Wigan ex-pats (Canada)

Comments: Went to All Saints Primary School, Mornington Rd High School, then Hindley and Abram Grammer for 2 years. Lived in the midlands then Knutsford, Cheshire. Married with 2 teenage children one at Ottawa University. Got fed up with the crowds, the crime and the weather so moved here in 2004. Canadians are generally lovely but it can be really boring here. Everywhere is so far from everywhere else and flights are V. expensive. Canadians think nothing of driving for 2or 3 days! Won't move back to UK though really miss it.

I miss: The pies, obviously. Tried to make them myself but not the same - too much meat probably! The social life, Wiganers way with words and their bluntness. Are there any ex-Wiganers in this neck of the woods?

Comments: moved to Canada in 1981 to the frozen north - Thunder Bay, where I lived for 10yrs. Moved to Sudbury On. in 1991 then on to London in 2002. Born in Wrightington (went to St. Josephs ) then Haigh and on to Leyland. Went to Notre Dame Convent. Many happy memories of Wigan and area and always go back for a visit when I am in England to visit my family. Parents are still in Wrightington.

I miss: Butter pies,cheese and onion pies Lancashire cheese Uncle Joes (my daughters love them) Barm cakes Haigh Plantations

Comments: Born in 1944 Went to Shevington prmary school Then to Thomas Linacre in Wigan Lived at Dangerous Corner and Standish Moved to Canada in 1970 Self employed - small accountin and income tax busines.

I miss: Pints of Bitter Fish & Chips and Steak & Kidney Puddings. Black Currant Tarts

Comments: i was born in bamfurlong.got married fairly young and lived in ashton for 14yrs.emigrated to canada in 1981 and still married with two kids.

I miss: going to the football on saturday afternoon and out later for a night out.

Comments: I lived in Warrington Lane , Wigan op posit sovereign rd for 15 years I married a girl called Patricia from Hindly green and moved to coventry in 1963 and in 1974 we moved to Canada. I remember as a lad, I learned to swim in the dirty canal, climbed coal piles, trees, walls, played in the gas work, stay out all day with my pals until dark with out a care

I miss: scratching from the chippy

Comments: Born in Billinge Hospital. Lived in Gathurst Rd. and played with Gassy, Budgie, Argy, Rozzy, Ben, Bunny and Aggy. Went to Holgate primary, and then to Upholland Grammar with Splash, Boney, Tash, Bunny, Ponk, Deli(cate) and Norm. After University in Scotland moved to British Columbia in 1972, and am now a retired physician. Loved Billy Boston and Eric Ashton in my time and used to go to Springfield Park on Saturdays, when the Latics were only perennial Lancashire Combination Champions. Good to see they're now kicking some serious butt. Got to this site as I was trying to order some Mint Balls.

I miss: Haigh Hall, Ashurst Beacon, Latics and Rugby League, mintballs, Mark William's pies and especially Mr. Corcoran's Eccles cakes and vanilla slices. His bakery was on Moor Rd. at Orrell Post.

Comments: Born near greenough st. went to St.Georges then onto wigan Grammar.Moved into Withnall House around 1965.Worked for the NCB, Pilkington's and Chorley ROF before moving to Canada

I miss: The owd neighbourhoods.Of course Greenhaulgh.s pies Marks and Spenny.s tomatoes

Comments: lower ince nr wigan. retired. moved 1973

I miss: meat pies,& cream cakes

Comments: Lived in Langdale Rd, Kitt Green. Moved to Canada in 1987 when I was 17. Only been back 4 times since. Looking to find some of the people I went to school with. Married for 15yrs, 2 Kids, work as a Project Manager for an Electrical Company

I miss: Pies!!! Being able to walk to a pub, Working to live, rather than Living to work!!!

Comments: Brought to Ashton as a baby. Educated at AGS. Became a local teacher. Met and married local publican's son who was RAF Officer. Moved around the country until retirement. Moved to Canada in our late 60s!!

I miss: George misses the beer and Nancy the friendliness of the neighbourhood.Also some dear friends uin Wigan who hopefully we will see in August.

Comments: Nancy was born in Canada but lived most of her young life in Ashton-in-Makerfield. George's father was the landlord of a local pub and they met at school in the 40s.

I miss: Nancy was a big Wigan Rugby fan!! George misses John Smith Beer!!

Comments: We originate from Wigan and Aspull, we came to Canada in 1969,we are now retired. I used to be in the mines in England, also Tupperware at Beech Hill.Liked to play cricket for Blackrod. Started to Sequence dance here in Canada, come back each year to dance and drink the beer.

I miss: How did you guess. Th pies are out of this world, and the beer a close second.

Comments: I lived in Hindley most of my life and was a S.O.C.O. in Wigan Division of G.M.P.having previously served at Little Hulton, Golborne and Ince. Moved to B.C. in Sept '05 and now co run a beautiful B&B with Christine. (www.nuagesbandb.ca) This place is like the Lake District without the crowds, Scotland without the midges and Cornwall without the crowds and the radon gas all rolled into one.

I miss: not a lot!

Comments: Hi all. Paula, e-mail me please.My PC crashed and i lost your e-mail.Hope Winnipeg is'nt too cold for you.My wife was there on Feb 14TH for the firefighters funerals. She said it was the coldest she has ever been, Hopoe all is well with you both.Karl.

I miss: Not Much anymore.

Comments: Hi, I lived in Chorley from 1969 to 1971. I worked at Fortis in Chanock Richard. I am trying to locate an old friend, to keep in touch. His name is Gordon Melling and his brother is Peter Melling. They both worked there, and lived in Wigan at the time. Anyone knowing how to contact them, or give them this message, please let me know. Thanks

I miss:

Comments: Born at the Capital of Wigan, Scholes Crossing, in 1925, and have lived in Vancouver for 40 odd years and now reside in Victoria with my wife, Barbara {formerly Taylor} of Brookhouse Street.

I miss: Main things by far, are a decent pint of draught, Walkers Bitter and Rugby League {BIG TIME}

Comments: patsy whittle now fairhurst, i use to live on norley hall. move to canada late 70s. trying to locate my friends from fairfield house, it was located in broadstairs kent, 1964 to 1968.my friends where leslie row, susan sandwell hilary candam. my teacher where, miss pick, miss blyth, my house mother was mrs humphries. did anyone go there?

I miss: pies, beer, friends and the wigan market and all my family.

Comments: Ashton-in-Makerfield.

I miss: Pies, beer and chocolate!!!

Comments: Used to live at 18 Graham Avenue, Appley Bridge, Lancashire. Left for Canada in October 1970. Living in Apsley, 3 hours north of Toronto. Semi-retired & self emplyed in accounting and income tax.

I miss: Pint of bitter at Dicconson Arms. Steak & Kidney Puddings. Blackcurrent tarts with fresh cream.

Comments: hi i used to live in higher ince,near wigan.i moved to canada in dec. 1973.i am a plant fitter by trade,but also own and opperate a pool hall.i am married with three children,two daughters one son.

I miss: family,pies,beer,friends

Comments: Hi Wayne and Paula welcome to Canada.Pity you didn't get to Ontario, but i'm sure we will see you soon.Look at Jim 's entry a couple above yours. Well, keep in touch and good luck.

I miss: Not too much nowaday's.

Comments: JUST MOVED HERE,I'M FROM HINDLEY & MY WIFE IS FROM BOLTON, ITS A FANTASTIC COUNTRY WILL RECOMMEND IT 2 ANY 1, I'M A CARPENTER WORKING FOR A CUSTOM WINDOW & DOOR FIRM.

I miss: FAMILY & FRIENDS PUBS-WIGAN LATICS-JACKBIT THE FOOD IS NOT THE SAME I'M ALLWAYS CLEMT.

Comments: Would like to try and find some family in the Wigan area. Hindley.

I miss: I miss the people. okay okay and the bakereries lol

Comments: I used to live in Hindley. When I left Hindley Grammar School I served my electrical apprenticeship with a chap called Joe Derbyshire who lived in Orrell. He moved to Canada, to Ontario I think. If anyone knows him or of his whereabouts I would be grateful.

I miss: Decent sausages !

Comments: Born in Wallgate on Clayton St. moved to a new house in Marsh Green.Went to Tommy Moore school until late 60's. Met a scouser from Canada in 76 then moved here in 77. Took a long time for me to adjust but now am very happy living here l know we couldnt afford to live back there !!

I miss: apart from the obvious missing my family its the scenery the pubs and the markets too !

Comments: Used to live at 18 Ullswater Rd Golborne, moved to Wigan Rd when i was 16. Them moved to Stubshaw Cross at 19, next to Cross key's.Then settled in Astley, near Tyldesley. Got sick of working hard for a living and getting nowhere. Moved to Toronto, Canada in 2000 with my wife of 10 years. Canada as got to be the best place in the world to live. Im now semi retired and work part time for the Govt, it stops me getting bored.I wish i could have moved here in 81 when i finished school( Golborne Comp).This country is amazing.

I miss: The beer, the pies and some of the people.To rest of the wiganer's living here. Maybe we should organise a get together. Let me know what you think.

Comments: Went to Abraham Guest High School, left in 1997. Used to live on Wimborne Rd in Orrell until I got married, moved to Newtown for three years before we came out to Canada. Have been living in the most beautiful place on earth for the past year and couldn't be happier.

I miss: My family, the food and not having to explain everything I say but I visit regularly.

Comments: hi lived in hindley at 24 windermere rd went to cardinal newman hung out with mike wilcock dennis hesketh drank all over but all way end at the plught or the birdinhand worked in the market at smailes the butcher and at mark williams nexted to c&a joined the army travel all over marrid agirl in canada move hear full time in 1973 i now work for united rentals as a branch manager in medicine hati move back to the hat 4years ago from vancouver bc we have 4 sons tom mark,rob.james.and mother judy drop me a line if you remember me

I miss: some of my old budds like marg heaton from sprigfield road #1 food beer black peas steak pubs bury black puddings after anight of beer all the best tony moore

Comments: born 36 Moore Street Whelley also lived Tinwald place Mabel street. moved 1981. Millwright by trade (mechanical fitter)

I miss: chips, steak and kidney puddings mushy peas. The smell of wet grass in the morning.

Comments: (nee: Prescott) Used to live Higher Ince, Conniston Avenue. Went to Rosebridge Secondary Modern. Worked at Coppul Mill. Husband worked on railroad. Came to Canada in 1965. Three children & 5 grandchildren.

I miss: Things I miss ... fish, chips & mushy peas, meat & potato pies, the cake shops & REAL English chocolate!!!!

Comments: 79 Scot Lane Newtown.Aug 03 1971 was a coal miner .now retired.

I miss: Mark Williams pork pies.Proper fish and chips.

Comments: I was born and raised in Leigh, Love this site got very nostalgic looking at the pics.

I miss: Pork Pies, Vimto, Lancasgire life.

Comments: born in 1967 grew up in Ashton (off Alexandra Road). went to Evans, Nicol Mere and Cansfield. moved to Canda in 1981. still have family in Wigan and Bamfurlong.

I miss: lots after looking through this website!

Comments: born and raised in wigan,mostly worsley mesnes/hawkley hall. moved away from wigan 1992,travelled the uk for a few years,until 2001,then settled in st helens with my wife jo,and two sons paul and daniel.emigrated to canada in 2003.

I miss: uncle joes,pooles pies,maxims rock night,wigan athletic!!!

Comments: Lived Upholland Moor, Went to Upholland Grammar School;then trained as nurse in Leeds. Left Leeds for Canada in1966,worked in Scarborough for 20yrs,am now retired, have lived here for15+yrs. Have 1 daughter,1 stepdaughter two grandkids + 4 step grandkids

I miss: Real Fish and chips,Mum's Sunday dinners, all old friends in England

Comments: I lived at 13,Gidlow Houses near Beech Hill. Went to Gidlow girls school (Miss Carrington was head mistress) Moved to Rochdale after getting married in 1957. In 1978 moved with my own family to Canada.

I miss: Greens sausages from Greens butchers in the Market Hall.

Comments: talreet!lived in lower ince 5 hilton st Thanks to Alice Pearson from Michigan for the pics on yer site we lived in the same house what a coincidence moved to canada in 1967

I miss: I miss the pubs pies pasties good beer treacle toffee uncle joes mintballs was there over christmas had a great time will always miss wigan its a great site keep up the good work Thanks

Comments: I was born & raised in Woodhouse lane close to Springfield Corner, went to St Andrews & Gidlow schools. Left the Uk in 1946 after serving approx 5 years in the RAF. I am retired after spending my working life in the trucking industry working up the ladder from mechanic to general manager

I miss: what do i miss? The Park hotel,dancing at the Empress & Court Hall, the Hippodrome,Mesnes Park on a Sunday afternoon (after chucking out time) and Central Park on saturday afternoons.

Comments: Lived 13 gidlow Houses Beech Hill. Married 1957. Moved to Germany then Rochdale. In 1978 moved to Canada. Dads name Matt mother Edna.

I miss: Greens sausages from the market hall.

Comments: My family were bombed out of Liverpool in 1940, and we finished up living on High Street in Skelmersdale (since demolished). We moved back to Liverpool in 1947. My connection to Wigan is that I attended Wigan Tech. from 1946 to 1950. I left the U.K. in 1957, and have lived in Vancouver for the past 35 years, with an eleven year stint in Winnipeg when I first came over, where I met my Canadian wife, and my three children were born. If you are looking for a world class city to visit, Vancouver will blow you away. Clean, modern, friendly, inexpensive, with great pubs and restaurants at a fraction of U.K. prices. The scenery and climate are unsurpassed, and NO, I don't work for the local tourist board. I have operated my own business in Vancouver for the past 30 years and I am now semi retired. My joys in life are GOLF, my family,Golf, my grandchildren and my two miniature poodles.

I miss: I don't miss anything from the U.K. because I have been away too long, and the England I left no longer exists. But how about this for a bargain from our local fish and chip shop called Sea Lovers :- Two large pieces of fresh Alaska halibut, all the chips you can eat, cole slaw, mushy peas, a bun and butter, for the equivalent of 5 pounds. How would this go over in Wigan???

Comments: Moved out here in 1992. Lived in Prince Albert, Saskatoon and now Airdrie. Married a Canadian bloke and have 1 Shih Tzu. I was dragged up in Norley Hall, then Pemberton. Attended Pemberton Community High School.Then worked in a couple of offices around Wigan. I still flabbergast people with my 'accent'.

I miss: Pies (of course), Walking Pub to Pub(Here it's either too cold, too hot or too far) and having a pint and a bag of crisp. The Raven was my favourite back then. Family, using Wiganisms (is that a word??) Cakes with real cream..Yum. The word 'Fot'. That is a true Wigan word!!

Comments: lived in winstanley from 77 to 82 went to marus bridge middle school and then on the whitley high....then we moved back to blackpool and then on I went to canada...

I miss: my school friends....and the market

Comments: Born at 7 Boyswell lane Lane in 1943. Moved to 97 millgate next door to Hannons second hand store and the "common lodging house" I loved the swimming baths and the wigan library. We walked for miles down to the 7 Stars where the old army equipment was dumped, we shot down many a German airplane when we were kids. Moved to Liverpool when I was 12 but I kept coming back to Wigan every weekend to visit my nan and my uncles and aunts. I miss the wigan fair and the black peas. I dont particularly miss the whit walks we took part in every year.

I miss: Wigan fair. Black peas. chip shop scrapings around the corner from Boyswell lane in Greenough street. I dont miss the Whit walks.

Comments: Went to upholland Grammar school.Was a member at Orrell Rugby Union Club.I am a retired Mining Engineer.Married to Wigan girl Margaret Ashurst ,three sons

I miss: .

Comments: Lived 13 Gidlow Houses Standish from 1937-1953. Moved to Rochdale 1953. Moved to Canada 1978. Now Live Halifax Nova Scotia Canada

I miss: .

Comments: Age 78 yrs... It's been while. Left Wigin in 1927

I miss: B'goom... I do miss the Wigan speak

Comments: I used to live on Taylors Lane. We moved to Canada in 1966. Used to go to St. Mary's School

I miss: I miss puddings. It's the first thing I get when I come to England.

Comments: I lived at Gidlow Houses. Married in 57, moved to Rochdale aprox 58. I went to Gidlow Girls School. In 78 moved to Canada.

I miss: Too many to mention.

Comments: used to live at 98 sale lane in tyldesley moved to canada when i was 5 but have always considered myself a lancashire lad and ever more shall be so....

I miss: .

Comments: Born & raised on Eccleston St. (nice picture on website) off Wigan Lane. Got out of Wigan G.S in 72. Arrived in Canada in 84 and married a lovely Kenora girl. Currently an aeronautical engineer at Pratt & Whitney Canada.

I miss: Rugby League, Mum & Dad