Wigan Album

Over the years like many other small communities Shevington has grown into a large populated area, as have many other previous small communities around the Wigan outskirts. I remember as a schoolboy in the forties, going with my parents, and an aunty, uncle, and cousin, to Shevington, and having picnics in one of the numerous fields. Happy days.

Is that the canal bridge that is beside an Indian restaurant & Gathurst station is somewhere nearby too ?

Helen. Remind me, was the bus stop that you booked to named, "Dangerous Corner"?. Is there still such a bus stop?. There was a a pub at the location, if I remember correctly

Yes Helen, it is what was The Navigation inn, now The Baby Elephant. The station and railway bridge is about 100 yards to the right. I have seen this picture elsewhere but am struggling to recall where.

Albert, I no longer live in the area, been away many years. I just remembered this from a visit about 5 yrs ago. Perhaps someone else can help you with your query.

As my brother & I walked under the bridge, it was fascinating
to see where the horses ropes had worn a groove in the soft coping stones.

Albert, there is an Italian Restaurant on the site of the Dicconson Arms pub at Dangerous Corner.

Thank you for the info, Alan.

Some one may question my quote, "Happy days", as a large chunk of the forties was darkened by the 2nd world war. I was referring to just prior to the outbreak, and just as the war was declared, when I was five, six, and seven. As a child, you were immune from the consequences of war. I just recollect my dad having the wireless on, and shouting to my mother. "Dolly, we're at war with Germany".

Albert I couldn't help thinking how dramatic was that quote of your dads -'Dolly we're at war with Germany!' It sounds like one of those WW2 dramas on television spoken by an actor. Sadly you were witnessing history- I suppose you could never forget those words.

Veronica. All my life I've been gifted with a good memory. I am not clever, as in maths, working out problems, but my memory has always been in good shape. I can even remember the railway engine, crossing Warrington Road, in Spring View, and a man holding a red flag, controlling traffic, not that there much traffic to control. I was even took onto the footplate. The engine pulled wagons, passed the house, opposite the police station, where I lived, taking materials to a some kind of works. This would have, be a couple of years, before the outbreak of the war.

Its very strange Albert what we retain in our memories when young- I suppose it's what makes a deep impression on our minds and nothing to do with being clever. For instance I recall the King dying and coming home from school aged 6 and telling my mam about it - I can even see the scene in my mind's eye!