Wigan ex-pats (Europe)

Comments: Still got a Wigan base in Poolstock area, "just in case"! Moved over to Spain in March 2008. No work as of yet but trying to get teaching jobs and onto the entertainment circuit.

I miss: Friendly folk, chips and gravy from The Chippery, the new Grand Arcade shopping experience, Greggs' steak bakes, Morrison's garlic farfiroli bread, Uncle Joes Mintballs and most of Santus's sweets and finally walks along the Leeds Liverpool canal with my dog. Pete’s Chinese chippy – I nearly forgot, oh and the odd trip to Southport. Seems to be very food related! Over in Wigan at the moment so will stuff myself with the above food items and take back as many bags of Aniseed Twist and Uncle Joes I can fit in the car!

Comments: Born in Upholland, went to Winstanley College, Orrell. Left Wigan in 1985 and moved to Paris initially. Have lived in Toulouse for the past 10 years. Married with twins, a boy and a girl of 10.

I miss: Going to the chippy in Orrell after a heavy drinking session in the Stag, all those great nights out with my mates and of course the pies. My suitcase is full of them every time I come back from visiting my family. I of course miss my family a lot and would love to come up on the pools so I could buy myself a private jet and go visit whenever I felt like it. I also miss those nice frosty walks in the winter and the snow, no, I'm not joking ! Oh, to see snow at Christmas !

Comments: Brought up in Worsley Mesnes, went to St James C of E, Wigan Grammar School, worked at Norweb, Tupperware, Dorma and Gullick Dobson before moving around UK and then lived in Belgium for last four years. 49 now, only get back occasionally. Some things haven't changed (Pemberton, my wife Jean is from there). Some things have changed out of all recognition more than once (town centre).

I miss: Rugby team being the best in the world - those days will come back. Jean misses Poole's steak and onion pies. Nightlife 1982-1988 (Pier, Turnkey, Bees Knees, even Swan and Railway for a rest. Going back to childhood - Wigan market, ABC Minors, Oxley's (I challenge anybody to remember that), children's library (and museum!)

Comments: Lived in Gidlow lane and Park Road, then out slightly to Hindley Green (not Wigan I know)Moved away in 1973 1st to Manchester, then Bristol in 1976, then across to London and east Anglia before moving to France in 2003. Now getting ready to move back to UK.

I miss: The friendliness, humour, meat and potato pies, Uncle Joes Mint Balls, Wigan Casino

Comments: used to live in norley hall wigan moved away when i was twenty, now live in france

I miss: miss the wonderful wigan accent, the pies and uncle joe's mint balls, also some of the family who still live in wigan

Comments: Moved to Germany in 1966 interested in contacting acqaintances used to live 441 Bryn Ashton then on Landgate Estate

I miss: Miss meat and potate pie stesk and kidney puds pork pies beer vimto miss the Ashton accent and my old mates

Comments: trying to contact christine bosson from staffor daughter of wilf and dorris lucas now deceased your father was my grandads brother joseph lucas my mother was josiphine

I miss: please get in touch i have a photo with yor parents on

Comments: trying to contact christine bosson from stafford use to live in australia ur dad wilf lucas was my grandads brother my mum was josephine i have a picture of your mum and dad wilf and dorris with my auntie evelyn and uncle john dawber with my grandad on the photo and my nans father on the photo tried your email but would not connect

I miss: please reply previous email was wrong

Comments: wrong email address for lucas family and woodward family correct address kim.cope@YAHOO.CO.UK

I miss:

Comments: trying to contact christine bosson maiden name lucas mother and father named wilf and dorris got photo of your parents with my grandad joseph lucas and john and evelyn dawber plus my great grandad my nans dad[josephs wife]

I miss: can you please get in touch your email will not connect

Comments: i am 21 i came to holland for a new life as wigan is rather boring and getting dull.i used to live in beech hill and i got fed up with all the theives and junkies

I miss: miss my pies mates proper beer and family

Comments: I was brought up in Robymill, The fox Inn being my next door neighbour (also Robymill C of E). Lived @ Spring Cottage until around 1988 when mum and dad got divorced and we moved to Upholland. travelled a lot basically and my twinnie is living in Oz now and I live in NL for almost 5 years now. (ready for a change, itchy feet)

I miss: Steak and Kidney Pies, Lemon Curd and shredded wheat... nights out at the Cherry gardens and Kudos (don't think it even exists anymore does it?) Princes (those were the days) and the Playhouse and the Turnkey (king street, Wigan) ??? cider... oh and Heinz!!!! :-)

Comments: I used to live in Aspull

I miss: Pies and proper chips!!

Comments: I grew up in Parbold and then moved to Wigan in 1994. I got married in 2002 (maiden name was Bennett)and slogged my guts out in contract security for 8 years. Earlier this year, I qualified to teach English to Johnny Foreigners so that's what I'm doing in Poland. I've only been here for a couple of months but it's fab!

I miss: Erm... not a lot! But I wish you could buy proper cheese round here.

Comments: Wigan Mesnes Road, my muml had a shop in town too.

I miss: pies see facebook link: wigan pie eaters nice friendly people i had been living down south-not the same

Comments: i grew up in Shevington, went to Shevington High in the 1970s. I have lived for the past 27 years in Germany. Does anybody remember me or any of my 5 brothers who are still living in Wigan? Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. Alan

I miss:

Comments: I grew up in Shevington and ,oved to Germany in August 1980 where I still live.

I miss: Pies. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers or knows me. Alan

Comments: Hi, I grew up in Shevington, Wigan. I moved to Germany in 1980 and have been here since. Does anyone remember me from maybe Shevinton High School in the early 70s? Also, I had a friend at Shevington Primary School (Shveington Junior School) His name was Neil O' Brien or Brian. He had a brother called Ian. The family moved to Australia in the mid sixties. I am sure his date of birth must be exactly the same as mine, nameyl 12 September 1957. We will both be 50 in a couple of weeks. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. My email is as follows: armand_60320@yahoo.com Alan Cheetham

I miss:

Comments: born in spring view, brought up in ince. ended up in platt wazz. been living in malta since 1988.

I miss: chips and fish, pies, fishing, pies, rugby, pies, my brother peter, pies, and sometimes get an urge for a pie

Comments: i used to live in newtown before i moved to holland,my mum fell in love with a dutch man so we all moved to holland.me,mum,and my sister.

I miss: exactly PIES,god what would i do for a pie hahaha!

Comments: I work for a tour operator who send me to the becah resorts of Europe in the summer and the ski resorts in the winter. I have been doing this for about 6 years now, but haven't really lived in Wigan for about 15. I tend to get beack once or twice a year to see the family.

I miss: Family, decent pie shops, footy, pubs, the Wigan accent

Comments: I used to live in Golborne and left for Holland in September 1970. I am a design engineer in the aerospace industry and our company does design work or Airbus in Germany and the UK. I am married to a dutch girl and we have 4 daughters.

I miss: What I miss is going out for a pint on Saturday and Sunday evenings with my mates & of course pies & crumpets. Also I miss speaking the local Wigan dialect.

Comments: Lived in Messnes Rd,Wigan close to Brocket Arms,moved 2004 to Cyprus.Retired,enjoying the sun,sea etc.Ex-Wigan Boro bobby.Brought up in Abram opposite Bucks Head.Pupil at St Johns Abram and Rose Bridge Sec Mod, Hr Ince.Wife Barbara from Newtown,worked at S and B.Eckersleys,Rathbones,Edwards shops.Came from Argyl St,Newtown,went to St Marks school.

I miss: I would have to say I miss Galloways pork pies,Chadwicks sausages etc,and the rugby,but do manage to see some of the games via Sky/BBC tv.Most other things you can buy here.We have Debs,M&S and large hypermarkets.

Comments: I lived in Pemberton. I went to St. Cuthbert's church and school and then to Notre Dame, the convent in Standishgate, Wigan. I later lived in Crank, near Billinge. I left England in 1980. I am a teacher here in Holland.

I miss: my sister and family,R.O.Lace's pies; penny loaves from the little bakery near St.John's in Standishgate; dances at the Old Boys and Orrell RUFC and the folk club at The Old Engine Pub in orrell.

Comments: lived in eastwest street under wall street station.work as a stone mason.only work 7 months a year. coz of bad weather. so do a little of home growing.

I miss: bacon pies bread blackpuddings.

Comments: I'm born and bred in Wigan, lived in Welbeck Road, Goose Green for years. I went to Whitley High School, which as long since gone, leaving in 1987. Although I expect the locals were glad to see the back of us. I first left Wigan back in Jan 02 with my job to work in Wrexham, and live in Frodsham. But then in Sept 03 I moved again (with work) to Milan, Italy. I actually lived in a little Italian village just north of Milan called Saronno - if you ever find yourself flying to Milan Malpensa and take the train to the city have a look at it (it's only 1 of 3 stops). Plus you'll also see what was my apartment. I can recommend a great Pizzeria! Bellissmo! Then again, with work, I moved this time to Delft, Holland (as of Jan 07). Makes a change to come back to some north european weather, and no mountains.

I miss: Needless to say I miss the pies & pasties, normally it's one of the fist things I do when I return - go into town for a pie. I had wondered how well a pie shop would go down in Italy - niche market!. Also, and this is going to sound daft, book I have never actually been to the hairdressers while being anyway - would you believe I would always come back to Wigan for my haircut (at Wallwork's). It's only a short back and sides for god's sake. I miss the chance of watching both the Latics & the Warriors, I'm one of the rare Wiganers who support both. But wherever I am I always enjoy it when we beat Bolton & St Helens. Then there's the pubs and clubs. Do you remember Movies, Scotts and JJ's (which reminded me of that bar in Star Wars) all dumps (and sometimes a bit dodgy) but I had some great laughs in these places. Then there was mad Friday before Xmas, years ago I worked at Triangle Valve in Pem and we had some cracking all day sessions. 1988 - 1995 were the golden years of pubbing and clubbing in Wigan for me. Bloddy Hell that's over ten years ago! How yes and my friends & family......

Comments: Lived in Lord Street, Hindley, went to St. Peter's primary school and later H.A.G.S - left UK in 1976 and been living in froggy land ever since....

I miss: Meat & tater pies, fish and chips, Uncle Joe's mint balls

Comments: HiI have just retired after 38 years at HJ Heinz the last 15 years working around the Heinz world including Australia , America , Canada Newzealand ,Holland , Italy , Germany,Poland plus minor projects in the rest of Europe and my last day but one after 16 months in St Petersburg Russia I retired and its great to be home with family , son Daughter in Law and grandson just thought I would look whos out there

I miss: got them back

Comments: Born in Marus bridge 1968. Went to Marus Bridge primary, then MB Middle, then on to Mesnes High school. Worked as postman at wigan sorting office for 6 years. Moved to derbyshire in 1992. Been estate Agent for last 13 years. Live and work in France since 2002.

I miss: looking at other ex-pats on site, I remember Dave Williams,(went to Mesnes with him) and also Paul Causey, new him from Wigan harriers days in mid 80's. Miss wigan people and sense of humour, pies, bitter, King street on a Saturday night with mates.

Comments: Left wigan in 1972 with the idea of teaching in Spain for a couple of years, I'm still there!Married to Edu and have three kids,28.27.and25. Used to live in Wrightington street.

I miss: strolling aroound the shops and bumping into people I haven't seen for ages.

Comments: I didn't hail from Wigan but formed a great and lasting affection for the town as my dad, Les Rigby, taught at Wigan Tech for 25 years and was manager of Latics when they were in the old NPL. Enjoyed many, many great nights at Pemps, Blutos and Chaplins in my youth. Also remember seeing greats like Sean Edwards and Henderson Gill come to use the weights at the college before Wigan really hit the bigtime in the 1980s. Great memories of a great town.

I miss: The Wigan accent, which I still consider the best in the entire world.

Comments: I used to live on Woodhouse Lane, then Bryn then Swinley, I have lived here in Spain for 5 years and have a small Novelty Cake Business

I miss: Close family, friends, Shopping I don't miss the weather or pies

Comments: LIVED IN STANDISH MOVED 2 SPAIN IN 2000

I miss: MISS FAMILY.FRENDS.PIES

Comments: Used to live in Wigan, have a stupidly mixed accent like!

I miss: haha. The pier!! The accent!!!!!!!!

Comments: Born in Moore Street East but moved up Whelley in 1947 (me dad wuz posh!) then moved to Standish, then got married and moved to Bryn changed job in 1969 and moved to scouseland (boo)eventually ended up in Ireland but miss Wiggin - nobody can understand me here,their chippies are rubbish, they don't have pies and it costs a fortune coming over for't rugby

I miss: Miss pies, beer, rugby and nice people wot talk proper but at least I get a fix every few months when we come over for't rugby and load up on the way home with a bootful of Greenhalgh's pies!!!!!

Comments: Used to live in Whelley, Standish, Bryn - moved 1969 but still go back regularly for't rugby

I miss: Miss pies, rugby, beer and nice people wot talk proper!!!

Comments: LIVED IN STANDISH MOVED 2000I WAS A SHOPFITTER

I miss: FAMILY FRENDS PIES

Comments: lived with grandparents in worsley mesnes, then in chatsworth street pemberton where i went to st john's primary school. moved to highfield and went to hawkley hall high school. have been travelling round world since 2001 and am currently teaching english in catalonia, N.spain.

I miss: the rugby and a decent pint...black sheep was good last time i was back!

Comments: After leaving Billinge Primary, I went to Up Holland Grammar School. On leaving and after a period with Pilkington Bro in St. Helens, I joined The Rank Organisation in Aberdeen, after which I set up my own business in Newcastle as an Impresario. I then became General Secretary of The Agents' Associtaion of GB and also Treasurer of The European Federation of Performing Arts. I now live mainly in the Champagne area of France in a small, but beautiful, City if Sezanne, about one hours drive from Paris.

I miss: Uncle Joes Mint Balls!!

Comments: I was born and bred in Hindley, but moved a bit North to Preston when I was 18. Moved myself and all my pets over here last year (my boyfriend of 6 years is Austrian!) I now work for a company called Berlitz, teaching English to lots of Austrians (they're all running round with Wiggin accents!!!) I don't like it much though, as I teach Animal Care by profession!

I miss: Ahhhh........ Mushy peas! Crumpets, Greenhalgh's Butter Pies!! And 'proper bread!!!' (warbutons and all that!)

Comments: I know I've written comments before but....I've recently come back from another trip back home, and ALL Wiganers should be really, really proud of their home town. It's lively, it's kept it's heritage, the people are just great, talk to anyone they will. In short, Wigan has everything. I'll stop now, I've got tears in me eyes.............

I miss:

Comments: I use to live at 16 church road platt bridge wigan and i also lived in ince and hindley

I miss: everything espicially the pies and the greatest footie team in the world WIGAN ATHLETIC

Comments: Used to live in Appley Bridge and went Shevvy High and Wigan Tech. Graduated from Uni in 1997 and moved down to Newbury - been here ever since. Worked for a number of consultancy companies; currently work as a Central Government & MoD consultant.

I miss: I miss cheap beer, chips & gravy and obviously the pies!!! Still pop back to Wigan a couple of times a year to catch up with friends and family and, not to mention, the above items (in abundance!)

Comments: Used to live in Appley Bridge. Moved to Poland in 1999 with work. Met Kaska, my wife and decided to stay. Have two daughters. The eldest who is two, speaks English with a proper Wigan accent, especially when she says "now"

I miss: Nights out on Friday with th'lads, Pubs, the Santi Bag, Mr Joe's Kebabs, pies, chippies, Rugby, Northern hospitality and humour. What else, bacon, English style sausages, Warburton super toastie loaf etc. As they say, you can take the lad out of Wigan, but you can't take Wigan out of the lad.

Comments: i used to live at 1a bamford drive, whelley, and i moved to Ireland ten years ago, I am now working for a Credit Card company at the moment

I miss: i miss the rugby and the cheese and onion pasties and the shopping as i'm in a small town now

Comments: I was born in Pemberton, daughter of a dentist and lived in Wigan until 1953. Remember Parson's Walk, Woodfield School, Wigan Park, the blitz, Williams' pies, Santus mint balls. Retired to France in 1998.

I miss: Miss - the cricket field,Bull Hey, JJ Broughton's sports shop (the original)in Market Street, the old market hall, the parish church on Sundays, our gang in Parson's Walk, rugby league matches with Grandpa Simm (sithee, size of Gee!)

Comments: Grew up in Wrightington.Keft to join the QARANC at the age of 18yrs.Been moving around ever since.Finally settled in Germany in 1988 .Daughter is now almost 19yrs. and im nursing in a German hospital.

I miss: UNCLE JOES MINT BALLS !!!!+ Crunchie Bars but most of all the friendliness of the locals !!!

Comments: I used to live in car bank square, atherton until 1989,I decided to move to Spain and open a pub earlier this year.Come and see me in my bar Happy Days in fuengirola port.

I miss: I miss a good pie and a decent plate of fish and chips but most of all a decent brew as the water hear is crap

Comments: Used to live at 1 Langdale ave Higher Ince. Moved to Bolton in 1977 when i was 8. I am currently in the army and serving in Germany. I am married to Victoria who is from (soory about this Huddersfield) and have two daughters who were both born in (sorry again), North Allerton(N. Yorks). We have loads of fun when Wigan play Huddersfield my wife does not know who to support, she only discovered rugby league when she met me and loves it, she's a honourary Wiganer. Both my daughters recently saw there first wigan match at the JJB and now can't wait to go again. We go to wigan every time we come home. Love the place.

I miss: Oh the pies, and the rugby but i get that on Sky.

Comments: I was born in pemberton went to highfield primary,pem middle,and mesnes high. worked at morrisons in ince. Got married (jones now) lived in ashton then moved to ireland four years ago.

I miss: family and friends. a good chipper, vimto, uncle joes, steak and kidney puds and crumpets mmmmmmmm