Wigan Album

My Dad worked there until 1958..

Janet, are you Janet the artist?

No Derek I am not the artist. It would be nice to be so talented though..

Now that mine brings back memories,went down that mine on a trip from Billinge School in approx: 1951.The managers name was Manny Wright and the engine winder was Jimmy Anderton whose son Gilbert was the headmaster of school.
I remember on that trip they showed us part of a fossilised tree on the roof of a tunnel.

Derek, I think the J. Parkinson who painted this is James (Jimmy) Parkinson who did some illustrations for Donald Anderson's 'The Orrell Coalfield, Lancashire 1740-1850'.
Jimmy worked at Blundells with Dick Stanton who also contributed to the book. Jimmy lived in Ormskirk Road, near the top of Enfield Street.

Great picture I worked there 58/61 with Jimmy Horsefield (Painter)and Manny Wright was manager then Fred was the yard manager he lived down by the old engine at Orrell he was an old mate of Oliver Rigby who owned it then.I used to watch the winder and always marveled at his skill in stopping the cage bob on every time.I think it was steam driven then.What a great site this is I have other memories of the Kay's Houses,I used to go weeding for Mrs Macavoy who lived in the Westwood House for a tanner a morning.I shall keep an eye on it for further information.
Sid

Oliver was my father. Good to learn that windy Arbour is not forgotten. Many memories of Billinge. Will share info; if wanted.

Hello Janet my dad also worked there the stories he told us I will remember all my life he got my brother on to in the 50s around mid 50s my dad went a bit farther down the road and worked at the QUAKER HOUSE COLLIERY WHO'S OWNER WAS DONALD ANDERSON AFTER MY DAD WAS ALMOST KILLED IN A ROOF COLLAPSE HE TOOK CARE AND BECAME A VERY DEAR FRIEND TO MY DAD AND FAMILY, LATER ON WHEN MY DAD COULD NOT WORK UNDERGROUND HE WOULD ASK MY DAD TO GO TO HIS HOUSE IN PARBOLD AND DO HIS GARDENING FOR HIM EVERY SATURDAY BY WAY OF TRYING TO MAKE UP FOR LOST WAGES MY BROTHER THEN USED TO WORK AT QUAKER AND EVENTUALLY HE TOO WOULD GO WITH DAD TO PARBOLD I KNOW THAT DONLAD WAS A VERY GOOD MAN AND ALL HIS FAMILY TOO HAPPY MEMORIES.

Thelma my name is Graham Rigby your father was my great uncle and I would look to speak to you 07487 653017. Please feel free to call

Hi Thelma/Graham, my Grandad was Noel Rigby, Oliver's younger brother,