Wigan Album

Helen, I see that the publisher was Lutterworth; Can you tell me the date it was published? Thanks,Ellen.

Helen, I collect The Brydons series by Kathleen Fidler and there is one in which the Brydons go on a boat and get off at Wigan to do some shopping, and again she mentions the Market and the stalls selling local food and flowers, but in the 1940s or thereabouts.I can read the stories with as much enjoyment today as I did as a 12-year-old, when I first read them, when one of the "bigger girls" in Ince passed some on to me, having outgrown them. I have never read The White Cockade Passes, but saw a copy in an antiquarian bookshop in Scarborough many years ago.

Ellen, the book was first published in 1947...my Mother was given it in July '47. I don't think the publishing company is around anymore...will see what I can find out.

I remember the Brydons too Irene, I gather Ms Fidler based the characters on her own children & their friends...you would love to read The White Cockade, just up your street !

I have had a copy of the White Cockade passes for the past 60 years. It is one of my treasured possessions. I still enjoy reading it after all these years. if any wigan worlders ever get chance to read it please do. It is a wonderful story, it is based around wigan parish church.

Mrs Ashton, teacher at St Nathaniel's Platt Bridge lent me a copy of White Cockade and Lanterns over the Lune (a later book by Kathleen Fidler)during my time in her class in the 50's a smashing read both of them.Thanks to those good teachers who nurtured a love of reading so long ago and started a lifetime love of literature.

The Lutterworth Press is still going strong I have just googled it and it specialises in good books

Helen, read my comment under the Crank and Burton advert; it will make you laugh and I promise you it is true!

Kathleen Fidler attended Wigan Girls High School. The White Cockade Passes could cost you £300+. My sister in law did have a copy. I won "st. Johnathans in the country" as a Sunday school prize. All her manuscripts, etc are held in the National library of Scotland.Find their web-site for a full list. Apparently The White cockade passes was written as a play for Wigan Little Theatre.

I found the 'little girl' Irene....second laugh this morning & its still early.... Must be a record !

Hello Helen

Oh how I envy you this book.
Kathleen Fidler was a friend of my Aunt Isobel who died in the 1960's,either in her 80's or 90's. Whenever we went to see her I always hoped that Kathleen would be visiting the same day. Sadly, I never met her.
I read her books though, the White Cockade Passes (- a sort of white feather affair in a soldier's hat) and also Lanterns over the Lune... 2 of my favourite books. I blame Ms Fidler for my one time fascination with the Jacobite era and even into my late 20's I read everything I could on the subject. When I waa younger I used to think I would have definitely been on the side of Bonny Prince Charlie.... Alas, as I read on he was portrayed as a wimp... a spoiled brat who cared nothing for the lives of his brave Highland Armies. Oh well... what a let down... lol

I too was lent The White Cockade Passes by mt teacher, Mr Davies, in year 4 at the Scot Lane CP Junior school in the late fifties. I really enjoyed it so much that I have been looking for a copy for the last 40 years in secondhand bookshops and asked other bookshops to try to order a copy but to be told it is now out of print. I will keep looking but £300+ seems unacceptable.

Tricia, I too always thought of Bonnie Prince Charlie as a young hero. Alas myths are always dashed, he ended up penniless & an alcoholic far away from his native Scotland...believe he was quite ugly too ! A far cry from the handsome,blonde, kilted young man that we used to sing about(Skye Boat Song, etc ) while my Grandpa Bryson played the piano....
I am ashamed to say I didn't know there was a River Lune..the book you mentioned conjours up a tale of mist & mystery...Lanterns over the Lune......

Hello Helen

I felt I had insulted him enough so called a halt at ugly!!!
It seems to have run in the family though, as his Uncle Charles II was an extrememly ugly and also ugly built fellow!!! Not that I knew him personally you understand..
I have a picture of him in my head .. something I saw somewhere.. and he was wearing a light blue coat and a white wig. Probably saw it in the National Portrait Gallery as I did used to haunt the place when I was younger.

Forgot to add, Helen, Lancaster is on the River Lune.

I put this on a few days ago after a comment on photo-a-day.
( Wigan Parish Church)
So if anyone wants to buy a copy, here is your chance !!!


seeing is believing ---
for sale on the internet.

The White Cockade Passes
Kathleen Fidler author info
Book ID: 310410157846 - (stocked in United Kingdom)
Blue boards have some rubbing to extremities. Dust jacket although is in poor condition with several... more Price: AUD$901.05
Discounted By 15% To: AUD$765.89

Approx £580

Just another thing before this thread becomes boring for most people & we get lynched or run out of town...I found 2 copies of Lanterns over the Lune for sale on a website..each was £99...what would Ms Filder have thought ?! Thanks for telling me where the Lune runs Tricia....I won't forget. The National Gallery...in London ?

Yes, Helen I meant the National Portrait Galley in London. Its on Trafalgar Square on the corner opposite St Martin in the Fields and houses all the portraits of kings Queens and
various Aristocracy. I used to spend hours in there. I forgot to add that the portrait I remember is of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Also as he was brought up at the French Court, he was more French than English in his ways and habits.Will have to check out all my old books, some of which are still packed but I doubt I will have either book now. Shame.

i have an excellent copy on ebay for £50.00 at the moment !

My teacher at Lamberhead Green junior school near Wigan read "The White Cockade Passes" to us when I was about 10/11 years old. Her name was Mrs Peet. Whilst not remembering anything about the story, it has been a long standing desire to get a copy (at a reasonable price) and have recently been successful. Loved the book, knowing all the places in and around Wigan and even my home village of UpHolland is mentioned. So too is a reference to the surname Glover (maybe no relation). I almost feel part of the story. The inscription in the front of the book is "To Dear Joan. With love. From Auntie Muriel. 19.10.49"