Wigan Album

In the early fifties, five,or six mates, and myself, spent many a good night in this establishment. Mine host then was Jack Ashcroft, I believe his wife name was Pat, his daughter's name is Jean. It was a real happy pub. A branch of the original pear tree, situated there before the pub was built, was displayed on the wall,in the lounge bar. Happy days.

Nice photo, does anyone remember Bill Denton being landlord of this pub??

had my first pint in there 1961, 16 years of age. it was indeed jack & pat in there, cracking pub at that time.

First time I went in the OPT, was with Crooke band in 1952 for the Parish church Walking day (too young to drink then).
I remember Jack, Pat & Jean tho'. Later ( when I was old emough) I started to go in fairly regular, matter of fact Jean married a lad I worked with at Johnpit, Bill Taylor.
Later they left to take over a newsagency in Blackpool & Frank Fielding took over the licence. From then I was a regular for the full 29 years Frank was the landlord. Spent many hours in what I regarded as the best local in Wigan. Not been in for a while now, but may have a look again sometime ;o)

Art. If you go into the O P T again, could you just inquire if they still have that piece of the O P T. It was only, just over a foot in length, and was hung up on the wall.

I don't remember that, Albert. What I do recall is that the the archway (black) used to be an entry to the yard cottages behind the pub, where I parked my car, & the window to the left was where Tommy & Winnie Owen lived (Frank Fieldings 2nd wife) Jeans, Ma & Pa. Salt o' the earth, that couple ;o)

My son owns the pub now got it October 2022. The plaque is still and will always be.

the pub was only half that size in the 60,s ,there was a cottage adjoining, knocked through in later years.