Wigan Album

remember the wall of death spent many a day there on the bike and in later years on the motor bike happy days

Anyone remember the slag heaps known as Cub’s Hill and Scout’s Hill, between Beech Hill and Standish? They were a great playground for youngsters in the seventies. Any old photos?

There was a slag heap at Goose Green off Clapgate Lane, my son and his cousins had the time of their lives sliding down and getting filthy, this was the mid-seventies.

jj, I remember them well, I went to St Michaels school and we used the football field at the bottom of Old Lane, off Wigan Lane for cricket and football, that was in the VERY early 50's. We used to walk there from Swinley through the fields it was nearly time to come back when we got there, lol. As you say, they were between Beech Hill and Boars Head near the fast straight section of the railway line. No photos though I'm afraid, no camera those days !!!

There were slag heaps all around Wigan and district in the 40's and onwards that I can remember, in fact I live 200 yards from one in Standish, which has been lowered somewhat after it started to burn from inside about 6 years ago, it's still too big yet and an eyesore for those living directly opposite, only 25 yards from their front doors believe it or not. There was another one behind it 2 or 3 hundred yards away which was called the Red Rook, because it WAS basically red, having burned itself out.

I'd never have guessed that 'days without a care' would be described so economically, with relish, Veronica.

I did the same on the grassy slopes of the Camel's Hump Philip, albeit it was cleaner. I was never one of those mothers who didn't allow their off spring to get dirty. It meant they were enjoying themselves, unfortunately, these days it's just not done. I think the slag heap must have either been levelled or covered over, it was a mess to look at though. The same around W/ H at one time, especially near Hart Common a pit village that is now a lovely area.... We had some happy carefree times in the fifties, dirty or not didn't we just?!