Wigan Album
Standishgate
14 CommentsPhoto: Ron Hunt
Item #: 1854
Another fine building demolished for what?
Its a car park now for the education dept, I seem to remember a local Estate Agent bought it, whether it was he who had it demolished I,m not sure but bettin the're kicking themselves now they could have made serious money converting the building into Appts. I was told my a friend who was on the demolition work he couldn't understand why, the builing was in a very good state externally and internally, solid oak doors ripped out, shame but who to blame. Sorry for the rant the councils, then and now call it progress, misguided more like, they enthused Wigans History then tore it all apart.
I quite agree with the previous comments and the lovely Salle and all the corridors staicases all oak sham on those that destroyed it
Wherever you look on Wigan World you see comments or 'rants' by people like Cliff about the sad state of 'modernisation' of our Wigan. I totally agree with Cliff and all who rant like this but what is wrong with the so called experts, who demolished our lovely, full of character, town of Wigan. Don't they consult the local people before re-building our town?, or do they consult but no one turns up at the meetings. I wonder...!!! Is it our fault or theirs? Food for thought, folks.
As an 'old girl' I am sad that I can never revisit the beautiful building and gaze on the stained glass windows for each of the four houses (mine was Tichborne). Devastated.
Does anyone know have pics of stained glass windows of the Salle. Did Wigan Council keep photographic record prior to demolition. Does anyone have floorplans for the buildings?
Anne,
I am also an ex pupil, my house was Tichborne. If you find a source for further pictures could you give me a shout. I think it's so sad that this lovely building was demolished. I remember Miss Taylor (music) playing the piano in the Salle for morning assembly.
I rememer the Convent very well. I was very happy there. We had good teachers and kind nuns. Such a pity it was all destroyed. My mother could never afford the yearly photographs so I have no "pictorial memories". I would be happy to pay for copies if that were possible, or they could be emailed and I could print them off. My years were 1950 to 1955 and I was in Stafford House.
"Notre Dame 'neath your benner we proudly stand" etc. Wonderful!!
Still searching, living in hope of finding something. Will post any findings for all to enjoy.
Me too - Tichbourne from 1967 - 1972 - a sad loss to education when Notre Dame closed. I have few photographs but lots of happy memories.
I too was at the convent from 1958 to 1963 and I was in Tichbourne.
My grandmother taught here 1911 to approx 1914 then got married. Her name was Sarah Elizabeth Goulding (‘Betty’)Does anyone have memories of her?
My mother, Winifred Wells, was a teacher there 1948-1954. I attended the prep department 1944-48.
What a fabulous photo, I've seen later shots of the 'Convent' but not this one before. Such a shame it closed down.
I had forgotten how large and impressive this building was. The interior must have been quite impressive in parts and I would guess with materials of quality throughout. Any stained glass windows are certainly a lost treasure.
I went to St John’s in the 1950’s and rennet sister Christina meek and mild but with a ruthless streak if crossed and young sister Dominic who was kind and gentle. Both probably resided in the Convent.