Wigan Album

My older brother Colin was a cleaner then a fireman at Springs Branch in the late 1950s; I imagine he would have had a report like this. Later I think he was classed as a "passed fireman".

In 1946, my back bedroom window, when we lived in Henry Street, overlooked the Spring Branch engine turn table. I enjoyed the smell of the steam engines. Thank God, it doesn't seem to have done me any harm.

My grt grandfather was classed 'cleaner' on the railway in the 1901/11 census's. I did not realise what the job entailed until fairly recently. I suppose the ambition would have been to upgrade as a 'driver'. What a hard job it was - it appears it was quite well paid though.

Albert,I also lived facing the turn table on Warrington road Henry St was the next Street from where I lived.

You stood proud if you worked for British Railways, whatever the job was.

I started 1961 can’t picture Colin .1963 smashed up on my Norton 2years off work then started back fireman then driver nice to hear from you again.

Jim, my married name is Roberts. My brother is Colin GRIFFITHS. He is 12 tears my senior.

Have you been on the pop again spelling mistakes.hope I have not made any I am widowed now 3years in March god bless Jim .

t and y are next to each other on the keyboard, Jim...I'm ALWAYS doing that but usually read through and rectify before sending. Did you know our Colin?

Irene please do 40 lines .i must read the comments.Report to the headmaster no cane this time .You had missed my first report.I forgive you .

my name is Brian Whittle i work at springs branch in the 50 and 60 along with Collin and Johnie Rowson The starting wages for a passed cleaner was 2 pounds 19 shillings and 6 pence per week. well paid i done think so.

i found out when haveing an eye hop, that a lot of the reports from springs branch are held with the eye surgen from wigan hospital, along with a lot off roster and reports mens names from the 50 and 60 he was there when springs branch was pulled down