Login   |   Register   |   
Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



Wigan Album

Walkers Engineering.

6 Comments

Walker Brothers (Wigan) Ltd Compressor 1930
Walker Brothers (Wigan) Ltd Compressor 1930
Photo: john Staveley
Views: 2,685
Item #: 31957
Few companies could boast the proud reputation of the world famous Walker Bros of Wigan
In 1945 they employed 1200 workers at their Pagefield Iron works in Frog Lane and exported products all over the world
This photo taken in 1930 shows a 10000 cubic feet steam driven Compressor for South Africa and the men who made it
A young Jack Staveley serving his apprenticeship aged 17 next to compressor on the left

Comment by: Colin Benfold on 29th February 2020 at 11:50

I have a copy of this photo somewhere as my father ,Jack Benfold , is on it He is fourth from the right on the third row back ,and was a sixteen year old apprentice in 1930

Comment by: john Staveley on 2nd March 2020 at 10:19

Colin I remember the name Jack Benfold and recall my father speaking highly of him. Is he the gentleman on the left of gentleman with moustache?

Comment by: Colin Benfold on 2nd March 2020 at 14:49

Yes John he is the chap you pointed out Thanks for your kind comments ,he was a great Dad

Comment by: Valerie Burns née Holmes on 7th March 2020 at 17:42

My Grandfather Edward Holmes is fourth from the right front row. My father followed in his footsteps, Charlie Holmes worked there for well over thirty years as a crane driver he's ninety two years old now and still going strong. Thank you for sharing this photo.

Comment by: john Staveley on 9th March 2020 at 11:09

Valerie thank you for your kind comment. For posterity I presume that your grandfather Edward Holmes is the gentleman with clasped hands behind (Wigan) Ltd on the photo. I didn’t know your father Charlie Holmes personally but as far as I am concerned it was people like your father who made working at Pagefield works feel like being part of one huge family. As such please pass on my very best regards.

Comment by: Valerie Burns née Holmes on 10th March 2020 at 20:08

Thank you for your kind reply John. Yes that is my grandfather with clasped hands, I will certainly pass on your regards to my father. Thank you again for sharing the photo.

Leave a comment?

* Enter the 5 digit code to the right of the input box. Don't worry if you make a mistake, you will get another chance. Your comments won't be lost.