Wigan Album

There are a few in this photograph who I don't recognise as Observer employees which leads me to believe this may be some kind of local union meeting and is possibly connected with the ending of the Wigan Branch of the NGA after it was regionalised and Wigan became part of a bigger area. I think the the chap third from right, whose name I don't recall was a local union officer and is being presented with an National Graphical Association gold lapel badge. As for names back row extreme right is Mick Capstick, don't recognise the four on the back row as Observer employees. At the front extreme left is Dave Martland, again I don't recall Dave working at the Observer but he worked in the print industry in the Wigan area, next to him in glasses is Frank Collins, man in light suit? next to him is Derrick Smith, behind Derrick to left Harry Parker and to right John Langton, the man next to Derrick I think was a union offical from the new branch, he is presenting the badge, I can't name the recipient and I don't hink he worked at the Observer but I am sure he was a union officer in Wigan, behind him in glasses Jimmy Mitchinson, next to Jimmy with moustache is Peter Fowler, Brian Perry and Harold Curless. Hopefully if I am right someone else may be able to confirm.

My apologies Mick Capstick is extreme left, not right.

There another Martland on the photo I think is name is Frank

And is stood on a chair on the left.

I don't remember the occasion but the man receiving the medal was Bob Coote the branch president.

The second man on the back row just after the gap with the beard and moustache is Brian Ashurst who used to live next door but one to me.

The chap on the far left of the 'back 4' I believe is my Uncle, Brian Ashurst who used to work for the Evening Post I believe (not the observer) although I'm not 100% sure of this. Sadly Brian passed away some years ago.

This picture is of a presentation to Bob Coote President of the Wigan Graphical Society, I would say about 1976-77. Bob is being presented with a long service medal by Bryn Griffiths Northern Area Secretary of the NGA. The man in the light suit was Norman Taylor secretary of the West Pennine Branch of the NGA based in Bury, which Wigan had recently been amalgamated with around the mid 70's.

It is Bob Coote, he was My Grandad and sadly passed away a few years ago.

Great photo Harold Curless was my dad who sadly passed away in 87