Wigan Album

Harry later managed Tom Hall's cycle shop at Newtown.

I got my first proper bike there,a Hopper.later on i got my first motor bike from the same chap at Tom Hughes, a Honda 125 Sports.

My first two wheeled bike, bought in the late 40s, was from Tom Hughes when his shop was in Wallgate. At that time the length of Wallgate opposite the canal was largely fronted by terraced houses and his shop was on a corner of Wallgate and one of the side streets leading off it. If my memory serves me right this shop was later occupied by Ledson's the motor factors

Got a Phillips bike here about 1957. Green with oilbath chain guard and Sturmey Archer 3 speed. Weighed a ton!

Bonny looking shop front.
Just look at those upper lights (the top windows)

Well this photo is great ,why you ask? my mother had to save in the Christmas club to buy me my first bike I was aged 10years going on 11 years, I recall it was from the Newtown shop, are you ready for this """ IT HAD 3 SPEED'S IT HAD A DYNAMO FITTED A SADDLE BAG ( which soon came off) oh it was a dream come true,, having to wait till that age
was a drag but back in those days there weren't a lot of cash about. DAD WORKED IN PIT,MUM AT ECKERSLET'S AND FOUR OF US , any way it was well worth the rate ,thank's for showing us these photo's it doesn't half bring nice memories back for us..

Harry's son is keeping up the family 'bike'involvement, he sells cycles and cycling equipment but as a company rep to cycle dealers in the north of England.

This shop, also the herbalist and a number of other good shops were demolished in the 80s when the ring road was constructed.

I remember Oliver Sommers cycle shop! My first bike was a Raleigh and remember distinctine Viking boat logo on it!

Jonno - I remember Paul, Harry's son, but never really knew him. Do you happen to know if Harry is keeping well?

You are right Derek. The original shop was in Wallgate There is a photo of Tom senior in the album Ref 2280. Tom shown here lived in Standish up to his passing a few years ago

The Mesnes St, shop was modernised in the early fifties. The exterior was finished in in a green substance (similar to Melamine) and the name Tom Hughes above it in chrome or brushed aluminium. Very futuristic at the time!

Mick,i don't suppose we should discuss peoples private lives on here really, suffice to say, i have seen Harry looking much better than he is at the moment, not in the best of health, chest and breathing problems.

Thanks Jonno.

Giovanni, still got mine!

I bought a tom hughes racer from this shop about 1955,my dad came with me and I thought he was going to pay the deposit of 2/6d but I was mistaken.it cost me £16 at 2/6d aweek till I had paid for it.enjoyed every minute riding it .not riding on pavements or going through lights on red on the ROAD.

Anyone remember the Smithy down the passage way by Baileys cake shop that later became Smiths ?