Wigan Album

thank you so much for these pics never thought I would see this image again .... brought back so many memories ...

Approximately what year would this photograph have been taken? I remember the flats being built in 1962/63. I believe it was named Coleridge Place. They would have been in the foreground, on the right of the photograph If I remember correctly, Clapgate Lane was beyond the street light, on the left hand side. Is it still called Clapgate Lane?. It led up to Todd's tips. There was also a small cemetary on the corner. Had a few pints in the Freemason's Arm's. Left Goose Green in July, 1964.

Again . . . Fantastic pic Mark. Thanks

Albert, I remember in the early 60s shuttering being put up around the cemetery you mention whilst the graves were re-located to make way for the new council properties. Further along that side of the road going towards Wigan, wasn't there a parade of shops which were each a different department of the Co-op?

I well remember the shuttering around the cemetery Mr B as i did all my courting in Warrington road at the Bulls Head, would be 1963/4.

Sorry Derek. I cannot remember the shops you mention. I only lived there a couple of years. I lived in the middle police house, of three, that were situted between, Kay's butcher's, and the offices of a coach company,I think the coach companies name was Robinson, although I could be wrong.

Albert, could the coach company you mention have been Unsworths? At the time they had maintenance/garage facilities for their coaches going towards Bryn just beyond what was then the British Celanese factory and later Reed Corrugated Cases. It is now the site of a fitness centre.

Yes Derek,that name rings a bell,it was Unsworth's. I do believe there was another coach company in Wigan,by the name of Robinson,but I can't recollect where they were located,anyway that's of no consequence. In the meantime, a lot of water has gone under the bridge, since I lived there.

I think the graves were relocated to free the space to permit the A49 to be converted to a dual carriageway.

Ap, I think it was quite a long time after the graves were relocated before this section of the A49 became a dual carriageway.

There were a few shops in the left hand side of the photo going towards Wigan. On the corner of Bentink Street and Warrington Road. Opposite Billy Kays butchers shop was Tom Lowes small grocers shop on the corner, next to that was Mortons grocers shop, further down was a small sweet shop, I forget the name and next to that was Sharrocks shoe shop.I lived at No 3 Bentink Street till 1960 whed the houses were demolished and we moved to Marsh Green.The photo brings back many memories, Thanks Mark.

derekb, there is an account of it on the 'Places' board on this site.

Look here:

http://www.wiganworld.co.uk/communicate/mb_message.php?opt=f2&opt2=&msd=131789&offset=480&subject=Vinegar%20works?

AP, thanks for the info. My memory playing tricks again! Then again, it was it was a long time ago.

Roy ,is correct. The graves were moved 1962/63. I lived there 1962/64. The dual caariageway was under construction in 1967. I came up to Goose Green, from Kent, to collect my sister in law. She had been flooded out of her house in Suffolk, and was at my mother in law's. I was only there a day. A car driver must have got flummoxed by the construction of the carriageway,and he turned into the path of a coach,and there was one almighty smash. Fortunately, no one was injured.

the sweet shop was arthur chrothers who was a chain smoker and would go and watch wigan rugby and smoke 50+ capstain full strength lived to an old age

Yes I remembered those shops think one was jack chambers barbers shop he walked with a limp and used to sing the hair on the back of your neck and ears memories

Hi Maurice I remember you from Sydney st was good friends with your brothers J o and Alan not seen them for years I also remember you as a small boy hope every one is well