Wigan Album

The man extreme left has a look of Norman Bramwell, who had the grocer's near the Wellfield.

He looks the type that could 'sing as he served', as well, Mick.

He does indeed Mick LD, but if my memory serves me well Norman only frequented the other side of the pub, the Buffet side. Usually referred to as the "best" side.

Never heard him sing Philip, but heard him tell a few interesting tales!
Keith - Norman used to go in the Owl at UpHolland, and the Abbey Lakes Hotel, about forty years ago. Knew him well.

Thank you Mick LD for that insight into Norman's leisure time. I was a callow youth at the time I knew him only slightly and we used his shop for some of our groceries. I understood he'd had work which at one time took him around the world. As a youngster I found that rather intriguing at the time, early 1960's. A man of the world.

Keith - I believe Norman had been in the Merchant Navy in his early life.

It seems quite unlikely that Mr Bramwell would have suffered from stage-fright, Mick, and he does have the look of Mario Del Monaco. Your mention of The Owl reminds me of the night when my mate selected Elvis's 'Any Day Now' from the pub's upstairs Juke Box - a song which I hadn't previously been aware of, and one which remains one of my few Elvis-favourites.
You might like to have a look at the 1960s short b/w 'Del Monaco Rehearsal' - it starts 'out of sync', but doesn't half catch up. Strewth!

Mick, You might also like to find the b/w short (1:29) through YouTube - it shows the singer wearing casual trousers, white shirt and with one foot on the Conductor's pedestal. Cool, or what.

Many thanks, Philip!

I remember a dance hall in Hindley called The Monaco.
Perhaps Mario, Phil, hailed from there !