Wigan Album

Lovely photo of Marks and Spencer and of Pendlebury's. That was in the days when Marks and Spencar sold "St. Michael" brand clothing, (and am I right in thinking some ladies' clothing had a "St. Margaret" label?). Anyhow, the quality was better than it is now.

Yes Irene, at M&S there was a St Margaret brand for ladies.
That row is so familiar to me, Pendlebuys before the fire. Didnt they move to a big building by the Market Square ? I used to love going in the National Westminster Bank with my mother, it was like a hallowed hall to me all polished wood, marble & hushed voices....a far cry from the souless places they are today, that is if your local one hasnt closed its doors for good. Thanks for the memories Ron.

My mum worked at Marks and Spencers for about 40 years and retired from there. I can remember going with my dad to pick her up from work on a Saturday about 6.00pm then you could park your car outside the shop. When the store closed on the Saturday they had a TROLLEY with all the reduced food stuff on It was like Christmas when she emptied her bag L.O.L.
Talking about it now. I can remember it as though it was last week and it must be over 50 years ago.

Agreed, Helen. I used to love the old-fashioned banks and post-offices with dark wooden counters, shelving and partitions. I loved ink-pads and date-stamps and papers filed in strong cardboard boxes, and huge sheets of stamps kept inside books enabling you to buy just a single stamp. Those lovely old places feel so "plastic" now. I have an old pen consisting of a wooden "handle" in which a nib was placed, (like we used to use in school), inscribed with "National Westminster Bank" and obviously from the days when customers would have had to dip it into an inkwell to sign a form. I liked it when libraries were "hushed" places, too, and a librarian stamped your book instead of you having to issue your own with a plastic card. I still have my cardboard library tickets from long ago! Sorry, everyone....I know I tend to get carried away, but Wigan World is all about sharing memories. I blame that Ron Hunt! (It's okay, I can say that as he's a friend of mine and a lovely man!) x,

I can vouch for that,he is a lovely man and also a friend of mine....and Ron,I've finished your book.

Great photo, brings back lots of memories. Lotus shoe shop too.It's a pity that the bus is blocking the view of Nicholl's. They sold ladies coats and dresses. My aunt worked there for many years. I think M & S took over the shop space and extended when it closed, probably in the 1960's.

Interesting to note that Pendlebury's have got Xmas decorations out, one of the few shops to bother in those days.

The no waiting sign you see would be moved odd days one side even days the other side

I remember that Pendleburys had a record department in the basement with booths for listening records. I got a Philco record player there at Christmas 1959 and remember keep going to look at it and hoping no one else would buy it!

I used to get all my underwear and stockings from Marks & Sparks in Standishgate. Top quailty.