Wigan Album
Walmesleys
8 Comments
Photo: JOHN STAVELEY
Item #: 34381
Instructors on back row Roland Smith Chief Instructor, Mr Gathergood, Mr Carter, and Mr. Cartwright.
Back row 8 from LHS, wearing a tie, Keith Charnock
2nd row LHS David Burchall, 4th John McDermott, 13th from LHS Alan Turner,?, ? Alan Pickup, Terry Moran, Kevin Higginson last on RHS.
Front row John Staveley, Owen Ingram,?,?, Billy Banks, Michael Morgan, Mr Adamson, ?,?,John Smith. I would be pleased to hear from any Apprentices and apologies to ones I can’t identify including John Taulty, Ted Causey, and Keith Simm.
John Mc Dermot is the ‘spit’ of his dad. I recognised him instantly.
I am informed that William Banks is sixth, from the left on the front row not fifth. Info from his cousin Richard.
E Hill yes William Banks is 6th from left on front row. You have correctly understood the representive ? sorry i missed one out. How is he keeing, please give him my best regards.
When we left school one lad Billy Kay started at work here,I think he was an apprentice turner,but it could have been a couple of years later.He was a smashing happy lad.Anyone remember him?
John Staveley, Richard said to let your know, he is very well thank, and thank you for asking . He knows you from the photograph, even though there is a mixture of ages on there. Hope you are keeping well.
E.Hill I’m fine please thank Richard for asking.
A bit top heavy on the intake. It's no wonder that they eventually went bust.
Hi Jarvo, thanks for your comment.
According to the Bury Times, Walmsleys employed 800 in 1960, down from 1000 in the 1950’s so the circa 40 Apprentices were only 5 % of the total workforce which was necessary to cover retirements etc. The employees at Walmsleys Wigan were first class, so the failure was probably due to the same cause that led to demise of British Leyland, Gullick Dobson, Bulldog Tools Forge and Coal mines? In my opinion it was a combination of Government policy and / or bad management take your pick.