Wigan ex-pats (Africa)

Comments: From scholes originally,now living in Winklespruit,on the Indian ocean coast.

I miss: Family!

Comments: Born in School street (Scholes) in 1947, moved to Abram on my marraige in 1971,worked at Parkside colliery as a deputy then overman until 1981 when I emigrated to South Africa to work at Sasol coal Secunda collieries.Retired in 2005 and moved to Winklespruit,30 k's south of Durban on the sub tropical Indian ocean coast.

I miss: 1947 to 1981.

Comments: Born 1951 to parents minnie and Bill Redford. Lived in twist avenue my uk life, Golborne. Moved to south africa in 1981 where I reside between cape town and Durban

I miss: Hare and hounds pubs in Golborne. Proper fish n chips

Comments: Working as operations manager For Komatsu mining equipment on a mine called sabodala near tabacounda senegal gold

I miss: Rugby, decent pint decent cup of tea But most of all my lovely Girl Leanne, Top son James and our little legs step daughter Megan.

Comments: Lived in Melverley St Wallgate left in 1969 Now living close to JHB South Africa. Working for myself. Would love to here from old school friends.

I miss: Nothing I can think of

Comments: Born in School street in 1947,moved to Turner st.married in 1971,lived in Abram until 1981,moved to South Africa to mine for SASOL,retired in 2005 and moved to the sub tropical coast a little south of Durban.Worked at Parkside colliery from 1965-1981.

I miss: A lot more than I thought after looking at "Photos of Wigan",but won't come back.

Comments: i'm now buying and selling planes in Africa on behalf of the Angolan government. Quite a way from Wigan!

I miss: i miss seeing us stuff warrington at rugby, i miss ellery hanley's legs and gettin me ed kicked in in town. and pies. but most of all i miss wigan!

Comments: Used to live in Abram 30 years ago. Moved to South Africa when i was 9 years old with mum, dad and brother. Work in Training / HR for large retail company.

I miss: Miss the beautiful scenery. Can't remember very much until my dad brings out the old photos, then memories come back.

Comments: born an brought up no 24 dean st;got married young an moved to horwich then to south africa in 1968 engineering co; owner come back to wigan +-every 2 years coming again in 7 weeks my kids an g/kids an g g/kids are there

I miss: pies yes beer yes people the wigan feel and pull but most of all wigan rlfc.

Comments: born and used to live at 24 dean street thats in between hardybutts and darlington street east. no longer there went to st.catherines school then to whelley born 24/06/43 left in 1968 after billy b packed up to maybe get a better lifethan i was leading

I miss: boston,central park,the town,the people,the manners,old dog pub,scholes.alkers pie shop,i was a wanderer as a kid and maggie my mam said if anybody new wigin it's our john.to many things to list.but i do come home on a regular basis.

Comments: used to live in Ashbourne ave on the mount, whelley - my parents still live there. Went to Holy Family primary and St Joseph's high school in Horwich. Worked at GUS from 1982 - 1989. Moved to Cape Town in 1989. Married a South African in 1998 and now have 3 beautiful children.

I miss: Pies - esp greenhaulghs, pubs...the old pubs around Wigan in the 80's Bees Knees, Turnkey, Clarence and esp the John Bull!...my mates, the Wigan accent and dialect, bus's, corner shops.

Comments: Lived at Wrightington Hospital Grounds.Born in Ashton, lived in Higher Ince. Was a Charge Nurse at Wrightington Hospital. Now CEO of my own Pharmaceutical company.

I miss: The peolple of Wigan. Rugby League. Sutcliffe honey comb tripe. Bryn labour club Bitter. Meat and potatoe Pie!

Comments: i am born and bread a Wiganer.I moved from Wigan when i was 19yrs old.Went to work in Italy for 8yrs then onto London until 2003.I moved here to Algeria where I now reside with my hubby and 2 children.

I miss: Friendliness of people,shopping(better than London!!!)Pooles pies mmmmmmmm....uncle Joes mint balls....

Comments: Hi all - was born in Parbold and then lived in Wrightington until I emigrated to Johannesburg SA in 1986 when I was 21. Lived in JNB for 20 year - I co started Rugby League in South Africa in the early 1990's and now own a Sports equipment import & distribution company. I moved to Gordons Bay in the Cape in2006.

I miss: I miss the sense of humour and a lot of the people, don't go back so often these days but used to go to Kilheys & on the odd occasion Pemps.

Comments: from the Springfield area, went to St Andrews, Gidlow Middle & Mesnes High School. Left Wigan in 83 to join the Army, served 22 years and now working for Pepsi here in Nigeria

I miss: Meat & Potato pies & rugby league

Comments: I moved to Wigan in 1961,lived in Orrell, Billinge, Ashton in Makerfield, Goose Green then lastly Hawkley Hall until I moved to Cape Town in 1991. Went to Ormskirk High School from about 1965 to 1967 then moved to Abraham Guest in Orrell. I live in a place called Fish Hoek in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. I work for a Property Management company situated in Cape Town City Centre.

I miss: I miss steak puddings and mushy peas. Meat & Potato pies. The wonderful cream cakes, lancashire cheese. Also I miss my friends, some I am still in touch with and others I have totally lost contact. Does anybody know where Susan Norburn, Susan Taylor, Linda Parkinson who attended Abraham Guest from around 1966 to 1970?? Also Sandra Woods, Andrea Craig who attended Ormskirk High School around 1965 to 1967??

Comments: Cambourn Drive (off liegh road) Hindley Green. Left for South Africe 1982 Work in engerneering served my appreticeship at eckerslys then worked at gullicks.Keen motor cyclist

I miss: Friends Steakpuding & Chips

Comments: oh this is a wonderful site pls keep it up

I miss: wigan is a lovely city i missed not going to stadium

Comments: hi there born in higher ince,moved to platt bridge, then to standish.live in cyprus for 6 years now in cape verde of the coast of africa. its never rained for 7 years.the place to be.

I miss: the wigan rain,pies yeah,night life in kings st.and my mates. one of them still owes me a tenner.gos by the name of alan ashurst. ah ah

Comments: i was born 24-6-43 24 dean st; off hardybutts.....left 03-10-68 worked @ de havilland in horwich when the bloody unions would let me.own vtd see e-mail address.go back every year or every chance i get avid wigan rlfc supporter 1946

I miss: chips,fish,puddin & peas--twice.central park..pies in the bottom of makinsons arcade..ansons.the old dog pub the ship, the commercial,scholes.

Comments: Lived in Hamilton Sq, Worsley Hall.Then moved to Rivington ave off Queensway, near to Beach Hill.Went to St Thomas more high school, 1970-75.Did my Appyship at Metal Box Westhaugton,College at wigan tech.Then in 1982 moved to South Africa,Love the country.Most of my family still live in wigan.Parents Bill(Deceased)and Brenda,Brothers Chris & Andy. Married a Wigan girl, now Divorced 20yrs. 2 Daughters, Amanda Married with a son.Kimberly Engaged. December 06 opened a golf shop with son in law, in Pretoria North. Beats working as a f/turner in a factory. Golf is my passion, love it. Lady in my life now is also an english girl, but from wrong end of the country where those big rocks are pilled up, stonehenge I think they call it. She goes by the name of Shirley, and she does'nt half talk funny, she says it's the Queens english.

I miss: Going fishing on a sunday with the fishing club. Night out around the town with the mates and of course pie ,chips and gravy on the way home. Football and rugby.

Comments: BORN INCE..JUNCTION TERRACE. NOW 73 CAME OUT TO SOUTH AFRICA 43 YEARS AGO.WORKED AT LEYLAND AND BIRMINGHAM WHO MOVED ME TO MITCHAM 1955.ENJOYED LIFE IN SURREY FOR 10 YEARS THEN APPROACHED BY SA CO AND SERVED 18 YEAR CONTRACT AS MD. STARTED OWN MEDICAL MFG CO 25 YEARS AGO AND STILL INVOLVED BUT JOHN..SON..NOW TAKING OVER. WAS MARRIED 47 YEARS TO VERONICA MAXWELL FROM OFF LICENCE WARRINGTON ROAD LOWER INCE...REMARRIED TO FRIEND OF 35 YEARS LIZA..GREEK..VERY HAPPY.HAVE FLAT IN CAPETOWN AND SPEND MUCH TIME THERE AS WELL AS GREECE.LIFE HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME IN SOUTH AFRICA.

I miss: NO NOT THE PIES OR THE BEER..TETLEYS WAS GOOD THOUGH YEARS AGO.I MISS THE TOWN ITSELF BUT IN MY DAYS THERE IT WAS NOT TOO CLEAN BECAUSE OF THE INDUSTRY. THE RULING GOV'T SEEMED TO NEGLECT NORTHERN TOWNS SUCH AS WIGAN. I MISS THE OLD HIPPODROME AND THE SENSE OF HUMOUR WHICH SINCERELY PREVAILED. MOST OF ALL I MISS THE CHANGING SEASONS THE WET, THE FROSTS, THE SUNSHINE OF A LOVELY LANCASHIRE DAY.

Comments: Born in 1972 at Billinge Hospital. Lived in Ince & went to St.Williams, Worsley Mains & went to St.Judes & in Southport & went to St.Johns before emigrating to South Africa in 1981 with my mother & stepfather (father & sister remained in Wigan). Returned to Wigan in 1985 for my sister's wedding & ended up staying with my father in Wigan. Attended St John Fisher High School. After 5 years in the UK I decided to return "home" to SA & further my studies & get a decent job. Met my future wife at Springs College, was married in Dec 1993.In 2000 my wife & I sold everything here & decided to make a go of it in the UK & returned to Wigan again(grass is always greener!). Couldn't get used to the lifestyle & the weather & returned to SA a year later for good. I have fond memories of Wigan. My father sister & nieces still live there & recently my mother returned after living here for 25 years, but I'm a South African through & through. This is where my heart is. Once you have Africa running through your veins, it's very hard to leave. Yes we have lot's of crime, but so does anywhere else in the world. It's a very beautiful country, with a very good lifestyle. You'd battle to live like we do anywhere else in the world. Curently live in Boksburg, Gauteng & work as a cutting tools sales rep. Happily married with two boys aged 8 & 6.

I miss: Yes pies, like everyone else. Pub food & Sunday lunches.

Comments: wel firstly i was born in 1990 lived in maris bridge in a semi until i was 2 then moved to kitt green for two years in a terrist moved when i was four to swinley street in another terrist and went to st bernadettes in shevi lived in swinley street until i was in yeaar 5 then moved into a council house in beeech hill it were so ruff then in year 6 i moved orrel because i was going to st peters catholic high school i lived in the bungalows right at the back of the school then in year 9 in 2003 my dad got a new job in tokyo so we moved there we hated it and he got a new job after a year his job meant we had to move to south africa we went to cape town and then after a year we lived in jo berg (johannesberg)we havent been in jo berg that long but i hate it its so unsafe there are theifs everywere i now live with my dad three brothers and two sisters there is no godd clubs to go to so most of the time am in bed aat home by 9 :( i wanna go bak to glorouis wigan

I miss: pies obviously my high school teachers meh mates meh chips meh wigan food meh treks rwnd orrel wiv mah crew avin a cig n sum cider wiv mah mates rwnd wigan at nyt AND MOST OFFF ALLL GOIN MAXIMES N LIQUID IN JO BERG I CNT AV A CIG OR BIT OF CIDER OR LARGER NOW AFRICANS DNT NO WA CIDER IS O AND GUES WAT THE FROSTIES KID LIVES NR MEH NO RELLI EE DOES EE LIVES IN JO BERG IN SOUTH AFRICA N EE GOES A PRIVATE DRAMA ARTS SCHOOL ANYWAYZ BYEEEE X X X MISS WIGAN INNIT

Comments: Ex St Peters High pupil,lived on Mesnes Rd and moved to south africa 6 months ago

I miss: The wigan lane pubs

Comments: I was born in Hindley in 1959, lived in Arundal St for five years, then moved to Alderley rd. Attended St Benedict's primary school, then Cardinal Newman Secondary. I worked for L.U.T as an auto electrician until coming to SA in 1982 with my wife Denise, we got divorced four years ago and she returned to Hindley. I now work in the document and data management business and i am the divisional director responsible for the Pretoria region. I visit Wigan often as whats left of my family is still there, I try to come in Summer as I have got used to the SA weather and find the cold a little challenging!

I miss: My sister and family, chips fish & mussy peas.

Comments: Lived in Hindley most of my life. Moved to SA for work in 1996. I only came for 6 weeks!

I miss: Family, friend, pies, beer, rugby and just about everything else

Comments: Born in school street in 1947,lived in turner street,moved to park lane,Abram,1971-1981,lived in Secunda 1981-2005.moving to amanzimtoti next week.I`m a retired coal miner.

I miss: History,rugby league,good draught guinness.

Comments: Used to live in Winstanley. Am trying to get in touch with my Uncle Ken who lives in Pemberton. Ken Edwards

I miss: Fish and Chips and the family

Comments: Used to live in Winstanley. Am trying to get in touch with my Uncle Ken who lives in Pemberton. Ken Edwards

I miss: Fish and Chips and the family

Comments: lived in park hey drive 1969-1979 woked at harveys moved to sa

I miss: mothers pride bread and pubs

Comments: LIVED IN APPLEY BRIDGE 1969-1980 WORKED AT HARVEYS BAKERY NOW WORK FOR A PETROL COMPANY. TRAVEL A LOT ON BUSINESS, MARRIED 39 YEARS TWO GIRLS BOTH BORN IN WIGAN

I miss: THE WALKS -THE PUBS -RATHBONES BREAD THE PEOPLE -THE CHIPS

Comments: lived in appley bridge 10 years moved to south africa 1981 worked as bakery manager for Harveys (rhm)

I miss: pubs and the people and the country walks

Comments: My twin brother and I were born over my Dad's grocers shop at 113, Ormskirk Rd, Newtown in 1948. Came to South Africa in 1980, after working with Pilks Glass, and still work at the Fibreglass Factory here

I miss: We aren't called pie-eaters for nowt!! Where can you get a decent pork pie like Mark Williams used to make in South Africa?

Comments: Maiden name Cunningham, lived in James street, then Warrington Road and then Plattbridge. Moved to South Africa in Feb '92 with my two sons. It's amazing how many people have heard of Wigan, even over here. Great to see a website dedicated to Wigan.

I miss: Pies, steak puddings, fish, chips & mushy peas & scratchings!

Comments: Moved 1969 lived in Winstanley Left when I was 11 with parents who emigrated due to lack of employment. Now married to Welsh man and have two daughters but stil regard Wigan as home.

I miss: The market, the pubs, the sense of humour of the people, the shops, fish and chip shops. Wigan Parish Church

Comments: I was brought up in Lower Ince and lived in Mount view I came to Africa to work in the gold mines

I miss: The things i miss about Wigan well there is the night life in town my mates and it goes without saying the pies and girls

Comments: I was born in Wigan 1941, lived at 33 Rivington Avenue off Queensway, started school age 5 at St Michael's then on to Gidlow Sec Mod. Did my training in Light Current at the then Wigan and District Mining and Technical College. Started work at A.T&E in Pemberton that was then taken over by the Plessey Co some time in the early 60's. Then moved out to Plessey in Cape Town in 1970

I miss: The friendly pubs and clubs, pork pies and pickled onions, old school pals that I lost touch with. I also miss the old cobbled "market square" oposite the "Grammar school" playing fields. Th cold misty mornings trying to get to work on icy roads.

Comments: I was born in Billinge Hospital, grew up in Orrell, attended St James Rd Primary, and later Upholland Grammar which became Winstanley College. Moved to South Africa in 1990, living in Port Elizabeth until December 2001, when I moved to the big city of Johannesburg. I lived in the suburbs of Randburg until 2004, when I moved into the "Township" of Tembisa. I'm a white woman living in the middle of a black township, and life here is great!!!!!!! I work in the music industry.

I miss: The main thing I miss is Wigan Athletic, I used to attend every match home and away, and am so proud of my Home Town Team!!! And I thing every Wigan ex-pat misses the Pies!!!

Comments: Live in Standish and Ashton as well as Marsh Green and Worsley Hall. Went to All Saints and then Deanery High school as well as St Michaels Jnr School. Worked at The Owls and the Bell Air Hotel and would like to hear from any one who may remember me. cheers

I miss: I DONT miss the weather or the Taxi rank after closing time on Friday night !

Comments: I lived in Walthew Lane, Platt Bridge, untill getting married when we bought a small house in Vicarage Close, we later moved to Coppull. We came to South Africa in 1979, I was working for Gullick Dobson at the time. I been involoved in the mining business ever since. I have just retired, I eventually became Sales Director of a company manufacturing mining equipment, God only knows how I ever reached that level, must be the Wigan accent! We come back to Wigan as often as we can, I still have family there and it's a great place to visit.

I miss: What do I miss, the people, the sense of humor,Wigan rugby, good ale, good pubs & fish chips & mushy peas.

Comments: From Billange Rd pemberton,just down the road from the Hare and Hounds,I used to ride my bike on the tipps at the back of our house.I came to SA in 1992,Im a mobile mechanic working for my self.I wanna come back to Wigan,and will soon.The natives over here are freakin me out....

I miss: Well pies is right there on top,my famly and all my lakker mates.The Orwell and Pemps.Real beer,snow,brown soil,and wooden fences.....

Comments: 16, DELEGARTE ST, LOWER INCE. HAVE A SISTER KATHLEEN WHO WORKS ON EDWARDS`S PIE STALL IN WIGAN MARKET.EMIGRATED TO SA IN 1976

I miss: PEOPLE AND WIGAN RUGBY LEAGUE.

Comments: Start with the begining I suppose, I was born in Platt Bridge, and moved to Bickershaw when I was about 4 years old, we lived at 40 Victoria Terrace for about 10 years, then moving onto the new housing estate into 54 Belmont Ave. My Father Harry Whittle worked at the Plank lane Pit in Leigh, My Mother Winnie, worked for Wigan Cooporation "on the busses". My parents then divorced, My Father stayed in Bickershaw and the rest of the family moved to Scholes Wigan. Later I married and moved away to Cardiff Wales, then emigrated to South Africa in 1984. I am an Engineer by trade and own my own Company in Pinetown Durban.

I miss: What do I miss !! Yes Pies ! McClandishes as they were then, Walls Pork Sausages {Real Ones!} The "Swan Meadow Pub", Goose Green Labor Club, Darts, Wigan Market, Wigan Rugby, I could go on....... ANY Wiganer... please contact me ericw@telkomsa.net Please note, the { K } in telkomsa is not a misprint! Ahl Si thee!

Comments: Brought up in Marina Drive Pemberton. Moved to Cape Town in 1981.

I miss: Pies.

Comments: Born Wigan, 38 Dicconson Street, my grandparents home, 1931. Lived 'Ackersfield' Gathurst Lane, then 'Moda Cottage', Gathurst Lane, Gathurst till 1935. Started School at age 3yrs Shevington. Moved to Margate Kent 1935 to 1938. Back to live with Grandparents in Wigan for 1 year. Moved to Pitsea, Essex for about 1 year and back to Wigan,Bispham nr Parbold,and Ringley for a period to escape the bombing. Returned to Pitsea 1942, in time for V1's and V11's. Attended Brentwood County High School to Post Matric and then Trained as SRN Southend General Hospital, Essex until taking up a years contract in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1953. Married here in 1955. Have 4 children,2 daughters, 2 sons, have been a widow for 7 years, and assist my four children, working from home, to run a Tyre Retail and Retreading business which we started 6 years ago - Tyres 2000 (Heriotdale) (SA) (Pty)Ltd and its 6 Branches covering the Gauteng area, and exporting to surrounding countries. Also keep my hand in with the Medical world and type Medical Reports for a Physician Specialist. Also do various other Secretarial work for two other organisations.

I miss: The warmth and friendliness of the people. The colourful accent and dialect. Eccles Cakes and Baps and the traditional Lancashire Hot Pot. the Mill girls of my youth in their clogs and shawls, so akin to the African women who carry their babies in shawls on their backs rather than on their hip, a custom which is also disappearing gradually as western fashions are being adopted more and more by succeeding generations. The wonderful old market which I believe is no more, and many, many other places and things that are but memories of my youth but vivid nonetheless. Despite the fact that I lived and attended school in Wigan only for short periods of my life, I somehow feel I am still rooted there and proud to call myself a Wiganer even now. If there is anyone living in or near Johannesburg with whom I could share any of these memories I would love to hear from them. Best wishes to all. Thelma Hurly