EX DOWNALL GREENERS 9

EX DOWNALL GREENERS 9


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
ex-Downall Greeners 8

Here we go number 9.

Hi Bri, I hope they all have a good time when they meet up, I know what the subject will be as most of them are Leeds fanatics ha ha.

yes dav your right & well past their sell by date where football is concerned .

Wishing all Downall Greeners present and past

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.for 2019. .
Xx

Thanks bambam ,
A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year I hope you all keep looking and posting, we could do with some younger people from DG asking some questions

Merry Christmas and very best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year to you all!
xx

Thanks everyone for keeping thread going, I would also like to wish you all a merry xmas and a wonderful new year, and all the best for 2019.

Thanks bambam ,I would like to wish you all a happy Christmas and a happy new year and hope we all still keep in touch.

Hi Bert, I'm sure we will all keep in touch but like dougie said we need some younger generation to pick our brains, we have some knowledgeable people on here like dougie, bentlegs, whups, yourself, uncle joe, me , trixie, Janet, Jon dav, And all other contributors to this wonderful thread, I would love as I'm sure you all will, to pass our knowledge on to our young ones.

Yes we do to stop our brains from vegitating😀😀.

How is Bentlegs and Molly,he’s been quiet now for a while.

Hi all It will have been on here before somewhere this,

I was on the bowling green at Garswood Hall this year someone came to me asking the question, you should have seen and remembered the red gate at DG and where it wen't too, LOL

up to the razzo on leyland green rd dougie.

yes Bri, I remember that as you walked up dirt track between fields, and you had pit at top.

Caught some good fish up there with my brothers and mates before the pit was made there.you had to watch for the water bailiff and get ready to run over cloughin.

Merry Christmas to you all from me as well.

As regards picking brains mentioned by bambam, I've got a few questions to ask you all soon. One of them regrading Kenny, Norman, my brother and Wales. Only dougie will be able to answer that one!

what year did they drain it bert ? .

Whups I would say about 1969/70 remember walking over it shooting and the drift tunnel from Quacker pit which jutted out of the left bank of the reservoir.

Hi Peter i had an old mate who worked at Quaker pit Sam Prior he was a real character he passed on 20 years ago though, we used to go fishing together, he lived on Downall green road

peter it was before that as i moved to hawthorn ave in 69 & i remember it was before that . the quaker pit only moved to the red gates about mid 70s as i worked there in 1970 as did my dad when there was only 1 pit then across from wilcock farm .i knew sammy well as did peterp as he worked at golborne for some years . take a look at the quaker house pic in pics of wigan under the work section.

Thanks whups

Any of you know the name of the road going down the brow from Leyland Green Road past the graveyard before it was called or (known) as Joe Cunley's Brow, or the one on the other side going down Downall Green Road to the dame

You can find them on one of bambam's threads on here but the older D-Greeners could name it for them that don't know and tell them why they were given the names

Whups--When I was a lad going to Rectory School their was no housing estate or house's in Leyland Green Road from the terrace house's on the bend at the top brow to the farm at the T-junction by bottom razz

Dougie, when was garages built at top of birch grove, was it when houses went up.

when you were a lad dougie it,s no surprise to me that there was no houses there as the estate was only built in 1947/48 . do you remember the houses going down booths brow rd i think tommy aspinall was in 1 of them ? .and the street at the bottom of those houses going to the right as you looked down it ? .

Bambam--I would say the garages were only built in the 50s as I only remember one car on the estate in the 40s (someone else will tell you his name) that's also on here

whups--Yes I remember them house and the people that lived in them and yes Tommy Aspinall did live in the first house but he only came after Mr&Mrs Davis and family moved to Ceder Grove on the estate about 1946-7

Thanks dougie, I remember Davies family well they lived at number 6 in between les heaton and john scully, their garden backed onto ours when we lived in elm ave.

I went to school with Graham Davies,I think he had an older brother too.

Trixie, Their four brothers Brian,Colin,and Allan,and Graham I expect you know Graham past away and so did Brian the oldest

Do you know the name of the people that lived on the farm before Cunliffe's

Forgot to say Tommy Aspinall also opened the chip shop on the corner in the 50s, plus he also had coaches bambam's dad was one of his drivers, that was long before he got his coal round

Brian Davis (Barney) was one of my mates, he died from a Kidney complaint he was only 26,

Trixie, Not doing too bad now, having all sorts of tests, only just got walking properly, They still cant give me a name for my illness but most of it was Breathing, back to normal (allmost}, Hows your Husband?

Happy New Year everyone,

Forgot to send a certain young Lady in the USA a Birthday card or a Christmas card, Found her Christmas card behind the clock yesterday so a bit late now, I will get my hands smacked.

Tumtingle--It's nice to see you posting again on here some good old DGs out there yet that could pass some local history on to the newer DGs to the area,

I asked about Red Gate, asking again where was the Mangle field not for you

i once picked mangles at jack lyons field at the front field near his house.

Hi Bri, remember jack Lyon well and the farm he owned (millfield) also remember his fruit &veg round on estate, I know Bill murphy's sons worked for him.

A question for you all. In the general section on here, a map from 1892 was posted. I'm not good at links, but its on the Bryn/Ashton thread started by priscus.

Looking on it, Millingford Brook is marked as Down Brook, what I always thought of as being a mill on Dam Corner is marked as a Smithy, and what I think most of us know as Bluebell Woods is marked as The Clough. Can anyone shed any light on this?

millingford brook starts at the clough which is situated the other side from the graveyard on booths brow rd & it,s a contribtary stream & the bottom razz has a overflow that at 1 time lead into it.it goes down from there all the way into ashton .

whups: What you wrote is exactly what I thought. According to this map...

https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/side-by-side/#zoom=18&lat=53.4999&lon=-2.6816&layers=168&right=BingHyb

(Can someone correct the link please?) we are both wrong.

What do you call the razz? I thought that it was the one on the other side of Winstanley road, but there are two shown on this map, the second being behind what was Tommy Turners shop when I lived there.

uncal joes link

Not looked at the map yet but the main water supply that feeds Milling ford brook comes from the bottom razz overflow at winstanely road this is feed from the Billinge side of the razz,

then it runs through the Dell to the Dam to feed the water mill that was on the other side of Downall green road then off to the skitters wood to form another holding lake the off to Ashton from there

i think it leads to owd george,s pond if i,m right.

Duggie wants to know where the Mangle field was,,It was across the road from the Police houses ,There are bungalows there now

Glad your back bentlegs my husbands ok.i never really picked up this year and ended up having B12 injections which seem to be helping now.
DOUGIE I don’t know who had the farm before Cunliffes as it was always them for as long as I can remember.
if Robin is still about on here he may know.

P.S bentlegs ,we are off travelling again next week.😀😀

Happy New Year to you all for 2019 .

Hi Bentlegs it is nice to see you are getting better,i have asked about you when i see molly or peter.i new where mangle field was had many good battles with them when we where kids.It is also nice to see Trixie on as well.so i would like to wish you and all friends from Downall Green a happy new year and we all have a better one.

Trixie--I remember the old woman that still lived on the farm Mrs Shuff, the siblings had different names Joe Shuff, (always got Joe Cunliffe)+ Bill and Ema Cunliffe,

I hope someone on here can put me right about this as we lived across the road in the Wilcock's (Old House Farm Cottage), well my older sisters did till 1936/7 so the brow was always known as Willcock brow till the farm was pulled down then it got Cunliffe Brow

whups they have built a big underground holding tank at the bottom of Princess road by Millingford brook to stop any flooding in Ashton

Whups I thought the wood running along the side of the graveyard was the DELL ( Dellside Close on the other side of the brook) and the wood running along side of Spindle Hillock was the Blue Bell or Clough Wood

Tumtingle, When i was a kid, a long time ago most Cunliffe,s in Garswood,& simms road had a nick name, i think you may have known some at Stone,s Pit, Remember Burt Mucus who drove the endless rope at the to of the Ravin Brow, I remember , Ciggies_ Blanders_Stuggs_& many more & i think that Shuffs could also be one of thease, Anybody who can remember any more please add them on, Ay i wish mi mother was here she would fill a page,

the clough was the opposite side of the road peter . slaters pen led down to it.bluebell wood was behind the rectory school the reason it was called that is because if you can remember it was festooned with them . anyone remember "the stuffy" in simms rd ? .

The clough was where Jack slaters dad had a pen at the back of slaters pen on the hill,then when followed the brook at the side of the grave yard that was known as the dell,then when you got to the cottages wher Jimmy Ormshaw and maud lived it was called the dam,then under the bridge going into the yard what Ryders had then was took over by Sharples and we knew it as sharples pen.then you go into the bluebell wood upto the railway.

When I was a lad their was only one bluebell wood even tho as you all say they were all full of bluebells but you could put a name to them all except this Bluebell Wood,

Names of woods--The Cloughing as never been a wood,

The Dell,Downall Green Wood,which was divided by the brook to make two woods one side was Joe Cunliffe's the other side Tom Ferne's,

Then across the railway lines (which I never did)to the Gypsy wood, follow the brook to Low-bank road over to the left was the skitters wood, to the right was the Long Cover and cover to Liverpool Road and Lord Gerard's estate

Tumtingle Thanks for that,You may be right about the name Shuffs

I also was I had asked the older people about thing I now wish I knew more about

dougie, thanks for correcting the link to the map.

My memory is getting a little vague now, but I seem to remember that in the Dell there was a bridge over what we knew as Millingford Brook (marked as Down Brook on the map) that must have been used by the Vicar to go up to the church.As regards the woods on the school side of the brook, I dont remember it being called anything, even if it probably was!

I only remember two things about that particular area. First, when we were at Rectory School, we would play cricket there on the odd occasion.

Second, it was where one of the vicars assaulted a young lad. I'm not sure which one it was, but the incident would have been around 1960 or so. This particular vicar passed away about 12 months after the event. It was a bit of a scandal at the time. Although the lad was not serious enough to be sent to hospital, the attending Doctor, (McCurdy) wanted the parents to press charges. This was averted by an apology made by the vicar.

I always knew the woods near Spindle Hillock as being Bluebell Woods. Thats the reason I was surprised to see it marked as The Clough on the map.

I did hear it was Rector Hall but not sure if it was true or what for.

He was a very popular and well liked Rector as far as I know.

just to wish all ex downall greeners a happy new year .

Yes same to you Brian and everyone .xx

Happy New Year to all Downall Greeners and Ex Downall Greeners Let us all enjoy 2019

Good evening all, I hope that you all had a Good Christmas. Unfortunately, I had a problem logging onto the WW site, as it had now gone to Number 9, possibly because I had not been in the best of health this year and I had not been on the site for such a long time. Glad to see that a lot of the old names are still around, and that you seem to have remembered to ask lots of interesting questions of them. Without asking questions, the history of Downall Green will be lost. My family are growing up fast, my youngest Daughter and family are now living in Canada, they are very much into skiing, today I heard that my Grand-daughter had lunch with the Canadian Prime Minister yesterday and then joined him for some skiing on the slopes. My other Daughter and her family are still living in Rochester and making a success of their lives. May I wish you all a Happy New Year, and hope that I do not leave it so long before I am in contact with you all again.

Happy New Year to one and all.. Hope 2019 is good to you..xx

Happy New Year to all. Lets hope 2019 is a good year for all of us.

Happy New Year .... to all you St.Helensers, from all your Wigan neighbours! 😀

The truth is out there about the Ashton and Haydock boundary cock-up, I Knew the truth before it happened m

What's the Ashton and Haydock boundary got to do with Downall Green, Dougie?

Tumtingle. You mentioned the Shuffs (Cunliffes) Do you remember Margret who came round with the milk float, She befriended Dorothy Bold & Ema Befriended The eldest girl ,Yeds gone, cornt remember her name, From what i was told Ema did a lot for her,
Come on, Who went to Tommy Gum for a hair cut& where did he live, He charged the old Tuppance & could talk back legs off a Donkey & then there was Tommy Gregg & his brother Peter next door to Jack Pye.s shop,Did you know the Opera singer who lived at the bottom of Rectory rd, Plummy the Bobby & pellet nose the other bobby, There was also Eric Cartwright from Spindle Hillock,They were all carictures,

Tumtingle, Doreen Bold was the girl i couldn^t think of & Percy Hurst was the opera singer,

Percy Hurst I don't remember him but was he the father of Fred & Crissy Hurst as they lived there,

The other post was very good Margret & Ema befriended me long before Doreen & Dorothy Bold from Rectory Road, as we only lived across from the farm in the 40s and as you will know Margret never had any children and Ema never married she was about the same age as my sisters they played together as children,

I kept in touch with Ema by phone a few times and sent her some old photo's of the area the last phone call off her was asking me could I get any old photo's of the children walking round the church on their confirmation day ( I didn't get any)

Tumtingle, I dont know if Percy Hurst had any kids or not but he spent most of his adult life down in London, I never spoke to Ema after i left Our Lady"s school she gave me a hell of a time while i was there all because i would not go to church . I left at 11 & went to Central school as it was then, now Cansfield,

Dougie, Fred and Chrissie were born at 62 Brocstedes Road to William and Alice.

If it's any value, William Hurst married Alice Cunliffe. Could be a connection?

There was a Frederick Hurst born in 1929 at 341. Garswood Road to PERCY and Esther.

This is Eric Winstanley , Downall Green University, Studying Geneology.

Chrissy Hurst lived at the bottom of Rectory Rd, Very keen bowler,

Hi Bert, Fist time i have seen your new car coming up Wigan rd on Tuesday, That was the first time we have waled into Ashton since May, Of coarse i was knackered when we got there but it"s a start to getting back to how i was,
Hi Trixie, have you booked for 2019 yet? Molly is talking about it but not sure i want to go,

Fame at last?
A block of flats in Bolton!

Hi Bentlegs it was lovely to see you and Molly walking again,I could not stop for a chat i was going to exercise rehab at D w.hope to see you soon.

Uncle Joe, You mentioned the bridge over Millingford Brook near to the two cottages, From what i have been told is that Thomas Crompton had it built so that his sister Dot Crompton could walk to church in her younger days, later she was taken in horse & trap & later by car, Cromptons payed for the tower to be built at the front of the church,

Yes you right about the bridge they also put the red shale drive and trees from the bridge to the church so they only had a short walk, as Dot Crompton's played the pump organ for years before Harry Lowe took over

Just come back from Ashton I've been talking to a man that lived in the Blue Bell Cottages as a lad, anyone know him not many on here will have seen the cottages that was in the schoolyard till about 1944

Before my time Dougie, I only moved to DG in 1948, when I was 4.

bentlegs/dougie, thanks for the info about the bridge and church tower. Not something that I had known of.

Returning to earlier questions, does anyone know when Down Brook had its name changed to Millingford Brook? Was it a smithy or mill on Dam Corner?

Who would have been rector in the early 60's? Would it have been Rector Hall?

Where did Moor lane start and finish also where was Simms Road

Uncle Joe, The smithy was where Millingford factory used be, It was owned by Fred Lowe & the BlBillyFredWilkinson from Garswood, The Mill was over the bridge just inside what is called the Bluebell wood, it was driven by a water wheel, If you look over the wall on the other side you can still see the remains of the sluice gates fastend to the wall, From what i can remember Moor Lane was where Downallgreen Rd is now just had the name changed, Simms Rd is an area round about where the pub is ,

Simm's Lane End. Downall Green Road used to be called Eddleston's Lane, and Tomplum's ancestors used to own it. If you wanted to go to Ashton town centre, down 'their' lane, you had to pay 'em. That's why Tomplum's well-off and can afford to retire early!

I don't think I've ever been to Downall Green. Is it worth a sightseeing tour

You'll need a visa!

Hi uncle joe, Rector Hall was replaced by Rector Gale not sure of year, then it was Rector Eaton.

Eddlestone Lane only ran from Soughers lane to Bryn Cross.

Moor Lane started at Moor Lane farm at the top of Soughers Lane to the top of the brow going down to the Del/Dam at the bottom.

Moor Lane pit was on the left just before going down the brow and Moor Lane Co-op on the other side, pit area as now been changed it's name to Moor Lane farm but their was never a farm in that area

my dad worked at that pit dougie.it,s straight facing booths brow rd isnt it ? .

Yes that's right, your uncle John also worked there and at Landgate in the 50s, I don't know your Dad but the Scully's was a big family with a lot of off shoots in the 50/60s

I worked at Stones in the 50s on day shift and on Fridays (payday) I was one of the lads that would take their wages home for them coming on the afternoon shift, your Dad may have been one if he was John's brother

Whups --I had done my face training on the yard mine face before I was 20

BamBam---I think it was 62 as rector Gale married us in November 1963, have you ever looked where Rector Hall was put to rest it would have been at the bottom of his tennis court feet facing the church,

if you don't know why we will wait for someone to tell us

Rector Gale!

Which one of those three rectors was the one that was known to keep the Bluebell in profit? Was it Rector Hall?

Yes it was Rector Hall uncle Joe, he always told his congregation that if anyone wants him when church is over they will find him behind Bell door.

Hi Downall Green from the Garden of England. Hope that you are all settling into the new year. Dougie, glad to see that you are keeping everyone in order. I remember the Moor Lane pit and the Co-Op on the corner of Booths Brow Road, how many remember the open cast mine at the rear of Our Ladies Church/Coronation Street/Brockstedes Avenue and down to Drummers Lane. I think that the Blue Bell Cottages were demolished in 1943/44 as I had just started at Rectory School and remember one of the games that we used to play against the wall dividing the playground and the cottages. Also, as the war was still on, there were the air raid shelters in the field where we later played games. I am sure that Rector Hall died in 1961 as I was in the RAF and attended his funeral as one of the coffin bearers. Keep up the good work.

another localish passed away on friday . trevor simpkin the plumber who was from the dolly tub row & lived at the bottom of low bank rd .

whups--Thanks for the post about Trever may he R.I.P. not many will have seen the Dolly Tub row or know about it

Robin--You mustn't have seen my post asking about the Diniker because I know you would remember it LOL,
It looks like you will have to tell people why you put the rector where you did and the wrong way round to the rest

Hi Bri ,I can remember dolly tub row but was only very young then, was it at Simms lane end area.

Bambam it was where Garswood United football pitch is now

Hi Dougie, glad you are keeping well, sorry, but a cannot remember the details of Rector Hall's funeral, it was a long time ago. The other day I had to go to the hospital to get the results of a CT scan that I had before Xmas, it was interesting to see the pictures that they had taken of my brain, at least it showed that I still have one !!!! and that it was still working well, given my age. Keep up the good work.

Thanks peterp, so it was near crossroads I'm getting flash backs now also remember a few bad accidents there.

yes dav near the x-roads going down from sims to windy harbour .peterp has it right .

Looks like no one is prepared to say why rector Hall was placed were he is or no-one knows

Open to anyone where was the Diniker or the old house's, clue there is still one or two newer bungalows built in the same place now

has anyone noticed that the rectors that are buried in there are the opposite way round from the others ? .

Hi whups,have they been buried facing the church and congregation.

Where there two rows of houses set in a "T" shape where Dolly tub row where built and I have asked before where was Simms Road

Like I said before, it's Simm's Lane!

Anyroadup. I bet This Mon, sat on t'form, knows where it was!

You might have already seen This. If you've not, you might like it?

Tonker on the OS maps SIMMS LANE END is behind the cottages/houses on Billinge Road I asked where was SIMMS ROAD has the pub is called Simms Road Inn or to local Simms Road End Therefore was Dolly tub row postal address has Simms lane

The locality is known as Simm's Lane End, which suggests it was the end of Simm's Lane?

Whoever calls it Simm's Road only do so because they know no better!
Try asking one o' t'strags to direct you to Smock Alley and they wouldn't have a clue!

Tonker don't you mean Smock lane Alley was not posh enough for them that lived there. And was the pub called Simms Road because Lane again was not posh enough Time some of the older generation commented on the name

dav , barry davies is in ashton view .

Thanks for info Bri, I thought Ashton view was a care home for elderly.

Bambam we are all getting older Barry is at least 65 years of age

Bambam/PeterP I'm pretty sure hes 66.

i can tell you he turns 66 on the 27th june.

Hi guys, I used to drink with Barry back in the days when the blue bell was thriving, also remember our weekend trips to Ashton for a good night out, Barry was my neighbour on rectory rd after he left fernlea grove, I wish him the very best of luck.

Didnt he live on Palm Avenue at one time as well as those places mentioned?

yes he did uncle joe.

Hi Bri, when I visit the blue bell it's in the afternoon time I can't do the evening so there aren't to many people in, it brings back memories though of the old vault when you was king of dartboard and all the old crew was in, like Tony Harrison, peter sharples, Dave winstanley, peter jones, Jeff knowles and wilf can't remember his surname from Simms rd, and many more, I miss all the good old days it was a pleasure watching you all throw darts and have the banter at same time.

wilf harrison who was my mentor dav.they are all still here with the exception of wilf who sadly has passed & pey jones who is in b/pool now.

So sorry to hear wilf has passed on Bri, I was wondering where pey jones went to I ain't seen him since he come out of bell and that's a long time ago.

Bambam,
I used to work with a guy from Strange Road who drank in the Blue Bell. Don’t know if Strange Road is in DG. I think Mabey’s Had a depot there. The guy was Frank Brown.Always smoked a pipe.

Hi broady, I remember mabey's well a few of my mates worked there but can't recall frank, mabey's was other side of spindle hillock near garswood but perhaps some of guys on this thread may know him, I myself am a pipe smoker I love to relax with my briar.

dav he,s living in blackpool .

Thanks Bri, I bet he's retired now.

no he,s still fitting carpets . dav,david houghton has had a leg removed .

Oh that's bad news Bri, I used see David in galleries and market area he will Be getting on now.

i,m guessing mid 70s.

whups --Thank's for keeping us informed about people sorry to hear about David I've known him longer then most on here.

Why I'am on ? how is Dicky Ecc if you see him tell him Dougie as been asking about him

to be honest dougie i dont see much of him as he wont go through the door unless max higgins his brother in law comes for him.

Such a shame to be cooped up inside all day every day all alone.. Dicky used to walk miles and miles every day with his dogs, now nothing... Does anyone ever go to visit him?

yes.

Well that's good.. It doesn't do anyone any good being on their own all the time.. He needs company, especially in the winter, when he can't even go sit in his garden.. and the long dark winter nights seem endless, after being alone all day too..

Is Dicky still in his house? He would be better off in a Bungalow, A lot of steps where he is,

he,s in his house.

No bentlegs, he doesn't live in the house he grew up in, he lives across the rd, in what was David Makins house, next door to the Cobblers, who's name has left my head..

The cobbler was Mr Roby who had a son Ronnie who had large feet.

He is the one Bert.. The name had escaped me.. Ronnie was a big lad

Right, I did,nt know he had moved, he will be better there but still stairs, How are you Bert? any better,

HI bentlegs nice to hear off you.I am alright really,just got a few more problems in side,beside the problems with my lungs.the doctor who i saw at the hospital said of my inside i would leave them as my lungs will kill me before this problem has i cant have no surgery of any sort,because the lungs are so bad now and no one will give me sedation,so i have just to get on with it and pray.

We are praying for you too Bert.. I will try calling you this afternoon.. I have Drs appts etc this morning, but hopefully catch you this afternoon.. Chin up love.. easy for us to say, but......we're there for you....

Ronnie Roby he was 6'-9" and his best mate Vic Cottom was only 4'-9" I remember them both very well as we worked at the same pit and used the same baths.

One day we had all just come up pit into the baths Ronnie had taken his size 14s boots off Vic still in his black face and body walked all the way to the showers with nothing on only Ronnie's size 14 boots he look like a little pig-mi, (something I'll never forget)

\\\\\\\\tumtingle,Seeing Vic Cottoms name brought back some memories, Vic & Frankie Beasley were booked in Ashton for throwing chip papers on the floor they refused to pick them up when the Bobby asked them to, they were also singing Three Little Lambs have lost their way, anywaywhen they came in work the next day Tommy Wynn asked how they had got on in court, Frankie said we got three baaas ba ba ba £3 each,

Ronnie Roby went to work on the Ravine face when they first put an ASL on, the inspector was on the face with Peter Heyes & there was trouble with the plough, The inspector said to Ronnie, " you dont need a plough with them feet.

No one talking on here these days, ? where did I take these photo's and it's not DG Just keeping my hand in as I my start posting them again

Hi dougie, not to sure could it be the new statues that they have put up on south shore at Blackpool.

I don't have a clue..

Looks like a waste of money where ever it is, What is its meaning Tumtell.

I wouldn't want to be stood near them, when they come crashing down... I have to agree with bentlegs on this

Looks like something you would see running around a circus ring.

bambam, I thought the same thing , thought it could be in Blackpool with a nod to the Tower Circus.. I haven't figured out the first pic yet, did think it could be people looking for a way out..

sorry to inform you that david houghton passed away yesterday .another "greener" gone.

Thanks for info Bri, that's so sad, condolences to his family.RIP David.

Your spot on bambam, it is the seafront south shore at Blackpool but don't know what it represents Tumtingle

Sorry to hear about David may he RIP, keep us informed

So sorry to hear of David Houghton's passing. He was a lovely person. R.I.P

suesa, i know the name but i cant place him, where did he live?

He lived in Elm Ave, in between Burt Parkinson, & Harry Knowles.

no 5 dav

He lived in what was Jean Goldings .HE was Married to Margaret Roberts till they split up .A nice man David.So sad.

Remember them all very well, Margaret was post woman for a long time her parents lived in poplar ave where john simm lives now, Diane their daughter was also a post woman,Wendy was the eldest and Barry the youngest, ain't seen any of them for a while.

I remember the Roberts Girls, Margaret Married Joe Clark after splitting up with her first Hubby, am I reet,

Not to sure if I'm correct on my last post about Barry being the youngest, but if I'm wrong Bri will tell me.

Hi bentlegs, you may have wrong daughter there, when Margaret left David I think she went off with Fred cunliffe who lived on rectory rd, but I'm not sure on that perhaps Whups will confirm.

yes you are bentlegs.bam fred cunliffe,s wife went off with dicky ek .on another note dav where does the 320 bus that stops in gerrard st stop in wigan town center before it goes onto the metro ? . anywhere near the bottom of standishgate ? .

Margaret did live/lived with Joe Clarke from Dellside but live/lived next to bus stop in his Dads house in Booths Brow road.they live next door to where your sister lived bentlegs.not sure if they married or not.whups is right bentlegs ,

Yes Bri, it stops at side of the old Debenhams store.

gud 1 dav as i,m looking to go to the nat-west just up the street & it seems easier walking for me . is the return across from the drop-off ? .

Whups stay on the 320 bus into the new bus station and cross over into the galleries and go up mackies arcade to the bank This is all level ground no hill climbing compared to Standishgate

Bri if you get off at bus station you can cut through Jaxons court, but I think it's easier getting off at standishgate as you said, return stop is just over road going toward bingo hall.

i used to do that peter but this way i,ve not as far traveling with this bad knee . david houghton,s funeral is on the thursday 28th feb at 11 o,clock at holy trinity .

Thanks Trixie, I know where i am now.

Glad you got sorted bentlegs ....... sorry I didn't reply to your question

Glad to see you are back bentlegs.just come back from a cruise .came back ok this time .dont suppose you are going again yet.

Not going on the next one, Molly is taking daughter & grandson, Had enough my self,I dont think i am well enough, takes too much out of me, Going on 83 now,

another passing . john hulse who used to go with dianne houghton & has a son with her has gone .

Bri, is that john from landgate has a sister carol and another brother jockey.

yes dav the very one. it,s been a sad few months for me .

That is sad news Bri, I used to see john shopping in Wigan with his sister, condolences to his family. RIP John.

whups---Was at David's funeral today it was a good turn out for him, met a few people that I hadn't seen for years plus I got to talk with Dicky Ek

yes dougie i was but did you manage to get dickie out of that wheelchair ? .

No but I could tell he was glad to see me as he shouted out my name as we were going into church, I did go to the Bell after with three of David's brother-in-lows but didn't see anything of Dicky Ek after we left the church,

Will have to get back to him, anyone in touch with him ask if it's OK for Dougie to call on him sometime for a chat

another sad day today . paul tabaner has passed on .

Oh dear god Bri, Paul was younger than me I went school with his brother David, I'm so shocked wasn't he involved with ATC at one time, condolences to his family RIP Paul.

yes he was dav . he fell in the village club where an ambulance was called ,but he died on the way to the hospital .

Is that the same Paul Taberner that used to live in Billinge when he was in his early teens?

I think it was Billinge road, Simms Road they lived,I went to school with Barbara.if it’s the same family?

yes it is marj.barbara went to aussie.but basically they,re from garswood.

Ye I wasn’t sure but I thought they lived near Smouts.

What relation to Kenny Taberner?

Kenny's youngest brother. Such sad news. R.I.P Paul

Thanks Sue, very sad, may he R.I.P

Does anyone have information re Pauls funeral? asking for a friend, who is a cousin of Pauls, but has lost contact with the family.. Thanks..

if i hear ought i,ll let you know.

Thank you

paul tabbeners funeral is 27th at holy trinity around 2 oclock for a service then onto the crem then back to garswood labour club for refreshments.

Thank you Brian ...

no probs.

Hi Bri, have you heard how Barry Davies is doing.

he,s doing better dav . iv,e heard he,s putting weight back on but he,s still in ashton veiw .

Thanks for info Bri, hope all goes well for him.

I saw the other day, that 4 detached and 2 semis were going to be built from the top of 'the Brow', next to Miss Cunliffes bungalow, all the way down to the brook...

I saw that yesterday too.jouell.thought it was green belt land ,but that does not seem to matter now.
It did not say who the builder was.

Any info please.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-79046774.html


It's been a long time since I posted pics, I've forgotten how to do it.. I know someone wil do it for me..

Link

Click back from the plans for details

Thank you gaffer and Susan..

Won't be semi rural much longer..from what I've been told, there are lots of houses to be built all around Downall Green..

Hi Bri, been up to village club this morning to pick up some furniture, so sad to see the place so derelict I have great memories when it was very popular,, I met Susan there who has run the place for a good few years she ain't changed (lovely girl) she and so many others will sure miss that place it won't be long now before it's demolished, such a sad ending to a place that was loved by so many people from bowling, snooker, darts, and weekend entertainment.

My Dad bowled there for many years, right up to only a few years before he died.. I have fond memories of the Village Club, the 2 story house as it was then, the Village club trips we went on when I was a young girl.. I can see the Saloons, as they were called then, all lined up on Rectory rd, ready to take all us kids to Southport for a day out.. name tags on so we wouldn't get lost, though I did get lost on one trip.. The Downall Green of my childhood is gone.. very sad...

Hi jouell, I Remember your dad very well and remember him and all his friends bowling at village, I have watched famous bowlers there who have appeared on TV and local chaps from village club who have given them a run for their money, the club had some great bowlers back in the day,also remember the club trips which most of clubs had back then sending kids & families to southport & Blackpool with pocket money as well, we all got very excited night before it was such an event so sad all that has gone for the children of today.

dav you know my veiw on it & iv,e never known a club that did,nt want it,s own villagers going in it . i wont shed a tear when it closes because of the way it looked down on me & anyone who went in the bell . all i want to know is where any money from the sale is going . jeff knowles went to pay his subs the other month & they would,nt let him do it & you know how long he,s been a member .there,s something going on down there & it doesnt smell right . any money from the sale should go into a public fund to help out people who are in difficulty & lend them a helping hand.

Hi jouell, I Remember your dad very well and remember him and all his friends bowling at village, I have watched famous bowlers there who have appeared on TV and local chaps from village club who have given them a run for their money, the club had some great bowlers back in the day,also remember the club trips which most of clubs had back then sending kids & families to southport & Blackpool with pocket money as well, we all got very excited night before it was such an event so sad all that has gone for the children of today.

Hi Bri, I tend to agree with you I found out yesterday who purchased the land and know that there is going to be at least two houses built on there for the family of the new owner.

yes dav & i know who that is . and remember the way they treated the 4 lads in the early 80s & did everything they could to stop them using the green when those bowlers you mentioned could use it at anytime? . 1 of those lads namely barry simm went on to lift that trophy that the club wanted to have a home winner & highlights just how narrow minded they were .iv,e no sympathy in it,s closure but i want to know where this money is going ?

Are you two not going to share the name of the builder?? It’s not good half a tale.😀😀😀😠😠

Harvey Homes.

Sorry trixie did not mean to miss inform anyone but the land has not been purchased by a builder, it's actually been bought by a young local lad who apparently has his own plans for the place, referring to your last post Bri i am not convinced anyone will see any monies will the brewery and creditors not consume it as the club was in debt.

they cant find the deeds dav & thev,e not borrowed money for a while as the club roof has had a hole in it for years .

Thanks Tonker.

Can anyone remember the name of the landlord of the Bluebell in the late 50's/early 60's. Did he have a son that would be in his early 70's now? If he is still alive, that is.

not sure about the son but jimmy seddon had it around that time .

Billy Seddon was in the same year as me AT School,he was an only child and lived with his mum and dad (Jimmy) at the bluebell.

whups/trixie many thanks for your answers. Do any of you know what happened to Billy?

I think Billy married a lady called Christine Woollam out of Hawthorne avenue.I seem to remember them courting ,somewhere at the back of this mixed up mind.I think Jimmy and his wife moved to Poolstock after they moved out of the pub.

Bert when did the Seddon's leave the pub, it was early 60s wasn't it? Was Billy the same age as Ken?

Sorry uncle joe I don’t know what happened to Billy.yes Bert I seem to remember same as you,

Billy would be about 73 jouell.i think it was about the 60’s when they left.. the bell.

Exactly what i think Trixie.then Arthur Williams took over.thats when it was a good pub,as was most pubs then and people were,and Downall greeners were all freinds.

Yes Bert I agree with you again,but it’s not the same anywhere now Bert..
Everybody in a rush.

Jimmy turned out to be an Alco he used to watch his wife go out of sight then shove his glass under the optic & down it in one, He spent some time in the hospital( The Delph ) near to Warrington to dry out but i dont think he ever did, Billy was a nice lad ,He worked at Millingford with his father _in_law Jack Wooley from Hawthorn, No idea where he is now but i saw Christine his wife in Ashton a few months ago,

Hi bentlegs how are you both going on now.

Hi Trixie, I am getting there , the number of appointments i have will take months to get through, Heart, Kidney & balance Doctors i have to see, Seen them all three times but i have a breathing problem as well otherwise ok, cant walk very far, Molly is up & running fit as a fiddle, No cruising for me, You two OK,

Nice to see you on here again Bentlegs stay strong and keep going ,seen Molly a few times she is looking good again.I know what its like with appointments seems never ending.

Good for Molly I remember you saying she was going on a cruise .has she been yet?
We ok alsorts of ailments keep cropping up.but when we see some folk our ages we have to be thankful..long job but hope you get better eventually.

arthur williams took over the bell around 1968 .

Thanks Bri, remember Arthur very well alias (cracker) good landlord very strict but always a gentleman, I appreciated the old laws on boozing when pubs closed at 2 on Sundays and we all went home for tea then looked forward to returning at 7 a few pints then catch bus to Ashton and return to bell for last orders, good old days I loved it.

Billy Seddon and Christine live in Golborne. They have 2 sons.

and 10-30 at night dav .

I remember everybody going down to the club as bell closed earlier.

Yes they did trixie, but club regulars and officials didn't like it, we used get an extra hour in club sun afternoon but majority of lads was members anyway, good old days.

Before 1960 Summer closing time was 10.30pm, Winter closing time was 10.00pm everywhere

Hi dougie, I'm not old enough remember the 10pm closing, the youth of today only turn out at that time hence all the trouble that happens in early hours as some clubs are open till 6 & 7 am.

Hi bambam I was looking out for you in the Blue Bell at David.s funeral it's along time since we had a few drinks in the bowling club when Jouell come over may drop on you again sometime

Hi dougie, sorry I couldn't get to David's funeral but yes its been a while perhaps we need another re-union and catch up with a few scoops.

Happy Easter Blessing to you all....

Tumtingle, Did you see your old friend MONIGAN on telly last night, it was on Yesterday, It stopped working in 1999 & is rotting away in east Yorkshire, When, the Yanks sent it over they called it Oddball the second largest Dragline ever built, The last i saw it was up on Windy Harbour in the 1950s It had a 50 ton bucket.

bentlegs, I'm surprised you said the dragline was rotting away in Yorkshire. It was restored a few years ago and last I heard, they have regular visitors days to see it.

Incidentally, its far from being the second largest Dragline Excavator ever built.

Uncle Joe, I can only tell you what i saw on the telly. I don know when the program was made but there it was in all it,s glory , It didn,t look like it had been restored to me,the last chap to drive it went to see it & said it was a shame to let it go.

bentlegs, is it the one on this link:

http://www.walkingdragline.org/

Tumtell--The one and only time I ever saw Monigan working was as you say in the 50s across from your house, I would think every lad on the estate would have seen it walking if not using it's bucket

Uncle Joe . your link is not working,

Working for me.

bentlegs, it was restored in 1999.

Do you know it to be the same machine as that used at Windy Arbour?

Three walking draglines were brought from USA in 1954 as part of the lease lend scheme. Some of the blurb online says this one was in Wales until 1964.

dragline

Oddball on Tv now on Channel 37

looks like we were given false information on TV, Dont now how old the film was,,

It is fairly common for such TV programmes to be inaccurate/untruthful. Perhaps journalistic licence?

About a dozen times a year you will hear that incident at Parkside, (death of William Huskisson) was the first rail fatality. It was certainly significant, the first WIDELY REPORTED death, but first death? Well only if you ignore the numerous deaths on Stockton-Darlington railway: "In 1828 two locomotive boilers exploded within four months, both killing the driver"! And these were not the only fatalities. Also there had been fatalities on the less publicised colliery lines! Interestingly, the S&D had a similar accident on their opening day, though on that occasion the victim survived with a crushed foot!

Hi Bri, just been informed another greener has passed away Lee Smith, condolences to his family. R.I.P Lee.

yep dav . but i called lee speakman . that booze will do you in eventually . he,s not all that old dav.

I know he's only young Bri not to sure how he passed, such a shame it's not that long ago since he lost his uncle (Gary).

booze dav , that,s what got him in the end . he was 43.

Hells bells he must have supped some then, but it's true what you say it will catch up with you, alcohol don't take any prisoners.

hi dav , barry davies has been moved to sheltered accomodation in parr . his flat has been sold .

Thanks for info Bri, has his health got any worse,or has he been moved, for other reasons.

he cant keep off the ale dav & they had to take him out of ashton view because he was comming back drunk & calling everyone not fit to burn . dav it's lee speakmans funeral tomorrow (friday) .

Hi Bri, such a shame Barry won't help himself he's on a very slippery slope, thanks for info on Lee's funeral.

no probs dav.

Back at the turn of the year you were all discussing the brook though DG.
Just wanted to say that it's not Millingford Brook, it's Down Brook, all the way through the Skitters till it comes out behind the old police station where another brook runs into it.
The origin of that stream is uncertain but it starts somewhere up Simms Lane End way if I remember and then diverts through the old Garswoosìd Park (New Hall), now the golf course, and then swings back round, 'through' Crompton's pond then across the other side 't' road until it meets Down brook .
On all the old maps it's called down Brookuntil that point

Birt, thanks for the lift to Wigan today, That are a good mate,

Wigan Evening Post (this morning!)

i could name nearly every one of them .

Yes I could to Bri, good pic it is on here under places north Ashton.

Is Vaughan Williams's dad on that pic? I remember he lived there in 1974/75!

Oh yes, good landlord was Arthur I remember his family very well, myself and whups had many good times in there when he was king of dartboard

Arthur is on very end right in front of big john marsh, and Peggy his wife is also on this pic.

Is 'Big John Marsh' related to 'Big Davvy Marsh' by any chance?

Yes tonker, He is big Dave's father.

I thought he looked familiar when I saw him on the photo!

All john's lads are well over 6 foot tall, Dave, Derek, and Andrew.

and it,s a good job there all on my side dav .

It sure is Bri, am I right in believing they are related to you.

yes big john is my uncle & the lads are my cousins .

Davvy once caught a lad damaging one of my cars. He didn't half make him regret doing it!

If he damaged your car tonker knowing Dave he problably got what he deserved.

guys another from the area has passed on . anthony rowlands who used to live at spingle hillock & lives at bryn . he,s around 48-9 .

Anyone put a name to the man standing in front of Mesh third from the right holding the pint glass, if anyone see's MESH tell him Dougie said he never looked that handsome

it maybe billy lowe from brocksteads .

Thanks for trying but that's not Billy Lowe, whups

your right dougie , but it looked like him from afar.

Looks a bit like Chris Hurst from bottom of Rectory Road to me Dougie

I've uploaded these on another thread for jouell to look at but also upload it here as it is about Downall Green, no need to comment about the uploads but if anyone outside of DG and not been back for years that would like me to upload a place like these It's so easy just ask ( Don't forget to go full screen--)

--For jouell--

--another for jouell--

--For jouell--

--For jouell--

On the first one you just past our old house thanks for that dougie.

Great photos dougie ,I must go back sometime down memory lane.not been for about 3 years now.thanks,dougie I like your videos.

Its even longer since I was there! Thanks for posting the videos Dougie, even if I did not recognise very much after all this time.

Trixie, do you know someone called Alan(?) that used to live near you? Dougie drove past his house in that first video. Back hen I last saw him, he had (I think) a Morris Minor.

Sorry uncle joe can’t recall but maybe if you know his last name ..
It was Booths brow road.

My mistake Trixie. For some reason, I always thought you lived on Lilac Ave. as he did. Sorry, cant remember his last name.

Maybe one of the others know who he is?

Haha.you have been away a long time uncle joe.

You are correct trixie, it has been a long time. 45 years or so since I was last on the estate. Thats part of the reason I'm so grateful to dougie for making the videos and for that matter, posting a photo of the old house a few years ago.

uncle Joe, I did a full ride round the estate with my dashcam running but I deleted it thinking no one would be interested, I'll do a quick clip next time I pass but don't expect a job of it, I'll just upload it from the dashcam , hope your keeping well remember I knew you as a little lad all them years ago I'll be 80 next year

J.W. reckons you're ninety if you're a day!

J.W. reckons you're ninety if you're a day!

Dougie: I have vague recollections of you as well. More so of your Ken though, as well as his mate Norman who lived on Rectory Road.

I'm pretty well sure that my brother went with them on a holiday to Wales around the time you got married.

I'll give you the date nearer the time so you can come to the club with John and show yourself that's if you exist, I'll buy you a pint

uncle joe/ jouell, These are two short clips coming off the M56 motorway going down the front to St-Annes you may like to look --1--and --2--

M56?

That was Great, Dougie, Thank you.. I could smell the fish and chips as soon as you turned onto the 'Front'

Looks like a lot of new building gone on since I was last down that way...

Sorry Mr Ark-Eye it's the M55, only 25 miles from your house going north on the M6 if you don't know turn left then 15 miles to Blackpool, by the way all the motorbike men where at St-Anne's Monday night, as it was a lovely night we had a walk round then a fish and chip supper

jouell, The dashcam is running all the time so it's no trouble uploading, and as Mick said Dougie can rough it but for £108 why sit at home like most on here did last week, we were out and about all week and always found something to do (we even went ten-pin bowling one day)

"it's the M55, only 25 miles from your house going north on the M6 if you don't know "


I know! I've been doing quite a lot of work up there over the last couple of months, so have been going that way regularly! Not far from that chippy on the A6 in Bilsborrow!


P.S. - I hope I'm still as active as thee when I'm ninety!

Tonker is that Turners fish and chips at Bilsborrow

Dougie, thanks for posting those videos! Another place I hardly recognise.

uncle joe/jouell--You've no need to reply thanking me for uploads video's, I've said before the dashcam runs 5 min clips every time I'm in the car, you two wouldn't believe the change that's taking place in Blackpool just now

Dougie we have never liked Blackpool and even though they have spent millions on the town it still looks like a tip. You can never get away from the smell of hot dog and burgers on the sea front and step back one street and it needs a bulldozer to clear away the run down properties.There are more destitute people druggies/homeless in and around Blackpool than anywhere else in the North West. When you drive through Blackpool there are next to no road markings and you take your life into your own hands with the horse drawn carriage drivers thinking they own the road and turn around without warning to other motorists

Peter-Where can you go in the north west better than The Fylde Cost for a few day it's only 40 miles on the motorway, you and were talking about fish & Chips I bet could go from his house to Blackpool in HIS car get fish and chips off the front and be back home and they would still be hot

Dougie we love going to St Annes but always turn off the M55 and go round the back of the airport to get to St Annes

Any way back to Downall Green I am led to believe that the back end of Holy Trinity grave yard is overgrown and you cannot get to some of the graves

Someone and for the life of me I can't remember who, was telling me the other day, that coffins were popping out of the ground at the bottom end, due to soil erosion.. and they had to put up some kind of barrier to hold everything back..
I can only see that situation getting worse with all the building of the new houses on the other side of the brook..

Hi Jouell, I remember my father telling me years ago that the same problem happened at our lady's church on downall green rd, where coffins slid out of embankment and onto motorway that is why that huge brick wall is there that runs along side of hard shoulder as you exit at gate 25.

..... and all the zombies were walking around on the M6, with their arms stuck out, shouting "braaaains"!

dav , did you know anthony rowlands from spingle hillock ? .

Hi Bri, I can't seem to remember the name has he always lived there.

yes dav & his parents still live there . he used to knock around with our andrew & gaz kay .anyway he,s passed on at 48 .

his funeral was last week...very sad...

The estate has had some bad luck recently, all people passing on and only young as well.

to right dav .

I knew a Mick Rowlands, who was an electrician at Parksode. Would it be his son?

Anthony's dad is Arthur Rowlands..

no i knew mick & it,s not his son. i think mick lived in stubshaw.

guys another "greener" has gone . brian eden from leyland green rd. his funeral is tommorow at st helens crem @ 10-30.

Thanks for that Bri, my mother informed me earlier in week so sad such a nice quiet chap, I was also informed that Ray Ryder passed away as well.

yes dav i know . but brian went so quick it was only a week & half from going in hospital to passing on .

It's shocking Bri,i feel for his wife and children they was a very nice family.

Didn't know Brian Eden R.I.P, would've been after my time a DG sorry to hear about Ray R.I.P. he was a very nice person if you got to know him as I did

just been to his funeral & was well attended . another gud un gone to pastures green.

Dougie, do you remember Hodsons, they lived next but one to me on L G R, Lilian, Jack, Kathryn, Margaret and Richard.. Edens moved into that house after the Hodsons all left..

jouell, was there a girl called Susan in that family as well?

uncle Joe.. Susan was Jacks daughter...after Jack got married, they got a house farther up L G r..

Jouell Jacks grandson (Jamie)was killed racing 2 years ago

Yes jouell, I knew the Hodson Family Both Richard and his Dad both worked at Stone's pit in the 50s, - do you remember Chip that live next door but one to you in L.G.R. he passed away about three years ago, ( didn.t know the Edens )

PeterP said, "Jouell Jacks grandson( Jamie) was killed racing on the Isle of Man 2 years ago"

It was Dundrod, Ireland, Peter.

they lived further up the road . brian eden lived 2 doors up from jimmy lomax.quite right tonker the northern irish gp . i can only think jack had 2 children , jimmy & susan.

more bad news guys as yet another ex greener has passed . tommy liptrott .

Hells bells Bri, I am stunned to hear of Tommy passing, is the estate jinxed, R.I.P Tommy, I remember Tommy swapping houses with Big Malc in Elm Ave next door to where I once lived.

Tonker I stand corrected

Hi Bri, I been informed mrs hurst has died as well, she used to live on rectory rd and was school caretaker at one time.