb on the coal bunker take long. Ferretti the ice cream workers; there are bars up, so we under the kitchen window and look man came round last night and push our faces through and smell through to see if my dad’s home from work; not yet. My mum opens my friends and I all got an ice the cotton, see the dust and watch all the women working, and the back door; “wash your hands, cream lolly dipped in chocolate. shouting loud above the noise of your tea is nearly ready.” It’s barley all the machinery, How do they broth with dumplings – lovely; it Treacle lollies know what each other is saying doesn’t matter it is cracking flags when they can’t hear? Magic. outside, home made apple pie for My friend is not coming out till afters, what more could you want? after dinner and I told her I would “Can I go in the front and watch be in the street making treacle Sixpenny ice lollies the telly now?” After about an hour lollies (ie tar wrapped round lolly of ‘Popeye meets the Goonies’ and sticks). Because the sun is hot the “Oi, you two, come here,” shouts ‘Robin Hood’, my friend knocks on tar is bubbling and shiny, just a lady from the next-door up from the door. “I’m going out”, I shout to right. Pick a nice spot slap, bang in the one we are looking through. my mum, “only at the front”. My the middle of the road where the “Wonder what she wants us for?” friend and I see how many buttons car wheels don’t touch (not that As we run up, she is taking her we have on our dresses and count, any cars come down our street) purse out of her crossover “lady, baby, gypsy, queen, elephant, and start rolling. The secret is not pinafore, her arm comes through monkey, tangerine.” Wherever your too much tar, because it’s hot if you the bars and in my hand she puts finger stops that is what you are. put too much on, it all drops off. 2s.6d. “Go to Woodcocks at the That’s it, six treacle lollies all in a top, and get four sixpenny ice What a belting day! row, put them in the shade and lollies, get you and your friend a they go hard again. 3d. lolly each, and hurry up before Some more friends are out by “KATHLEEN!” “Oops, that’s my they melt.” Off we run, exciting now, there are about six of us. We mum shouting. As I get up to see stuff this, getting lollies for the play hide and seek just across from what she wants, my knees, socks women in the mill. Stop at the our house. I run round the back of and hands are covered in sticky kerb, run across the road straight our house, in the back way, through black tar; never mind, my mum into Woodcocks. “Six ice lollies the kitchen, through the front, look through the front window, and will put some butter on and wash it please, 4 sixpenny, and 2 when my friend has gone to find us, off. My mum wants me to go to threepenny ones, she puts them all out through the front door I run, Margaret’s shop, just round the in a paper bag, but before we have and am home without being found. corner from our house. She wants crossed the road out come our After half a dozen times doing this, lollies, and by the time we have a loaf, so off I go; she said I can my dad shouts, “the next time you run down Anderton Street, our have 3d. for some toffee. come in, you stop in”. I had better lollies have nearly gone. The lady “A large loaf please, Margaret, find another place to hide, I do, but for my mum”. “One shilling and 3 is waiting for us, and takes the I have to have one more go at halfpennies” says Margaret as she paper bag off us. “Thanks love”, running through the house. “That’s wraps the large un-sliced loaf in she said, and back into the mist of it, stop in.” “Can I tell my friends I tissue paper and twists the corners. cotton she went. will see them tomorrow?” I open the “How clever”. I save the 3d. for “Now what shall we do? I know, front door and shout, “my dad says later. let’s follow somebody”. We go to I have to stop in now; see you Outside the shop, off comes the sit on the Labour Club steps and tomorrow.” Another ten minutes tissue paper and, before I get wait till somebody comes past, and everybody goes home. home, all four corners of the loaf then get up and follow them. That I grab a comic, go upstairs to has been eaten. Put the tissue doesn’t last long, because as soon read, and think what a belting day it paper back, mum’ll never know. as they know you are following was. But that was just one day, Just then, my friend shouts me; she them they turn round and call you there are loads left! has had her dinner and has come cheeky beggars. Better stop it Kath Meadwell out to play. “I’ll just take this loaf before they tell our mums. Ince Nr Wigan 24

50 Years of Football in Ashton-in-Makerfield ASHTON Town Football Club, first squad of players to join the Warrington Amateur persistence was rewarded based in Ashton-in- represent Makerfield Mill F.C. League, and as the member when the Council sanctioned Makerfield, is looking The club’s first two clubs had been impressed by the use of Whithill Street forward to one of the most seasons in the Wigan Sunday the team’s recent Recreation Ground in Bryn exciting periods in its 52 year School League were performances, were as a temporary home. There history. disastrous from a playing accepted straight away. After were no changing rooms at The future looks bright for point of view, and meant that an inaugural season of the new venue, but by the club in more ways than Mick had to change his consolidation, the club won securing the use of St Peter’s one, with floodlights being original plan of playing only the Warrington League First Church Hall and later Bath installed at their Edge Green mill employees in the team. Division Championship Springs Hotel for changing Street ground over the Mick successfully gained trophy for the first time at the purposes, the club managed summer. This latest permission from the Mill to end of the 1959-60 season. to meet the standards development opens up a new bring in four non-employees, The standard was required by the League to era in the club’s existence and set about planning for maintained the following remain in existence. and provides a fascinating the next phase of the club’s season, when the contrast to the early days of development. championship was retained, Ashton Town FC its existence when it began The club then joined the along with the Depot Cup life as Makerfield Mill FC and St Helens Combination for and the Wigan Cup. At this point, with no links its driving force was a man the start of the 1955-56 of any description now who worked at a local textile season, and after a season Move to Bryn remaining with the Mill, the mill. of consolidation brought club changed its name to about an improvement in The 1961-62 season Ashton Town FC, and began Makerfield Mill FC fortunes, Mick decided to proved to be a notable one in the 1962-63 season under extend the experiment of the club’s history, although the new name at their new Makerfield Mill, located in bringing in outsiders to play this was due more to events home. A change of name Windsor Road in Ashton-in- for the club. He also enlisted off the park than on it. and base did little to alter the Makerfield, was one of the help of two other men to During the course of the club’s run of success. They Lancashire’s leading textile assist in the running of the season the club’s committee dominated the Warrington mills in the 1950’s. The mill club – Joe Glaze and Arthur became aware of a major League for the next three itself was known locally as Jones - and the three men threat to the club. The Mill seasons, winning the First the ‘Weaving Shed’, and at were to be the driving force management informed the Division Championship in the height of Lancashire behind the club for the next committee that they would 1962-63, 1963-64 and 1964- textile industry several few years. not allow the playing area to 65, with the triple crown of hundred people were be used for outsiders to play Warrington League honours– employed there. In 1953 Outstanding Seasons football on after the end of the Dodds Shield (a cup one of the workforce, Derek the 1961-62 season. The competition for Division One (Mick) Mycock, decided to An outstanding campaign club’s immediate response clubs), the Depot Cup and form a works football team in the 1956-57 season saw was to offer to take over any the Warrington Guardian Cup comprised entirely of mill the club win the Liverpool financial responsibility for - also being captured during employees, to offer local County F.A. Shield (the first the costs of maintaining the a memorable 1963-64 men the chance to play in club from the Wigan area to ground, but this offer was season. organised football matches. do so since 1932-33), the St rejected outright by the Mill’s By this time the club had He approached the mill’s Helens Hospital Cup, the management. The reasons a very strong and active management with the idea, Rainford Pottery Cup and the for this soon became committee, and Mick and permission was granted Tom Worrell Cup, while in the apparent, when it was Mycock was still very actively for a piece of land adjacent league they were St Helens announced that a local involved. In the early part of to the works in Windsor Road Combination Division Two construction company, 1964 Mick discovered that to be used as the site for the Runners Up. Smith Brothers, had the old Stubshaw Cross football club’s ground. Once The club enjoyed another purchased the land for Rovers’ ground at Edge his application for outstanding season in 1957- building new houses. Green Street in Ashton–in- membership of the Wigan 58, winning the St Helens The committee was Makerfield was available for Sunday School League for Combination Division Two therefore forced to look at sale, and it was duly the start of the 1953-54 and dominating local cup alternatives, and having purchased in time for the season had been accepted, competitions. At the end of appealed to the local Council Mick set about forming the the season they applied to for assistance, their Continued on page 26 25

THE RETURN The day is hot and cloudless and Blackpool, watching the teenagers, and made sand pies with colourful filled with summer dreams of wearing kiss-me- quick hats and tin buckets and spades. Mams long ago – it is time to go back. throwing darts at playing cards to queued at little kiosks advertising One magical day last spring, I win cloth dolls with pointed heads “jugs of tea to take on the sands”, had a strange but wonderful and painted faces. They would whilst dads sat in deckchairs glimpse into the past, and saw scramble onto the rattling old reading “Billy’s Weekly Liar” and again the little girl I used to be. ‘Caterpillar’, the girls screaming as anticipating a Double Diamond I vowed I would return, and the green cover enveloped them in Beer later on. We had our tea in a today I walk hopefully through a strange underwater-like gloom, back street café – “fish and chips, the golden afternoon to my and a sudden deliberate rush of tea, bread and butter 2/6d” – then childhood haunts, but she is not wind blew flared skirts high over bought little heart-shaped brooches here. nylon stockings. Then it was on to with our name on, before a the helter skelter, where skirts blew magnificent steam train brought us On the beach up again as the screaming girls back to this once bustling station, shot down the corkscrew slide on which now slumbers in the Where would she be on a day little mats. They landed in a sunshine, with only birdsong to like this? The seaside, perhaps? I giggling, tangled heap in a huge break the silence. I walk away and wander down to Ince station, which wooden bowl, under the fixed leave it to its dreams. lies still and silent in the heat, and smiles of the rather dated cut-out The heat is intense now and I sit long gone are the old ticket office figures of 1950’s ladies which for a while and close my eyes; and waiting room, blackened by adorned the surrounding walls. when I open them, romper suited years of smoke. A weeks holiday We younger ones played on the babies are being wheeled by in was out of the question, but we had beach, wearing bubbly swimming coach-built Silver Cross prams with the odd afternoon at Southport or costumes. We ate Pablo’s ice cream Ô

for the first time. The ground improvements of With facilities upgraded, 2005 herald the dawn of a 50 Years of the committee decided that new era for Ashton Town FC, PLEA FROM it was time to move to a as these will bring the THE EDITOR Football in higher standard of football. ground up to required league Ashton-in- Ashton Town’s application for grading standards, and I greatly value all membership of the enable Ashton Town to contributions to Past Makerfield Lancashire Football compete in national Forward, and if you ––––– Combination at the end of competitions such as the FA don’t have access to a Continued from page 25 season 1970-71 was Cup. It is a far cry from 50 computer, don’t let that successful, and after four years ago when the team put you off sending me years in the Cheshire League had to play on a piece of land your article - preferably start of the 1964-65 season. between 1978 and 1982, next to a mill, but the basic typed, but again, if you Through hard work and reorganization of the leagues principle remains the same. can only manage fund raising, the club spent in the North West saw the Ashton Town FC is able to handwritten, that’s fine. nearly £10,000 on club join the semi- offer local footballers the Best by far are developing the ground, the professional North West opportunity to play electronic contributions, majority of the expenditure Counties League in 1982, in competitive football, and ie by Email being used to build modern which it has competed ever gives local people the ([email protected]), or fully equipped dressing since. chance to get involved with a on CD ROM or floppy rooms and a club room with community based disc together with hard fully licensed bar, which was Mick’s Legacy organisation - just as Mick copy printouts. And it officially opened in March Mycock intended when he would help the 1969 by Roger Hunt, the Sadly Mick Mycock died in started up a works football production team and Liverpool and England 1987, but his legacy to the team back in 1953. myself even more if player. Around the same club and the town was to Ian Templeman articles were double line time a covered enclosure leave behind a committed Press Officer spaced with one inch was built on the far side of band of volunteers who have Ashton Town FC (25mm) margins and a the ground, providing continued to work for the Tel: 07759 680526 word count included. spectators with some club with equal enthusiasm Email: Many thanks. Ed. protection from the weather through to the present day. [email protected] 26

fringed sun shades, their chattering wearing their best clothes and Not yet – not whilst there are still young mums sporting crisp carrying bunches of flowers. “Hit’s bluebells to pick and trees to climb. summer dresses, peep-toe sandals very naice to see you”, she would “I-RENE!” suddenly calls a voice and Twink home perms. And then greet them, “hisn’t it warm?” Then, I love, and my heart skips a beat. I I see the girl. She’s looking in the in a whispered aside to my mam, start to run joyfully towards it, but window of the corner shop, and she “E’s pots – fer – rags, yon mon!” come to a sudden stop, because it is carrying my doll, Suzy, who I One blustery day of April showers, isn’t for me, is it? – it is for her, used to push along in my Triang following a life of hardship and and, just for a split second, I envy dolls pram, after tucking her in mental cruelty from an evil her…. Run, little girl – run through cosily with beautifully crocheted husband, she paid another visit to the summer days: enjoy every covers made by Aunty Mary’s that cemetery – one from which she precious moment of your clever hand. Suzy was so beautiful never returned. But she lives on in childhood, for all too soon, its and much loved, and when you the sound of her laughter, for he magic will be gone. But remember turned her over, she said “Mama”. couldn’t break her spirit, nor her it all, and one day you will tell irrepressible sense of humour. But others of your memories, and they ‘Last orders’ why oh why did she and others like too will recall their own, and you her put up with it? Perhaps, in will smile together. “I-RENE!” The shop bell tinkles and Suzy is those days, there was simply calls that beloved voice once more, carried proudly in after much nowhere to turn. growing anxious now, and I motion deliberation over Penny Arrows, The girl has walked up to Ince for her to go. But she takes a step Cherry Lips and Lucky Bags, but I Park, and she strolls along with towards me, and her eyes ask, “will am not surprised to see that an ice Suzy, blowing a dandelion clock to it REALLY be alright?” My head cold 4d. Jubbly is the choice on this ‘tell the time’. In years to come, nods, “yes it will – don’t worry”, summers day. Across the road, the there will be a skateboard area in and we smile, and all is right in her smell of beer wafts from the open the far corner, but today the swings little world. Go on now, love – your pub doorway. Beer seemed to smell are still there, and I think of Elsie, mam is waiting. Goodbye. much stronger when I was a child, a woman who remained a child and Irene Roberts and perhaps it was, for off-key used to stand on the swing seat, Abram Nr Wigan renditions of “Nelly Dean” and pushing herself so high that we “Honley a rose hi give yooooo!” held our breath for fear she would occasionally floated across to our go over the top bar, but she never In Praise of 'Past Forward' house! My mam and dad often did. They call it ‘Past Forward’ enjoyed the ‘last hour’ across in the Where did they get that name? pub’s ‘singing room’ - in those “It’s gerrin dark!” I’m always waiting for it to come out days any unruly behaviour or bad No sex, in fact it’s quite tame. language would be nipped sharply As the sun starts to go down, the Many people think it’s wonderful in the bud by the landlord, and girl turns for home. Down the back They come from near and far neighbours could relax over a entries, mothers begin to call their All about what happened here Magee’s Oatmeal Stout and a chat children in from play, their voices There’s nothing on a par. around the piano. ‘Last orders’ raising an octave on the last was announced at 10.30pm by the syllable “Su-SAN!”, “Kath-LEEN!”, Stories, rhymes, they’re all there pub lights being ‘blinked’, and dad “come on in now – it’s gerrin dark!” From the town and round about would come home and put a bottle It’s a sound you don’t seem to hear Ince, Platt Bridge and such like Never nought about ‘out! of pop and a bag of crisps these days, isn’t it? The girl slows containing a little blue salt-bag down as the television news filters You’ll learn a lot about the area “on’t t’cornish” (mantelpiece - now through an open doorway, then What went on long ago there’s an expression you never walks on head bowed. At the And there was always something hear now!) for me. entrance to our row she turns going on towards me and there is fear in her And what’s not written we may Walk to the cemetery eyes…. where is Cuba? What is a never know. missile? What does it mean? She Near Standish they planned an On sunny Sunday afternoons, a doesn’t understand, but she knows airport! popular outing for many people the grown-ups are worried, and she Was King Arthur seen at Boars was a walk to the cemetery – senses the tension in the air as the Head? honest! Mam and Aunty Mary world holds its breath. Oh, how I Did Gracie come to Wigan? would walk in front, gossiping, and long to reach out and tell her that it I don’t know, that’s what they said. my friend Christine and I would won’t happen – that she will grow So don’t forget ‘Past Forward’ dawdle along behind, singing the up safe and sound. I want her to It’s such a good paper to read latest songs – can you imagine know that she has a son and a There’s plenty of topics to interest children looking forward to that daughter, who played ‘shops’ in the you today? Aunty Mary always put on backyard, and who have made her And a very good read indeed. her Sunday voice during cemetery so very, very happy. But she won’t Bob Heaviside strolls, as we bumped into people be able to comprehend, will she? Standish Nr Wigan 27

The Scots are Coming! THE map right, drawn by Valentine of Chowbent some 100 years after the R. Evans (2) events, is a recreation of “During the rebellion of the scene as it was on 13 1715 Mr Woods at that December 1715 (1). The time minister of the evidence provided in this chapel by virtue of a account describes how commission under the men from Atherton were hand of General Wills in the militia groups marched to Preston at the stationed on the south head of about 80 of his bank of the River Ribble. bearers armed with From there they could implements of husbandry, look northwards towards in support of the present a blanket of smoke government. By the produced by the flames generals orders he took a rising from the burning post upon the south side buildings of Preston. From of the Ribble for the across the river they could defence of the ford which hear the heavy thud of leads from Penwortham to cannon fire together with Preston. His situation did sharper crackle of musket fire. Two government armies not allow him to take part in the victory which were engaged in battle with an army from Scotland immediately succeeded, but he is said to have sworn which had invaded England with the intention of placing (which he constantly denied) that he would run through James Edward Stuart on the throne of England. the first man who betrayed any sign of timidity.” Since 1688, when his father, James 11, had been deposed Parliament had passed laws to ensure that This contingent had come in response to an appeal for throne could only be occupied by a Protestant. As a armed volunteers sent by General Willis and Sir Henry result, following the death of Queen Anne in the Houghton, commanders of the Government forces, to Mr previous year, Parliament invited her closest Protestant Woods minister of the chapel in Atherton.(3) relative, George, the Elector of Hanover, to succeed her. Scottish supporters of the Stuarts viewed this as an “To the Rev. Mr Woods in Chowbent for his Majesties opportunity for the family to reclaim the throne, Service believing that there would be little support in England for Charles Wills foreigner who could speak no English. The officers here design to march at the break of the day for Preston, they have devised me to raise what men Rev Woods of I can to meet us at Preston tomorrow, so desire you to Chowbent Chapel raise all the force you can, I mean lusty young fellows to draw up on Cuerden Green, to be there by 10 o’clock, to The inhabitants of Atherton were independently bring with them what arms they have fitt for service, minded in both a religious and political sense. They and scythes put in straight polls, and such as have not were Puritans and dissenters who wished to preserve to bring spades and billhooks for pioneering with. Pray the right to follow their individual religious beliefs. They go immediately all amongst your neighbours and give rejected the Stuart claim of absolute power for the ruler this notice. and feared that if they did regain power Catholism I am your very faithful servant would be reintroduced as the nation’s religion. For this Wigan 11th Nov. 1715 H Houghton” reason both official county militia forces as well as what appear to have been volunteers were encamped on the Constables Accounts banks of the Ribble to oppose this threat from Scotland. There they had been entrusted with the task of The second source consists of first hand evidence from preventing any of the rebel troops escaping across the the annual account sheets compiled by the Constables of river to seek sanctuary amongst the Catholic supporters Atherton, part of the Township Records now in Wigan in the West of the county. Archives in Leigh Town Hall. One of the Constable’s There are two principal sources of evidence responsibilities was the maintenance of a local concerning the involvement of Atherton townspeople in contribution to the County militia, a force that could be this action. One, found in many general historical mobilised in a national emergency. The records suggest writings about Atherton, is based on a series of notes that in normal times this duty did not occupy much of a written in the latter part of the 18th century by Dorning Constable’s time or required him to make many Rasbotham using information provided by Peter Ô 28

payments from his budget. Two sums were spent to When news of the government victory reached maintain an area in Atherton where shooting skills could Atherton fuel was bought for a celebration bonfire. be practised. One assumes by this date it was for muskets rather than archery. At the end of the 17th century Rowland Houghton’s accounts include: During this period wives and children often accompanied the armies and the Constable was “Paid for Repairing the obliged to find somewhere for them to live: Shooting butts —— £00:1s: 00d”

Further repair work was done in 1707/08 when both Constables paid 1s. each towards their repair: Troops remained in the region for some months afterwards and the Constables paid charges for the “pd for Repairing yr Shutting Butts movement of prisoners to Warrington and Lancaster. my part ————- £0 -1s –0d”: In 1705 the Constable made payments to ensure that the town’s weapons were kept in good condition.

There had been casualties in the fighting and payments were made to those who had been wounded For most of the first half of the 18th century or needed transport out of the district. Constables were appointed for the Upper and Lower sides of the township and each produced an individual account running from October to October. The threat and increased burden of work in this period of crisis is probably why combined accounts were produced for 1715/16 and 1716/17, and it is these accounts which, One payment at the head of the account sheet may while not providing a narrative account, do allow one to indicates that the number of official militia follow the sequence of events in late 1715. participants in the action was five – each paid £1 6s 4d.

In the following year, 1716/17, the accounts Local people must have become aware of the threat in submitted by Henry Helliwell and Robert Kearsley late October when money was spent at Thomas Hatton’s, show that there were still expenses to be paid possibly no doubt to discuss the role of the militia which was to ensure that the militia was properly equipped for being assembled initially at Newton, a strategic point on any similar threat. One of the Constables made three the main road north. journeys to Wigan in connection with the militia weapons and a musket was also purchased.

By 8 November it would appear that the militia was based in Wigan and here their equipment was being checked and where necessary repaired. There were still casualties who required help. Two wounded soldiers were given money while one who was too sick to ride was given lodgings and then taken to Leigh.

On the 13th , the day of the battle, they went to Preston and further improvements were made to their equipment. There is no indication that they were involved in the actual fighting and as previously quoted Involvement in this action resulted in a much- sources suggest they were members of the militia increased charge to the township. The accounts record detachments guarding the ford across the Ribble. a total spend of £25 07s 00d in 1715/16 and £10 14s 06d in 1716/17, compared with £7 03s 051/2d in 1713/14.

Continued on page 30 29

Payments in John Baxter’s accounts are not dated but show that during this period he paid similar sums for The Scots are Coming! weapons and equipment. Jonathan Johnson’s signed receipt for “Malicia arms and Other Repairs”which John ––––– paid still survives. Continued from page 29

The ‘45 - The Second Jacobite Rebellion Thirty years later, on 28 November 1745, the townspeople of Atherton were aware of the presence of another invading army from Scotland marching along what is now the A6 and passing across Four Lane Ends towards Manchester. On this occasion the Jacobite army led in person by Charles Edward Stuart, “Bonnie Prince Charlie”, the son of James Edward, penetrated as far south as Derby. Here, discouraged by the lack of any significant support in England, the decision was made to return to Scotland and they retreated along the A49 through Warrington and Wigan. As they passed southwards a letter preserved in a collection of manuscripts describes how they entered local townships and there requisitioned quarters for the night. (4)

He appears to have had to make a number of journeys to in order to obtain these weapons and had to claim expenses particularly for the time spent at Wigan. On this occasion there was no attempt to resist the advance through Lancashire but the 1745/46 accounts of both John Morley for the Lower Side and John Baxter for the Higher Side make it clear that before the invading army reached Lancashire preparations were being made to prepare the militia to resist the threat. John Baxter’s payments are undated but those of John Morley with items dated 12 November show a number of payments Following the return to Scotland, pursued by made to prepare the militia prior to the arrival of the government forces, the Jacobite army was finally routed rebel forces. at Culloden and Charles fled back to the Continent. John Baxter’s account for 1745/46 includes a payment made for bonfire celebrations in Atherton on 28 April which no doubt was in response to the arrival of news of the Government victory over a week earlier on 16 April .

But by 28/29 November the invaders had reached this PRIMARY SOURCE REFERENCES area and as there were no government forces in the The extracts which are quoted in this account are from the region, it would have been unreasonable to expect the Atherton Township Records held by Wigan Archives militia alone to have attempted any resistance. Local Service as follows: people were in no position to prevent their homes being used for overnight accommodation. Another item in the Constable Accounts TR -Ath/D account is John Morley’s claim for expenses travelling to 1692-1720 /1/1 and 1732-1749 /1/3 Manchester suggesting that limited, though no doubt Constable Accounts Vouchers for Accounts -TR Ath/D reluctant, co-operation had to be given to the invaders 1745 – 1779 /1 /115 who were clearly regarded as rebels. The writer acknowledges the valuable help given by Alan Davies, Wigan Heritage Service’s Archivist in Leigh Town Hall, in making the records available for study. 30

Wartime in Wigan WHEN the dangers of persons requested to invasion came with the fall Continuing his series on ‘Wartime in produce them had to do so of France in the summer of Wigan’, James Fairhurst looks at the within 48 hours. Two 1940, there was a call for dark days of the early 1940’s. defendants who gave false men to join the Local names and addresses were Defence Volunteers, as fined £3 and £2 on each they were first known. The All cotton mills eventually officers who had joined the charge (this at a time when name was changed by closed and were turned forces, and there was the average wage was Winston Churchill to over to war work. another body called the between £3 and £4 per ‘Home Guard’, after the On Sunday 9 June 1940, Police War Reserves. week). Attendance initials LDV were the bells of Wigan parish Women were committees were formed interpreted as ‘Look, Duck church fell silent. In future, incorporated into the and persistent absentees and Vanish’. Many who they would only be rung as National Fire Service in fined; one 22 year old had served in the 1914-18 a local alarm signal for any Wigan. Originally, 20 were miner who had a summons war joined at once, ready, form of enemy attack, trained and a further 22 for failing to work regularly in the Prime Minister’s whether seaborne or recruited. Training was a was sentenced to six weeks words, “to defend our airborne. It was not to be a two weeks course in all imprisonment - he had island whatever the cost”. general warning of departments of fire- been absent 41 times in six The Wigan headquarters invasion - purely a local fighting, much of which months! for the Home Guard was signal that troops were in as carried out at the And throughout these the Drill Hall. Public the immediate neigh- Presbyterian school, difficult years, sport carried buildings were sandbagged bourhood or approaching. Harrogate Street. on - Wigan Rugby League and cellars used as air-raid Milestones and National Identity Cards Club, for example, fulfilled shelters until better signposts were removed, had been issued in all its fixtures every shelters could be con- names of railway stations September 1939, and season. structed. Many residents were taken down and began to build shelters in names of towns were their gardens. Gas masks obliterated from all were issued and most buildings and vehicles. (It people carried them at first; has to be said, however, indeed, for a time it was that these measures, taken impossible to enter a to confuse an invading football ground without force, confused the troops carrying a gas mask. moving about the country However, the practice fell even more!) into disuse long before the Older men joined the end of the year. Cinemas Special Constabulary and closed and then re-opened patrolled the streets at with a closing time of night in all kinds of 10.00 pm. Traffic signals weather. Many police had shields with small pensioners were recalled to apertures put over them. take the place of police HIRE OF MEETING ROOM The History Shop has a Meeting Room, with a capacity for 36. This is available for hire by local groups and societies at a very reasonable cost: SOCIETY RATE £8.75 PER MORNING/ AFTERNOON SESSION £13.40 PER EVENING SESSION COMMERCIAL RATE £21.65 PER MORNING/AFTERNOON/EVENING SESSION If you are interested, contact Philip Butler Tel (01942) 828128

31

What Happened to the Prizes? Probably not many will drivers who were remember - I was only six at the having their first time - the event in aid of the experience of trials, but Mayor’s Cot Fund, on 23 some well known September 1933. It was to be a competitors were also timed motor reliability trial, taking part. The first car from Market Square Wigan to was away at 1.30 Rivington Pike and back. The prompt. The race, starter was to be none other controlled by the RAC, than the world famous Gracie was approximately 97 miles, but cars were Fields. There were Baby never more than 15 Austins, Rileys, Fords, miles from the centre of Standards, Lagondas and even Wigan. There were six a Buick, for it was to be a very time checks, including Trouble on Howitt Hill important day for the motoring two secret ones at Euxton fraternity. and Belmont. Three non stop presume are still around sections were observed during the somewhere, were quite something. Gracie arrives trials - Rivington four miles, and The premier award, presented by Howitt Hill and Stone Cottage both the Motor Traders of Wigan and The Market Square was decked one and a half miles. District and won by Mr L R Hough out with banners and (no 17 Riley), was a beautiful gold advertisements of every kind; there Course was too easy! bowl, 10 inches in diameter, with were stalls and, of course, the three hand carved dragons perched famous Mr. Michelin just as big as It was at Howitt Hill, or Quarry around the bowl. The premier you like, bobbing about in the Bank as it was popularly called, award in class 3, presented by breeze. Wigan was bathed in where there was most trouble. Messrs. Peter Walker, was a silver sunshine as the starter, none other There were minor accidents here, cup 10 inches high, surmounted by than the world famous Gracie and many of the competitors a winged wheel on the lid. All these Fields, eventually arrived - she was received assistance; fortunately, prizes were supplied by Bakers late because of the ‘traffic’ (even in however, no serious accidents were Jewel Casket of Wigan. 1933!). She commented, “It’s reported. The first driver out had to always been snowing or raining retire - he had the ill luck to disturb Regrets when I’ve been here before.” She a large stone which punctured his judged all the vehicles, from the petrol tank. Another competitor I will close with three regrets. baby Austins to the sleek Lagonda. from Southport, in a Wolseley Firstly, despite the comment made Most of the competitors were local sports, had to retire with a broken by a reporter that he wouldn’t be track rod end. surprised if this became a yearly But 88 of the event, it would seem that this did 101 competitors not in fact happen. Secondly, I am who started unable to show the course on a map managed to of the area (I have written to the finish the R.A.C but unfortunately they cannot course, the last help me). Finally, the big question, arriving back at whatever happened to all the prizes? 7.15p.m. Some I have been in touch with various even complained people of my age, and they don’t afterwards about even remember the event! how easy the course was! You may wonder how I know about the event. The reason is that my uncle was driving Dr. Whitehead’s Austin and they won 1st prize in A bouquet for the star class 3. The Bob Heaviside prizes, which I Standish Nr Wigan 32

WIGAN AND THE ARRAS TUNNELS

GEORGE Ogden, my enrolled as Sapper No supply tunnellers for the job signposts to be a guide greatgrandfather, was born 21418 in the Second of extending these ancient through the labyrinth of on 24 March 1865 in Stone Reinforcements of the New tunnels under ‘No Mans shafts. Some plaques are Clough, Kearsley, Zealand Engineers Land’ and behind the still visible today with the Lancashire, the son of Tunnelling Company. After Germans, ultimately for opening of the tunnels. Jonathon Ogden and Mary training, he sailed for troops to break through to Galleries such as Glasgow, Lee. They were a coal France in June 1916 and the surface and attack them London, Manchester and mining family who moved was posted to the Company from behind. Thousands of Liverpool were settled and around Lancashire for on 15 November 1916. That soldiers would shelter in the claimed by ex UK soldiers. work, with George he was engaged with a system of caverns as Within the maze of tunnels eventually settling in Wigan tunnelling Company was German shells screamed would be kitchens and where he married Mary Ann always a mystery to me down. 15,000 assault men sleeping quarters, as well Atherton (nee Pilkington) until, in 2000, there were moved into position to fight, as a hospital and of Wigan in 1884 at Holy some newspaper ar--ticles through the tunnels of ammunition dumps. Trinity Church, Ashton-in- about a series of World War Arras. They were 100ft. Makerfield. In the 1901 1 tunnels which had been below ground, in appalling In Memoriam census the family were discovered under Arras in conditions of 80% humidity living at 4 Gravel Hill, Little France. They were to be re- as they waited for the Battle Testimony to the fighting Hulton with children, opened and restored. of Arras. is recorded on the Arras Elizabeth, aged 15, a cotton In books on the NZ Memorial to the thousands framer, George, 10 and Old caverns Tunnelling Company, it is of UK, NZ and other Allies Albert, 8. All were born in written that the New who died. In Arras, a museum has been opened Wigan. When their Arras is a small Zealanders, working in to display the war artefacts daughter Hilda was born in picturesque city in the North shifts around the clock, found in the tunnels, and 1903, they were living at 33 of France; it was the scene would dig a tunnel to you can join tours to parts First Avenue, Hindley. of close contact fighting extend eventually eight between the British and the miles long. A major of the tunnels to observe Sapper No 21418 Germans, and later tens of operations room would be names and badges carved thousands of troops were dug every hundred metres into the limestone walls. George was nearly 50 George immigrated to involved in the Battle of or so, and these were when he enlisted; he had New Zealand in 1905 and Arras from 9 April to 16 named after places dear to never practiced as a miner the rest of the family May 1917. The battles their hearts - they recorded raged above a series of their home cities such as since leaving Wigan, so he followed in 1906, including must have found the work caverns left when chalk and Auckland, New Plymouth, my grandmother Elizabeth in the tunnels very hard. later limestone had been Wellington, Nelson, (Lizzie), who was born in His war record states he mined since the 10th Blenheim, Christchurch, 1886 in Platt Bridge, was invalided back to New century. The story emerged Dunedin and our Wigan. George’s World War Zealand in July 1917 and that in 1915 the Allies had 1 war record records that he southernmost town, Bluff. died in Auckland Military requested that New Zealand was a miner and was These names were used as Hospital on 23 September 1919, aged 54. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. On his grave is a marker from the New Zealand Returned Servicemens Association; the headstone also records his wife, Mary Ann, who died aged 59 in 1924. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Ogden, my grandmother, never lost her Lancashire accent. She married John Wallett in 1910, and they made only one journey back to Wigan, in 1939 when she visited an aunt and cousins. On the voyage home they were left stranded in Bombay when their boat, the P&O Maloja, was taken over for a hospital ship - World War II had just been declared. But that’s another story………. Noeleen Sutton Wedding of George Ogden’s daughter Elizabeth to John Wallett, 1910. George is seated Auckland at far right, beside his son Albert. Daughter Hilda is the flowergirl on the floor. New Zealand 33

Fond Memories of the Ritz SADLY, the Ritz in Wigan has recently been demolished, as part of the new town centre development. Here are two very different responses - Fred Darbyshire remembers it back in the ‘40’s, while Caroline Chadwick’s memories are much more recent. The demolition of the Ritz Cinema prompted me to look back through my old programmes. Even although it is sad to see the Ritz disappear, these old programmes brought back some wonderful memories of the ‘40’s. Sunday 1 April 1945 EDDIE KISTLER and his SWINGTIPS, the dance orchestra of the US Army Air Force. What a night that was! Sunday 15 April 1945 another BBC man, PAUL FENNELL, I don’t even remember the ‘60’s when THE NAT ALLEN BROADCASTING with star singer DENNY DENNIS, the Beatles came (for the record I’m BAND who sang with the great Tommy only 29) - but I absolutely fell in love Dorsey after the war. I also with the place in the mid ‘80’s, going Sunday 17 November 1946 remember SID MILLWARD and his there on a Saturday afternoon and in THE SQUADRONAIRES, directed NITWITS; the funny little bald the school holidays to watch all my by star vocalist JIMMY MILLAR, on headed man in the band later shot favourite films. piano RONNIE ALDRICH, later to to fame with Benny Hill. I can remember the anticipation of take over the band, then to move to going about 1.15 for the 2.00 the BBC. There were many star It will be sad to see the Ritz go. opening, and people waiting all the musicians in the band, but Thursday was our night in the way up to John Menzies (W H Smiths GEORGE CHISHOLM in the 1s.9d.’s; I’m sure lots of my now). I can vividly remember the first trombone section was the best - his generation will remember these time I ever went through the double solos and comedy were something charity concerts. What memories! doors and up the steps to the kiosk. I never to be forgotten; he also Fred Darbyshire think that it was at that moment that worked for the BBC. Ince Wigan I fell in love with everything about the Friday 9 February 1947 ***** Ritz - the wonderful smells of the THE JOE LOSS ORCHESTRA. A The other day, with a heavy heart, confectionery counter with the warm, fantastic orchestra, to whom my I walked past the demolition that has freshly made popcorn, going to the wife and I have danced many just started on the old Ritz cinema on kiosk to get your tickets for your times. His isngers all became solo Station Road, to make way for the chosen film, then going up the steps stars in their own right - HOWARD new Grand Arcade; soon, all that will to the screen of your film. My JONES, ELIZABETH BATEY and be there is an empty space, and all my favourite was screen 1, the biggest DON RIVERS. memories of going there as a child screen - as a child it was magical to came flooding back. me, with all the 1930’s Art Deco We also had the other RAF band, I’m not old enough to remember it design. I would love to have seen it in THE SKYROCKETS, conducted by in its heyday in the ‘4O’s and ‘5O’s - its heyday, when it was a single screen 2000 seater; it would have been really something to see the Art Deco design, all the lighting arrangements and all the vivid colours - a dream come true. Alas, I will never set foot in the place again. It is sad to see the last ‘Picture Palace’ of Wigan in the hands of the demolition team, but I wonder if there are any pictorial records of the Ritz from its heyday, and from the three screen multiple days anywhere? Does anyone have photos of the inside decor of the Ritz, so I could have my own personal memories of my favourite building in Wigan. The Squadronaires. The late George Chisholm is fourth from left Caroline Chadwick Photo courtesy of www.maybole.org Platt Bridge Wigan 34

"Never Married, but Wore Engagement Ring until her Death Base B.E.F. Wilkinson R.G.A. 332 S. Battery, 2nd August, 1917 Dear Sir died here on 24.8.17. He was I enclose some letters from admitted the day before with a My Darling Edith, Norman Cecil Wilkinson of severe shell wound in his right leg. Still in the same place and still Atherton Road, Hindley to his He was in a serious condition on the vile weather. It has rained fiancee (my aunt) Edith admission and never rallied. almost incessantly ever since I set McCormick of Liverpool, as well as He was buried at Dozinghem foot in this country. Last night I two relating to his death. He Cemetery. All his belongings will had a look round the town, but it attended Wigan & District Mining be sent to you from the War Office. simply poured the whole of the & Technical College before going With much sympathy, time. The visit was very to Liverpool University, where he I am disappointing, the only pleasant met my aunt, a fellow science Yours sincerely, result being in increased feeling of student. She went on to teach patriotism towards the old (signed) A. BAIRD, (Sister) country. Really there is no place to mathematics and physics at compare with England. Blackburn House Grammar (2nd Lieut. Norman Wilkinson I have just finished my day's School, Liverpool, where she was fell at St. Julien, a little to the right duties - censoring letters. One half Deputy Head; she never married, of Langermarck. His battery had of the world does not know how but wore Norman's engagement been stationed at La Brique, the other half lives. ring until her death. outside Ypres.) In addition to being wet the Eileen Anderton weather is somewhat colder so I Southport Gr. Hodkinson 98637, may require my woollen coat 5, Lisbon Place, before long. Have you tried dying Edith this letter might be well Holloway, it yet? worth keeping, some day I will Bath. I have not been able to get any explain why. 18th Dec. 1917. decent. note-paper here, and I am My fellow officers are thorough still using the bit you gave me. gentlemen and we get on very well Miss McCormick, Would you mind getting me a pad together. It makes a huge Dear Madam, and then you can send it on when difference to things, when one has I will commence by saying that I get a permanent address. decent fellows to work with. The Signallers work in pairs in. France, I am still awaiting your first men too, are quite decent chaps, in and I was fortunate in having a letter dear. It may come to-day. It fact many are downright heroes. good chum Richard Hasten by is still quite early. This afternoon I Well little pet, you are safe and name. It was our good luck in am going down to Ordnance to get comfy in bed! Thank God for that. being with Mr. Wilkinson very rubber boots and a few other Even during the roughest times f'requently, as we happened to be things. out here, I have always the detailed for the posts that he had Well little pet I find that satisfaction of knowing that you charge of on those days. As an answering letters has a disastrous pet are quite safe. officer is frequently alone all day effect on the composition of my with his two signallers you can own correspondence. Ones ideas 3.30 am Monday. quite understand that we are and expressions are swamped in a I spoke too soon about the guns treated a bit more intimately. We multitude of others. not requiring attention for some generally went to the O.P. on the time. They have been giving trouble occasions when it fell to Mr. B.E.F. of a mechanical nature and I have Wilkinson's turn. He seemed to like Night Sun 12 to Mon 13th Aug. 1917 been busy in the "wee small hours". us and was kind to us in many Well darling I am still awaiting ways which none but a soldier My Darling Edith, your first letter and getting rather could understand and appreciate. I I am on night duty again and am impatient too. I left you a fortnight recollect one occasion upon which snatching a few minutes to write ago this morning and since then I he told me he was engaged. I note to you. I have just set the guns have heard no word. Isn’t it very from my diary that we three were banging away at the Bosch and cruel dear? Still I blame the post, on O.P. on the 17th and we were they do not require my attention and though impatient, I am very lucky to come out of it alive. I for a time. I am settling down to happy for I know you are thinking recall it well and the 3 of us had to my new duties quite nicely now dearly of me. I wonder what you run 5 or 6 hundred yards through and am much happier than I was. are doing. very heavy shell fire. On this You see dear it was such a sudden occasion he helped us to carry our shock stepping from England right 61. C.C.S. telephones and telescopes, etc., into this, - like stepping into a cold B.E. Forces and but for that we should most bath. But I am getting used again 25.8.17 certainly have gone under. You can now. I wish I could tell you more of therefore understand my my life and work out here, but a Sir, great deal is forbidden. However I regret to tell you that Lieut Continued on page 36 35

The 0.P. was at the time close to him come running for a stretcher. "Never Married, but Kitchener Wood and was a Pillbox. Poor chum, he was dazed and It was always risky getting there shaken terribly. I at once sprinted Wore Engagement and away again, but you were to him, and we got the assistance fairly safe when there, but I have of an R.E. officer. At the same time Ring until her had some very warm times there. a stretcher was brought up and we Upon arriving, we got seated had him upon it at once. He was Death inside and chatted awhile resting, dressed as well as the ––––– when Mr. Wilkinson asked me to circumstances permitted, but it Continued from page 35 get through to our Battery. I did so was a terrible wound. I have no at once, and the Major at once hesitation in saying that, had he spoke from there. As a result lived, he would have lost his leg. I remembrance of him is very Mr.Wilkinson announced that one do not wish to dwell upon this part grateful. I cannot bring to mind the of us was to accompany him to the of the letter, so please excuse me. instance you mention as the 12th ... Front Line. I wanted to go, but my Suffice it to say that I felt sick at I shall try and should I remember chum being a single chap would the appearance of it. He was will let you know what it was. not hear of it. The time then was splendid in his courage, in his Upon the morning of the 23rd 1 probably about 9.30. great pain he could yet speak and my chum were a little late When they had set oft, I got kindly to us. He was quite owing to a very slight outside to see them off. They had conscious, and having made him misunderstanding. It was a lovely only gone about 200 yds. when T comfortable, we started as quickly day when we set off together from saw a shell (4.2) pass about 30 as possible to get him to a Dressing our rear position, which was then yds. over to their left. Almost Station. I asked him if he would in a village or rather suburb of immediately another one dropped like a drink of' water and I was so Ypres distant from that place 1/2 some distance to the right. They glad I had my water bottle, as he mile. We had to walk towards our continued upon their way, but was glad of a few sips. He spoke to front line trenches, to our unfortunately then came the fatal me several times on the way down, Observation Post. Calling at our third which must have dropped at which was fully 3/4 of a mile along forward position, we resumed our their feet. I saw Dick emerge from the duckboard tracks (Admiral journey (after a few minutes rest). behind the tree, and I at once saw Road). WIGAN STOP PRESS (Written on the Somme, May 1918) PAST FORWARD From Harrock Hill to Roby Mill, From the steps of Ashurst steeple From Lathom House to Standish, You can see the ships at sea; NOW ONLINE From Arley’s moated manor From the bluffs of Billinge Beacon uly 2005 March – J

To the Cross of Mabel’s anguish; All the way to Anglesea! 39 Issue No. From windy pike to chequered plain, Hunter’s Hill’s a noble foreland, Each meadow, copse and wildwood– At its feet a sea of green, I love you all, dear names of home, For a thousand rolling meadows Sweet continent of childhood. From its summit may be seen.

There’s bluebells now in John Pit Wood, By the steeps of old Upholland vice igan Heritage Ser And baby ferns unfurling, By the depths of Anglezarke. Pr1 oduced by W And in the dell beside Wood Folds, By the glare upon the heavens FREE Over Kirkless after dark; A tiny beck is purling; The last edition of Past Forward I see the shadows dapple Oh I swear by every acre (number 39) is now available, in Underneath the beeches tall, That a link of memory claims, colour, for viewing at our own Where the Roman road goes dipping There is no enchanted country website www.wlct.org. Scroll down on the first page on the site Down the slope to Giant’s Hall. With such old sweet-sounding or click onto culture then heritage names! and a PDF will download for The birds are returning, viewing, saving to your computer To Balcarres’ stately park, or to your printer. In fact, past In the wood the mellow mavis Donald Mackenzie, a Wigan copies are going online at the rate soldier, wrote this nostalgic of one per week, so when you On the lea the soaring lark. read this, something like the last Oh, the green of tender birches! poem in the final year of World 12 issues should be online! Oh, the scent of alien pines! War I. My thanks to Harry and Imagine! Never missing another In the cutting where the sunlight Brenda Short of Leeds for edition of your favourite magazine! Dances down t the railway lines! kindly sending it to me. Ed. 36

Ashton-in-Makerfield Probus Club 27 September Members of the Club are retired SOCIETY NEWS Family History Course - Parish Registers business/professional people, who meet at Part 1 Simon Martin the Angel Hotel, Ashton-in-Makerfield on 25 October the 1st Wednesday of every month at 11.00 To all Secretaries Family History Course - Parish Registers a.m. Details from Alan Bradshaw (01942 Part 2 Simon Martin 726493) Would Secretaries please note the copy 22 November 7 September deadline on p2, and ensure that you Soldier of the Crimean War Neville King The Work of the Citizens Advice Bureau send in all details of your meetings up 5 October Postcards Alec Wallace Standish Probus Club to Easter 2006 for inclusion in the next Members are retired business and 2 November issue. Thanks. Aspects of Ashton’s History Walter Carney professional people. Meetings are held at 7 December ‘The Owls’, Rectory Lane, Standish on the History of the Christmas Carol 2nd Tuesday of every month at 10.30 Leigh & District Antique & James Fairhurst (followed by lunch) a.m. Details from Bryan Shepherd Collectables Society (01257 424994) Aspull & Haigh Historical Society Meetings are held on the last Thursday of We meet in Our Lady’s R.C. Church Hall, the month (September to April) at 7.30 Tyldesley & District Historical Society Haigh Road, Aspull on the 2nd Thursday p.m. in the Derby Room of Leigh Library. Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of in the month at 7.30 p.m. Details from Details from Janet Wilson (01942 516210) every month from September to May at Barbara Rhodes (01942 222769) the Tyldesley Pensioners club on Milk Leigh & District Family History 8 September Street at 7.30 p.m. Refreshments Society Return to the Titanic Steve Rigby available. Contact Tony Rydings Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of 13 October (01942 514271) or Email: rydings@ every month at 7.30 p.m. in the Derby The Lancashire Cotton Mills blueyonder.co.uk. Visit our website at Room of Leigh Library. Details from Olive 10 November www.tyldesleyhistoricalsociety.co.uk. Hughes (01942 741594). A Dramatisation Lizzie Jones 20 September Tyldesley Probus Club Atherton Heritage Society Wills David Lambert Members of the Club meet at Tyldesley Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of 18 October Methodist Church, Eliot Street, on alternate the month at 7.30 p.m. at St. Richards Skeletons in the Cupboard W J Taylor Thursday mornings at 10.30 a.m., from 7 Jubilee Hall, Atherton. Details from 15 November October until May 2005. The Club is for Margaret Hodge (01942 884893) Slavery Records Gordon Reed retired business/professional mane and is 9 August 20 December non-political and non-sectarian. Details The Life of Beatrix Potter Dorothy Hindle Theatres and Music Halls in the North from Cedric Evans (0161 790 5166). 13 September West Les Willis Upholland U3A Local History Group Women and children in the Mines Leigh Literary Society The University of the Third Age provides a Alan Davies Meetings are held in the Derby Room at meeting ground for retired and semi- 11 October the Turnpike Centre, on alternate Monday retired people, of all walks of life, to Victorian Pressed Glass (follows AGM) evenings at 7.30 p.m. Details from Tony socialise and encourage further learning Christine Ogden Ashcroft, Local History Officer, Leigh in a multitude of subjects. A Local History 8 November Library (01942 404559) Group has recently been formed, which History of the American Musical meets in Hall Green Meeting Room, B Schnieder Leigh Local History Society Upholland on the 4th Thursday of each Meetings are held in the Derby Room, month at 10.30 a.m. Refreshments Atherton Probus Club Leigh Library, on the last Wednesday of This is a non-political and non-sectarian available. Details from Don Stanway the month. Details from Norma Ackers (01257 252719) or Joan Monks (01695 Club for retired professional/ (01942 865488) businessmen, who meet in St Richard 628184). Parish Centre, Mayfield Street, on alternate Leigh Probus Club Members of the Club, which is non- Wigan Archaeological Society Thursday afternoons at 1.30 p.m. Details The Society meets at the BP Centre from Ron Collier (0161 790 1819). sectarian, are generally retired professional/businessmen. The Club (Scout HQ) in Greenhough Street on the Billinge Local History Society meets at the Leigh Masonic Hall on 1st Wednesday of the month at 7.30 p.m. For further details contact Jack Boardman, alternate Thursday afternoons between 38 Garswood Road, Billinge, Wigan, WN5 Wigan Civic Trust October and April. Details from Tom Kelly The Trust meets at Drumcroon Education 7TH, (01744 892613), or visit our web site (01942 608787). at www.billinge-history.com. Arts Centre, Parsons Walk, Wigan, on the Shevington Memories Group 2nd Monday of the month at 7.30 p.m. Golborne & Lowton Local History This small, informal group meets each Details from A.J. Grimshaw, 6 Bridgeman Society Friday at 2.30 p.m. in Shevington Terrace, Wigan (01942 245777). Meetings are held at Golborne Library on Methodist Church (New Lounge), to share the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7.00 Wigan Family & Local History Society memories about old times.Details from Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every p.m. Details from Derek Briscoe (01942 Maurice Hilton (01942 223107). 747366) or Jim Scotson (01942 206820). month (except in July and August) in the Skelmersdale & Upholland Family Springfield Hotel, Springfield Road, Wigan, at Hindley History Society History Society 7.30 p.m. for 8.00 p.m. The meetings alternate We meet in the Museum at Hindley Library, Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of between members’ evenings and external Market Street at 7.00 pm on the second each month, except December, July and speakers. Further information from John Monday of the month. The museum is August, at 7.30 p.m., in the Hall Green Wogan, 678 Warrington Road, Goose open three times per month on either Community Centre, Upholland. Beginners Green, Wigan WN3 6XN or email Friday or Saturday mornings. Details from and more experienced family historians [email protected]. Visit Joan Topping (01942 257361) or Norma welcome. Details from Simon Martin our website at www.ffhs.org.uk/ Brannagan (01942 258668). (01942 702594). members/wigan.htm. 37

ARE WE ALL KNOBSTICKS? Dear Editor, expect? Not at all. The authorities say a landlord is Whilst reading about the battle of Howe Bridge in issue compelled to undertake no more than repairs; the matter of 38 of Past Forward, the word ‘knobsticks’ came up a couple cleaning and decorating is optional. of times as a means of describing the black legs who were The result has been this, certain houseowners and their continuing to work during the strike. I was reminded that agents have offered their tenants lime and paper and paint; the only other time that I had seen this word used was in a and now we find these people turning themselves into letter that my grandfather sent to the Wigan Observer in amateur whitewashers, paper-hangers, painters and 1920. He (John Monk Foster) was a prolific writer to the plasterers at the bidding of the rentman or owner. But what press. However, the ‘knobsticks’ he wrote of were not of the master painters and decorators, and the workmen involved in strike action, perhaps it’s best that I let him tell they employ, whose work, wages and profits are being the tale. stolen by these homemade knobsticks to save a stingy property owner’s pocket. And this being done while HOUSE OWNERS, RENTMEN, TRADE UNION BLACKLEGS hundreds of thousands of good workmen are idle all over the country. To the editor of the Wigan Observer Yours J. Monk Foster Sir, A little matter, apparently, which is taking place quietly in our midst today is worthy, I think of a word or Well, of course, in these days of DIY, these views are two of comment. The principles of trades unionism are totally alien and out of step; there are very few jobs in the recognised nowadays as being so beneficial to vast masses home that we don’t attempt. However, it seems my of workers that they are almost universally adopted; and it grandfather was not without support because only a week would be no easy business at the present moment, to find later, again in the Observer, a letter written by a Mr. Banks any considerable body of workers who are not organised to of Throstlenest Avenue was full of support; again, I will let safeguard their interests as wage earners. the writer tell his side of the tale. This being so, it will come as a great surprise to most people to learn that under certain given conditions some of AMATEUR DECORATORS AND KNOBSTICKS these trade unionists are making blacklegs or knobsticks of themselves at this very moment, not at work, however, but Sir, Might I be allowed to express my approval of the at home. How this seeming paradox is brought about it will able manner in which the writer in last weeks issue be necessary to show. denounces the knobsticks who are prepared to take on other For years before the war broke out, all the time the war peoples jobs and assist the rentman in filching the work was waged, and since, countless thousands of working from its rightful source to the detriment of the men now class dwellings had been allowed to fall into a scandalous unemployed. Now the war is over it is sheer greed of gold condition of disrepair and dirtiness. The world conflict, and our friends are helping them to starve their own pals. shortage of labour and materials, were good enough excuse for this deplorable neglect of cottage property, so long as the Can I then appeal to the better side of these ‘knobsticks’ war lasted. to desist from helping landlords to get work done on the But the armistice was signed, and common folk began to cheap but let the practical painter make their home fit to live demand that their dwellings, unrepaired for six or more in. And so fellow readers of Past Forward perhaps we years should be made fit for decent people to live in. should remember next time we do a spot of tiling or paper The ‘Rent Act’ has enabled Landlords to increase rents by the ceiling, you are a ‘knobstick’! one third or more, and then what happened? Were cottages Don Rayner repaired and renovated as tenants had every right to Standish Wigan Chowbent Unitarian Chapel SNORING Dear Mr Gillies Chowbent Unitarian Chapel will be supporting this year’s Tha’s ‘eard about mi ‘usban’ recently Heritage Open Days, a national event, by opening the Chapel One day he found ‘is car and lost the key to visitors as follows: Friday 9 Sept, 1.00 - 5.00 ‘e drives mi mad wen finishin’ ‘is chores Saturday 10 Sept, 10.00 - 5.00 ‘e jumps straight into bed ‘n’ then ‘e snores Sunday 11 Sept, 12.00 - 5.00 Refreshments will be available in the new Chowbent Hall Once Robert wakes mi up it cannot fail next to the Chapel, where there be a display of Chapel archive It makes no difference if ah rant ‘n’ wail material. The only charges will be for refreshments. From March to June this year the Chapel has been Or elbowin’ ‘is ribs ah couldn’t tell undergoing its final major phase of essential restoration: most Jus’ nothin’ ‘appens awl is not too well of the windows have been removed for re-leading and the worn stone window surrounds have been replaced where necessary. Wen ‘e’s awake wi seem to ‘ave such fun Some repointing has been carried out. ‘n’ ‘ave such happy times wen awl is done The Chapel now has its own website: www.chowbent- unitarian-chapel.org.uk Elene Humphreys Rev Peter L Hughes Email: [email protected] Treuddyn Mold

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Memories 1935-1945 by Irene Cunliffe (nee Hughes) I WAS born on 28 December Saturday. In most cases the order the canal by barge. I had to collect 1920; I will begin my memories was delivered by the errand boy. He them there. Goods also had to be 15 years later, when my dad had a bike with a big basket on the collected at the Railway Sidings in was in business with his two front. The miles that 14 year old boy Chapel Lane. Petrol was rationed. Not covered in all weathers for his 10s. having enough petrol to use the van brothers, trading as grocers. My per week. I remember he had to all the time, I sometimes had to go family lived behind the shop. address his three ‘bosses’ as Mr out on my bike. Fred, Mr Ben and Mr Harry, as all One day Dad noticed two bikes First day at work had the same surname! being loaded on a horse and cart at Each day commercial travellers the Railway Sidings and determined On 2 January 1935, aged 14, I had called at the shop, representing such to buy one if possible. He followed my first day at work - working with firms as Typhoo tea, Homepride the horse and cart to Ormerod’s Dad and his brothers. Dad was next flour, HP Sauce, Cherry Blossom boot Warehouse which was alongside the to the eldest in a family of ten. His polish, Robertson’s jam, Huntley and old Market Square. He managed it! brothers were many years his junior, Palmer’s biscuits, Robin starch and Alas! It was a big bike and I was only more like my big brothers rather many others too numerous to small - my feet wouldn’t reach the than my uncles. My education had mention. As I write I can picture pedals! Not to be outdone, Dad made supposedly ended; in fact, however, them all, those ‘gentlemen of the four wooden blocks, two for each it was only just beginning. road’. After business was concluded, pedal, and fastened them on. It was I was taught to use the scales with each traveller would be guided into lovely in the summertime - a soft words of “never rob the customer, the ‘back shop’ and given a cup of breeze on my face and lifting my hair. never rob your master, give correct tea. weight always. Be sure to count Every subject under the sun was No white wedding change out in the customer’s hand discussed behind our small shop. I as mistakes cost money - even worse recollect a few: “Would Tommy Farr As the war continued, many loved could lose us a customer. If not busy, win when he went to America to box ones were lost. People became closer look busy, there is always a job to be Joe Louis?” “What about Harold in their grief. I was married - no done in a shop. Last but not least, Larwood’s body line bowling?” “Was white wedding, no big reception, just the golden rule, remember the Jardine the right choice to captain the families to a sit down tea at my customer is always right.” England cricket team against home. Times were hard, many were Australia?” “What about that goal Food became scarcer. The few unemployed, money was scarce. Stanley Matthews scored on travellers who now called on us told Today, people speak of poverty but Saturday?” “Have you heard the us what we could have - no need to they don’t know the true meaning of budget?” “Is there a God?” “Is there sell their goods. We were grateful for the word. Children were kept from life after death?” How I loved to what we could get. The conversations school because they had no shoes. listen to those conversations! I was in the ‘back shop’ continued. The Two brothers would share a pair of never allowed to join in - my dad subjects changed - “Could shoes, often too big for one of them. was strict, and I had to keep my Montgomery beat Rommell?” “How One would go to school in them one place. many planes did we lose last night?” day and the other the next. “Could Churchill really win us the Reserved occupation war?” “Did you read what John Gordon said in the Sunday Express?” The scraps After six years, the war ended. In 1939, when I was 18 years old, With joy and thankfulness some Shops were open 8.00am to war was declared. The shop no loved ones returned; sadly, many 8.00pm Monday to Friday (except longer had an errand boy. There were didn’t - for their families just a for Wednesday, halfday, 1.00pm) better jobs and more money to be memory. Yes, The war was over! and 8.00am - 9.00pm Saturday; had. All eligible men and women Lights in the sky, hope in our hearts. there was no Sunday opening. Just were called up. My brother joined the Great Britain had survived. The lucky as the shop was closing, women Navy, my boyfriend the RAF. Married ones could build a life together. would come in to buy the scraps of women were going out to work. bacon and cheese crumbs that had Rationing was introduced - points for fallen off the bacon machine and food, coupons for clothes and petrol. ***** cheese board when being cut. These Goods were no longer delivered to The shop in Gidlow Lane still were sold at the shop, so we managed to buy a remains, no longer belonging to my 2d. a time. Most people took a second-hand van. I was taught to family, and no longer a grocers. I week’s credit. We had a shop book, drive; indeed, my job became drove past it last week. The door was and the customer their own small important enough to be made a open - I wanted to stop my car and book, so each could keep a record of reserved occupation. The ‘Mill at the look inside - so many memories, so what was spent. People shopped Pier’, as it is now, was then the Canal long ago, with only myself left to daily, with an order Friday or Wharf. Many goods would come up remember them. 39

Dear Alastair Who Are These People? The photograph (top) is of my grandmother, Mary Ellen Carroll and her sisters. She is standing on the left of the second row. Her two sisters are Catherine (third in from boy on left) and Jane (back row with head silhouetted in front of window, first on right). Her mother Ellen Carroll is seated second from right.

‘Monkey Parade’ Dear Sir I mustn’t pretend to be to sure, but I think my father and mother met on the Sunday evening parade (see Past Forward 39, p31) on 7 April 1907. I was astonished at her reflections late in life as to how similar her Edwardian days were to life on Wigan Lane in the 1930’s. When in 1955 I became Vicar of a church in Bradford, I was equally surprised to hear that there had been a ‘monkey parade’ there pre 1939, just as we did in Wigan. I always surmised that the custom was killed by three factors - World War II, an increase in vehicular traffic and the opening of The bottom photograph shows the Mines Rescue unit at Howe Bridge. George Highfield is first on left Sunday cinemas. (looking slightly sideways!). I wonder if any reader can identify the others. Rev Roger Taylor Dianne Teskey Lindsey Suffolk Community & Education Outreach Officer Wigan Heritage Service BOB DOBSON Publisher and Book Dealer LANCASHIRE YORKSHIRE & CHESHIRE I buy, sell and search for second-hand books relating to these counties: I search for books: I issue lists. I buy quantities of other books. James Hilton remembered LIST OF MY NEW PUBLICATIONS Dear Sir, I understand that Hilton ON REQUEST The novelist James Hilton returned to Leigh on a number was born in Leigh in 1900 and of occasions in the 1950’s to wrote a number of books with visit family and friends. I would BOB DOBSON a Lancashire setting, including be most grateful if any of your “Acorns” the novels So Well readers with reminiscences of 3 STAINING RISE Remembered and And Now Hilton would kindly contact me. Goodbye, and the short story John Hammond STAINING Gerald and the Candidate. Secretary BLACKPOOL FY3 0BU These are set in the fictional The James Hilton Society Tel: (01253) 895678 town of ‘Browdley’, which 49 Beckingthorpe Drive bears a close resemblance to Bottesford Leigh. Nottingham NG13 0DN 40

Later, my grandfather moved into the shop at 158 Scholes LONGEST JIGSAW and carried on making mint Dear Sir Holyhead. I intend to do this balls there. After he died, when I would just like to show my myself if the weather should be I was about 10 years old, my appreciation to George fine enough. If you will take the parents John and Annie Wadeson for his very interesting risk or chance I should be very Bromilow moved from Ince into article ‘Memories of ‘Top Place’ glad to see you on board. the shop in Scholes and took ironworks’ in Past Forward no over making the toffee. Later on 38, p33. Yours Faithfully, John Penn my mother would buy little bits During an electrical (Your wheels work perfectly)" A lot of of things like needles and engineering apprenticeship at After visiting the ship the humbug cotton to sell in the shop, to try Mather & Platts, Manchester, I wheels turned out to be gear and make a little more money. spent many spare moments wheels four 14 feet in diameter Dear Editor When we where going to watching the production of 13 inches thick; these meshed First I would like to thank make a boiling of toffee, my castings. I was absolutely with four drive wheels 4 feet 8 Past Forward for a very good mother would put my younger fascinated with the whole inches in diameter, each wheel magazine; both my wife and I sister in a dolly tub with a few process, from casting large being offset by an angle of 90 really enjoy reading it. toys, because we didn’t have motor/pump bedplates and degrees to reduce noise. Re the article ‘Anything for much time in which to roll the casings to visiting the brass Another piece fitted into a family foundry to see the production of the Weekend Sir?’ in the last mint balls, or stretch a lump of history project started some 30 sprinklers to centrifugal pump issue of Past Forward, ‘th’owd years ago - the longest jigsaw the toffee to make humbugs, as impellers, a highly skilled mon’ who made the mint balls it went hard very quickly. While puzzle I have ever attempted! process making the wooden Another puzzle on which I was my grandfather, John it was hot - very hot - my mother patterns to the actual moulds. need help is the Douglas Bromilow; my uncle, Thomas used to stretch a lump of toffee Then around the early ‘50’s Navigation, especially the area Bromilow, also worked with until it was a very light cream fabricated bedplates became around Dean Wood to the River him. They would make the colour, then she would roll one the norm, a welding system Douglas and the locks to the famous mint and aniseed balls cream and one dark lump which would lend itself to mass canal. I do have some early all week in a garage in Miry together, snip off the end, and production. sketches of the area but not Lane, then go down to Central as she cut it she would do a half As a volunteer at Wigan Pier many details. I have read Mike Park each Saturday when there turn of the rolled toffee - that is I do enjoy talking to visitors Clark’s books but wish to try was a home match; the crowd how she did the humbugs. about the foundry floor and the and obtain more information then would be about 40,000. My father passed the recipe importance of the iron foundry from local people. Many years Imagine selling the toffee at 10 on to me, and in later years my during the Industrial Revolution. ago my son uncovered part of in a bag for one old penny. They wife Cath and I made some just One of my forbears was a the old wagon road through the could make up to £10 just on for fun for our friends; we still partner of a foundry in wood and also the road from Saturday. know how to make them, but Manchester, Wren & Hopkinson, the stone quarries at Roby Mill; So my father told me. He alas we don’t bother anymore. which designed and built water we also located one of the also said - and this may be an Have you thought just how wheels, and later in 1850 wharves at the side of the apochryphal story - that at the many mint balls where rolled by supplied cast iron gear wheels Douglas. The Douglas time my grandfather and uncle hand by my grandfather and for Brunel’s Great Britain. This Navigation was a tremendous was quite a surprise and only Tom where selling at Central uncle Tom, for each match? piece of engineering in the 18th came to light after discovering a Park, Santus, the other famous century. when one sees the size 24,000. Wow! Those were the letter as follows :- mint ball makers, offered to buy days! of the earth works from the Ribble estuary. I have heard the recipe off them but they Leslie Bromilow 1852, at Mr Whitworths, that men who worked on the refused! Saturday. Southport Navigation were not all My Dear Sir. The Great Irishmen - some were Cornish Britain will go to sea for a 48 tin miners. In any event I 'Johnny Bunny' hour trial on Monday morning believe the word Navvy starting about 12 O’clock. I originated here. The Heritage Service has recently received an hope arrangements will be Ron Hopkinson enquiry from a gentleman in Switzerland requesting made for those, who desire to 7 Cambridge Road Orrell any information about a brand of cough pastille go no further, to get out at Nr Wigan WN5 8PL which he believes was manufactured in Ashton-in- Makerfield and marketed under the trade name ‘Johnny Bunny’. Staff at the History Shop have An early saddle tank been unable to uncover any details of this brand, Dear Sir With reference to the picture of the loco in the latest issue of Past and would be most interested to here from anyone Forward (p 13), I think it is an early 0-6-0 or 0-6-2 saddle tank who can recall this product, especially as to the designed by Webb for the London and North Western Railway. It identity of the maker and the period when it was on could be a colliery loco but by its cab design and the nature of name sale. and number plates I think it is definitely LNWR. It was probably built Mike Haddon at Crewe about 1870-1890. A good chance of identifying the loco The History Shop may be with Pete Waterman as he now officially owns the London Library Street and North Western Railway Company. Wigan WN1 1NU I always like Past Forward, especially when there are railway items in letters or articles. It is a pity that Warrington does not have Tel: 01942 828121 a magazine such as this. Email: [email protected] George F McKie Great Sankey Warrington 41

Happy School Days at Ince newly qualified teacher at the time and my colleague, Mrs. thuggish. I remember three the Queen!) by having their Sandiford, was my role model, little lads (who shall remain names drawn from a hat. Other whom I shall always remember nameless!) being caught red- children practiced Maypole with great respect and handed having a drink from a dancing (frequently getting their admiration – she taught me so bottle of milk, which had been ribbons tangled, which led to many things. left on the doorstep of a house friendly arguments). After delivering the present I in Pickup Street. One of them On Ash Wednesday and continued along Ince Green protested to the lady-occupant, Ascension Day we all walked to Lane to my home in Lower Ince Dear Mr Gillies, “but missus, E’s nor ‘ad a drink church along Ince Green Lane where I spent most of my life I have read and re-read yet” – pointing to his co- in crocodile fashion. The and, as a child, attended St. Irene Roberts’ wonderful accused! remainder of the day was a Mary’s C.E. Primary School and account of her happy and The local dialect also caused holiday. then Hindley and Abram secure school-days spent at some hilarity. When asked by But there was more!! On Grammar School. Ince Central School (“An Apple the teacher for examples of reading issue no 39, I walked Although much older than for the Teacher”, Past Forward words beginning with the sound closely behind Irene as she Irene, my childhood had many no 38), in which she describes ‘O’, one eager little scholar shot followed “The Girl”, wearing a similarities for which I am truly so vividly the days before his hand in the air, puffed out blue coat and a ribbon in her grateful. I too made slop-dash, S.A.T.s and School League his chest and proudly hair, around all the familiar played ‘shops’ and remember Tables, when children and announced “Ommer, Miss”. places of Higher Ince. Again, walking round the streets teachers were so happy and I too remember children her sense of well-being shone dressed as a sun-flower on May relaxed. There were no bringing 3d every week to help through every paragraph. Queen Day! computers or calculators – to pay for the new school. I But when Irene hesitated Kathleen Meadwell’s letter sums had to be worked out ‘in hope the little pottery rabbit still close to St. Williams Presbytery was also very interesting – our heads’. sits on the cupboard in the and “The Girl” was about to sadly the other teachers she As Irene recalls, teachers corridor, keeping a friendly eye open the door of the little mentions have all passed away. were allowed to get on with the on the events of each day. terraced house behind the The photograph, which she real job of teaching basic skills, Does Irene remember garden wall, my heart skipped a submitted, was of the first class but there was still ample time bringing small amounts of bank beat. I recognised the little girl of children I taught after to read Milly-Molly-Mandy money on Monday mornings, to whom I delivered a spill- qualifying as a teacher. stories (she had two friends and children standing at the holder one Christmas many Kind regards to Kathleen called Little Friend Susan and front of the Hall in Assembly on years ago. She had measles and Irene (I remember her and Billy Blunt), recite poems, sing birthdays and having candles lit and I knew she would be upset her mam and her maiden name songs and hymns, dance, play (and hair tugged!) according to if she didn’t receive it, as it was very clearly) and all who share games etc. their age? There were May a present for her dad. I feel our memories. Bullying and bad language Queen celebrations when pupils sure – but I could be mistaken Margaret A Johnson were very rare. Children were from the ‘Top Class’ were – that she gave me a shy smile (nee Ashurst) mischievous, but never chosen to be the attendants (or before closing the door. I was a Standish Nr Wigan

MOVED TO TEARS Well done Irene Dear Mr Gillies, Dear Editor Just a line to let you know how much we enjoy your magazine, How I have enjoyed reading the latest issue of Past Forward, especially the letters written by Irene Roberts. received today. Irene is a regular customer of Abram Library and also a member I was moved to tears by the article written by Irene Roberts on of Abram Community Link. She has just appeared in a play at Wigan pp37,38. How it took me back to my own childhood. It was as if she Little Theatre called ‘Wanted One Body’. We all went to see her and was narrating my own life as a girl, not in Wigan but in Royton, near she was just great. Well done Irene. Next stop Hollywood! Oldham. Best wishes for future success from all the team at Abram My ancestors (Forshaws) are all from Wigan. My grandfather Community Link and also from all the staff at Abram Library. Elijah brought his family to the Oldham area in 1916, to get them Thanking you. away from coal mining. But Irene’s descriptions of her local shops, Pauline Calter the schoolrooms, the odd and scary characters, the games she Email: [email protected] played, such as making sloppy daw daw (as we called it) with dirt and water, and chip shop - we also used dog biscuits, but ate them before our dog got to them! - all brought back such wonderful Worthingtons, Wigan Lane memories. Dear Alastair a cold with father breathing I cried - and I am not ashamed to admit it - as I remembered I would like to thank you for down your neck, then you would dressing up our dog in a bonnet with a lacy frill, tucking him up in your efforts with Past Forward. when Frank got drawn into the my doll’s pram and taking him for a walk, or performing I must particularly mention conversation on rugby! pantomimes in our yard and charging the local kids a penny to one article from the latest issue Everything stopped - he was watch us perform. - ‘Anything for the Weekend Sir? replaying the match and, if you Thank you, Irene, for making all these memories come flooding (p30). As I read it, my mind was happened to be in the chair, back. Your article was wonderfully written. transported back to the days in goodness knows when you’d get Marian Buckley Wigan Lane and Worthington’s finished! Thanks again. (nee Forshaw) barbers shop. I remember both Bob Heaviside Oldham Lancs father and son; if you didn’t get Standish Nr Wigan 42

Past Forward Aspull’s wrestler has done it Dear Sir In their article in the last issue of Past Forward on ‘Burgy Ben’ again! (p39), the co-authors stated that their grandfather, real name Dear Mr. Gillies, Thomas Jones, wrestled his last match in 1907. They may be Thankyou for including my pleased to learn that he competed in the National Sporting Club letter regarding the wrestling tournament held at the Alhambra Theatre in 1910 (see HILTON/PUGH GENEALOGY in Past Forward no 22, p20). issue 39 of Past Forward. I 'Apollo Magazine', a popular sports magazine of the day reporting Wonderful would like to let you know that on the tournament, stated that a surprise occurred on the third day, thanks to you my article brought when the celebrated lightweight Tom Jones of Wigan lost his bout to Service! forth a wonderful response from G A Faulkner of Birmingham. As the lightweights were the first to the Dear Editor many readers once again. The mat at the start of the tournament, this suggests that Jones had mystery of the little engine Last week I received two enjoyed some success in the early rounds of the competition. ‘Shah’ has been solved with tapes of Past Forward with my The other wrestler pictured with Burgy Ben fits the description of details of its history supplied; as library books. What a wonderful it turns out it was the James Collins of Hollingsworth, who wrestled M W Makinson of service! I listened to an article responsibility of the driver, Aspull at the Borough Grounds, Oldham, in 1905. The match on ‘The War in Atherton’, about James Pugh, the gentleman on attracted 4000 spectators and was billed as being for the a landmine which dropped on the adjoining photo, who drove Lightweight Championship of the world. the farm near Atherton Central it between Crawford owned Twelve months later the Borough Grounds was again the venue Station. collieries and kept it in when Aspull’s J Rigby (trained by Thomas Jones) wrestled J Barker I remember it well! I lived at immaculate running order with of Leeds for £50 a side, in a match that lasted almost two hours and 197 Car Bank Street, where a a great deal of pride. was described by onlookers as a tremendous feat of endurance. landmine dropped, without I have been introduced to a All these matches were in the Lancashire style and they give us warning, about five days before real live member of the Pugh a glimpse into the history of Aspull’s wrestler, which is a story that the Central Station one. My line by a gentleman who read can be told in greater detail at a later date. father was a soldier, and had the article and acted on Thomas Heyes only gone back from leave the intuition. We are busily engaged, night before; so that left my through our mutual friend, in mother, two brothers and increasing my knowledge of the myself. I was about 10 years family featured on the photo et Bikes & Boats old. al. Dear Editor September each year. The blast threw my mother I would like to convey my No wonder the young man Harry Walls, who contributed on top of me (I was asleep in sincere thanks to all who on the motorcycle on p14 of the the canal article on p24, may her bed), but she, and my troubled to contact me, and latest Past Forward is grinning be interested to know that the eldest brother, only received especially to the unknown donor from ear to ear. He is sat 1945 film, Painted Boats, is minor cuts. I came off worst, as of the lovely photo of the astride one of the fabulous available on video from I got the blast in my left ear; Commercial Inn which I have Norton Internationals, THE Camden Miniature Steam since then I have been stone received - the sender's name sports bike of the 1930’s. in Services, Barrow Farm, Rode, deaf in that ear. was not included on the little those days, Norton made a Somerset BA11 6PS, @ £10.99 We were then split as a note enclosed, but I do habit of winning both Junior inc p&p. Made by Ealing family. My younger brother and appreciate the photo. and Senior Classes of the Isle of Studios and filmed on the May I take this opportunity to I went to live with an aunt in Man TT. I notice that the bike Grand Union Canal, it is said to say a big THANK YOU TO ALL. Tyldesley Old Road; but this was has a straight through exhaust. Elspeth Bradbury be a close representation of life not far from Central Station so, Perhaps he was an entrant for on the canals at that time. when that was hit a few days 31 Dalwood Close Eleebana 2282 NSW the Manx Grand Prix, a race for Brian Barlow later, my brother and I were Amateurs held on the island in Wigan screaming our heads off again! AUSTRALIA It was nine months before we were able to return home, Published by Wigan Heritage Service, Wigan Leisure & Culture which was without any windows Olive Carr Trust, The History Shop, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU and, indeed, remained so until Dear Editor, the end of the war. I have a friend, Olive Carr The views expressed in this issue are not necessarily supported If any reader has a (nee Sharrat) who went to Rose by Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust. Nothing printed may be photograph of the Car Bank Bridge secondary modern construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated. school; her father also went to Street landmine, I’d love to see Neither Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust, nor the Editor, accept it. I’m sure you will understand that school and played in the school team which won the liability for any matter in this publication. what it meant to me to hear this Daily Dispatch shield in 1931. tape; I can’t wait to play it to my Contributions are welcome but no responsibility can be taken for Olive would like to know if loss or damage to contributors’ material. son and granddaughter when there are any of the team left. If they next visit. so, could they contact her Thank you so very much for either through Past Forward or sending me the tape of Past me. Forward. Many thanks Margaret Baxter Victor Wadeson (nee Green) Email: © Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust, July 2005. Tyldesley Nr Manchester [email protected] 43

Who? Where?

The response to the mystery photographs in the last issue was in complete contrast to the excellent one for issue 38. The most positive was for the shop (top right) - this was most probably located at no 106 Bradshawgate, Leigh. Possible identifications for the two bottom photographs are, left to right, a farm in Pennington, Leigh and a Royal Ordnance Factory (exact location unknown). No suggestions received to date for the top left photograph. The three photographs shown here have all appeared in earlier issues, but as they are ones to which we have not had any response but are particularly keen to identify, we thought we would run with them again, in the hope that new readers might have some suggestions. If you can help identify any of these photographs, please contact Len Hudson in Leigh Town Hall (01942 404432).

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