Wigan Album
Printers
17 Comments
Photo: Colin Harlow
Item #: 18393
John last visited Wigan in 2003, for a reunion with former Wigan Observer staff, John a very modest man, when I asked about his life and achievements at the paper, John then aged 80, said, "The Wall family gave me the opportunity of coming into their family business after the war, when I desperately needed a job, so my sole aim in my contribution to the success or failure was motivated in trying to repay the dept I owed the family, I may have been the leading light in giving the highly regarded local newspaper a lift into new realms of quality newspaper production, but it was only made possible due to the wonderful support and encouragement of all my staff ans workmates. As a renound American millionaire and philanthropist, Dale Carneigy once said, "on my death do nt sing my praises too high, for Iam a man of average intelligence, who merely has the ability to choose other men and women of much higher ability to do the necessary work for me".
John (bottom middle) is seen with Observer staff at Woods Street around mid 70s.
His impact on newspapers and the town will never be fully appreciated. John Barrington Dakeyne, died on 6th June 2011, aged 88.
Thanks for posting Colin, very interesting item. He seemed a great guy.
He was indeed Henry 7, John was one of the real gentlemen of his generation.
Sorry I seem to have missed letters from some words!
Agreed, Henry 7.
A really good tale about a man who was part of the history of Wigan!
The lad at the front right Derek?
Came from Ince I think!
Your right Bill F, his name is Derick Smith who lived in Keble street with his wife Clarice, years later they moved to Brownlow Ave just off Petticoat Lane, then in the mid 70s moved to Standish. Derick first worked for a small printing firm in Ince before he started at the Wigan Observer in the late 50s. Derick sadly died over two years ago, age 72.
A great read from a great man Colin, I see Mr.John gave credit to his workforce for his success, not many bosses would do that today, belive me.
From the left back row Dave Liptrot, Steve Hooley, Harold Curless (the face peering over the back with glasses I think is Donald Cornes). Front row Bob Hodges (works manager)John Dakeyene, Gil Marsh and Derrick Smith. Colin you make some very nice comments about Mr. John, he was indeed a gentleman and a caring employer. I remember in 1976 there was a national print strike and we stopped work for two weeks, the union told us to sit in the premises which the management readily agreed to. As you will probably remember 1976 was a hot summer and we spent a lot of time sat outside at the rear of the premises on Woods Street, to pass the time on some of the lads started to play cricket, Mr. John came out to watch and expressed concern about the unevenness of the ground, as a result he had a cricket strip laid and later had the rest landscaped, there are not many employers around like that these days.
The charismatic Mr John, a perfect role model of how an employer should behave. I can't deny I tried to apply some of his principles after I left the Obs to make my way in business. Great to see Geoff Charnock posting, havent seen him in over 25 yrs. I was an apprentice that summer so got loads of footy in and a cracking tan! Hey Geoff, do you remember my RINGING OUT in '78??
Hi Terry, good to hear from you on Wigan World after all these years, hope you are ok. Yes I do remember your ringing out and a fine one it was too, hope you enjoyed it as much as we did, did anyone take any photos? The days at Woods Street were really enjoyable and world apart from Martland Mill, you made the right decision.
Hi geoff, Geoff Shryhane (fine man) did a full album of it...should i post some for you. It was the first Ringing Out (for non-printers: the last 10 Minutes of your time as an apprentice meant working with the whole of the staff banging tins/fuel drums/plates/ and anything they could make a deafening noise from to end your 'Time' : then they plastered me head-to-toe in Press Ink/cats droppings/paper cuttings etc and threw me in the canal!!) Can you believe we went thro 2 full barrels of bitter that day!!! Heady days! How are all the lads? Are Peter and Frank still there?
Terry, it would be good to see your pics on the web site, they will bring back a memory or two.
I recognize Steve Hooley in white overalls at the back, Steve worked in the camera room at Woods Street. Bob Hodges, was works manager and then production manager at Central Lancashire Printers.
Mr. John. A lovely old fashioned gentleman. I used to take him coffee three or four times a day when I was on the brew run from the accounts department. I remember walking into his office one afternoon, and on a large dish that he kept on his desk, sat 3 or 4 pigeons. He could see that I kept giving them a sideward glance as I stood chatting with him. A big smile slowly filled his face, then he said "pigeon pie, most delicious. Would you like to take a couple home?" In those days, being a teenager I wasnt the cook I am now, and the thought of cooking something when I'd seen its face made me feel faint. I politely declined. Anyone that knew Mr. John can picture him when I tell you that he threw his head back and laughed his head off. He teased me for weeks about the horrified look on my face when he offered me "a couple to take home".I will always remember him with a great deal of respect and fondness.
Just saw this...great review of a hugely loved man. I remember he used to pop into the editorial room and ask news editor Alan Rimmer if he could let various staff leave early to play him at squash. He always won, too. One quiet Friday in edit we were playing cards, as we did, and he came in. had a look at what we were doing and then apologised for disturbing us. Magic days.
My dad is in this picture, Harold Curless, he sadly passed away when I was 7 years old in 87. He is on the right of the man in the white coat. Thank you for sharing the picture. Made me smile.
Hi everybody. Worked in Woods Street as compositor from 72 till 76, and again from 1980 to 1982 when I went to Germany to work. Came back after 4 years and worked at Chorley Citizen for 7 years. Miss Woods street days, great, great staff. Would love to know where my old mate is Jimmy Mitchinson. My best regards to everyone who knew me. J G.
Hi John. A search on Facebook will find Jimmy and Brian Perry.