Wigan Album

Think you've outdone yourself this time Ozzy. And such artistic flair. Is the dandelion indigenous to Wigan?

Indeed it is GW, and from my very own garden no less. I've specialised in growing them for many years now, and my dedication finally seems to have paid dividends as this year's display is truly breathtaking.

This is kitchen sink art at it's most potent level, highly reminiscent of the golden years in which Hilda Ogden, Nora Batty and Lily Savage shocked the British Art Establishment with their primitive exuberance!

A sensitive study in artful simplicity ! The contrast of the yellow dandelion with the rustic red of the bricks and the clear crystal of the co-op milk bottle is truly awe inspiring. May I suggest a title Ozy that will do justice to your masterpiece??? "Pee-in-bed in a Bottle".?????!! I will expect a share in the royalties.

Remember those milk-bottles from school; I have one but it is a modern reproduction. The photo reminds me of a bunch of dandelions brought proudly home for Mum in a grubby hand.....that meant more to me than a bouquet of roses when my children were small!

I remember these from school. They had cardboard covers and the straws were real straw. If you tried to push the centre of the disc out you got milk all down you. If the straw was cracked, it wouldn't draw. Memories!!!

You're quite welcome to have this one as well if you want it Irene, as I'm rapidly reaching the point whereby if I accumulate much more junk, I'll be forced to move into a house with rubber walls........... Although it has been unkindly suggested by some that I should have been living in a building with rubber walls a long time ago. Regards. Ozy.

Yes, I would love it!

This is beauty in it's simplicity.

There must have been many thousands of these bottles produced at CWS glass works during the time I worked there, but you would be hard pressed to find one now.

It's all yours Irene, dandelion included. I'll pass it on to Josie unless you can come up with a better idea. Incidentally Veebs, you were wasting your time making bouncing bombs if you don't mind me saying so. With your obvious talent as a wordsmith, you would have made an excellent estate agent. Regards. Ozy. P.S. I'm not too sure about royalties, but as it's the co-op, I'm prepared to share the divi. Oz.

Sounds like my sense of humour has put me in your bad books Ozy!! I had better retire to that Anderson shelter with my milk bottles! I would have to be 93 plus to have had a hand with those bouncing b' s I'm not that old!! Goodness gracious !

Hadn't realised who you were, "Ozy"! Got a text from Josie about delivery of the milk bottle. Many thanks.

The bottle now in pride of place in my kitchen, with a paper straw like we used at school in place of the dandelion. I always remember those straws went soggy and collapsed if you didn't drink your playtime milk quickly! Thanks again, Ozy.

'more to me than a bouquet of roses'...a fitting end for a mothers love Irene.