Wigan Album

Brings back very happy memories for me

It was announced at the beginning of March that the Manx newspapers are once again going to be printed on the mainland - at Chesterfield. Evidently the presses on the IoM need to be replaced, and the use doesn't justify the cost.

The Isle of Man papers are now printed in Dinnington, Sheffield. The company says it was too expensive to buy a new press for use just three times a week. In 1973, the IOM papers scrapped its old presses and some antiquated linotype machines (Wigan presses utilised for a time) to have installed a new offset litho press (until 1993) In 2001, the presses were upgraded at a cost over £320,000 making the total investment in printing technology to almost £1m.

Stop saying "utilised"! It's a ridiculous Americanism.

"Used" will do.

You'll be spelling it "utiliZed" next.

Resist American cultural imperialism!

Yes Johnston press at Sheffield will be untilised for a time, but I think Broughton printers also part of the Johnston press group at Fullwood nr Blackpool would be better equipped because of the ferry links fron Heysham to the Manx island.

Quote "Stop saying "utilised"! It's a ridiculous Americanism.

"Used" will do.

You'll be spelling it "utiliZed" next.

Resist American cultural imperialism!"

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I live in USA and am sick to my teeth of Americanisms being inflicted on me

Michael and David Simm are spoiling the local history of the Wigan Observer with negative and silly comments which i know Colin as spent many hours of his time collecting photos and information over the years, if it wern't for him the Wigan Observer at Woods street would almost be forgotten. This is a great site please don't spoil it.

Frank; the history of the Wigan Observer is what it is, and in my humble opinion a glorious history at that, which no one can take away from.
The Observer had it's fair share of real character and heaven forbid we try to brush them under the carpet, they made up the very fabric of The Observer, some may have been well loved some not so well loved, at the time, but they all made their individual contributions that are the history we now celebrate each in our own way.
I am sorry if my enthusiasm to see the English Language, kept English, upset you, but until you've been subjected to the ignorance of Americanisms you have no way of ever being able to empathise.

I think it's a bit unfair on Colin to criticise his use of a particular word. He gets his meaning across perfectly well, and I'm sure any perceived 'Americanisation' was purely unintentional. Maybe some folks better get off of their soap boxes?!

david simm, michael, 'YOU SUCK DUDES'

There's a power of expression in the limited vocabulary it seems

I think these men were still with the Wigan Observer, up to the closuer of Woods Street in 1984.
Camera Room Frank Collins, Steve Hooley, John Stevens and Harry Stopforth. Photographic Mike Carroll, Gordon Hurst, Jim Pryle and Jeff Sommers.

David Simm...quote, I live in America and sick of my back teeth of Americanisms inflicted on me. Well you could still be here in Wigan then you would really be annoying, it was you choice to go to America, no one twissed your arm around your back.

i enjoyed my 14 years at wood st with Ken Fisher and John Fairhurst delivering papers happy times

Tony, Ken Fisher sadly died in June 2012.

This image of the Crabtree press righty printer Mr Derrick Smith checking print quality. Derrick was later to become Machine Room Manager. A fine, respectable and honorable man and sadly missed. I should know, I was his errant Apprentice (Alf) for 6 yrs!! I did a 10-yr 'Obbie-stretch'. How DS put up with my shenanigans is beyond me. But he always was a soft touch! Great articles from everyone
Well done Colin. I had some great times with your Dad. A legend!

Thank you for that Terry, hope you keeping well.
I will upload more photos of the Observer in the future.

What other newspapers were printed on this press, in your time there Terry. Could you change to tabloid if needed?
Some very interesting history the paper has. Thanks.

Post and Chronicle Arthur

I don't think they printed the Post and Chronicle editions but may have printed souvenirs, supplements, special events or colour work.thanks Stan.