Wigan Album

Ron - the police station seen in the photo was built in 1904, to replace an earlier building, and the tram service was extended to Abbey Lakes in April 1906,so I think it's safe to say the photo was taken in that time slot.

Possibly taken in 1906, to mark the opening of the Abbey Lakes route.

This is a good picture of old Pemberton, the old police station in the background and the shops where Gee Tee's and the pie shop is now.

Terminus Ron?? the tram on the right is continuing to Abbey Lakes.
The adge of the Black Bull is on the right.

Neat photo Ron ... thanks for sharing!

Do any readers remember putting a coin (penny or half-penny) on the track and waiting for a tram to drive over it and seeing it melted to the rail!!

Giovanni, the trams were discontinued in 1931, though it would be interesting to hear from anybody who remembered them running.

Not put halfpennies on rails in Wigan but in Blackpool and then tryed to use them in the penny slot machines they didnt work they jamed manager not very pleased

Mick. Is that Pemberton Police Station. If it is, I spent a good few hours in there, taking telephone calls from Central, and making up the occurrence book. I think the inspector's name was Henshall,quite an amiable person. Matt Hesketh, was the sergeant, he was a good sort. Alex Lyons worked from there also. Others were Frank Leigh, Joe Dewhurst, Ken Bridge, and a couple of other, whose names escape me. Policing was much different then.

Albert I remember all those officers you name. Bill Henshall was Inspector in Inspector in Traffic Office in Chapel Lane when I started as a cadet in July 1967. Jock Lyons was promoted to Sergeant about the same time and then eventually up to Inspector in the County days.

Albert - I worked with Jock Lyons, Ken Bridge, and Joe Dewhurst at different times. Sadly, they are no longer with us.

Albert , in what way? Help the forum members like me understand .

Julie. If your question is relating to "Policing was much different then" Police officers' were more in closer contact with the public. 80% were on foot, on their respective beats. Now I suspect, 90% are in vehicles. Now there are so many regulations, that in my opinion, it restricts an officer's operational abilities. When I joined the police, the only drug problem you had to contend with was if someone lost them returning from the chemist. Licensed premises were rigidly controlled, especially in respect to licensing hours. Parents' were allowed more control over their children. Teachers' weren't hamstrung by restrictive regulations.The majority of pupils seemed to have more desire to do well in their learning.All these factors,in my humble opinion, constitute,to make life more tolerant, in general, including policing.Julie.These are only my personal opinions. You may disagree entirely, with my whole analysis, as may many others.

Albert,
I did wonder how you were going to answer the query. The main difference, in my opinion, being the police were more in contact with the public. In those days there were always policemen seen in the main streets.

The lad in the foreground as a look of one of the Leyland lads...Hmmm. I wonder?

Thank you Albert, Yes it was. I found your detailed comments so interesting! Mine was a genuine ask to those who know.

Albert, Frank Leigh lived next door to us in St Paul`s Avenue when I was a girl. He was a real gentleman and was liked by all even though he was a copper. I know that he was living in Shevington until about 3 years ago.

Another great photo memories flooding back were could I get a copy

my dad Wilf Eatock worked at Pem. police station in the early 60,s he was a sergeant, worked with Jock Lyon

there was a plaque on the wall with some cast iron studs spaced out so that you could measure out a yard and a foot. Used to facinate me as a kid