Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan
Album Contents
Album Contents
Wigan Album
Gathurst
4 Comments
Gathurst swing boats
Photo: Frank Atherton
Photo: Frank Atherton
Views: 3,360
Item #: 5924
Item #: 5924
My sister Joan at Gathurst in about 1940 which shows the swingboats in the background.
People used to walk to Gathurst along the canal bank or go on the train (if they could afford it) for a day out.
There used to be a hut selling pop and tea. I think it disappeared in the 1950's, probably when the M6 was built.
People used to walk to Gathurst along the canal bank or go on the train (if they could afford it) for a day out.
There used to be a hut selling pop and tea. I think it disappeared in the 1950's, probably when the M6 was built.
Comment by: Freda on 17th April 2008 at 09:41
Thanks for the wonderful photo, I had got to the point where I wasn't quite sure that it existed, because no one else seemed to remember it.
Comment by: Stew on 17th April 2008 at 16:30
Excellent piece of history there Frank. As said not many people seem to recall these swingboats,do you have anymore info?
Did these used to be operated by Silcocks?
Comment by: Frank A on 25th April 2008 at 10:51
Stew, I have loaded another photo of my sister and dad anda copy of a poem she wrote.I wait to hear from Silcocks but the name on the second photo ends in "sons", maybe "and sons" or "dobsons" or similar.
Comment by: Frank on 17th December 2008 at 16:10
I have at last found out that the swing boats were run by a
Mr Robinson.The December 08 issue of "Past Forward" has some more info but no info on when the "fairground" opened or closed.
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