Wigan Album

They pave it every twelve months without fail.

I hadn't realised Freeman, Hardy and Willis and also Timpson's shoe shops were still there in 1985. I wish it was still like that. xx

It looks like late Summer in the photo even though Christmas lights are being advertised. It seemed strange when trees and benches were put in the middle of the road in the beginning! It was quite pleasant to have a minute sitting there when the weather was warm in the shade of a tree. Struck up many a conversation with people when sat there whilst eating a 'butty'. To quote an elderly statesman was that "the beginning of the end - or indeed the end of the beginning" for Wigan?

Can anyone tell me what is going on at the top of Wigan please ? I notice there's more upheaval going on! This must be the third time work is being done in the area where the pigeons land- God knows where they've gone!

1985 was the only Mon 23rd in the 80's

Oh my god that’s me and my mum in the middle

I'll second that Irene.

That’s a very patriotic outfit you were wearing Stuart, outstanding!

The year will be 1985 as those Thurdays are the correct dates for that year. Freeman Hardy Willis shoe shop was demolished as this would be where the entrance to the Galleries is. There was an alleyway that led to the old market hall, and I think a haberdashery shop. That woman will be about 80 if she is still alive today.

Mr X - The alleyway was Little Hope Street. The shop you mention was Kane's Textiles.

I was a regular customer at Kane's when I first bought my sewing machine.( still in use after 50 years!) the alleyway was a good shortcut to the market.

Little Hope Street is right. Used to be on my walk when I was a postman 40 odd years ago.

Found out today about the work going on in the Market Place. All re-paving and being made bigger to accommodate events taking place - concerts and such in the Summer. Found out through two old ladies muttering about the expense and waste of Council taxes. The pigeons are watching closely and biding their time!

"Freeman Hardy Willis shoe shop was demolished as this would be where the entrance to the Galleries is"

Surely The Galleries had been alive and kicking well before 1985?

The galleries opened around 1990, I worked in Boots at the time.

Bought many a pair of shoes from FHW.