EX DOWNALL GREENERS 8

EX DOWNALL GREENERS 8


ex-Downall Greeners
ex-Downall Greeners 2
ex-Downall Greeners 3
ex-Downall Greeners 4
ex-Downall Greeners 5
ex-Downall Greeners 6
ex-Downall Greeners 7

Here we go sorry about the delay Enjoy the new thread

Uncle Joe please read my comment on previous thread. I didn't realise bambam was starting a new thread.

sorry about that the other thread was getting too long all previous threads are available to click at top

erwick, I did read your comment on the previous thread. Could the other sisters name be Joan?

bambam, thanks for starting the new thread.

.

Thanks bambam..

BamBam nice one mate, you must have the longest thread on Wigan World that's for sure

Uncle Joe, I promise the next light day we have over here I'll ride round the places you know with my Dash-cam switched on and upload some on Youtube

This is part of one I uploaded to show the quality of the Dash-cams that they were selling in Aldi for £19.99, can anyone name ---this place--- and where was I coming from

Just seen I've name it if you watch it go full screen

hi uncle Joe Billy did have two sisters they were Joyce and Joan.Joyce married Tony Fagan.idint know who Joan married.Dougie that was a good buy .

Tumtingle, Thats a Belting Dash_ Cam, are they still on sale?

No, not seen any had mine a few months now, it's so easy to use

Uncle Joe, yes it was Joan. I think she married a photographer. I seem to remember meeting her some years ago at a wedding, where she was with her husband.

I couldn't watch it, was making me dizzy...

dougie, I drove along that road every day for 6 years, and still had to look on google maps as to where it was!

hi Jouell are you sure it is the camera making you dizzy.i have met you before ha ha .I hope you are a lot better now.and have a better new year.

Returning to the Collier family. In the Album on here, under North Ashton Holy Trinity CofE School, there is a photos called Class 5 1961?. Joan Collier is on that photo.

Does anyone on here know what happened to the others in the photo? I've never seen or heard from any of them in over 50 years!

Barry Davies sat at the front,Colin Macpherson second on the right second row.remember a couple of faces but no names.

isee Barry Davies passing my house regularly.ging to his sister Lyns.Bernard Rigby lives in Scotland after a spell in the army.Stephen Prescott was at Dannys funeral he said he had just retired worked in Vauxhall garage sales for years.

Bert. I suffer with motion sickness, that kind of stuff makes me dizzy and sick to my stomach.. Plus I am in bed with Pneumonia, that isn't doing me any good either....I'll call when I feel more up to it....

hi juell I am sorry to hear about your motion sickness.i thought it would improve when you had your second operation.and as for your pneumonia I have never known as many people over here with pneumonia you must be the ninth or tenth I have heard of in the last month.i don't know whats going on.it is frightening.speak to you soon .

Bert, I've always had motion sickness, I can't watch home videos or anything unless I take a motion sickness tablet.. Same thing here Bert Re Pneumonia, so many people with it... I'll call when I feel more up to it...

To Kevin Duffy,hope you are ok mate this is your old pal Dave Lewis,i aint seen you in a while but would love for you to join us on here where all your old and new buddies are,as you know downall green was and still is a popular place with good memories, hope your business is still busy and you and carl are doing well,please join us on here pal I miss you so much.

I agree bambam.Kevin is one of dg characters,don't know his reason for joining us but it would be great to hear from him.

I may be already too late with this question, but does anyone know Keith Fox's funeral details?
One or two who knew him are asking me.

Hi Trixie, it would be good for the thread if kevin joins us his knowledge and info would be a great boost on here.

Can someone jog my memory as to who Kevin Duffy is? The name rings a bell, but nobody is answering!

lives near the car park bluebell. lived in hawthorn ave & tracy 1 of his sisters still lives there.

Uncle Joe Kevin has the garden centre next to Blue Bell car park

If you remember mr Griffiths the school teacher on the end,his family lived next door..I think it's Mr Griffiths if not I'm sure somebody will remember.

Mr Hughes is the one I think you mean Trixie..

Yes thats who I mean..thanks jouell.

On the top end of Hawthorne Avenue.

Erwick Wigan Crem Fri 27th at 3 or 3:30.

whups/PeterP thanks for your answer. I found a couple of videos of him on Youtube.

On one of them, he mentioned that Rectory Nurseries are on what used to be a bowling green. I dont remember one there, only allotments. Did it belong to the Bluebell?

hi uncle joe it was owned by the blue bell when we were kids there was still a lot of old wooden bowles what we used to play with on the croft .Billy Seddon put afence up once and made a running track.we used to make huts or dens as they say now up in the roof of the building where I think they used to stand out of the rain.i was talking to Pat Daly about us when we young in the hut .

Bert, Pat Daly from Leyland Green Rd.. does he still live local?

hi jouell yes he stll lives local.i worked with Pat at kwik save for years as well as being a good friend with him and there Edddie. eddie has not been very well lately.but hopefully he is getting there.

U-Joe, I was going north on the M6 out of Ashton these are two clips,
Going on at Liverpool Road
Coming Off at Liverpool Road

Thanks for posting those dougie. So many changes, I did not recognise much.

Erwick did you see my post...?

Jouell have you spoke to David since Sunday?If not Ask him about a certain bingo win when you do talk to him

Was it the Jackpot Peter, £100-000

Bentlegs don't get Jouells hopes up £100 for jackpot +£10 for house

No I haven't Peter... good for him....

Janet,
Yes I saw your post, thanks for that. Please send me your email I've lost yours

Eric

I just tried Eric, but your's is changed from what I had... Ask Ron in Admin, he can give it you.. I don't like to put it out on here....

Thanks Dougie, I enjoyed videos of Liverpool road and ashton brings back good memories.

I had a nice surprise went to Wigan Infirmary and as usual there were no parking at the main hospital .so I had to park at the lower car park down the road.as I was parking up I heard someone shouting my name when I looked round it was BamBam what a nice shock to see him looking good again .I parked went to my appointment and when I got back it was free parking because I had not been ther long enough to charge me.what a lovely surprise.

Hi Bert, it was good to see you I've got to say I was surprised to see that your looking so young, you do not seem to have aged any I would love to know your secret, hope family are all ok and all you Bryn lot, do you ever see earthworm these days.

Hi BamBam not seen him for awhile ,His son David had a bad illness a little while back but he is better now.and I hope he stays that way .belting young man.sorry I did not get more time to speak to you ,I had not seen you since jouell came over.

Thanks for info Bert, I work at A&E now so next time you go for check up I may bump in to you mate.

To Tina M Lynaugh, Hi sis I have not heard from you in a while hope you are all ok I miss you so much please keep in touch hope you are still viewing this thread, please reply Love Big Brother.

Have you tried Facebook bambam.she usually answers me but not seen her on for a while

Hi Trixie, I don't go on face book these days I know she aint been to well lately, I have asked my mother next time she rings tell her to come onto Wigan world it will cheer her up.

.i will send her good wishes..

Just sent her best wishes. She is on Facebook now.

Dougie, I keep forgetting which Island your sister lives on.. But is she alright after the earthquake ?

hi jouelle and Trixie.its nice to see you on here .I was talking to bam bam at the hospital last week and he was saying where has all the greeners gone again.i hope you are back cruising again Trixie and things are getting better.and I hope you are better now jouell.

Hi Bert, I am getting there, almost there,, I did have another chest X-Ray a couple days ago and no sign of pneumonia on it..so it's all cleared up, that's good news..

I'll try give you a call in a few days Bert.. I have been out of commission for 6 weeks, I have a lot of catching up to do.. All the best to you and family.. and all D Greeners...

Hi jouell, Thanks for asking about my sister , she's on the south island in Christchurch where the fires are, luckily the fires are on the hills on the other side of the city we have been in touch with each other,

Don't bother about anyone else you just look after yourself like I do

People may call me about my short breaks with Shearings holidays, we have been on two since Christmas and going again in two weeks, it's costing more than the usual £99 this time (5 Days plus 4 free drinks a Day £139) So I've had to save hard for this one

PS got something booked March,March, April,June,July,

Dougie, Good to hear you have been in touch with your sister and she isn't in any danger...

Why would anyone be calling you about your Holidays, I , well I was going to say I don't understand, but I do.. those people, or person must be very unhappy, to say things they do..or think they are better than you, or maybe they have more than you, so think they are better than you... but ignore them and get on with it I say, and have a great time... March, March, April, June, July..

Dougie,sorry if you have had problems with your holiday posts,I wondered why you had stopped putting Travelodge dates on,
They must lead very boring lives if they can find fault with you going away on coach holidays,nothing wrong with being active and seeing the country why sit at home vegetating life is for living so enjoy it.

Dougie I don't know who is doing the moaning about you going on these holidays .my brother Gordon started going on those holidays when he became ill and could not fly .he loved them my sister as well.me and my wife tried and we never stopped laughing .the people on these trips were brilliant.just keep enjoying them life is for living.

The only month we missed going somewhere last year was October.
This year so far I've said we have booked Jan/Feb/March/March/April/May/June/July, the second one in March is only a long weekend Fri/Monday in a premier inn at Coventry for Mothering Sunday plus to see the wife's family ,we will be going down by train on this one (£14 return each)

good for you.and enjoy every single day of them.

Keep us posted ?

I am off tomorrow for 2weeks.and I will enjoy it.😀

hi guys , ernie fithian the farmer from garswood has passed away yesterday.

Thanks for info bri,I remember name and just trying remember where farm was, RIP Ernie.
.

across from the garage dav.

Got it thanks bri.

No one other than DG'ers have commented about this photo so could you also upload any good photos you upload here as well for us Photo and comments --Here--

hi Dougie I left some remarks on the photo when it come on the album photographs.th e chap who is putting all the photos was a good friend when we younger who came from garswood.he was always a little bit daft/or thinking back a lot daft.ha ha .

Hi Bert I am working with a lad who lived in Bryn Chris Hughes, his mother lived on landgate and his father was a Downall greener do you know him.

hi bam bam is his grandmothers name Ellen and grand dad Ronnie.

No Bert, his mothers {Carole} parents were Lillian and Cyril, his fathers {ste} were florrie and tommy.

hi BamBam yes I know his mam and dad very well his mum lived near me on landgate when she was young.and ste lived next door to where you lived at downall green.along time ago.iwas with earthworm last week .his son in law had a accident and finished up in Manchester eye hospital.he is having a rough time lately with his family.

I knew you would know him Bert, thanks for info on earthworm feel so sorry for that lad he has had no luck lately hope things get better for him.

Hi Bert, nice see you tonight sorry I could not stay to talk to you as I was ending my shift and just wanted get home to chill, however next time you visit there and I am working I will look after you.

hi bam bam delete your number .iwas there till 1030 pm.he has a infection which is causing the numbnes and severe temperature changes.iseem to spend all my time at hospitals lately.it was nice to see you there.i an now relaxing watching the demolition of the oddies.another one bites the dust.

the park lane wont be long behind it bert.

hi whups is the park lane coming down we where told it was turning it into flats when it shut.but nothing has been done.

i heard the same about the oddies bert but look at wots happening to that.

hi whups it is looking rough now the roof has gone .I bet they find that tanner I lost in 1967 the first time I went in .ha ha .so far they are just using hammer and chisels.it will take them along while because it is a big building.

There is nothing left of what we grew up with, DG, Bryn, Ashton and Wigan.. all gone...

The only thing recognisable must be the Bluebell.i dont know how long that will be standing.and the Church of course.
Even St Peters has gone now.

Have they pulled the Village Club down yet

I think the DG Methodist building is still there, but don't know if it is still a Chapel or not...

They have closed the bowling green at the village club, there will be a load of houses on it next week,

Some good memories of the very old Village club as a lad, going to the band practise with my big brother listening to you all playing can see it as if it was yesterday and the smell of disinfectant(Ipcal I think it was)

Saw you walking down to Ashton on Tuesday morning not looking bad for an oud-mon

Glad I have pics of my Dad on the bowling green..
Wish I had pics of the Annual Village Club Trips...I got lost on one of those trips at Southport.. I ended up in the town watching a Carnival.. some other people watching told a policeman about this little girl on her own and he came and took me to the Police Station..

Hey, Tumtingle, Who are you calling an OWD mon, Tha not far behind me thanows

bentlegs, My Dad's Uncle lived in Downall Green for a long time. His name was Billy Job. Do you recall him??

broady, yes i did know bill, he had a lorry & earned his living with it.

That's him. He lived in Downall Green a long time. A very nice man.

Bill Job lived across the road from us he lived next to the Deans he was a very nice man .he had a pen near the church yard it is funny nobody built on it.it was near slaters pen.

I think it's being built on now Bert... Asking price for that land a couple years ago was 100.000 pounds...

hi jouell I thought you would have got the land and built a house as your English base.they have finaly started building our extension.i spoke to dave in the club he has been ill with shingles but he is alright now.then I saw him again and he said he had a card of you.

In 1950, Bill and Gladys Job lived at No.3, Rectory Road, which was behind the bus stop is now on Billinge Road, next to the White House, and I don't mean Trump's abode!!

Bert, yes I did send him a card.. it is the only way I can keep in touch with him... I am so sorry to hear about him having Shingles.. I had that once, one of the most painful things I've had to deal with..but glad to hear he is feeling better now..

erwick do you mean the small row of cottages? There's nothing there anymore, Cromptons, Cottages, the White House, British Legion, the Old School, everything we grew up with has gone.....

To be totally clear, Janet...if you're coming from Simms Road and round Crompton's corner, there were cottages, then the White House, Bill lived in these cottages.

Those are the ones I meant Eric...

Jouell opposite were you lived on Leyland Green Road there is still a vacant plot at the side of the terraced houses which I am surprised has never been built on. Houses are now being built on what was Slaters pen.

Peter, Would you build a house on pit dirt? Windy arbour tipped loads of shale on Slaters pen, if you can remember it used to be a very steep incline from the road,

Tumtingle help me out he please that's if you can

1, what age would this Bill Job be as I live at DG in the 40/50/60 but I don't know him

2 the land at the side of the graveyard was also tipped on for some reason in the 40s with pit dirt as was the top part of Slaters Pen also the school playing field , the rest of the pens was never touched,

3 Bert Davis lived in the end house before Tommy Aspinall and the big pen next to the field went with the house, there was also a duck pond at the bottom of this pen in them days

Tumtel, Bill Job would be well over 100 by now if he had lived, cant give you his exact age,

Thank's

Dougie, Bill would have been 99, he was born in 1918. I had done some family research and came across Bill's marriage to Gladys Cooper at Holy Trinity in 1942.
Gladys' grandmother was a Singleton and there is the connection to my family tree.

Dougie,

#3 I am lost on your #3 , big pen with a duck pond next to a field went with who's house ? or was it all before my time cos I'm not as old as you

dougie

In my wandering around WW, I came across your excellent videos around Ashton, Golborne and Leigh.
I lived in Church Ln , Golborne for several years before emigrating to the USA , your vids have been very good reminders and how places have changed over the last 17yrs, thanks for posting them.

Eric... would you do me a favour please, if it is possible ...
My Great Great Grandmother was a Mary Barton, daughter of Thomas Barton and Mary Ashurst...

Mary my G G Grandmother was born 27th Sept 1827 in Rectory.Rd Downall Green.

Mary married my G G Grandfather Henry Lomax 16th Aug 1857.. That's all I know for sure.. I have been told they are buried at Holy Trinity.. I looked for graves when I was last over, but couldn't find anything.. I assume they married at Holy Trinity,but don't know for sure..

So do you have access to Records of Marriage, Death and where they may be buried at Holy Trinity.. Thanks....

Janet, I don't think they were married at Holy Trinity,as I have marriages for this period and they are not there, albeit I have a marriage ref. Sept.Qtr 1857, Wigan 8c 71.
I'll follow that up.
As regards their burials, they are in Holy Trinity.
Henry Lomax was buried 29/03/1900 aged 76.
Mary Lomax was buried 27/11/1906 aged79.
They were both living on Wigan Road, Bryn at the times of their deaths.
At this moment I don't have access to the grave refs. but I will try to find them for you and then find the graves, if possible.

bill job lived in poplar ave until the 80s i think, then he moved.

Janet, I've found their marriage. They married 16/8/1857 at St. Catharine's,Scholes, Wigan.
Henry Lomax 33 Labourer Bachelor of Ince, father James, deceased.
Mary Barton 29 Spinster of Scholes, father Thomas, a labourer
Witnesses James Brindle and Margaret Leonard
Married by Edward Wynne curate.

Thank you so much Eric... Is it possible for you to find out where on Rectory Rd Mary's parents, Thomas and Mary Barton lived.. If you can't it's no big deal, but if it's no trouble, I'd love to know... Thanks again...



I should say I was surprised they got married in Scholes, quite out of the area of all the Lomax's, although in the end they did end up in Bryn,, So many generations of Lomax's lived between Pemberton / Park Lane and Bryn...

Also,getting married age 33 and 29 was pretty old for those days, wasn't it ? !

I know some Lomax's came from Billinge.

Hi Trixie,
I'm related to the ones from Billinge.

From what I have been led to understand.. Every single Lomax around the world, originated in a Hamlet, in what is now Heywood / Bury about 1100... There is Lomax Farm, Lomax woods, Upper and Lower Lomax Lanes, .At one time, most of the businesses around the area were all Lomax owned...

Janet,
I've gone back to the 1841 census but don't see them in Rectory Road. They are in and around Park Lane and Landgate.

Back then there wasn't much else other than Rectory Rd and Spindle Hillock around Downall Green was there... I have it written somewhere that it was Downall Green.. You are looking for Bartons aren't you ?

Erwick,Are you related to Allan and Ethel from Downall green road?

Hi Trixie,
Interestingly enough Ethel ne Bold is a very distant cousin. I haven't researched Alan's Lomax line, but if they are from Billinge then there's every chance I will be some distant cousin of his as well.
Do you know Alan's father or any other information on him?

No sorry I don't .both from Billinge..
Sadly Ethel passed away a few years ago now.
Allan has a brother Keith I do know,but nothing else.

Dougie,

#3 I am lost on your #3 , big pen with a duck pond next to a field went with who's house ? or was it all before my time cos I'm not as old as you

You know the last house that Tommy Aspinall that had the coaches and chippy lived going down the brow, well the last pen across the road just before the the field started had a pond at the bottom and Mr Davis kept ducks so that what we called a duck pond

About Allan Lomax,his Dad was also called Allan if they are the same people from Landgate, ALLan the son ran the bar in the Bowling Club for a spell and his dad was a regular in the club for years I should have photos of them both

Dougie..

I remember Aspinalls in the last house,I went in a few times when playing with Christine, the coaches and the chippy, even though the chippy changed hands a few times..as did Sudworths shop..but I only ever remember Jack Slater having the pen...

Thanks for the explaining it all.

No Dougie different Lomax,Allan worked in the mine up windy Harbour before it closed.

I don't remember a duck pond down there.dougie.

the pen at the end. and the one up the clough belonged to father slater who was jacks father when I was young because we used to feed his hens and ducks for him when I used to go helping with my brother.so father did not need to walk from brcstedes.

Bill Job had two brothers Charlie and Tommy and I think they both worked for Jack Case. His sister Florrie was my Grandma. I think they lived in Stubshie at some stage.

I never knew how old Bill was but I never realized he was only three years older than my Dad but he was his Uncle. I think there was a family connection to Brogans that had a betting shop in Gerard Street.

Eric... a friend in Spindle Hillock wants to know, will there be a Easter Service on the Green this year? Thanks for your input, either to me or my friend...Evelyn....

On Good Friday at 11.00 there is a Joint service on the Green.

Thanks Eric..

Wishing you all a Blessed Easter...

hi jouelle I hope you manage to get back to us .bentlegs says your having trouble with your passwords .so I hope to see you back soon.

Bert, it was all due to my having a Massive Senior Moment ... I can't believe I could have been so stupid.. Two days after, I look again and immediately I see what I did wrong. it was simple, but two days ago I couldn't see it.... My family are going to be looking for a 'HOME ' to put me in now... I'm so embarrassed ......

hi jouelle my kids don't call mine senior moments they just call me stupid and laugh . but they are coming more often.the doctor says she will give me a memory test if iremember to go.my room is already booked at garswood house so they keep telling me.

Bert and she calls me an old man the young of today

I can understand you saying that, the only place they need to book you in for is Garswood Hall Bowling Club under the telly

Dougie please give the club its proper title. Garswood Hall Bowling and Community Club

Name will never change to me Peter , Peter remember the first Garswood Colliery bowling took place across for your old house on the green,

Frank Walford lent me a paper back all about the old Garwood Hall Insinuate, you will know it was also the only library in Ashton till 1906,

Hope your keeping OK, been up to pay my subs

How many Bowling Greens were there in DG? I only remember the Village Club one.

Uncle Joe one at the village club and the other nearest ones are at Garswood LC and there was one at the side of Simms road pubDougie I am in fine fettle and still go in the club on Sunday EveningPeople still ask about you and your Ralph.

What about the Bowling Green across from the Blue Bell, where Kevin Duffy now has his Garden Centre...

more sad news guys. johnny halliwell has passed on today.

R I P Johnny..

Such sad news ,,,,, R I P Johnny

RIP Johnny I did not know he was ill.not seen him for a long while.

Likewise, Bert. I found out that he had a bad stroke and was in a Manchester hospital when he passed away.
Another good friend has gone. I will miss him.
I last saw him in the Bell awhile ago, when residents of Downall Green and Church parishioners met to look at old photos of the area and people of the parish.
We should have more. It was a good night including a speech from Johnny.
RIP my friend.

Sorry to hear about Johnny, a real gentleman and a character.
He will be sadly missed.
R.I.P.

johnny halliwell's funeral is at holy trinity on wednsday @ 10-45.

R.I.P, Johonny

eawick, As a 77 year old that's lived in DG and the area all his life, I know there's people that's still around older than myself that could talk about old DG and things they remember for ever , so if you ever have another meet-up get the word out like you did with the school reunion

I will Dougie.

By the way Whups, I was told Johnny's funeral was 11.15 on Wednesday!!

it,s not what i was told in the bell on sat erwick ? .

It is 11.15.

just been & it was a bit early & started at 11-10. anyway it,s over now. RIP johnny i,ll miss you.

Brian. Did johny Halliwellgo to aston central school.. Was he 73. 74. Johny Halliwell was in the same class as me,very good runner in cross country

yes he did brian. he was well into sports & a decent footballer. there are a few pics on here in school photos of ashton s.modern.also he was into the scouts .he was indeed 74.

hi whups Jonny was in the boys brigade when I was in.he was a very good footballer.good hard tackler.

Thanks for that Brian. R I P Johnny

Just say Hello to everyone and Happy Wednesday.. Hope you are all well..

hi jouell hello but whats so happy about Wednesday.i suppose we can be happy as we are still alive.i spoke to dave last week he sends his best regards.he says he will write to you.

Bert, Wednesday is Hump day, as in the middle of the week, so over the hump and on toward the weekend

Next time you see Dave, please give him my love.. I'll try call you in a few..

hi jouelle my mother used to call it bally ann day when we were kids because nobody had nowt left on a Wednesday.

I remember not having money, but don't recall my Mam having a name for it, apart from 'broke'..

Hope you and all D Greeners have a good weekend..

Good afternoon Downall Green. So sorry to read about Johny Halliwell passing away, remember him well when he was in the Boys Brigade, he was a very good drummer in the band. I do look in on the site occasionally, unfortunately, I have not been too well this last year, have been visiting hospital on a regular basis for tests and I had a heart monitor fitted at the end of March, just have to learn to keep taking things easy, not as young as I was. Best wishes to you all.

Glad to hear from you Robin.hope you are felling much better ,I think most of us on here are feeling our age,I know I am.😀.but the summer is coming so hopefully give us all a lift to get out and about in the sunshine..
Take care.x

hi Robin sorry to hear your health as not been very good .hope you get better .just keep going now that summer is here.you will get used to taking your time and living with your illness.good luck.nice to see you posting on here again.

Best Wishes to you too Robin.. They are the lucky few who get to grow old without health issues.. I have had my share, I know others on here worse than I am.. We all live to the best of our capabilities..
So just follow Drs orders and take the time to smell the roses...

Happy Bank Holiday ,
What a change in the weather, yesterday 30 deg,today 15 deg.
Thunder storms this Morning lots lightening and rain.but good for the gardens.

Hope you all have a great weekend regardless.

30 here in the shade and very humid.. I hate the summers here, but it is what it is..

so hot and stuffy this morning not good for people with breathing problems.can not plan to do anything.threat of every weather available with chance of floods.but we will grin and bear it .we are never satisfied.

That's the British spirit bert..

Do any of you remember the names of the two women that used to have the window cleaning business that went round the estate in the '50's?

Joe,I'll start in off I don't know their first names but they were sister and sister-in-law of Tommy Wynne,

Anyone remember Tommy Winne, Roy Steel,and Stan Tattum a rum set of lads in their younger days that never changed as they got older, Tumtinge will remember Tommy and Roy from his days working on the yard mine face with them at Stone's

By the way today 24th July in 1898 the first man killed at work by electricity in the Wigan area, was killed down number 1 shaft at Stone's, Bet you didn't know that Tumtingle

--Click here-- to find other facts

hi Dougie was one of the women window cleaners Derick Wynnes mother.and his auntie.Tommie Wynnes daughter was Jennie if you mean the Tommie who was the road sweeper at downall green.

No Bert your on the wrong Winne family but would have been related in some way

I remember the Lady window cleaners & their names were Wynne but Cant remember their first names, Re_ Roy Steel & Stan Tattum, When they were at Central school they were having Religious instruction, Teach said to Roy, give me one of the ten commandments so with his name being Steel he "Though shalt not steal" very good said Teacher, Tattum , you give me one, Stan said "Though shalt not Tattum" Bum Bum

hi bentlegs these jokes are getting worse.

Bert that.s no joke it's true as it come from the children that was in the same class, plus we could tell you about another and the butter in Moore Lane Co-op

Tumtingle- Did you know the first man killed by electricity in Wigan area was a 21 year old electrician at Stones on the 24th of June 1898 down number 1 shaft pitee switching the new lights on or off that had just been installed

hi uncle joe .iwas talking to my sister today about the women window cleaners and she said one was named lizzie but could not remember the ther sister.

Tumtell , Do tell who was killed, never heard about it,

This is a short link ---Here--

You can read more in the Past forward link -Here page 6/7-- if you wish

anyone who knows percy smith he passed away on tuesday morning. he was still living in hawthorn ave.he was 62

Well Tumtel, Il go to the foot of our stairs, But i have never heard Stone,s known as Garswood colliery,only as Park colliery, It could have meant Garswood Hall,

Well Tumtel, Il go to the foot of our stairs, But i have never heard Stone,s known as Garswood colliery,only as Park colliery, It could have meant Garswood Hall,

Tumtingle, did you read the full page in Fast Forward on page 6 it gives it as R&J stones, Park Colliery, Garswood, Ashton-in-Makerfield

hi whups I knew Percy for a long time .I was told on Monday he was very poorly.RIP Percy.

yes bert , i believe it was early tuesday morning when he passed. hope bambam looks in.

Tumtell, Fred Foster will know for sure, have to wait to see if he reads it,

Owd Dougie said, "Tumtingle- Did you know the first man killed by electricity in Wigan area was a 21 year old electrician at Stones on the 24th of June 1898 down number 1 shaft pitee switching the new lights on or off that had just been installed". And that's what he said.

However, anybody killed by electricity (or by anything else for that matter) at Stones' colliery, wouldn't be the first in the 'Wigan area', because Stones' colliery wasn't in the Wigan area.
It was (and the site still is) in the St.Helens area!

Nit picker,

Nit picker,

Tumtingle, That was still in his Dad when we where walking the boundaries of A-in-M from Garswood to Haydock park boundary on Warrington road to watch the German prisoners play football,

As for the man killed at Stones pit he came from the Wigan area not Ashton or St-Helens, -- would never have seen Stones as a working pit been there seen it dune it

I've said it before they took the wrong brook from Billinge then changed it to run down the M6 to Liverpool road or it would have split the town of Ashton in half

hi everone has anyone heard off jouelle lately.not heard` or seen her on here.i hope she is alright.

Thanks whups just read thread and seen your post about Percy, so sad I have good memories of Percy and rest of family RIP Percy and god bless.

dont know when his funeral is dave.

I've just seen the message regarding the 2 women window cleaners, they used to clean our windows in Spindle Hillock and would come into the house for a brew. They had their knotted scarfs on their heads and would chat with my mum for a while.
Regarding their names Derek Wynne's mother was Mary Elizabeth Wynne, hence Lizzie ???.Does Agnes ring any bells as to the name of the second lady??

hi Erwick.the light haired lady was lizzies sister.but I cant remember her name.

Hi Bert,
If I remember, Peter Robert's mother was a Wynne. I don't know if that helps or not.

Hi Bert, I am sure Jouelle will be on soon, She has been very busy,

Hi Bert, I am sure Jouelle will be on soon, She has been very busy,

I once knew a bloke called Al Zheimers. He used to repeat himself too!

hi Erwick I know Peters family where related to Deryck wynne that's how I remember.i do think somewhere on this thread of downall greeners there where messages of Deryk and his mam.and her sister.

Did he sell ilegal cigs & booze to kids? TONKER,?

apparently barry davies is in a bad way,. they had to break his door down & found him collapsed . he,s in wigan.

hi whups been in formed last night he is at home and is all right.

wont be long before he,s back in bert. he cant keep out of the alehouse.

Hi guys, I aint seen Barry in a while had some good times in bell with him and Phil Baines I hope he gets sorted.

not much chance of that dav.

Jamie Hodson son of James Who lived on Leyland Green Rd killed during a m/c race in N Ireland yesterday.May he Rest In Peace.

Such sad news. Thoughts and prayers are with all the family. R.I.P Jamie

R.I.P
Jimmy.

WiganToday

I grew up with James and remember him well really nice lad, such a tragedy god bless him and his family at this very sad time. R.I.P Jamie.

Sad news indeed.

Did Jamie have an auntie called Susan by any chance? She'd be about 64 or 65 now.

yes he did uncle joe. she,s jimmy,s sister.

for anyone who,s interested jamies funeral is at holy trinity on wed 23rd @ 2pm.

Tumtingle, You should know, Did Rector Hall have any kids?

Did he!!

Tumtell, Yes he had one child a girl Shirly she would be about the same age as my sister is now 84 as they played together as children

Never heard that before,

Trixie, not sure if he married and got divorced, I could till you the name of the first child he christened plus,

My Mam was the first woman he churched after the birth of my sister in May 1933

"My Mam was the first woman he churched ....."

Is that a St.Helensism, Dougie?

well I never heard about that.i used to do a bit of gardening for him when I was young.but never heard about this.thought he had a lady friend.but he was well liked at downall green.

I bet your Mum was Churched after you,(well I don't know)

in them days a woman went to church to thank god for a safe birth and before going into other peoples houses

Yes dougie I was one them that got churched.
Just out of interest Dougie how old was you when your mother got churched.
He was well liked bert.by a lot of people in dg,but heard a few disagree.

Not sure many even get Christened these days.anyone know ?

I only came into the world in 1940

My mum was born in the Blue Bell Cottages that over looked the school playground, after getting married they live at the top of the brow in Wilcock's old farm cottage, then Coronation street from 1937, move back to DG estate 1946

It was just your age at the time so 7 young to have remembered the occasion.
And seems like your memory is still in very good order.
Funny intit how we can remember so long back but... not last week.😀

my mother asked my wife to be churhed.when my first child was born.she agreed.we lived at platt bridge then.

Did not know you was a Platt wazzer Bert.

hi bam bam me and my wife where only there a couple of months .will always be a downall greener.nice to see you back on here.

Hi Bert I come on when I get chance nice to see your keeping an eye on thread, hope you and family are all ok.

bert/bambam
I think someone with some up and go in them should try to bring the older and younger DG's together, so as the younger people can ask questions about the past and hear first hand the answer being discussed before it's to late

But are they really interested Dougie?
It would be nice but don't think many on here that young is there?

Half of 'em don't even know where Downall Green actually is !

Come on Tonker tell all, You always give us a run down of Wigan's boundaries so pray tell what was the old Downall Green minus North Ashton

are you trying to ger him goin by any chance?

He does'nt need much encouragement.

Hoping that Hurricane Irma is being kind to Jouell. Batten down the hatches and stay safe!

Yes hope all ok.

My Grandaughter is in Cuba.heard from her on Friday

Als Margaret White I stayed in her home in Jacksonville,but they where ok yesterday?

hi Trixie I was talking to dave jouells relation on Friday he said jouell had gone to jacksnville and she was fine .and hopefully the hurricane has lost it strenghth and not done a lot of damage to the family home.

hi dougie I agree with Trixie the youth of today don't seem interested in what went on them days.and as my wife has said youth is wasted on the young.and Trixie not all of us on here are old.ha ha .

I think you may be a year younger than me bert.but I am definately not old!!


I can still run rings round some of the younger ones.

(I think).
Got word that my Grandaughter is living in a swimming pool in varadero
Looking after 600 Thomson guests.presume it's empty.

Someone stopped me in quality save in Ashton last week saying your an old Downer Greener, ? do you remember two chipys in rectory road in the 40/50s,

my reply was YES, ? I ask how many of you as had a bag of chips out of each and where were they

Dougie, I remember one, that was on the corner of Booths Brow Road, but not the other. That must have been before my time.

Back when I lived there, on or just off Rectory Road there were something like 14 or 5 businesses. How many can you others think of?

One corner of Booths Brow and Rectory road and the other opposite Annie Deakons.but.. I think the dates are bit wrong as Dainties was still a shop till about mid 50's then converted to Eddies chippy.

My mum reckons there was the one Booths Brow/Rectory Rd then one behind Annie Deacons. Is she right Dougie?

Suesa the 2nd chippy is still there on the corner of I think Everton st has you go onto the park

Im talking the 40/50s Peter, before our time. The shop you are thinking of was always Daintiths when I was growing up

Mum says there was a chippy behind Annie Deacons .... in the backs of the houses. Hopefully Dougie will confirm

I remember something in a shed type building round the back,but thought it was a post office or something similar.

That's probably the one Trixie

suesa Yes you Mum is spot on with the chipy, but it was never a post office

Ask her dose she remember the fair coming on the Rectors field at the back of the Blue Bell

trixie mentioned the Post Office. I seem to remember that in the early 60's it was more or less opposite the school or Holy Trinity.

Before that, wasnt it further down on the same side? Roghly half way between what was the Bell Car Park and Daintys shop?

the chippy at the back of Annie .Dacons was run by my uncle and auntie .Albert and Mary Rimmer for a while .I remember going to a birthday party there.when I was very small.i think it was Davids party.

Uncle joe.it was opposite the Church,then further down near the parish hall later.where you said.

Hi dougie, Mum doesn't remember the fair being held on the Rectors field. Maybe that was before she moved there, she moved to Elm Ave in 1943/44 when she was 18. She does remember the field treats that were held every year on the school field - so do I. These were held a week after walking day Happy days

Tell her to get her thinking cap on, what about the small round-a-bout pulled round the estate by a horse to give us young children rides

The post office, post box, and phone box was the only one in Downall Green in the 40/50s it was the last house in the row of four next to Kevin's garden centre,
In the 40/50s Kevin's place was the Blue Bell Bowling green which we all know and was still being played on

I remember the post office opposite church very well, the post master was Norman white who lived in what was the old post office on rectory rd.

The lady who ran the old post office further down Rectory Road near the parish hall was Mrs Crompton - I think. I seem to think that it was her daughter who was married to Norman White, if I'm mistaken hopefully someone can correct me

Yes Suesa I agree ,sure she was related to one another.

Dougie pardon me to correct you, but I think the post office was next to end house and telephone box end of garden.
I may be wrong.

You are wrong trixie, Mr Crompton the post master and his wife lived in the end house next to the entry, Jack Clayton and his sister lived next door to the post office,

Anyone remember we had to buy hapenny pen nibs and bloating paper when we first started using ink from Mr Crompton at the post office for school work

On the other side of the entry lived the School board man Mr peter Greenhall anyone remember him

hi Dougie you are right the post office was next to the entry.and I remember the roundabout which used to come round the estate they used to bring a stagecoach sometimes as well.you used to ride round the block from elm ave up lilac ave and hawthorn and up poplar.i liked the street singers best who used to walk round singing

Ok you win Dougie.

Dougie, there are only 3 cottages, not 4.
I have a street paper of 1945 and the it goes:

No.95 Violet & Joseph Hardman
No.93 John & Vera Clayton and Albert and Flo Noy
No.91 Peter and Ann Crompton ( the Post Office)

No.89 Margaret Fairhurst, John & Jane Pendlebury
No.87 Peter and Ellen Greenall


Eric

Thanks Eric,

Bert I remember the street singer he would walk in the middle of the road why singing, and there were two rides that would come as you say,

what about the school board-man remember him and the fair on the school field

suesa, the field treat as you say was a small walking day for us that attended Sunday School, then back to the school field for fun and games you had to have a Sunday School pass to get on

hiDougie I remember the school board man in rectory rd.and I do remember the fair ground at the back of the school.it went on the field at the side of the school at one time which is now the school field .I used to like the field treat when all the morris dancers used to come from up and down.there used to be another school board as we were growing up who rode amotor bike buut I cant remember his name.

The chippy in Rectory Rd was Tommy Aspinalls on the corner of Boothsbrow Rd, The other chippy was on the side of Annie Decons & it was owned by a chap named Barton, Re the Post Office it was next door to Jack & Vera Claton as Eric said, The school board man was Peter Pendalbury next door to the post office but accross the entry ,

hi bentlegs Mrs jones took over the chippy after Aspinalls
then Dickie Eccleston mam had it.

Good evening all, hope that you are all keeping well. Thought that I would log in on this visit to the site. Trixie, how is Eddie keeping, have you been on any world cruises recently, havn't spoken to Margaret for a couple of weeks, she seems to be keeping well. Dougie, you seem to be still leading the personalities and residential historical side, interesting that people are discussing the Post office and chip shop locations, I remember visiting them both, the post offices were first in one of the block of houses opposite where the church hall is now, and then later in one of the row of houses opposite the Church gates. The chip shops were first in a wooden shed at the back of Mrs Deacons shop, and then there was one, as people have reported, on the corner of Rectory Rd and Booths Brow Rd. At the other end of this row of houses in Rectory Rd was a grocery shop I seem to remember, and I think that the Davies family lived in one of the houses in the block on Booths Brow Rd. It is interesting that Keith Fox and I had a number of exchanges of correspondence on this area of Rectory Rd not long before he passed away. On the family front, last Saturday would have been Dads 120th birthday, next Tuesday will be my daughter Suzanne's 50th birthday and on Sunday, my granddaughter Olivia will be 11, how time passes. Best wishes to you all.

Hi.Robin,nice to hear from you.hope you are feeling better.Eddie is ok.just getting older,.i spoke to Margaret last week she is fine.
No been on any world cruises.we went round the uk in June.
Saw the the new aircraft carrier as it came out on trials in Scotland,.nothing else planned,but going to New York with Susan and youngest Grandaughter Sophie in February,not a good month to go but never mind we should enjoy it.
Catherine is 50 on the 30 September not much in the two of them.she is going to Amsterdam for a few days with her friends.take care.x

Does anyone know were Geoff Campion has gone not seen any posting from him for a long time.

Just read on the Golbourne site that Alan Mitchel, (an old Downall Greener, is not too well, he has a broken neck & is in a frame to stop him moving.

Get well soon , Owd lad.

hi bentlegs I see you going past yesterday with you wife .not seen you for ages I hope you are both alright .have you heard of jouelle. not seen anything on here or heard of her for along time I know she has had a lot of problems with the weather and everything.i hope she and her family are doing wll.

Hi Bert, I was talking with her a couple of days ago, She has a lot going at the moment putting stuff back that she moved when she was expecting the big Storms, A very busy girl at the moment.

Hi Bert.. It's been one heck of a year with one thing and another.. I'm hoping things will get to something like normal, ( though I'm beginning to think there is no such thing anymore ) before the end of the year... Where is this retired life people talk of. I'm not seeing it. ....
Love and Peace to all....

hi jouelle lovely to hear from you.David asks me when I see him in the club have I heard off you .I know you have had a terrible time but hopefully things will start improving for you and your family now.iknow what your on about being the relaxing pensioners we must have missed the boat.they have finished the extension now but have know bed .still look after your self and your family .god willing we will talk to you again soon.

Three Police cars went through Bryn today. Everyone stood at their front doors , Flumuxed.

An aeroplane flew over Wigan yesterday. Everybody stood at their front doors, pointing at it!

Most people stared at the 3 police cars because they have never seen 1 never mind 3

Don't be stupid, Tonker, they knew it was you making sure you were in Wigan and not St. Helens.

Sadly I have to inform you of a great Downall Green character who has passed away. A friend to all .. Molly Ainscough passed on 6 December. I know we all have fantastic memories and tales of Molly .... such a special person. Her funeral will take place next Thursday 21st December at 10.30 at Our Lady's church. Hopefully as many Downall Greeners as possible will be able to attend. R.I.P Molly xxx

So sad to hear about Molly do you know how old she was suesa?
I would like to hear more about Mollie over the last 10 Year’s or so if anyone as any info..

Such a lovably character.i would have liked to attend but can’t make it.
Thanks suesa.

Molly was 69 ...... would have been 70 next April. She lived in a shared house on Crow Lane West in Earlestown. She shared with 2 other ladies and they had carers visit them all day. I remember about 3 years ago being in Halifax branch at St Helens when I heard a familiar voice. When I turned round it was Molly. As soon as she saw me she shouted out 'Susan ..... tell your Brent I don't like him!' Only a Downall Greener could take this as a term of endearment from Molly ..... bless. She remembered me no problem although it was a while since I last saw her.

Molly was disgusted with me and my wife because we where given Mrs Fagans house when she moved to Brockstedes.she used to stop at the front gate and shout at us to get out of the house.it frightened my wife .but she got used to it ,so sad she has passed.RIP MOLLY.

I remember when the Smouts from Simms road came and tempererely lived across from the family she had a thing about Dickie Smout and I think he was a bit scared of her but all them that knew her understood.,her habit of closing gates and as suesa said her term off “don’t like you “ was a regular thing she said but no offence taken over it.RIP MOLLY. .

Sad to hear this,as a young girl growing up + in her teen years she was always with her Dad Luke, looking back he must have been the best Dad on the estate, people that knew them together will understand me saying this.

R.I.P Mollie we all loved you

I just heard this from another D Greener... Molly always used to hit me when she saw me.. I don't know why, but you couldn't ever take anything personal Re Molly... Her Dad was her Savior, he was always looking after her.. Now they are reunited.. R.I.P Mollie.. Gone but never forgotten....

more bad news guys . frank prior has just passed on . condolences to the family. another "greener" gone.

Just want to wish each and everyone a, Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.. Live life to the fullest... God Bless.. xx

Thanks Joelle.and the same to you and your family.and everyone.

I entirely agree live and enjoy it while you can.xx

Thanks for info Bri, so sad I have good memories of frank and his family,I spent a lot of time with them when I lived there condolences to his family R.I.P Frank.

no probs dav.

sorry to hear about Frank.RIP Frank.seems to have been a lot of Downall Greeners passed away this year.hopefully the new year will be happier.Iwould like to wish all Downall Greners and friends a very happy NEW YEAR.

Wishing Everyone . A. Happy new year.

2018.

All the best to you all for 2018.
Happy New Year!

Sorry to be the one to give this news to Downall Greeners, but I've just heard about the death of Sheila Kitts on New Years eve.
I know of no details at this stage.

Sheila's funeral is at wigan crematorium on 19th January at 1.30

Only old timers will remember Frank Hesketh, grew up on Lilac Ave.. He passed away New Years Eve...

Sorry to hear about Sheila, remember the family well. Also sad to hear about Frank, I went to school with his son, also called Frank. Remember them all.

really sorry to hear about frank hasketh . he used to come to lancs darts when i was playing for them with his buddy arthur williams.

sorry to hear about Sheila new her when were young and they lived in rectory rd RIP Sheila.new Frank Hesketh very well .we used to play dominoes with Frank and his father in the Blue Bell when I was a lot younger.a proper gentleman.new all the family in lilac avenue.RIP Frank.

Did you get hold of Joyce, Bert?

hi Jouell yes I did manage to talk to Joyce.we had a good chat and a good laugh talking about downallgreen when we where young.and hopefully her and her husband will come to the meeting .and talk to people who have the same problem .and it helps.speak to you again

Hi Bert, yes I hope they go, would be very helpful and insightful.. Call you in a few...

Although not a Downall Greener, I went to St Peters Infants School in the 1940s. Glad to see that Dougie is still in fine form with his history.Long time since I last visited Garswood Hall Bowling club. Now at 83yrs old I have got mobility problems,so cant walk very far, but still have my memories of my childhood days in Bryn,and I see that my class photo at A in M Central School is still on the site, but alas, many on that photo have passed away.

not looking good for gary speakman . gravely ill .

Hi whups, what's happened to Gary.

he,s got cancer dav & he,s had chemo which has,nt worked . not looking good at all.

sad news guys. gary speakman has passed on.

I didn't know him. But may his soul RIP..

RIP Garry sad loss at your age.

Jouelle do you not remember his father Arthur of Birch Grove.

yes bert they lived at number 56 then moved to number 48 . gary was 54 .

Such sad news. Thoughts and prayers are with all the family. R.I.P Gary

Bert. right, I didn't make the connection, yes Gary was 19 yrs younger than me and I left DG by the time he was born so I didn't know him.. but yes, I remember his dad...Very sad, to go so young..Condolences to all the family...

The big"C" holds no age barriersMay Gary be at peace now.

Thanks Brian only just looked on thread I'm gutted Gary was a good mate of mine and my brothers best friend (warren) until he passed away in 1977,I was chatting to Gary a few months ago when his wife lorna was in A&E and he sent me some pics of himself and my brother when they was at rectory,I cannot believe his passing at such a young age my thoughts are with lorna,his children,and family.R.I.P Gary will miss you mate.

if i hear of any details i,ll put them on dav.

just heard dav that gary,s funeral is on monday march 12th at 1-30 either going from the house to holy trinity or you can go straight to the church.

Thanks Bri,I will be there.

Awww such sad news about gary last time I saw him was at my husbands funeral Stuart kitts condolance to all the family x

Hi bri thanks for info on Gary's funeral, I attended today and was overwhelmed at the turn out church was packed upstairs and down they even had to stand in foyer and outside as well,it just goes to show how much he was loved another true greener gone and laid to rest R.I.P Gary gone but will not be forgotten.

yes dav i was there as well & he did indeed get a good send-off.

Called in bell after bri just to catch up with some of old greeners, wish I could have seen you pal.

sorry about that dav as i,m having trouble with my knee. hav,nt been out since the 1st week in january.

No worries mate hope things improve for you,we will meet up some time.

Hi everybody.where have you all gone?

Spring cleaning,decorating.or is it because the sun is shining.!!!

Hope you are all well.

my condolences to another "greener" who has just passed , kevin atherton.

Thought we were doing well Brian,bin quiet for a while .

RIP Kevin.

Condolences to the family.x

yes marge i know what you mean.

Sad news that ,Kevin went to school with me through Junior and senior levels.he has been a friend all our lives he is a month older than me.What a sad loss,RIP Kevin.

how old was he bert.

Hi Whups he was 70 on January the first.Mine was on the t
hirtieth.

i though he was around that age bert.

Condolences to all the Family...

Been to Brian Darbyshire's funeral today aged 76 he married Jean Bentham an old DG'er, Darby also lived in DG all his married life, R-I-P Darby old friend

Dougie.. Was Jean the younger or older Bentham..I never could remember who was the oldest, Margaret or Jean.. as I just heard the other day that the younger one and her husband were both in a 'Home'. they both had Alzheimers..

Yes Jean is the younger one of the two Margaret is my age we were both in the same class at DG school,
I'll see Jean today as she's in the same home as I visit but her husband Brian was in a home at Stubshaw Cross.

P.S. Still going out and about in my Travelodge & Premier Inn rooms got three booked May,June,July, 5 Days for £104 each no food in that but WE don't class them as Holidays just passing the time between Holidays

Thanks Dougie.. Does Jean know her husband has died, or has her memory completely gone.. I know who else is there and Kenny Tabenar is in that same home to, isn't he ?It's a fair distance to travel, be tough doing that every day.. So sad for all concerned ..

You keep doing what you enjoy doing Dougie and don't pay any attention to you know who.. You are living your life the way you want to and I'm happy for you...

can anybody tell me when Kevins funeral is please.