Wigan Album

Well done GT, looks like Brenda Berry 3rd from the left bottom row. (Formerly 3rd up from the bottom on the right, Item 30735)

The girl on the far left of the front row looks like Sylvia Highton(married name Robinson)Sylvia sadly died recently,she was a neighbour of mine for many years and I know she attended HAGS at the time of this photo.

Thankyou TD, I am not surprised you had a crick in you neck. My technology skills are very limited.

Some of these girls look decidedly middle aged. No entertainment during those austere times, or what?

I think you are forgetting that this was not that long after WW2, and pre Elvis and the Rock'n Roll era.People did tend to look more like their parents then , before the term 'Teenager' was coined.They probably did go dancing, albeit perhaps a bit more formally.

Brenda, are you Brenda Berry from near Ince Bar? If you are do you remember me? Sadly some of the Ince girls that went to HAGS have died in the last few years, notably Iris Banks and Eileen Ardern who you were friendly with. I heard that you moved to Chester when you married. It would be good to know that you are well.

Hi Alan Halliwell . Yes I am the Ince Bar girl how do you know so much about me, I know the name but I need a face to go with it. Sorry to hearabout Iris Banks and Eileen Ardern I lost touch when I went to Chester although I still have photos of trips to Blackpool with Iris. I still come to Wigan a couple of times a year. It would be nice if we get a little re-union together.Lovely to hear from you.

Brenda, it would be great to see you next time you come to Wigan. Please let mie know when that will be and I am sure that you will know me. I went to HAGS In 1947 to 1952 and my form room in 1952 was room 14 and yours was room 15. I sat at the desk nearest the door and you always gave me a smile.Ring any bells? I lived in Ince and went to Ince Parish Saturday night dances.

Brenda, are you on messenger? If you are I will give you more info by PM

Hi Alan, thankyou for your message I do have a mobole phone but don't use it, I use e-mail instead so would that be any good?

Brenda, just like me, I don’t use my mobile either and I am wary of putting anything on social media sites. Messenger is private and safe. Will have a think how to get info to you.

Brenda you can ring me on07790920595 if you wish.

Brenda and Alan, I was at HAGS ten years after you but I have been following your plans to meet with interest.....how lovely that is and it reminds me of Alan and Celia in Last Tango in Halifax. I hope you don't mind my saying that. I noticed a comment on Facebook a few weeks ago from my first boyfriend....I was 14 when I went out with him and am 66 next month...and we have been in contact via messenger exchanging news of our families, and reminiscing. We have no plans to meet but it is lovely to be back in touch. Social Media has much to answer for, but Wigan World and Facebook can also be the cause of happy renewed friendships. Best wishes to you both.

Great will do if that is OK.

OK anytime you like.

Hello Irene, Love your sentiments about Last Tango in Halifax.
I went to a HAGS reunion about 10 years ago and it was amazing so to try and have another one before we all get too old and firm will be great. I will let you know how we get on. Where do you live?v0kjb

I live in Abram, Brenda. xx

Lovely photo Brenda. I too played hockey at Ashton Grammar school. Nice to find correspondence on several sites to which I can respond.

Hi just read all your comments. I was in Lower 5C in 1954 and Iris Banks and Eileen Ardern were in the same class as me. So sorry to hear about their death. Eileen Ardern went out with a lad who played football for Ince St Marys and my husband Don Smith used to play for them as well. Eileen was nicknamed "Cash" ie Ardern cash .