Wigan Album

Yes, RIP, Anne, and God Bless. What a world we live in! But this pic brings back happy memories for me personally. My Mam and Dad used to take me to Wigan Park, (we never called it Mesnes Park),most Sunday afternoons, and we always went in the café. You could sit upstairs in those days, and I used to have a glass of fizzy Vimto with a blob of ice-cream in it. I am happy to say the cafe hasn't really changed that much, and still retains that old-fashioned feel. When we came out, my Dad used to read out loud the inscription on the plinth of the soldier just outside, whilst I used to roll down the grassy slopes either side of the steps; precious childhood memories that will stay with me forever.

Colin. When Ann lived in Wigan, when she was a schoolgirl. Do you know as to whether, or not she lived within the Scholes area? It was good of you to put this photograph on W.W.A. especially with the inclusion of her photograph.

Albert, the only information I have of Ann, is that she grew up in Wigan and attended St Patrick's RC primary in Scholes. You would imagine she would have lived around that area, but not too sure.

She definitely lived in Scholes. I think between Schofield Lane and Wellington Street. She was in my brother's class and her sister Eileen was in mine. There was an older sister called Sheila and, I think, a young brother. Sheila was once queen of the crowning group at St Patrick's. The girls were all very good at Irish dancing. There are some photographs of Ann Connor on this website. She hadn't changed much as an adult. Devastated to learn what happened to her and also that her sister Eileen died of cancer so young. R.I.P.

I have fond memories of the park, cafe and bandstand. On a warm Sunday afternoon it was the place to take your girl-friend and end up in the cafe after a cuddle (get my drift). I also remember some Saturday nights local beat groups would play in the bandstand in the summer. Happy days!

Irene, me as well. You describe it exactly how it was. Wasn,t it called Cassanell,s sic? That Vimto Irene. You clearly saw it as I did. Special photo Colin of a special memory. Thankyou

Yes, Jude, it was Cassinelli's. I can recall how nicely everything was set out on the shelves behind the counter.....little pyramids of upturned Sundae Glasses set out on doilies which hung over the edge of the shelf, and Fry's Five Boys chocolate in a glass case. I can still hear the creak of the wooden chairs, with their rounded backs, as clear as a bell. I knew, without knowing why, that there was something special about that place, and it was only when I grew up that I realised it had a 1920s "feel" to it. I'm glad you share my memories.

Yes I used to go in the upstairs cafe in my early teens..together with my friends every Saturday and Sunday
afternoon..Irene we used to call it the 'big park',it was called Cassinellis then,we would sit upstairs with our best clothes on,I had a little red beret that I always wore when we were going there..my friends and myself would buy ice cream and hope we'd see some boys that we liked..happy happy days.

Maureen, what lovely memories! Have you any photos of those days you could put on here? What special memories these photos awaken; things we had almost forgotten.

Irene..I will have a look what I have in the next few days.

I'd be interested in those photos Mo!;-))

Hi Giovanni..Billy over on 'Communicate'-'General'would like some advice..on water colours..you're more experienced than I am,will you have a toot please..ta.

Love to Maureen but not registered. Not allowing new members! :-((

That's a real pity Giovanni..it's strange isn't it,
someone on the Hobbies and Books on Communicate has been trying to get on Forum for a couple of weeks now and
hasn't even had a reply as to why he can't join.