Wigan Album

Another interesting shot, Derek. Can't remember the exact spot, though, where this stood. Know the area well.

Tricia, it was where the road from the "new" houses comes into Billinge Road at Pony Dick. There was the pub and Starkey's wheelwright business together, and a garden. The bottom of the garden butted up to the old railway line coming down from the left side of Well Brow, crossing Billinge Road and going up to Summerslaes.

Hi Derek
Just realised where it was after seeing the Winstanley postings.The red brick row opposite in the background of the photo on there is where my Mum's Uncle Bob lived. He may have lived elsewhere before that, of course. On the 1881 census he is listed, aged 9, staying with his Grandmother Ellen Taberner, widow of Thomas, at 27 Queen St

I think your mum's Uncle Bob lived between the Stockleys (end of the old cottages) and the Smiths in the adjoining red brick house. I remember the outdoor lavs at the back! Mrs. Smith used to deliver milk, in cans, from the local farm. Was your mum Vera?

No, she was Alice and was the youngest in the family. Most of that side lived in and around Billinge Rd. I can't visualise the new housing estates very clearly.
My cousin Billy Bretherton played for Wigan rugby and my mother once told me that her father was once trainer for Highfield.He died in 1941 though, before I was born.

Hi Derek
Do you no wear SUNNYSIDE COTTAGES HIGHFEILD are sum of my family wear born and lived in from 1881 to 1900

Barry, I know Sunnyside Villas in Pemberton. If you are coming from JemLowes carry straight on and they are around the corner 100 yards or so on the left. I don't remember Sunnyside Cottages in Highfield.

Tricia, there were also Winstanleys in Summersales Cottages, by Summersales Colliery, behind Highfield View. One of the lads was Norman. Strike a bell?

Derek
No, sorry, never heard of a Norman. I still have relations in Billinge Rd. If you know Fred F he knows the family and mentions some of them in his Memoirs. Have you read those? He has a gift for writing. They are fascinating