Produced by Wigan Heritage Service Issue No. 48 April - July 2008
£1 YOUR HERITAGE HERITAGE SERVICE
Contents Letter from the
3 Exhibitions at the History Shop Editorial Team 4 Wigan Archives Service By the time you read this issue, Easter will have come and gone, but the editorial team hopes that all our readers had 5 Adult Learners’ Week a peaceful holiday. 6-7 Family History New Reference Collections We would like to make an appeal for more contributions, whether they be articles, photographs, poems, notes, queries or 8 Leigh & District letters. Of course, publication is not guaranteed, but the more Family History Society choice we editors have, the more varied the magazine. We have 9 Cromwell’s Ditch had a few comments from readers, who feel that certain areas 10-11 My Family and Music of the borough are neglected. So, if you feel that your part of the borough could do with more exposure in FORWARD , 12-13 PAST My Teenage Years we would be delighted to hear from you. 14-15 Reader’s Photographs Sadly, Wigan Pier – The Way We Were, is now closed, but we 16-17 Stickability on look forward to the new heritage developments at Trencherfield a Fiddle Mill, and of course the mill engine continues to operate. 18-19 Do you remember? Recently two volunteers, Paul Turner and Amanda Redmond 20-22 The Atherton have been helping with the editing and administration of the Local Board magazine, so a big thank you to them both. 24 Heritage Events
25 Silver Screens Published by Wigan Heritage 26-27 A Short Story Deadline Service, Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust. 28-29 Your Letters for Issue 49 The views expressed in this issue are 30-31 The Search for a not necessarily supported by Wigan Contributors please note Roman Road in Ince Leisure & Culture Trust. Nothing that the deadline for printed may be construed as policy 32 Wigan Heritage receipt of material for or official announcement unless so Network publication is 30 May. stated. Neither Wigan Leisure & 33 Society News Culture Trust, nor the Editor, accept liability for any matter in this 34 From our The Editor publication. Photographic Archive Wigan Heritage Service The History Shop Contributions are welcome, but no 35 Can You Help? responsibility can be taken for loss Library Street or damage to contributors’ material. FRONT COVER PICTURE Wigan WN1 1NU Collar and Jewel showing [email protected] © Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust the Lindsay Coat of Arms March 2008 (see article on page 3)
2 EXHIBITIONS AT THE HISTORY SHOP
Freemasonry – it’s no secret! May 6 – 19 July 2008
What do you think when you see the word Freemason? A male preserve? Secret society? Think again. This exhibition focuses on the unique and long-standing history of Freemasonry in Wigan. You will discover why the Wigan Freemasons formed a breakaway Grand Lodge, unique in the history of Freemasonry, and what this act of protest meant for the society. The exhibition also examines the principles of Freemasonry, and reveals present-day charitable and social activities. 2008 also marks the 100th anniversary of the foundation of women Freemasons, and many items illustrating their history and activities in Wigan will be on display. Costume, regalia, banners, photographs and books reveal this fascinating story. We hope to Collar and Jewel belonging to Lindsay Lodge see you there. showing the Lindsay Coat of Arms and the motto Astra Castra Numen Lumen which translates to The exhibition has been written and presented The stars my camp; The deity my light. Made of by the Wigan & District Association for silver in Birmingham in 1874. It is the only one of Masonic Research. its kind. New Staff for the Heritage Service
The Heritage Service welcomes new member of staff Sue Maiden, who joins us as Learning Officer.
Sue says “My role will be to facilitate learning through the collections and resources held here for groups either in the community or in formal education.
Previously I was a Learning Officer at Wigan Pier and following the closure of the museum I will be working to bring together the best of the old learning services with the new Heritage Vision for the future.”
Sue will be involved in the development and delivery of learning activities for all ages at the History Shop, Trencherfield Mill engine and out in our communities and schools.
3 ARCHIVES SERVICE
Welcome to the Archives Service and fabulous resource for local and family to a column I hope will be a regular historians and we will be collaborating with addition to these pages. In coming our archive volunteers to index the collection editions I will keep you updated and make the information available . about events and activities at the archives, notify you of recent If you would like to consult any of the acquisitions and explore some of the records mentioned, or wish to get involved volunteering at the archives, please do less well know but nonetheless not hesitate to contact me at the archives fascinating items from our collections . (contacts details on the back page). A Spring Clean Archives for All
The archives search room and staff offices are I would like to thanks all recent depositors for now newly decorated and the layout of the entrusting their records to our permanent rooms improved for researchers, volunteers and care. We are always keen to receive historic staff, including a dedicated area for the records from individuals and organisations consultation of maps and large building plans. within the borough and help preserve the historic written record of our communities. Recent Acquisitions If you know of local businesses, community organisations or societies, churches or We have two new collections to mention to individuals wishing to deposit the records of researchers: their activities, please ask them to get in touch G A new deposit of parish records from the with the Heritage Service and we will be church of St John, Hindley Green, including happy to examine their records. early twentieth century registers of services, marriages and banns G The final records of the Wigan & District Field Club, a local naturalist and field walking society that recently disbanded. The records document the observation of local wildlife and the countryside around the borough from the nineteenth century onwards.
As part of an ongoing project to improve access to our collections, archive staff and volunteers are carrying out a full record survey to make certain all items are well catalogued. In doing so we have (re)discovered a wonderful collection of Second World War civil defence personnel cards for those enrolling to assist the war effort in Leigh. This is potentially a
4 LEARNING & OUTREACH
Adult Learners’ Week 2008 From the 17th-24th May Wigan Libraries and Heritage Services will be putting on a series of activities and tasters sessions to celebrate Adult Learners’ Week. What is Adult Learners’ Week? It’s a week long event taking place every May to encourage and inspire us to take up learning, whether to catch up, or brush up, to learn for work or for fun! Adult Learners’ Week is the biggest learning campaign in the country, with events taking place throughout the UK. Libraries and Heritage Services are proud to be a part of it, and hope you will join them in what promises to be an enjoyable week. This year Libraries have chosen the theme ‘Good for the Soul’, with a range of art and holistic therapy taster sessions on offer. Heritage have also picked a leisure theme and are encouraging visitors to take a step back in time- ‘Remembering Holidays’. All events are Free to attend. For further information or to book a place please use the contact details listed in the table below.
Saturday 17th May 2008 Aromatherapy Orrell Library 10.30am-12.00 noon 01942 705060
Monday 19th May 2008 Drawing Wigan Library 10.00am-12.00 noon 01942 827619 Water Colour Painting Beech Hill Library 1.45pm-3.15pm 01942 747750 Aromatherapy Hindley Library 3.00pm-4.30pm 01942 255287 Water Colour Painting Standish Library 4.00pm-5.30pm 01257 400496 Beauty Therapy Hope Library 1.00pm-3.00pm 01942 777545
Tuesday 20th May 2008 Water Colour Painting Hope Library 10.00am-12.00 noon 01942 777545 Water Colour Painting Shevington Library 1.45pm-3.15pm 01257 252618 Aromatherapy Ince Library 3.00pm-4.15pm 01942 324423 Reiki Aspull Library 5.15pm-6.15pm 01942 831303
Thursday 22nd May 2008 Water Colour Painting Aspull Library 2.00pm-3.30pm 01942 831303 Remembering Holidays… The History Shop 1.30pm-3.00pm 01942 828128 Come and join us as we Booking reminisce about steam trains, essential candyfloss, Punch & Judy, merry- go-rounds & boarding houses!
Friday 23 May 2008 Aromatherapy Marsh Green Library 10.00am-11.30am 01942 760041 Reiki Tyldesley Library 1.00pm-2.30pm 01942 404738 Aromatherapy Leigh Library 3.30pm-5.00pm 01942 404557 Beauty Therapy Atherton Library 10.30am-12.30pm 01942 404817
Saturday 24th May 2008 Aromatherapy Golborne Library 10.30am-12.00 noon 01942 777800
5 FAMILY HISTORY
Recent additions Genealogy Henry Prescott, Deputy St Helens Townships F.H.S. Registrar of Chester Diocese to the Reference St Helens area marriage index (Vols 2 and 3) . Collections at the 1538-1940. CD ROM. 942.7 Record Society of Lancashire Parish Register Lancashire and Cheshire History Shop Society Vol 165 : The registers Vol 134: The papers of Sir of St Luke’s Heywood (Vol 2 ) Richard Grosvenor 1585-1645 . 1813-1837. Donations 942.7 Record Society of Aspull St Elizabeth C. E. Lancashire Parish Register Lancashire and Cheshire Graveyard plan . Society Vol 166 : The registers Vol 137: Prescot Churchwardens’ of Ulverston St Mary accounts 1635-1663. Billinge St Aidan C.E. Baptism 1813-1837 and Holy Trinity 942.7 Record Society of index 29 Sep 1696 to 27 Dec 1832-1837. 1812 . Lancashire and Cheshire Vol 138: Accounts of the Billinge St Aidan C.E. Baptism General Manor and Hundred of index 10 Jan 1813 to 11 May 364.1523 Fletcher, M Foul Macclesfield…1361-1362. 1980 . deeds and suspicious deaths around Wigan. 942.7 Record Society of Laycock, Samuel Collected Lancashire and Cheshire writings. 388.460941 Gladwin, D History of the British steam Vol 140: The extent of the Wigan Cemetery (Lower Ince) tram vols 1-3. Lordship of Longdendale 1360. Index 30 Aug 1901 to May 30 942.7 Record Society of 1908 . 625.261 Heaviside, T Lancashire & Cumberland’s Lancashire and Cheshire Wigan Cemetery (Lower Ince) last days of Colliery steam. Vol 141: Churchwardens’ Index 14 Feb 1923 to 27 Apr accounts of Walton on the 1932 Revised edition. 628.445 AGMA Planning for Hill 1627-67. waste: joint waste development Wigan Cemetery (Lower Ince) plan. Full earth burials and burial of Microfilm Ashton in Makerfield ashes 4 Apr 1988 to 30 Nov 779 Londei, John Shutting up St Oswald & St Edmund RC 2007. Transcript only. shop: the decline of the traditional small shop. Baptisms 1822-1940, Marriages Wigan Cemetery (Lower Ince) 1856-1940, Burials 1854-1867, Index 4 Apr 1988 to 30 Nov 796.334 Ross, A The road 1873-1896, Grave register 2007. CD (unfilmed burials from Wigan Pier (Wigan AFC) index and burial book only ). 942 Victoria History of the 1873-1944. Wigan St Catherine C.E. counties of England - Aspull New Springs Holy Burial index 15 June 1841 to Northampton Vol VI and Family RC Baptisms 1898-1941, 3 Apr 1908. Stafford Vol X. Marriages 1909-1940, Wigan St Catherine C.E. 942.7 Record Society of Confirmations 1898-1936. Marriage index 12 March 1854 Lancashire and Cheshire Aspull Our Lady’s RC Baptisms to 24 March 1956. Vol 131 : Stockport probate 1854-1941, Marriages records 1620-1650 Wiles, Ray An exercise in local 1861-1970, Burials 1880-1940. historical demography. 942.7 Record Society of (Some register entries also for Lancashire and Cheshire Our Lady of Lourdes Farnworth Vols 132 and 133: The diary of (Bolton) and St Mary Blackrod.)
6 Atherton St Richard RC Henry Houghton of All are of course available at Baptisms 1894-1941, Skelmersdale 1905 The History Shop for Marriages 1900-1940. Thomas L. Lace & R. Lace of reference. Work as yet on Bedford (Leigh) St Joseph RC Wigan 1911 adding grave numbers to Baptisms 1778-1940, Marriages Richard Lace of Atlas Forge some earlier burial registers is 1808-1828, 1837-1841, 1925 still to be completed. The 1843-1941, Burials 1808-1831, above indexes will of course 1837-1849, 1856-1902, William H. Mason of Wigan be made available on Confirmations 1813-1825. 1909 www.wiganworld.co.uk as John W. Melling of Wigan soon as possible. Hindley St Benedict RC 1909 & 1910 Baptisms 1758-1941, Marriages We do of course have many 1776-1787, 1792, 1839-1853, James Pennington of Wigan & other volunteers who do a 1858-1941, Burials 1836-1900, H.Smith 1909 variety of tasks whether it is Confirmations James White of Pemberton & here at The History Shop, 1774,1826,1831,1838,1848. Harry Pierpoint of Southport Leigh Local studies or the 1905 Leigh Our Lady of the Rosary Archive in Leigh Town Hall. A RC Baptisms 1880-1940, Richard H. Simmons of Wigan great many index biographical Marriages 1885-1940. 1910 and local cuttings books but Orrell St James RC Baptisms Walker Brothers (2 patents) others work on our extensive 1774-1778, 1790-1935, 1909 book collection, replacing Marriages 1847-Oct 1848, once adequate storage with 1856-1929, Burials 1856-1918, Project News more modern, acid free boxes Confirmations 1813,1821. As usual our volunteers and and envelopes. A few also Communicants 1802-04, Friends have completed assist with filing, cataloguing, 1810-1825, 1842-43 . sterling work indexing a and copying. We have several variety of sources. The dedicated volunteers who Croft St Lewis RC Baptisms cemetery indexes for Wigan assist with family history 1795-1856, 1885-1941 are now complete with the workshops and with desk Marriages: 1857-1941. last sections for 1901-1908 cover and enquiries. They Westleigh Twelve Apostles RC now made available by Carol perform necessary tasks Baptisms 1879-1941, Marriages Lowton and Barbara Davies cheerfully and conscientiously. 1886-1941, Burials 1890-1903 . and revised editions of earlier If you would like to join this Wigan St Mary RC Baptisms sections by Freda Chorlton. band of wonderful people 1819-1941, Marriages 1837- Freda has also been please contact Christine Watts 1941, Burials 1849-1899, instrumental in the gaining of on 01942 827404, or if you Confirmations 1860-1900. access to registers that have are interested in joining the as yet not been filmed and education and outreach team Patents which remain with Cemeteries of volunteers ring Rachel Henry Atherton and Robert Office. She has been allowed Orme on 01942 828121. Smith of Hindley 1905 to photograph and index the Richard O. Burland of Wigan last register covering Meanwhile, thanks for all your 1911 1977-1988 and has passed to hard work volunteers! us a printout of cremation Harry Coverdale of Wigan interments 1988-2007 1908 kindly donated by Wigan Cemeteries Office .
7 FAMILY HISTORY
Leigh & District Family History Society
Have you ever w ondered how to go about tracing your family history? Help is now available each Monday afternoon at the Local History Section of Leigh Library between 1.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. Members of the Leigh & District Family History Society have Family History Help Desk – Leigh Library volunteered to run a Help Desk. The members of group who have spent time researching their information on several small pieces meetings of each group as they own family’s history are now of paper and get confused which wish. A conference is held each helping others to get started with side of the family they are referring year at different venues throughout their research. to. It is best to research just one the area. This year’s conference will line of the family tree at a time at be at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral With the interest generated by first. Those who have never used a as part of the European City of television programmes and computer before are encouraged Culture celebrations. Members also dedicated family history websites, to use the library’s edition of receive a quarterly journal with more and more people are keen to Ancestry to check Census Returns. articles submitted by members, lists trace their family’s roots. The Local History Section’s of new members together with the microfilm and microfiche library is names they are researching, Early in 2007 when the Wigan also used. A list of useful websites publication lists and details of Leisure Trust was re-organising the is also provided. In the future, it is meetings and conferences. As opening hours for the Heritage hoped to produce a ‘Starter Pack’ new members submit the names sites, members of the Leigh Group for those just starting to trace the for publication, any other members met with the Trust to discuss the family lines. Enquirers are already researching the same name possibility of extending the encouraged to leave details in a are able to get in touch and may proposed arrangements. As a book which is then taken to the be able to match their family lines. result the hours were revised and monthly meeting of the Society in The Society has a worldwide the Group is now represented on case any other member is already membership and website at the Heritage Network. As the Local researching the same family. www.liverpool-genealogy.org.uk History Officer is not always gives details of all meetings available at the Leigh Library, the The Leigh Group holds their and provides a forum, where Group offered to provide monthly meetings on the third enquiries from all over the world volunteers to be available for two Tuesday of each month (except are received. hours each week. Since last June and July) in the Derby Room September several enquirers have of Leigh Library at 7.30 p.m. Some Many of the Groups have been set on the way to finding months are treated as workshop produced several projects. their ancestors including some evenings while others have The most recent project of the who travelled from as far away as speakers giving talks on various Leigh Group is the transcription Shropshire. The Group’s Secretary family history or local history of the monumental inscriptions at also tries to answer any queries related projects. St. John the Evangelist Church, passed to her from the Local Abram. The Group is also History Officer. The Group is one of six groups of preparing a transcription of the the Liverpool & SW Lancs. FHS at monumental inscriptions of Leigh The service is provided free and no Liverpool, Southport, Upholland & Cemetery and the St. Thomas’s appointment is necessary. Before Skelmersdale, Warrington and Churchyard in Heath Road, attending with any query it is Widnes. Other groups also have Ashton-In-Makerfield. All the advisable to have as much Help Desks at Liverpool and Society’s publications are information as possible of Formby libraries and occasionally in available online from the ancestors, set out in some kind of Warrington. Members of the Publications Officer. order. Many people arrive with Society can attend monthly
8 Cromwell’s Ditch By Bob Blakeman
area now known as Poolstock. Here meanders around, seeming to remains of the entrenchments can change its direction without rhyme still be traced, and are marked on the or (military) reason. Ordnance Maps as ‘Cromwell’s Ditch’. It is worth pointing out that the historical information supplied on Cromwell’s Ditch appeared on nineteenth century O.S. maps is, by Ordnance Survey maps from 1849 today’s standards, surprisingly until about 1950, by which time it unreliable. The Ordnance Survey did had virtually disappeared, buried not employ a full-time archaeological under industrial waste and removed officer until 1920. Before that date it by landscaping activity. The words often relied upon information from “Cromwell’s Ditch” were printed on local amateur archaeologists and the maps in the gothic lettering used antiquaries whose sources were to indicate historic monuments often folk tradition as well as constructed after 1066 C.E. It observation and analysis. During the Civil War, Wigan was originally extended from a point to the headquarters of the royalist the south of St Nathaniel’s Church, I believe Cromwell’s Ditch to have forces in the north-west. The town Poolstock, to a point near the been the abandoned bed of a former has sometimes been described as a present Saddle Junction; but later stream, perhaps an earlier course of royalist stronghold, although the another ditch near the present Robin Poolstock Brook, which at some time fact that it was taken by Park Arena was also included. The in the past changed direction due to parliamentary forces several times whole followed a route roughly unknown geographical factors. would indicate that ‘stronghold’ is parallel to the River Douglas. too weighty a word. How, then, did this former However, as the centre of royalist A.J. Hawkes seems to have believed watercourse get a name connecting military activity in the region, one that the Ditch was a royalist it with the Civil War? There may well would expect Wigan to have had defensive earthwork, but this would have been a genuine Civil War some fortifications, however hastily have placed the defenders of the fortification nearby. Edward Baines, constructed. Former Wigan Borough town with their backs to the River writing in 1836, and describing the Librarian, A. J. Hawkes F.S.A, in a Douglas. Popular opinion seems to defences of Wigan during the Civil paper written in the 1930’s (1) , have regarded it as a parliamentary War mentions a “zig-zag mound” quotes an order of 14 January earthwork, but there are problems that was still visible in that area at 1642/3 appointing a Mr William with this interpretation also. The that time. (3) If correctly identified by Pilkington of Wigan “Overseere of Ditch ran along the bottom of a local antiquaries, this would have work now in hand for the fortifyinge broad valley, making any forces been the remains of a small of the towne.” Hawkes goes on to occupying it vulnerable to fire from fortification typical of the period, state, “Strong entrenchments were the higher land on which the town made of rammed earth and with thrown up around the town, and stands. Local field names such as angled bastions. Unfortunately this gates were erected at the principal Harrison’s Meadow, Parson’s does not appear on the first edition entrances”. These “strong Meadow, and Swan Meadow of the Ordnance Survey’s six-inch entrenchments” were probably the suggest that centuries ago the land series, surveyed 1845-6, so it has not earthen ramparts and ditches which would have been liable to flooding. been possible to pinpoint its location. the Rev. Sibson described in the The area in which the ditch is found 1820’s as being “very visible” and is a most unlikely situation for a Notes: extending along what is now military trench. 1: Hawkes, AJ (1930-31) Wigan’s part in the Civil War Trans, Lancs and Ches. Antiquarian New Market Street, and along King Society 47, 84-138 (2) A noticeable feature is that the Street and Rodney Street. (Sibson 2: Although laid out in the late eighteenth believed them to be Roman). township / borough boundary century, King Street was not completely built between Pemberton and Wigan up until much later. Hawkes then writes, “Camps were follows the Ditch, yet this boundary 3: Baines, Edward (1836) History of County pitched in the parson’s meadow, and would have been fixed centuries Palatine and Dutchy of Lancaster. Vol 3 p544 on the banks of the Douglas in the before the Civil War. Also the Ditch
9 My Family and Music By Joyce Stubbs It all started when I moved to North Wales I had found an old black and I also found my Aunt Hettie and joined a history white photo taken in 1951 by Thompson and Aunt Annie class. I started my late husband. It was a Nicholson. We had solved the researching my family photo of the cottage where mystery of Mary Ann. history and encountered Mary Ann had lived and died. many brick walls. The My father had taken us to see Mary Ann bequeathed a it in Carn Brea, Redruth. I biggest and hardest miniature harmonium to the decided to try to find out was my Grandfather’s family and it was given to more about Mary Ann’s life. I Uncle Arthur, my father’s half sister. I didn’t know sent an e-mail to the vicar of brother, as he was the most Mary Ann Nicholson at Illogan church and attached a musical in the family. I have the time but when I copy of the photo. He e- since received a letter from received the birth mailed me back a day or two Ephraim Hodkinson one of certificate it became later with a colour photo of Uncle Arthur’s pupils, and in clear she hadn’t the the cottage as it is today. I it he gives a glowing account same father as the then e-mailed the Archivist at of Arthur. other children. Redruth and she found a Mary Ann Maddern living in My memories of Uncle No father was given and my Carn Brea in 1930 - I knew Arthur Nicholson started grandfather’s father had died Mary died about 1931. after we moved to Downall in June 1870 at the age of 42 Green Road when I was years. Mary Ann was born in Members of The Cornwall about four years old in 1934. May 1872 so couldn’t have genealogy group were very We lived at 243, Auntie been his child. I followed good and Maurice, a very Hettie Thompson lived at Mary Ann’s life through the helpful member of the group, 237, Arthur and Pa (my censuses and she lived with promised to go to the Library grandfather) at 235 and Auntie Jinnie Gorner at 233. her mother and my to look for Mary Ann Uncle Arthur was well known grandfather at one time but Maddern. He looked up locally and taught many in 1901 she had moved to several leads before we children to play the piano. decided it must be Mary Ann Gloucestershire and was living Roy and I had lessons but with a lady who was a Maddern. He found her Roy had played tunes since Salvationist. I knew that Mary obituary for the year 1931 in he was two years old sitting had joined the Salvation the local paper and, who on Arthur’s knee. Frank and Army. I also knew I had the should be on the list of Leonard Gorner were also right Mary because the census mourners, but my father, taught music by Uncle stated that she was born in Ernest Nicholson and Arthur but they preferred Tontine, Upholland grandfather, James Nicholson. boogie-woogie or whatever
10 it was called. I suppose you was just brilliant. He and the organ and piano at home would say they were Jazz fans. Arthur Unsworth(violin) were for the family and friends. My in great demand in people’s daughter Catherine plays the Roy, myself and Uncle Arthur homes and at functions, violin and in 1972 was playing would play together and I including playing for Lord with the Merseyside Youth would play the left hand Crawford at Haigh Hall. They Orchestra when Simon Rattle because it was easier. Uncle could entertain for hours from was percussionist. They went Arthur played on one piano memory. Arthur had two to Switzerland to play with and Roy and myself on the pianos - A Bechstein Model 8 Orchestra’s from all over the other. I loved those days when and a Bluthner. I don’t think I world, and also played at the we did things like that. I have have exaggerated his ability. I Empire Theatre when the since received a letter form have two degrees thanks to Queen visited to see the talent Ephraim Hodkinson one of Arthur A.L.C.M and LLCM. of Merseyside. Arthur was Uncle Arthur’s star pupils and Arthur also had both. Arthur Organist at Bryn Independent in it he gives a glowing has a daughter Janet who is Church for 60 years. When he account of Arthur who was his following in his footsteps and died in 1975, Ephraim took idol. The following is his has gained LTCL for Clarinet over. Ephraim and Alice tribute to Arthur:- and now teaches Clarinet and Hodkinson regularly attend Piano” Janet now teaches The Church. “I think of Arthur every week. Clarinet, saxophone, flute and He was my mentor I used to piano. Janet is married to If anyone has any memories of come home from church with Stephen Hoare and their my family please get in touch him, sit next to him, watch daughter Bryony plays the I would love to hear from you. him. I had lessons for nine flute and has won several ice I have a photograph including years with him, he was a dancing competitions Bert Hardacre and Tony Bell wonderful musician. Brilliant at where are you now? sightreading he could My father had lessons at the Visit Joyce Stubbs (Nicholson) accompany singers without same time as Arthur. Friends Rhos-on-sea rehearsal. His touch on the and family thought he was the www.joyceandgeorge.co.uk keys was different. He just got better of the two when they or e-mail that extra out of classics, started, but Dad didn’t take [email protected] popular songs of the day he any exams just enjoyed playing
11 My Teenage Years
By George The final saga of 88 years Victor Wadeson of life in Ince and Wigan
Leaving School at the age of would be damaged at one end walking distance from town. No- 14, which everyone did from or the other, and the draw bar one had cars, but they all stayed the early 1920’s until after the that the couplings were in town until quite late in the Second World War, you were fastened to had a huge nut. To evening - some to go to the expected to go out to earn take the coupling bar out, this cinema. I know this because my your living since most families had to have the big nut split; to job was to wash the tiled shop could not afford even one in remove this nut a chisel was floor after the shop was shut. the family not bringing in a held fastened to a metal rod When the shop shut the wage. Youth’s wages were, of against the nut and a Manager, Bert Naylor, walked course, tiny compared to an sledgehammer used to hit the out into Standishgate and made adult wage - not that their chisel. The sledgehammers used sure there were no late shoppers wage was very big. were 7lb, 14lb and 28lb. I could about; this was usually around manage the 7lb but was not 8pm. There was no early closing I left Rose Bridge Secondary very good on the 14lb and not then. There were always a few Modern School at the age of 14 at all on the 28lb, and if I mis- people who waited to the last without any merits. This put me aimed then the one holding the minute to get something that in the ‘any job will do’ class. metal rod holding the chisel, got was cheap. For instance if you Usually you went for a job his hand stung. needed to put something into where you expected to spend a cold store (that would be life time; railways apprentice or This usually ended with me Ashton’s) it might be cheaper to engineering apprentice were getting a clout behind the head, sell the item a long way below popular but these were at a at least with this chap. Just the regular price than pay the premium. After several months picking myself up after a high price of cold storage. with no job, I was taken on at particular bad thump, another Although it was a grocer and Wigan Wagon Works. There I very big chap jumped into the provisions store, we always, was put with a man who had wagon and knocked my trainer towards weekend, had a hind been in the job for years and out with a blow and said to me, quarter of beef on the end slab obviously resented training in broad Wigan accent, ‘Go und near the door. Late at night, another small boy (because I get thi jackit lad - this mon ul steak at knock down prices was was small at that time). kill thi when he comes to’. This sold and I have had big lumps ended my work on railway of steak in part payment of Moving away from the ‘what wagons; I wasn’t strong enough wages (by agreement of course). and wherefore’ of the Wagon for the job. From there I went to Works - we were supposed to be a job as an errand boy for Although we had an ice-box in repairing wooden railway Melia’s Grocers who had a shop the back room of the shop, this wagons; some so old they hardly at the Standishgate end of the was ruled by the weather. If the held together. The strange thing Royal Arcade, where Wildings weather was hot, I had to go was that some of the newly photographic shop is now. and get a block of ice from repaired ones were being By then, I would be 16 and the Ashton’s just round the corner brought back and scrapped and year 1935. facing the old Market Hall. This new ‘all metal’ wagons being was carried on the sack truck built in their place. The streets of Wigan centre and my job, besides cleaning the were probably a bit more ice-box to XL standards, was to When a wagon came in for crowded than now - that was break up the ice into small but repair, usually the headstock because everyone lived within not too small pieces. These were
12 packed down the sides of the no good me getting their prices there being very few cars about, ice box then a layer of salt to because their errand boys had and the trains were crowded to start to lower the temperature, checked ours, “Good” he said, their doors. Coming up Wallgate then again and again until the “then we just go with our own through the Wigan Market place 1cwt block of ice was used up. prices”. I got my leg pulled for a and down Standishgate to the long time as“Edmonson’s blue- turn off at Greenhough Street, At weekend I had to put a row eyed boy”. Although I was just was a solid mass of people, and of trays by the shop window errand boy, and Burt Naylor the same (only more so) going down the side of the arcade and Manager, there also was a back to catch their train. on those I sold perishable items woman, Melna Bowe who that were not selling in the looked after the groceries My carrier bike was the sort with shop. Something I hated was counter and butter, a lad on a small front wheel and a very selling frozen Australian rabbits Provisions (cooked meat, cheese big basket. These are very where my job was to skin them; etc) whose name I don’t ungainly bikes and I have fallen towards closing time I was to remember and Tommy Kemp off that one several times. It was offer a 6 penny cake free with a who was the van driver for so bad that the order to the 3 penny rabbit. I have to say the places too far for me, as errand Foundry House down Leyland wind howled through that boy, to get to. Mill Lane had to be walked down Arcade; I’m sure I was near to and back, but in those days of frostbite sometimes. Other shops in the Royal Arcade, tips, the tip at Foundry House were a clothes shop called by was one to be coveted - three Being a Liverpool firm with the owners name, Julius, a very pence. A penny here and a penny grocers shops all over Lancashire friendly Jewish chap, and further there would mount up - a good - having one in Wigan town up a clothes and repair shop. seat in the Cinema was sixpence centre, one in Scholes and one Working in that was a young and five Woodbine Cigarettes in Hindley - the head office had woman about four or five years were only fourpence. A pocket a overseer. His job was going older than me. She was full of copper and you were quite round frightening the living something special - very pretty, rich especially compared to daylights out of staff. and I realised she was one of today’s valueless money. Remembering that jobs were the older girls I played with few and far between, if when I was very young in Higher One of the things to make someone said Edmonson was Ince. Now in her early 20’s, she errand boys’ jobs seem a bit coming then blind panic set in. I was a real eye opener; people better, was that they would had to go through my jobs and stopped to look at her walking gather in certain places - usually do them quickly and not let him down Standishgate - a Marilyn at the top of a hill - somewhere see me doing anything other Monroe of her day. She was the like Green Hill on Wigan Lane - than my normal job or he would daughter of Albert Longworth and then go down in a big have me ‘picking up the match who owned Gidlow House at bunch shouting and singing as sticks in Standishgate’. Higher Ince, where I lived. I am they went. A good bit of ashamed to say the passing of camaraderie came from that. I One of my jobs in the early time has made me forget her had a life-long friend, Cyril morning was to go up to the name. But I carried a picture in Aspinall, who was errand boy other shops in town booking my mind of who I would for Kings who were butchers in down the prices in their eventually marry, and I was the Market Hall - we met often windows (Meadow Dairy, proved right; my wife came on those mad rides. Maypole and Latimer’s are just a from a shop in Standishgate - few of these). Then Bert Naylor Woolworths - 15 years or more Sadly the shop must have either would spend time getting later and she was a very pretty needed to make more money or permission from head office to girl also. the lease was up for renewal alter his shop prices. Coming and too high, but they closed. back one day with the list, The town would always get By then, I would be 18 years old Edmonson was waiting and I crowded at weekends, but on and starting a job with Leyland was shaking with fear. He the Saturdays that Wigan Rugby & Birmingham Rubber Company wanted to know where I had played at home, was a mad in Leyland. There I stayed until been, so telling him and saying scramble to get through the going to war, when I reached in the same breath that it was crowds. They came by train, 20 years old.
13 READER'S PHOTOGRAPH
All Saint's School in about 1935/6 at a Fancy Dress Party, photograph from Eric Turner
Back, Miss Walls (Infants Head), Rev' Hope Johnson, Mr Richardson (Head), Mr Beard (Curate).
I only remember five of the children by name (flat cap is Elmer Twist, still a great character today). I am sat centre holding the small boy.
14 St John’s Ambulance Brigade at Wigan Cricket Club (date unknown) Sent in by Mrs M. J. Vizard of Wigan. The lady on the front row, 5th from right, is Winifred Fleetwood, Mrs Vizard’s mother.
Building thought to be Norley Hall c.1950. A local street scene, thought to be Poolstock. Can any reader help identify these pictures sent in by Mrs M. McGrath of Bolton?
15 STICKABILITY ON A FIDDLE – the wartime adventures of a violin by Austin Lyons
One of the earliest recollections groupings of quavers, blackened Our efforts proved so successful, of my childhood, was being the second half of the sheet. They that on this 28 day trip to India we taken by my father to the local seemed to appreciate my little were able to present a spectacular music hall – the Wigan effort, thanked me and off I went revue on five successive nights in Hippodrome. On my arrival home. I didn’t think much about order to entertain the many there, I always hurried down to the incident until some time later, I hundreds which comprised the the orchestra pit, because I saw Ted Hurst’s mate, carrying a ship’s company – this also forming could just see the scroll-head of violin case along Chapel Green – I part of our Christmas festivities. the huge base fiddle, but not wondered, if my childish playing, Our music for all this, consisted of the player, just above the had given him the inspiration to bits of paper, usually cigarette surrounding velvet curtain. ‘have a go’ himself. I continued my packets, on which we scribbled, the study of the violin for several more key signatures of the various tunes This must have seemed like a child- years, until the problems of work we played. like fascination to my parents, who and family matters became the on my seventh birthday presented priority. In the meantime, I used to Finally arriving at Bombay after our me with a half-sized violin – at least give the occasional violin solo at month-long sea voyage, we now this was something I could see and events in the parish hall in aid of had to face the gruelling long tram hold! After a spell of sawing away church funds. journey across the whole of the at scales to which I was Indian continent to Bengal. Here understandably sent to the back When World War II, broke out and I we had to transfer all our kit from bedroom to practice, my teacher was eventually called up. I packed the train onto a banana boat. Due introduced me a tutor book of my fiddle along with all my other to a mishap for which I was partly “easy melodies” items, in the middle of my kitbag responsible, my kit bag fell into the and off I went. I played the violin in water and had to be retrieved by I have good reason to remember several camp bands and orchestras one of the lads. I dragged the one of these ‘Bluebells of Scotland, at various RAF stations – the most soaking bag onto the boat and with variations’. One summer’s far-flung being at Stornaway in the eventually managed to get it down evening, whilst returning from my outer Hebrides. A concert we gave to the lower deck where an old violin lesson, I was ‘confronted’ by there was well received and Indian was cooking some chipaties two tall young men, one of whom I merited an excellent report in the – he smiled approvingly as I moved recognised as Ted Hurst, son of a local newspaper. to place my wet bag on a cooking near neighbour of ours – they spit above his primitive wood- asked if I would play for them. Eventually I was posted to the Far burning fire, I spent some time Nodding my approval, they took East and once again, I took the there turning it, as if I were me to the rear of some old violin with me. Boarding the troop roasting a pig! Eventually, when it cottages on Chapel Green and ship Queen of Bermuda, which was looked reasonably dried out, I asked me to ‘give them a tune’. I to convey RAF personnel only, we placed it with the rest of the kit on opened my violin case – took out were stunned by the depressing the deck above. There, I found all the fiddle and kindly asking them news from the entertainments’ the lads asleep – after making a to hold the music – gave them an officer, that there wasn’t a sheet of rough drawing of this scene in my open-air performance of ‘Blue Bells popular music, aboard ship. After sketch-book – I joined them. of Scotland’. much discussion, we were left with no alternative but to search out our When in due course, we arrived in I can still see this piece of music, as musical memories and experiment Burma, it was sometime before I the variations with their numerous with our own improvisations. made an examination of the
16 contents of my kit bag – most of the items had survived the deluge, When at long last, it was all over except my violin which was in two and I found myself back in civvy parts – the water had somehow street, I set about trying to repair dissolved the glue attaching the my violin. What proved most Austin Lyons “on his neck and finger board to the rest of difficult was the solid lump of the instrument. I set about trying to chewing gum – I had to almost fiddle” aged eight. repair it, but couldn’t find a chisel it away – how’s that suitable adhesive – because of the for stickability – on the fiddle? tropical heat, none of the traditional – type glues would set. One day after chewing some gum – instead of disposing of it – I stuck it in the neck of the violin, to ensure it fitted neatly into the shaped segments of the case and then forgot all about it.
Several months later, found us on the move again, this time partaking in the Liberation of Malaya. After the surrender of the Japanese, and a temporary governing body established here in Kuala Lumpur, our RAF Unit was invited to present a Forces Show on Radio Mayala. It was then that I thought about my violin – was it still in pieces in it’s case. I hurried to the billet and carefully removed it. For a moment I was stunned – it felt like a complete instrument. I grabbed the bow and quickly played a few chords – then some more – I couldn’t believe my luck. The chewing gum had hardened successfully in spite of the tropical heat.
The following morning I became one of five volunteers that formed a dance-band – a couple of us doubling as vocalists for some of the numbers. On the night of the broadcast, I was making my way in the pouring rain, to the Radio Station, when I fell down one of the massive monsoon-style drain- holes right up to my neck – still clutching my violin. Fortunately, no harm was done, and somehow scrambled up the drain and hurried off to meet the other lads. Our broadcast proved highly successful to the point that many thought we were more than just a five-piece band and requested our attendance at other functions but these had to be refused because of normal duties.
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MR DAKIN SHARES MEMORIES OF HIS Do you YOUTH WITH US (EDITOR). By Mr Remember? E Dakin Do you remember Wakes Weeks? 6 o’clock to collect 6 pence (2p in today’s money) For the first two weeks of every July, the noise to cover the whole family for minor medical and bustle of Wigan’s cotton mills fell silent. problems. There wasn’t any NHS in those days. Other industries too, either closed their doors or And I also remember Dad and me during the hot kept going with a reduced workforce. Even a few Summer months, walking down the canal bank to shops put up their shutters. gather a variety of herbs. Plants like, dandelion And where did these hard-working folk go on and burdock and nettle, and from which Dad holiday? Blackpool, Southport, Rhyl, Llandudno, made dandelion and burdock pop. When it was and various other destinations, were invaded by, bottled it had the appearance of today’s lager hopeful, sun-seeking, fun loving, thirsty and beer; and believe me, it was nectar in a bottle. hungry holiday-makers, that were the town’s And everybody knows the cure for nettle stings; working classes. They travelled by train, bus or rub a dock leaf on the affected part, and hey charabanc. If you stayed at home the town was presto! The sting disappears. Isn’t it strange, the deserted, so, to break the monotony, you booked dock plant is always found relatively close to a day trip by charabanc. stinging nettle. Back in olden times country folk The coach firms of Smiths, Barnes, and other reckoned that the dock leaf was only effective if companies did a roaring trade. Those well- the following spell was said simultaneously “Nettle upholstered, but cramped colourful single- out, dock in - dock remove the nettle sting”. deckers, took a route that included a stop at True or not, it gives the whole idea of herbs some tiny rural café - there were no motorways in and folklore a certain charm and quaintness. those days - then off again to the seaside resorts We also gathered comfrey, which has several in Wales, and not forgetting, Scarborough, common names – the most popular one Morecambe, and of course, Blackpool, the being, knitbone. favourite. There was one thing for sure, whichever resort you visited, you were certain to bump into Dad would hang the leaves and allow them to someone you knew; workmates, neighbours, dry, and when anyone suffered a strain, bruise or distant relatives, even your boss. swelling, he would put the leaves in a pan of water and simmer them for about 20 minutes, “How do, Joe, where et stoppin’?” then the victim would bathe the injured part until “Nay, Sammy, how long art ‘ere fer?” relief was obtained. “Hello, Molly, luv, ha thowt thee an’ Billy were gooin’ to New Brighton.” But in those those days, even if you didn’t know your herbs, there was always a herbalist shop All good friends, out to have a good time best within easy walking distance, where you could buy, way they could, and even these familiar, well- for a few coppers, any herb for any complaint known faces, wasn’t going to stop them. under the sun; all nature’s remedies, which, with a Then the hunt for a good fish and chip shop or bit of knowledge, could be gathered personally café, followed by a visit to the nearest crowded from local fields and meadows. bar for a couple o’ gills. And just to cool things down, a paddle in the sea before tea.. And do you remember too, friendly neighbours Do you remember coping with illness? nipping next door to make cinder tea for a new born baby with the gripes? When money was I remember as a lad, and I don’t know why, but it short, which was often, they couldn’t afford gripe always seemed to be dark, a cold winter’s night water, so they made cinder tea. And this is how it when a bowler-hatted Mr. Harmer, doctor Berry’s was done. ? man, came calling every Friday about
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Take a red hot cinder out o’t fire, put it in a cup any butcher’s fridge. It didn’t make things any of cold water, let it stand for a few seconds, put better having to hop across the cold linoleum, in some sugar, let it stand some more, sieve it and down the uncarpeted stairs, either. into another cup, cool it again, then pour it into Coal was kept under the stairs, and as well as the babies feeding bottle. That got the wind up, heating the copper boiler it was our only means of I’ll tell you! heating the living-room. And that is where Mam So, if you fancy reviving an age-old remedy for did her baking, on a black-leaded, fire range. gripes, why not have a go?. And if you can do On some winter’s nights I actually looked this with a modern gas fire, write it down, get it forward to spending some time in front of a published, and you’ll make a fortune. blazing fire, pegging a rug made from sacking Now the humble potato, as everybody knows, is and coloured pieces of old, unwanted clothing, not a herb, but a vegetable. But it was once like jackets and trousers. thought that a stolen potato was a useful charm against rheumatism, and would be carried in a That same fire heated the solid plate oven shelves, pocket or around the neck. which, on a cold winter’s night, were wrapped in a blanket and used to warm our beds. An And warts rubbed with a potato would disappear unforgettable luxury! We never had much money, as the vegetable rotted. Personally, I like my but Dad worked hard – when he was in work and spuds on a plate, chipped, boiled or mashed, or Mam, scraped, saved, baked and slaved, to give us made into a belly-filling hash. the best of what was going. She never seemed to Do you remember what family life was like? sit down, and when she did, she was usually Do you remember when you were growing up? knitting or sewing or darning. How can you forget? Especially if like me, you were brought up in the depression years; when Do you remember when there were real characters? the dole queues were long and money was scarce. There are no real characters today, not in our I honestly think that when life is hard it leaves you kind of world, anyroad. I remember our local rat with an indelible memory of the times endured. catcher who, with his battle-scarred mongrel Not that you resented those times and conditions. dog, spent most of his time at the rat-infested How could you? You didn’t know any different. bone works. Take the example of our house where me, my We had some likely characters in our two brothers, and sister were born and raised. neighbourhood, too. Jack Dash the bookie’s Ours, like many more, had one cold water tap runner, built like a whippet, and as fast as one. and a shallow brown slop-stone. Until we could One Sunday teatime, we had just sat down to a afford a geyser, our only means of obtaining hot tinned salmon salad, when our front door was water was by boiling the kettle. flung open, and in ran Dash and two of his gambling mates; with breathless apologies, they Oh, we had a boiler, a copper one inside a brick ran straight through into the back kitchen, out surround, with room for a small coal fire into the yard, and over a wall. underneath. It was situated in a corner, in the back kitchen, and on washdays Mam would Jack Pegleg, who would eat anything and never had make the fire, pile in the dirty clothes and boil a stomach problem, and who used to tar his front them, using a stick to stir the clothes around. door every time he tarred his wooden leg. Father Rimmer, our Parish priest, who, every Sunday Afterwards, the clothes were scrubbed and afternoon, without fail, would come knocking on squeezed through a mangle. That was one of my the doors of his Catholic congregation, collecting first jobs after school, turning the mangle for money for the waifs and strays; and if he didn’t get Mam. When Dad was out of work, Mam took in an answer, he’d go down the entry, walk in the back washing to make an extra shilling or two. It door and catch us all hiding under stairs and table. wasn’t a nice job not in those days, anyway. What a life, eh. It was a continual struggle just to And what about the toilet situation? Our lavvy keep going, but when the priest came calling, he was a good 50 yards up the backyard, we even wanted money from an almost empty purse, and had to turn a corner to get there. That meant at if he caught up with you, you gave it to him. night we had to use a chamber pot. Everybody There was always somebody worse off than had a po under the bed in those days. ?yourself. Those were the days, unforgettable. And those bedrooms in winter were colder than
19 The Atherton Local Board – A FORGOTTON HERITAGE? By R. Evans
During the latter half of the C19th the expansion of mining and industry resulted in a rapid rise in the population of the townships in the Borough of Wigan. The 1858 Local Government Act allowed townships to form local boards to be responsible for local government.
Unlike under the previous 1864 and 1894. An article such That the land required for a parish administration as this can only provide the reservoir in the field in which members of these boards briefest of introductions to the present reservoir is were able to appoint full-time some of the achievements and situated be Leased from professional, salaried officers deliberate emphasis has been Lord Lilford on a lease for to develop and manage given to stages in the provision 999 years, at an annual rent services to meet growing of present day services that of one halfpenny per economic and social demands. perhaps over 100 years later square yard. The Minerals Money for this was available are not too well remembered. and the present water rights from long-term central being reserved.” government loans repaid from Water supply small annual additions to the Prior to the formation of the It appears very probable that local rates. Much of the Board, brooks and wells the reservoir is the one shown present physical character of provided water for industrial on the1849 map lying the central areas of these and domestic uses. There was between the Bolton Old and townships was created in this an urgent need to increase the New Roads and the aim was period. The first provision of supply and consideration was to extend it in the area of Carr what are now regarded as first given to the possibility of Bank fed by streams flowing essential basic services such as increasing the amount that from Hulton Park to the water supply and sewage could be obtained locally. Lord north. (Vol.1, P80 Sept 1864) disposal is due to decisions Lilford’s land agent was asked “A letter was read from the taken by these boards. if existing reservoirs could be Agent of Mr William Hulton enlarged. At one point it was enclosing the terms and The minute books of the resolved: (Vol. 1, P.33 April l864) Conditions upon which Atherton Local Board provide “It was moved by Mr Lewis Mr Hulton was willing to a record of tasks undertaken and seconded by sell the land required for in one township between Mr Warburton water works.”
20 The initial proposals were Manchester Corporation by (Vol.3 P.90 April 1869) rejected but the possibility of being connected with the “Resolved – that the previous obtaining water from Hulton mains of the Tyldesley with selection of the Vicarage Park continued to be Shackerley Local Board at Route…..be confirmed… considered. In 1865 the Hindsford Bridge in Atherton” Resolved – That the sewer minutes make many from Stock Platt ditch to Twist references to what was Agreement was finalised in lane be 21 inches of…Socketed described as the the July following which a Stoneware pipes.” “Westhoughton Scheme”: waterworks superintendent (Vol.2, P.76 Aug 1865) was appointed, tenders issued Atherton Sewage Farms “The Clerk reported that he for water mains and over the Similarly over the whole of the had met with Mr Arnold who succeeding years piped water townships surface the only advised that Mr Hunter and made available throughout means of disposing rain-water Mr Mackenzie should again the township. and any liquid waste was either visit the site of the proposed to allow it to soak into the waterworks at Westhoughton The Stock Platt Ditch ground or find its way into the and make a full report to the Now totally built over this, ran nearest brook. Not surprisingly Board taking into eastwards across The Avenue these watercourses became consideration that probably by from a bridge crossed by the polluted and a source of some modifications the Atherton to Leigh road. It infection. A typical complaint scheme might be reduced to collected all the industrial and received by the Board was suit the site and the domestic waste from the from. Messrs James Burton and requirements of the District” bordering townships of Leigh Sons, millowners, at Hindsford and Atherton. Comments Bridge: (Vol. 3 P126 July 1868) The minutes do not make about it in the Board’s clear why these schemes were minutes include: As the built up area expanded abandoned though it is now (Vol.2, P. 420 Aug 1867) with new terraces built obvious that local supplies “That there exists on the alongside roads made of would never have been Southerly border of this impermeable setts the need sufficient to meet an ever- district a foul and offensive for surface drainage became increasing demand. In 1866 ditch, known as Stock Platt even more necessary. The an approach was made to the ditch” and: (Vol.2, P.194 Aug 1867) initial response was to lay Tyldesley Board to co-operate “that such nuisance intercepting sewers to in obtaining a supply from commencing at the Bridge on discharge the waste Manchester. Turnpike Road is for the most downstream away from (Vol 2, P. 131 Feb. 1866) part caused by the sewage of populated areas. During the a portion of Westleigh and 1870’s engineers were After much discussion and Pennington emptying into appointed to construct a public pressure the Board the same” comprehensive sewage scheme resolved: (Vol. 2, P. 339 Jan 1868) for the whole of the township “that the clerk be and he is Frequent requests were made and to include methods of hereby instructed to make to Pennington and Westleigh treatment. This became more application to the Poor Law to co-operate to ameliorate essential as the installation of Board for authority to borrow the hazard. In late 1868 a water closets, first from the Public Works Loan Joint Committee was formed recommended in 1878, slowly Commissioners the sum of to seek a solution and with replaced the privies, previously £7414 –11s –5d for the the aid of outside arbitrators a the sole toilet facilities, from execution of the proposed scheme for drainage was which the “night soil” was works for supplying with agreed which included the removed by the night soil water the district of Atherton area of each township that workers. There is an early Local Board from the would benefit and the reference to this in1876: Prestwich Reservoir of the allocation of costs. (Vol. 6 P.65 Dec. 1876)
21 “When the new sewer in the consider applications for the provide land, that work Valley is laid, this petty and occupation of part of the began. (Vol.17, P57 May 1896) ashpit to be replaced by a Hindsford Sewage land as “Resolved, That this Water Closet” garden allotments” Committee recommends the Council to adopt the scheme There is now no evidence of In the days of horse No. 2, viz for a new road the existence of the two transport the steep-sided through the Botannical sewage treatment sites valley of the Chanter’s Brook Gardens of 14 yards wide of constructed to serve the must have proved difficult which the estimated cost is needs of Atherton in for the movement of heavy £3844 and that agreements Hindsford and at Glasshouse. loads. Earlier in the century a to be entered into with Lord high level road had been Lilford and Messers Fletcher In 1894 a decision was taken constructed to by-pass the Burrows Co limited for that to locate treatment away old road to Bolton across the purpose, subject to the from populated areas and, ”Valley”. From the 1880s sanction of the Local after first considering an onwards there were Government Board being independent site at discussions about the need obtained to the borrowing of Hawkshead Farm south of for a similar high-level route the money required…….. Bedford, it was agreed to to avoid the steep inclines Resolved, That application be form a Joint Sewage Board on the road to Tyldesley. made to the County Council with Leigh and expand what Requests were made to Lord for assistance towards the are the present treatment Lilford’s agent for land and carrying out of the scheme” works at Hope Carr. By 1898 hopes were raised that the the Urban District Council, cost could be shared when a Two years later the work was which by this date had company proposed building complete. (Vol.18, P.93.April 1898) replaced the Local Board, a tramway through the “The committee recommend decided that the old works district. (Vol. 9, P.161 Nov. 1882) that the whole of the road were redundant: “The promoter of the from the Market Place to (Vol. 18 P 197 Sept. 1898) Tramways (Mr Speight) Hindsford Bridge (including “That Mr Greenough be attended with his the new part at Chanters) be engaged to catalogue and engineers and the details of named Tyldesley Road, and sell by auction all the the scheme here discussed the present road, from machinery and ironwork at when it appeared that Mr Hillock to Mason Lane, the Glasshouse and Hindsford Speight was depending Tyldesley Old Road” Sewage Works” upon the Chanters new road being made and that he A contract was signed to could only proceed with the Sources and Acknowledgements clear the Glasshouse site tramways on that The Board minutes are contained in 16 thick volumes with numbered (Vol.18, P300 Feb 1899) understanding. The Board pages (TD Ath A/1/1 to A1/18) in “Mr Thomas Platt for offered to carry out the the Wigan Archives in Leigh Town levelling and soiling the work if Mr Speight would Hall. Further references are from land Glasshouse Old contribute £2000 (about the minutes of the Urban District Council which replaced the Board Sewage Works” half the estimate) towards in 1894. The source of each extract the cost” is identified by the (volume The land and buildings at number, page and date.) The writer Hindsford were sold and Mr Speight could not provide wishes to record his thanks to the Archivist and other Heritage staff some of the land offered that amount and it was not who have made the records for allotments: until 1896 when, with available for study and have always (Vol. 18 P 365 May 1899) financial help from the been ready to offer advice. “It was ordered that notice County Council and Lord be given that the Council will Lilford’s agreement to
22 Free Sundays has Wigan’s Great Engine in a Spin
Visitors to Wigan Pier Quarter will be charge for special events and activities. For able to see the magnificent example, visitors during the May half term can Trencherfield Mill Engine for free enjoy ‘Hard Times - How We Used to Work’. Here every Sunday from April. Situated in they can see the engine in action, enjoy a cotton its original setting, visitors can also spinning demonstration, and take part in a fun hear talks from the engineers, and craft activity. These sessions are suitable for children aged five to eleven years old , who must enjoy an exciting audio-visual show; be accompanied by an adult. This event, priced at all at no cost. £3.50 per person or £10.50 for a family of four, The engine is one of the largest and finest runs from 10.00am to 11.30am from Wednesday working examples of its type. Built 100 years 28th to Friday 30th May. For further information ago, this mammoth metal powerhouse was and to book a place contact 01942 323666. regarded as a feat of industrial engineering. Group and education visits to the engine are Churning out a massive 2,500 horse power to also available during the week but must be feed the ever hungry machinery of Trencherfield pre-booked. For further information please Mill, it played an instrumental role in Wigan’s industrial development. In 2004 with the help of contact Wigan Heritage Services learning team a successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid and on 01942 828128. restoration project, the engine was finally restored to its former glory. Visitors are now once again able to marvel at this giant’s immense size and power, but more importantly, experience it working as it did all those years ago - full steam ahead! Viewing slots , available every Sunday are: 11.00am to 11.45am, and 1.00pm to 1.45pm. No booking is required. Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Heritage Services Manager Carole Tyldesley said: “We really hope that local people and steam enthusiasts will take advantage of this free opportunity and come along and experience for themselves this incredible piece of machinery. It is a fine working example of industrial engineering, situated right here on your doorstep. The AV show , which accompanies the tour , provides a fascinating insight into the engine’s life from 1910 to the present day and a taster of what life was like working in the Victorian mills. Visitors can also enjoy cotton spinning demonstrations and put any questions they might have to our engineers.” Admission to the engine is free during the designated times, but there may be a small
23 HERITAGE EVENTS
MAY HALF TERM The Legend Of Mabs Cross Follow the footsteps of Lady Mabel in a short ‘Hard Times’- How We Used to Work walk around Wigan followed by a craft See the mighty Trencherfield Mill steam activity. Fun for all the family. Booking Engine; enjoy an exciting audio visual show essential contact: 01942 828128. and cotton spinning demonstration. Take part Date: 30th May in a fun craft activity. Fun for all the family. Suitable for children aged 5-11years old, Time: 1.30pm-3.00pm accompanied by an adult. Booking essential Price: £3.50 per person, contact : 01942 323666. £10.50 family ticket (4 persons) Date: 28th May -30 th May Venue: The History Shop, Time: 10.00am-11.30am Library Street, Wigan Price: £3.50 per person, £10.50 family ticket (4 persons) SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Venue: Trencherfield Mill Every Tuesday from 29 th July-19th August
Victorian Holidays ‘Cotton Mill & Canal Thrill’ Take a step back in time and discover how the Fun for all the family - See the mighty engine Victorians spent their summer holidays. Find in steam and enjoy a cotton spinning out how they spent their leisure time, places demonstration. Take part in craft activities and they visited and how holidays have changed. Take part in a fun craft activity. a special canal boat ride! Booking essential contact: 01942 828128. Booking essential contact: 01942 323666. Date: 28th May Time: 1.00pm-4.00pm Time: 2.00pm-3.00pm Price: £5 children, £3 adults or family ticket (4 persons ) - £14 Price: £2 per person Venue: Trencherfield Mill Venue: The History Shop, Library Street, Wigan Every Wednesday from 30 th July-20th August
How We Used to Live Your Past, Your Present, Your Future Take a step back in time to Victorian Wigan Take a step back in time and discover Wigan’s and discover what it was like to live in a heritage through a series of fun workshops . typical working class home. Handle Victorian Covering a variety of topics, take part in objects and take part in a fun craft activity. learning activities and crafts, handle objects, Booking essential contact: 01942 828128. and explore what The History Shop has to offer. Date: 29th May Booking essential contact: 01942 828128 . Time: 2.00pm-3.00pm Time: 2.00pm- 3.00pm Price: £2 per person Price: £2 Venue: The History Shop, Venue: The History Shop, Library Street, Wigan Library Street, Wigan
ALL EVENTS SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN AGED 5-11 YEARS ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. PLACES ARE LIMITED , SO BOOKING WITH PRE-PAYMENT IS ESSENTIAL.
24 Silver Screen Dreams
Leigh, like many towns and cities in the United Kingdom, at one time had an abundance of cinemas. There were the Sems and the Palace on Railway Road ; the Bedford Picturedrome in Chapel Street ; the Grand Theatre and Hippodrome on Leigh Road (later to become the Odeon, then the Classic and finally the Cannon) the Grand Cinema at the corner of Leigh Road and Windemere Road ; the Regal situated at the corner of King Street and Spinning Jenny Way and finally the Empire at the top of Bradshawgate (now Iceland). Other places such as the Co-operative Hall and the Theatre Royal showed films occasionally.
For many people, a visit to the picture palace was not so much a treat , but more a way of life. Gone are the Classic-Cannon Cinema, Screen 1, Leigh. days of having to stand up in long queues , waiting to see a hit musical such as The Sound of Music or the latest James Bond film, before being ushered into the foyer to buy tickets. Once inside there were the usherettes with torches to guide you to a vacant seat.
The intervals during which ice creams, ice lollies and pop-corn could be purchased from a girl with a tray of such goodies. Then there were the trailers advertising forthcoming attractions, the inimitable Pearl & Dean adverts and finally the back rows generally occupied by courting couples.
Leigh has had a rich cinematic history, ending the silver screen dream on 5th October 1989 when Cannon, the New Empire Cinema, Bradshawgate, Leigh. last of the cinemas, finally closed its doors.
However, all is not lost, as the phoenix may be arising from the ashes with the introduction of a new cinema club in the Derby Room at the Turnpike Centre, where from May, regular film screenings will be shown.
Friday 16th May, sees ‘ Contro l’ a film depicting the story of Joy Division and Ian Curtis, followed by a family favourite’ Wallace & Gromit - The Curse of The Were-Rabbit . Friday 13th June.
Both films will be screened 7.00pm-9.00pm with doors opening at 6.30pm. Booking essential, tickets are priced at £3.00 adults and £1.50 children, available from Leigh Library (01942 404404). Regal Cinema foyer, Leigh.
25 Tydyin’ Up is Harder than a Month in t’Pit! A short story by T H Ascroft (1908-1982)
Jack Bale knew that he had a full morning’s work in After a long, weary time, having laboured each pot front of him if he was going to make the place with horny hands, he suddenly found he had done. anything like. He was expecting Jessie home in the He decided to let the pots drain while he did the ambulance at three. The two children would not be hearth. They’d be easier to dry with the wet off back until after four because they were having them. He carried the bowl towards the hearth; but, dinner at school. on his uncertain way, he spilt some of the water on the carpet. The miner clenched his teeth and drew in a breath as he viewed the untidy room. He’d never seen it Jack had to mop up the little footling pool. But, at like this before. It astounded him that a room could last, this agony was over and the hearth, too, came change in such a way just because one little woman clean and shining under his hand. Then he took up had been absent from it for three weeks. the duster again and went round the room, flicking off the dust wherever he could see it. He went over Jack was one of the best men at the pit where he the carpet next with the sweeper. He seemed to be worked, and the demands of a shift deep under making progress. were nothing to him. Even at home, he was a handy man with a hammer and saw, and was a real Lighting another cigarette, Jack Bale now dried his treasure to his wife for doing odd jobs such as pots and cleaned the window. By this time, he was mending a spout or putting up shelves. But when it tired out, but, seeing the fire had burned low, he came to dusting and cleaning up a house, he staggered out into the back, where his budgies always developed the feeling of a lost soul in a were twittering, and brought in a shovelful of coal. sandy wilderness. He just had no readiness for He threw the coal on the fire and left the shovel in coping with chores of this nature. the hearth. Feeling he could do no more, he drew up an armchair, sank into it and went fast asleep. Shadowed corner A shocking dream Anyway he knew he would have to make a start so, to drug himself for the tasks ahead, he lit a It was a shocking dream. He was back down the cigarette. With the same match, he lit a ring on the pit. Suddenly, before and behind, the roof gas-stove and put a kettleful of water upon it. He caved in silently. There was dust in his ears, in his pondered on which job to start first. What about eyes, in his nose; he felt this with a marked the window? Nay, if he did that it would steam up reality. He was borne down and then he tried to when he did the pots. He’d wash up first. Then he struggle upwards. could do the hearth with the same water, when he had finished. When he awoke he was actually on his feet and saw that the room was full of floating black But what could he do while the water was coming particles. The fire was almost out for a black mass to the boil? He could go round and do something of something lay upon it. The hearth, too, was about the dust. Jack went to the cupboard in a covered by the same substance. Jack saw there had shadowed corner and had to go through several been a fall of soot. The shovel he had set down was drawers before he could find a length of rag with completely filled and a neat ridge of soot lay along the proper feel for him. the handle.
By the time, however, he had rooted out this object, It took another hour to clean up the mess and get he noticed the lid of the kettle lifting so he dropped the fire going again. Finished for the second time, his duster on to a chair and turned off the gas. He he made himself a pint pot of tea and added slowly poured the water into a plastic bowl, added a great several spoonfuls of sugar. The whiteness gave him shake of soap powder, and began to wash up. his first pleasure.
26 Jack Bale had had just come to the black leaves, Editor’s note . Thomas Ascroft was a Wiganer who when he heard a smart toot on a motor horn. taught for twenty four years at St Thomas’ School, Opening the front door, he saw Jessie between two Beech Hill. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, he wrote ambulance men. The body of the ambulance was almost 300 short stories, many originally published white behind them. Jessie was walking slowly in the Bolton Evening News and Lancashire Life. towards him. A number of neighbours, smiling and These have recently been passed to the Heritage waving, were at their front doors. Jack’s wife was Service by his nephew John Davies, and we hope to smiling too. publish more in future editions.
“We’ve brought her home,” said one of the men. “Aye,” said Jack. “Give her to me.” “Nice and tidy”
With the door closed behind them, Jack led Jessie tenderly to the armchair before the fire. The fire was burning much more brightly now after the fall. “Well,” said Jessie, looking around, “you’ve kept the place nice and tidy, Jack. Have yo’ done in t’ corners?”
“If corners want doin”,” said Jack, “they’ll have to come into t” middle o’ t’ floar! Ah’ve worked hard.”
“And you been on t’ night shift too,” said Jessie. Ah bet you’re tired?”
“Neet shift’s nowt,” returned Jack, with a laugh. “For me , tidyin’ up a room is harder than a month in t’ pit. Nobody bothers about dust theer!”
“It’ll not be long afore Ah’m polishin’ again,” promised Jessie. “Doctor said in a day or two.”
“Ah’ll just about last, love,” said Jack Bale.
27 YOUR LETTERS
Blackrod Tapestry The Tapestry moved to it’s Road/Atherton Road junction. permanent home in St I think the former Farmyard Dear Editor Katharine’s Church at the end Pub, 45 Leigh Road is now just of February. a building and the renaming We started making the of Colwyn Street, Leigh Road, Mary Pryle, Tapestry in 2000, having seen Hindley Green to Colwyn Drive it done in other places to the “new” housing (including the Wigan Hindley Green development. Millennium Tapestry) we Robert Chadwick thought we would have a go Dear Editor Hindley Green. at our own! We didn’t think it would take us so long, but we I would like to endorse Mrs I would be delighted to finally got it all finished in O’Connell’s sentiments in issue receive contributions November and our ‘unveiling’ No.47 concerning the lack of regarding Hindley Green. ceremony was performed by articles on Hindley Green. It is Editor Ruth Kelly, MP for Bolton West ironic that in the same issue at Blackrod Council Chamber. we have an article on the Hindley Green Springs Disaster St John, Canada in 1868. (Coincidence?) Dear Editor Last year I submitted two photographs of Hindley Green I’ve just received several back Station (1950’s) with the track copies of the Past-Forward under water. One photograph magazine including the latest had a steam engine on it and Issue No. 47. As always, it is the other included the porter full of interesting articles and Jimmy Carter. Both letters from people all over the photographs were considered world who have memories of unsuitable but I have seen happy times spent in the photographs of a poorer Wigan area. I left in 1959 at quality in earlier editions. So 17 to pursue an early career in you see Mrs O’Connell some engineering and am now just of us do try. At least the about wrapping up a second Romans did not forget the career as a geophysicist in place for they built a road to Canada. Wigan alongside Atherton I’m writing to comment on an Road. Now that could make a error on the Family History As a small group with varied fine article. The former section, page 8, Issue 47. To experience and levels of ability, Hindley UDC did not forget it quote one of two references we are very proud of our either when they created a to St John, Canada - “The achievement. We have learned refuse tip behind the row of (ship) Ann Hall sailed from a lot about Blackrod in the terraced houses on Leigh Road Liverpool and arrived in St process and as Ruth Kelly said from the Station to No. 97 John, Canada in July 1848.” “every community needs to be Leigh Road. aware of its roots in order to This quotation is ambiguous go forward”. Our Tapestry tells I would add further “losses” and may cause some problems the story of Blackrod from the to the poem. The Cow and to researchers probing family Romans to present day, and Calves Pub on the site just histories abroad. There is no includes the part played by before Pauline Street (1930’s) city with that name in Canada; Lady Mabel of Haigh Hall in the old Smithy, Leigh however, there are two cities, establishing the first chapel in Road/Clayhole (Farmer Street), deep water ports actually, with Blackrod, and links to the later a garage and the Bethel similar names in Eastern Norris, Bradshaw, and Methodist Church and Sunday Canada, St. John’s in Chisenhale families. School on Leigh Newfoundland, the most
28 eastern province and Saint Peter G Simpkin , Volunteers, a crack shot and a John in New Brunswick a Nova Scotia, Canada well-known Darlington Street maritime province on the 1279, Old Sackville Road, character. Beatrice died of mainland. Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia, puerperal fever at the age of Canada, B4E 3A6 21 on 23 July 1919, the day Just a little history. The after giving birth to my Dominion of Canada was mother, Beatrice Adelaide Hart, formed by the agreement of Ida Norcliffe who grew up to be a star of four eastern mainland the Wigan Swimming Club. provinces - Nova Scotia, New Dear Editor One of my American cousins Brunswick, Quebec and has posted Beatrice’s Ontario under the British Anne Naylor’s letter in the photograph on the Wigan North America Act of 1867. December-March issue of Past World website. Other mainland provinces Forward quite excited me. Not, joined later. Newfoundland is I hasten to add, because I’m Albert and Polly had one son entirely different. It is a large particularly kinky about together, my grandmother’s island that, in 1583, became corsets, but because Ida was half-brother Benjamin who the first colony of England to my sort-of-great-aunt and was born in 1901 and died at be established. In 1707 it figures in my book ‘A Wigan only sixteen in 1917. They had became a colony of the United Memoir’ which will be released to wait until Caroline’s death Kingdom. It remained as such in October 2008 by Carnegie in 1919 before they could until 1907 when it was made Publishing of Lancaster. finally marry. It was a short an independent country - the My great grandfather, Albert marriage because Albert died Dominion of Newfoundland Norcliffe, born in Halifax in in 1921. Polly survived him within the British Empire. In 1865, married a Welsh girl until 1937 and they are buried 1949 after two acrimonious called Caroline Sarah Corfield together with Benjamin in referenda, Newfoundland and my grandmother Beatrice Wigan Cemetery under a black joined the Dominion of Adelaide Norcliffe was the marble cross with the Canada that eventually youngest of their children. By inscription ‘Until we meet became known as Canada. 1901 Albert and Caroline had again’. There are strong links in separated and he was living I have clear memories of Newfoundland with England, with Mary Ann (Polly) Kirton. visiting Aunty Ida and Uncle especially the west country Ida, Polly’s daughter from an Bill in the Scholes shop in the and Ireland. Newfoundland earlier relationship, eventually 1950s. The name is not a soldiers, sailors and airmen became Ida Norcliffe the common one and I know I am fought with the British forces Scholes corsetière. She married related to both Blackpool and in both world wars whereas William Bennett but the Chorlton Norcliffes. I haven’t the Canadian armed personnel business continued in the yet gone very far into formed a separate fighting Norcliffe name. researching those connections force. Albert moved his various and would be very pleased to Confusing the two St. John’s is business interests to hear from anyone who knows a common mistake even by Lancashire before the First anything about them or the Canadians. Several years ago a World War. My future Harts. My email address is soccer team from Latin grandmother Beatrice married [email protected] America arrived in Saint John, John Sydney Hart, a brass- Saludos from Spain, New Brunswick, (YSJ) for a finisher who was still serving tournament only to find out with the Royal Field Artillery. John S Taylor that it was to take place in St. His father John Shaw Hart, Malaga, Spain John’s, Newfoundland (YYT) - also a brass finisher at the 1700 km distant by road with Peppermill Foundry, was a an 8 or 18 hour ferry ride to serjeant* (correct spelling for add. Keep up the good work. that time) with the Wigan
29 The purpose of the archaeological project THE SEARCH that covers the area around St William’s Primary School in Higher Ince , is to uncover the remains of the Roman road FOR A ROMAN that was constructed between Manchester ROAD IN and Wigan in the first few centuries A.D. The Reverend Edmund Sibson of Ashton-in-Makerfield researched and surveyed the road in the early 19th HIGHER INCE century , and described the appearance and direction of the route . Subsequently , the supposed route was By Wigan Archaeological Society shown on the 1849 Ordnance Survey Map , 1 st Edition, as two lines running across Amberswood Common close to the Ince-Hindley boundary. Another historian , W. Thompson Watkin , verified Sibson’s work later in the 19 th century. However, the precise location and alignment of the road needs to be confirmed by direct archaeological evidence , so that the road can be placed on both historical and present-day maps. The presence of a road would support Sibson’s theory that Wigan is the Roman settlement of Coccium , other antiquarians have postulated places such as Blackrod, Standish and Edgeworth , due to an ambiguity in the supposed Roman distances to the forts at Manchester and Ribchester . Proving the road route from Manchester to Wigan is important as , along with the road from Wilderspool entering the town from the south , and the northerly road leaving towards Preston; it could then be stated beyond reasonable doubt that Wigan was a strategic station at the confluence of at least three roads in the Roman North West. In addition, archaeology from the route of the Manchester to Wigan Road, particularly as it approaches the town centre, may further enhance our knowledge of how, when and where the Romans occupied Wigan and the extent of their activities and increase our understanding of the significance of Roman Wigan, as both a military and commercial base. On the presumption that most Roman roads follow a direct route from their origin to destinations, it was logical to project the supposed route, as shown on the 1849 OS Map, from Amberswood Common towards Wigan. Sibson’s narrative stated that the line of the Road was ‘very visible ’ at the north end of the Common, now occupied by Walmesley Park in Higher Ince . Therefore, during the summer of 2003 , an excavation was undertaken in the park as part of the Channel 4 ‘Time Team’ TV programme. The results of the dig seemed to indicate a Roman road, without possessing all the classical features that you would expect to find. We hope to re-visit the site in the very near future to search for more compelling archaeological evidence. Further along the supposed route, the alignment of the road appeared to intersect St William’s Primary School field, which lies just off Ince Green Lane . After desk-top studies, a resistivity survey was conducted, which seemed to indicate the presence of the road in th e field. The funding to continue the project was
30 generously provided by the Heritage Trust and it was envisaged that the wider community could benefit from the archaeological investigation through the involvement of local schools and community groups. Also , there was a conservation element in the scheme , such that , if the road was found , it would be preserved and the site would be deemed of historical interest . Excavations commenced in earnest during January 2008, when a series of test pits were excavated parallel to the original primary school boundary wall, Fig 2 . View showing part of the capped and with the intention of appraising the features visible on un-capped suspected drain . the resistivity survey. The archaeology indicated that the features were the result of industrial activities, There is a curious flow of field boundaries apparent on rather than the much earlier intervention. An area was the 1849 Map (Fig. 3) . These appear to curve around prepared for the pupils of local schools to explore , the low-lying terrain of the former Ince Moss (starting with Society members providing assistance with such near to Common Nook, adjacent to Walmesley Park in techniques as digging, identification and washing of Higher Ince ) and then converge onto Sibson’s original finds . Some pieces of 17th century pottery were soon alignment of the road , shortly after the Leeds and found by the pupils, who thoroughly enjoyed the Liverpool Canal. Since no indications of the road have extracurricular activities. Unfortunately, due to poor been found on the anticipated alignment, the weather , several schools were denied the opportunity hypothesis is that the Romans saved considerable time to dig, however they will be accommodated later in and effort , and skirted the edge of the waterlogged the project. Members of the public also visited the area. This seems plausible , as it follows their traditional site , and the event was reported in the ‘Wigan method of road surveying by sighting to the high Evening Post ’. Undaunted, further work is planned for ground, prior to construction . Consequently, the Ince C. E. Junior School field (where a resistivity survey George Street area and Ince C.E. School field were both last December conducted with the kind help of pupils ) incorporated into the original project plan to enable revealed a 2 -3 metre wide ditch , which may be of sufficient scope to explore this eventuality. To date, two medieval or earlier origin , perhaps a Roman hollow test pits recently excavated within the cobbled section way cut into a nearby mound . of George Street have shown no obvious signs of road materials , and it may be that intense mining activities Excavations proceeded during February and March during the 19th century have completely eliminated all heading northwards into St William’s Church traces of the road. Presbytery garden, where a suspected 16th century drain was found. This is currently undergoing appraisal and work is continuing in this location to uncover the extent of the feature , determine its intended function and to establish if it was connected to some local industry, or is of a domestic purpose . (Figs .1 and 2 ).
Fig 3 . Projection of Roman Road as seen on 1849 OS map extract with 1908 overlay .
Work is proceeding and the project should be completed before the end of April 2008 . The conservation approach in this particular scheme , is to construct a modern-day representation of the road (if and when it is found ) using the cobbles from former urban streets. In the future, it may be possible to Fig 1 . Clay-lined drain found in St William’s Presbytery build an unbroken stretch of road as more land Garden. The bricks shown were capped by stone slabs becomes available . It is envisaged the route would be and may be of 16 th century origin. known as ‘Coccium Way’ .
31 HERITAGE SERVICE Wigan Heritage Network By Thomas Price, Acting Chair
The Wigan Borough has a long and fascinating G support, promote and resource members and history, with the town of Wigan, more important in member organisations in achieving the aims of its earlier years than many of our major towns today. the Wigan Borough Heritage Network. Events that have occurred in Wigan and the old G work in partnership with relevant Wigan Council townships and former Urban District Councils, now Departments and Wigan Leisure & culture Trust constitute the heritage of the Borough as a whole. Heritage is difficult to define; it is made up of many G identify and map all points of heritage different aspects of life. The way we speak, each of significance throughout the Wigan Borough us in our own dialect, the buildings throughout the and to devise strategies to preserve them for ages and the landscape continually altered by each future generations. generation, are important aspects of our heritage. For future information:
Over the decades, much of our past has been eroded http://wiganheritage.com away and lost, especially before records began. In order to preserve and safeguard our history, an organisation of "passionate heritage investors" needed to be set up. The most appropriate way to encompass this objective was to invite interested people and organisations to come together under the title of Wigan Borough Heritage Network. The Network was started in 2006 by Mr. Joe Taylor, a Billinge Historical Society Official, who encouraged groups across the Wigan Borough to come together and discuss their different views, future aspirations and historical facts concerning the heritage of the Borough. As our organisation involves the whole of the Borough, it dissolves the age-old stigma that existed between the independent and fiercely proud former Townships.
The Network aims to provide a forum where persons and community based organisations, concerned with archaeology, history and heritage matters throughout the Wigan Borough, are able to meet on a regular basis, to exchange news views and aspirations. To achieve our aims, the Network will;
G promote interest in and maintain appreciation of all aspects of our heritage, culture and natural environment with whatever means that are within our capabilities, G support individual members and member organisations to achieve our aims.
32 SOCIETY NEWS
Atherton Hindley & District Leigh & District Heritage Society History Society Family History Meetings Society Meetings are held in the Museum at Hindley Library Meetings are held on second Chairman: Tel 01942 743428 on the second Monday in Tuesday of the month at Secretary: Tel 01942 729559 the month. 7.30pm in St. Richards Parish Monthly meetings held in the Centre, Mayfield Street, Derby Room of Leigh Library at Admission £1.00 for Atherton. Admission £1.00 7.30pm on the third Tuesday of members and £1.50 for members, £1.50 non-members. each month. non-members. Annual membership £3.00 Weekly Help Desk run by The Museum is open to the Tuesday April 8th 2008 members of the Society each public at the following times. Leeds and Liverpool Canal Monday from 1.30pm to Admission is free. Please Speaker: John Shaw 3.30pm in the Local History contact Mrs Joan Topping on Section of Leigh Library. Tuesday May 13th 2008 01942 257361, Mrs Norma Medicine and Magic Brannagan on 01942 258668 April 15th Speaker: Peter Watson or Hindley Library staff. The Story Behind a Grave in Prescot Church – Neville King Tuesday June 10th 2008 The museum is open to the Manchester (Part 2) public 10.00am to 12 noon May 20th Speaker: Margaret Curry on the following days: Members Help Evening There is no meeting in July. Friday - 11th April June 17th Wednesday - 16th April Contact Number: No meeting at the Derby Room 01942 884893 Saturday - 26th April July 1 5th Friday - 9th May Wigan Family No meeting at the Derby Room Wednesday - 14th May History and Local Saturday - 24th May History Society Friday - 6th June Leigh & District Wednesday - 18th June Meetings are held at The Lady Saturday - 28th June Bowes Lyon, Gidlow Lane, Wigan on the third Tuesday of each month (7.30pm for 8.00pm). No meetings are held in July and August. Attendance fees are £1.00 for members and £1.50 for non-members. Our aim is to provide support, help, ideas and advice.
20 th May Cotton Queens of Lancashire speaker Maureen Gilbertson. Family History Society
33 FROM OUR PHOTOGRAPHIC ARCHIVE
Threshing Machine, Wigan Boy and Hot Potato Cart
Images from the Wickham Collection, a marvellous collection of late 19th photographs depicting ordinary Wigan life. The photographer was the Rev William Wickham, vicar of St Andrew's Church, Springfield from 1878 - 1916.
34 CAN YOU HELP?
Joan Francis (nee Coupe)
Rod Nuth of Burton on Trent is trying to contact Joan Francis (nee Coupe) the author of ‘What Auntie Said’ published in Issue 30, having been given a brass plaque from an item made by her ancestors, R J & E Coupe. He wants to know what piece of machinery the plaque was attached to? Mrs Francis, or anyone else who can help, can contact him at [email protected]. Those of you who do have not access to email, can contact the editor on (01942) 828123.
Have you a family or local history query you think our readers can help you with? Please write to the editor. If there are no contact details with individual letters, please send information to the Editor, and it will be forwarded. Editor
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