Wigan Album

How things and fashions change.Today they look like"nerds"but I bet there were some very clever and intelligent young people in this class .

What a blast from the past this is!! I can name a few but most escape me.

My sister Lynn Barr middle back row she became an amazing GP. Sadly Lynn passed.away far too young.

Nadine, very sad news. It is never easy to lose a loved one, even when they have reached an age which we have come to accept as a 'good age'. Please accept my condolences.

Damian, I would say that it is the gym and possibly close to the entrance doors. If I am correct, the doors are to the right of the students (to the left as you look at the photograph).
If my memory serves me well, the Assembly Hall was open on two sides, with pillars, and had steps on those two sides as the floor was on a lower level to the corridor floor and the dining room floor. The stage was at the far end, furthest away from the dining room. Windows and the doors to the corridor leading to the music rooms were on the other side of the Assembly Hall. Therefore, it is definitely not the Assembly Hall.
Without going into details, the Sport's Hall had brick walls.
I believe, the gym had three walls which were covered with boards and there were climbing frames attached - which can be seen by viewing the photograph above.
I would like to ask a few questions, because I am quite curious:
- Why was that photograph taken?
- How have you come to own the negatives?

Hi Ian, If you look at the notes I put under the photo it says "taken in what looks like the gym". Don't know were you got the notion I (or anyone else) thought it was the Assembly Hall? But thanks for confirming it was taken in the gym, and for the great descriptions of the other areas.
1. I can't remember why it was taken, but it serves a historical purpose here. It even could have been my idea?
2. There was a very small 'photo group' at the time with Mr Hawes - basically, we were just allowed to use the small darkroom. I guess I have the negatives as I probably processed them etc (and Mr Hawes wasn't. fussed about looking after them). I could have even bought the film?
Thanks for commenting.

Hi Ian, Sorry, just realised that you were just confirming that it was the gym :) Mr Dyslexia, I am.

Hi Nadine, So sorry to hear that your sister Lynn passed away. She was a lovely women, a great laugh, and very clever - I can easily imagine her being an amazing GP. I'll always remember her. Take care.

Hi Stuart, A blast from the past indeed! I can remember 13 names plus 2 nicknames (but nearly all of the people). It's a bit frustrating I can't remember more and when I do I'll post them. All the best

Back row : Chris Lord, Dave Roberts, Malcolm Foster, Stephen Marland, Lynn Barr, Tim Peacock, ?, John Howarth, ?
Middle Row : Wayne Priestley, Rich Charlson, John Hitchen, Kath ?, Katherine Lamb, ?, ?, ?, ?
Front Row : Me, ?, Damian, Susan Unsworth, ?, Aidan Worsley, ?

Managed a few more than you Damian!!!!

Nadine, I am very sorry to her about your sister. She was such a lovely person and I am not surprised she did so well as to become a GP.

Just remembered, the lad sat next to me is Ian Ashcroft.

A blast from the past, indeed. All the very best from John (H), now back in the UK after almost a lifetime in Germany.

Welcome home, John!!! I think the girl next to John may be Susan Adams and the girl between Susan Unsworth and Aidan Worsley could be Lesley Sherrington. Between John Hitchen and Katherine Lamb may be Kath Murphy.