Wigan ex-pats (Australia)

Comments: emigrated 1970 from aspull,lived in sydney for a year,now in perth ,family all still ere,dad having his 80th birthday this weekend,played football n cricket , when i was younger,have sister wendy, also living in perth,like to get back home every few years now, i am 53 this year, play golf and follow greyhound racing closely,run the meat department of a supermarket,also do voluntery work.

I miss: uncle joes, dandelion and burdock, mushy peas, football and snow,oh and our lingo.

Comments: I lived in Parbold for most of my life, and in Inward Drive, Shevington for about 4 years. I emigrated to W.A. in 2002 to be near my family, Annette [54]Phil[52]David[50] and Donna-Maria [39]. Although it is lovely to be near them - I miss Parbold terribly, and have just booked my ticket to come 'home' for my 80th Birthday. I enjoyed reading Fred Foster's book on Wigan World and hope to meet him when I go home. Miss Marks and Spencer's,Boots Chemist [still have their products sent over!]Debenhams,Wigan Market [we don't have Markets here, and Shearing's coaches. Went to Crescent Commercial College after leaving Our Lady's, Parbold and then night school at Wigan Tech.for 4 years. {Mr. Nicholson,Shorthand and Mr.Smith, Typing.

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Comments: 52 barnsley st wigan moved to pemberton 1956,warrington 1962 australia 1966.coming over for a trip june 2009

I miss: the glorious weather joke. eccles cakes.wigan park/haigh hall/plantations ,canels.

Comments: I used to live in Hemfield Road, Higher Ince. Went to Belle Green School and Rose Bridge. I moved to Australia in 1967 and have 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren (one more on the way in July)

I miss: A good pork sausage from Greens in the Market Place.

Comments: Born in Belle Vue Street, West Gorton Manchester. Later moved to Openshaw, then moved to Beswick, and have been in Australia since 1973 (and love it... best thing I ever did). My son now lives in London, and the rest of my family live in Old Trafford, Hattersley, Audenshaw. Played soccer in Manchetser for Rusholm Albion, some time with Anson Villa, and various teams from Hyde Cheshire... alongside my great friend and ex school friend the legendary Geoff Light (now deceased) and his brother Dennis Light (both great guys and footballers).. I now play lots and lots of tennis (love it).

I miss: I have never been to Wigan. Am I missing something (ha ha). The thing I miss about Manchester is the Fish Chips and Peas (especially the Marrowfat big peas one can only buy in the North of England). Also miss the steamy Steak & Kidney Puddings, and Eccles Cakes, and Dewdrops (sweets)... and Blackpool Rock.

Comments: Born in Belle Vue Street, West Gorton Manchester. Later moved to Openshaw, then moved to Beswick, and have been in Australia since 1973 (and love it... best thing I ever did). My son now lives in London, and the rest of my family live in Old Trafford, Hattersley, Audenshaw. Played soccer in Manchetser for Rusholm Albion, some time with Anson Villa, and various teams from Hyde Cheshire... alongside my great friend and ex school friend the legendary Geoff Light (now deceased) and his brother Dennis Light (both great guys and footballers).. I now play lots and lots of tennis (love it).

I miss: I have never been to Wigan. Am I missing something (ha ha). The thing I miss about Manchester is the Fish Chips and Peas (especially the Marrowfat big peas one can only buy in the North of England). Also miss the steamy Steak & Kidney Puddings, and Eccles Cakes, and Dewdrops (sweets)... and Blackpool Rock.

Comments: lived in shevington and went to shevvy junior and then shevvy high , left school in 1979 and worked at a stonemasonry yard down the side of the vic hotel in wigan. i came to oz in 85 and spent six years here and went back for nine years due to family illnes ,i finally came back in 99 and never been back but plan to for a visit in 09. i have a thriving business and two great boys and a lovely wife.

I miss: wigan accents

Comments: Born in Wigan, moved to Mawdesley and then to Appley Bridge. Attended St.Marks Girls School, Newtown. Am now retired and love living here near the beach, bowling,croquet,swimming. Lots of hobbies.Lots of bush here, (countryside.)

I miss: Not a lot because we get British brands of food here. Used to like going to Wigan Park and was a member of Wrightington Country club.

Comments: Grew up in Shevington then lived in Standish. Moved to Oz in 1996 with husband and my 3 children. Eldest son now lives back in Shevington with his wife and daughter. My other 2 children still here in oz with their partners and children.

I miss: My family and friends especially my son, Lancashire cheese and hovis granery bread

Comments: Used to live in Higher Ince (after living in Aspull & New Springs), top of Belle Green Lane where the primary school used to be, moved hear to try something different. Uk not what it was.

I miss: Family, friends. Greenhalghs pasties & pies. Th'accent. Proper pubs. Xmas. Rivington. My bike!! Don't miss the weather tho !

Comments: Hi All, I used to live in Aspull, went to Aspull high school and wigan tech, moved out to Aus in 2001, lived in ballarat for 3 years and now in Newcastle New South Wales. Married, no kids just a mad Airedale Terrier called Leicester. Used to play rugby union at Aspull, one of the very first juniors to play in the 70's

I miss: Pies-Pies and more pies, fish chips and curry sauce and Steak Pudding chips and peas.

Comments: I have changed my email address. Cheers Viv

I miss:

Comments: Born in Standish.Lived at 41 Central Drive Shevington. Moved to Australia in 1964 when I was 7. Came over on the Oriana. Went to St Cuthberts for a short while before we came to Australia when we we lived with my grandfather Oswald Vitali.

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Comments: Lived in Landgate in 50's and 60's, on the way to Ashton-in -Makerfield, and went to Wigan Notre Dame High school. Lived in Queensland since 1983. Primary school teacher just south of Brisbane.

I miss: steak pudding, chips, mushy peas and gravy - and the friendly people.

Comments: My family and i moved to Oz in 1991 from Winstanley. Have been back quite a few times visiting family and friends. Always feels nice to visit but have never been "homesick".Oz was a brilliant choice and I settled in nicely to school. Have lived in quite a few countries since but always remember where i come from.Went back recently and got my woollyback accent again!

I miss: Used to miss things like cornish pasties, double deckers, crisps etc but luckily there is an English Shop where i live now....no wigan accents there though!

Comments: I am a born & bread Wiginner, my wife and are visiting my cousin in Ravenswood Perth WA in October anyone want to meet up to discuss pies etc?

I miss: I will miss Wigan ale but Aus Pies are just as good

Comments: hi , i used to live in abram and went to abram primary then golborne secondry. i moved to australia in 1972. i am retired now and enjoying life .

I miss: i miss pals, wigan pies, the markets, family, and the double decker busses

Comments: I used to live on Norley Hall Estate, but emmigrated to Australia in 1967. We stayed in Brisbane for 1 year, before moving to Sydney in October 1968 and where I remained until moving to Melbourne in 1990. I was originally married to Ted Barber, and we have 2 daughters, Kelly (32) and Jane (31), both married now with children of their own. For the last 10 years I have been married to Dan, an American and we live in Melbourne. Dan is a Real Estate Agent and I am working in the Health Industry on the Peninsula. My brother Geoff Winstanley lives in Sydney. He has 2 sons, Colin and Philip. My father Bill Winstanley passed away in January of 1997 but my mother Anne Winstanley lives in a retirement community here and is now aged 85. If anyone in Wigan remembers us, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

I miss: I still miss the beautiful English countryside and the close proximity to Europe. I( would give anything for a barm cake with some Danish Lurpak Butter and some cockles from Wigan Market. Some fish and chips would be great too.

Comments: Used to live in Mill Lane Upholland and Parsonage Brow. Good place to live until the hoodies moved in

I miss: Miss my mate Jimmmy and Mark who were my walking buddies

Comments: Iuse to live just of Warrington Lane, Went to Warrington Lane School and then Whelley School.Sea Cadets 1947 to 1951. Air Training Corps 1969 to 1972.Left Wigan March 1973 to come to Australia.

I miss: Pooles pies,Central Park Rugby ground. Empress Dancing.Chips and Fish wrapped in newspaper.Bodega Hotel.Hippodrome.and of course the people

Comments: Used to live at 35 Dickens Place, Worsley Mesnes from 1955 to 1965, when we emigrated to Adelaide, Australia. 2 Brothers, John and Mick - also in Australia.

I miss: Been back twice, looking forward to coming back home again soon. Love the pubs and clubs - Australia doesn't compare.

Comments: I used to live in Atherton, served a 5 Year Apprenticeship at DeHavilland Propellers Lostock 1954-1961 Studied Mechanical Engineering at Leigh Tech College

I miss: Wigan Emp for Dancing Greenalls Bitter Ship Inn Black & Tan, Black Velvet Steak Pudding Chips and Sloppy Peas WRLFC Billy Boston Fellow Apprentices from Leigh & Wigan

Comments: Hi, we moved to Brisbane in sept 2005 with our 2 lovely children Ashley who is now 17 and Ben who is nearly 9. We moved from Beech Hill and both of us went to beech hill primary, then Gidlow Middle and then Whitley high. What a great place to live, great weather, great house, great friends and a fab lifestyle, although you never forget your roots.. lots of english here and quite a few wiganers, which makes you feel a bit at home!

I miss: Miss family & friends very much, the shopping, a good night out and being able to walk between pubs, oh and Keswick on a winters weekend!

Comments: Living in Ellenbrook Perth, Paul on 6th job. Sharon got own hair salon in the local shopping centre. A bit of a change from Golborne weather wise, too hot to work some days.

I miss: Family and friends. Sharon misses primark and Marks n Spencer. We also miss Sunday rugby at parkside watching Josh & Jack

Comments: Hi All Lived in Goose Green, Kitt Green and then in Springfield. Came to Australia in 1986 on a nursing visa and then met and married Roger (18 years married now). Now live in the beautiful south west of WA in the Margaret River wine region. Have a busy shop selling natural skin care products and am a qualified natural therapist now. Love it here but Wigan will always be home.

I miss: Uncle Joes Mint Ball (have a regular supplier though). Poole's pies, Bluto's, Wigan Market and wiganer's sense of humour.

Comments: used to live in billinge moved to australia in 1966 retired living near the sea used to work for orrell council before moving to aust

I miss: miss the people the the pies bought at a butchers shop in pemberton peggy mellings fish and chips white christmas

Comments: Moved to Aus for a different lifestyle. We are in north Queensland so its tropical, never called always hot.

I miss: Latics

Comments: Grew up in Haigh Road Aspull. Have followed Wigan Athletic all my life. Joined the merchant navy and met my future wife in Tasmania in 1975. Finally emigrated to Tasmania in 1977 and married Gail. In 1994 we moved to Queensland to the Sunshine Coast with our 3 children who are now scattered between London and Melbourne. The youngest is still here with us. Love going back to visit Wigan and going to JJB to watch Latics live.

I miss: Mark Williams pork pies, going to the Latics matches, and my best mate Allan Moorfield.

Comments: lived from birth (1938) until 1950 in throstlenest ave (springfield) then moved to mesnes rd until leaving for australia in 1956. now living in dingley village 3172

I miss: good fish and chips and steak puddings made with suet

Comments: Born in barton ave and went to st johns catholic primary school then john fisher. Family moved to sydney in march 07 and loving everything. Working as childrens nurse and hubby working as design engineer. No regrets for the move

I miss: I miss Latics - getting up at 5am for live matches not too pleasant. Miss friends and family and the Bellingham bistro on sundays. Don't miss the weather.

Comments: Born on Friday the 13th 1957, unlucky for some, lived most of my life in Higher Ince, the real pie eaters. Went to St Williams and then to Cardinal Newman, served my apprenticeship at Horwich Loco 1974-78, did several jobs, played football and then came to Australia in 1981. I do not care what anybody says, Wiganers are the salt of the earth, sense of humour, nothing phases us and to boot we had Wigan Casino, I still have all that wonderful music and occasionally after a few beers throw in the moves to boot, my kiwi wife thinks I am bonkers, back in October 07 to enjoy again.

I miss: Wigan Casino, Wigan Athletic, pies, pints, Sloopies,Pemps and all the other wonderful pubs and clubs and the mainly the people

Comments: Used to live in Winstanley until we emigrated in 1990. I live in sunny Brisneyland on acreage with my 2 girls Ainsley & Micah. Changed careers am now a Sports Coach at a Private school in Brisbane...loove it

I miss: I miss the familiarity of the place and friends I grew up with. I miss Mark & Sparks S & V Chipsticks, I miss open chips and curry, I miss Greenhalghs Vanilla slices (although I have managed to find a close second)I miss the men not all of them just a certain few. Glad I came but sorry I left. Left way too many good things behind that could have changed my whole life but saying that I do love it here its pretty much perfect. Just a good Wigan Boy to come visit

Comments: I lived in Upholland with my parents and sister and then moved to London for uni, then 7 yrs ago moved to Melbourne. My sister works at The Delph Tavern in Tontine and my Mum and Dad go walking with the group there.

I miss: What do I miss from Wigan? Well, my family and friends firstly, I miss cooking and hanging out with my Dad, talking incessantly with my Mum, and laughing uncontrollably with my sister, then silly things like Prawn Cocktail crisps, pork pies, warm beer (sort of joking!), tall tales and general lovely friendly Wiganer attitudes!

Comments: I'm not a Wiganer, but a Leyther. But this far from home,the divide seems smaller. Anyway, my Dad was from Spring View so I guess I'm part 'Pie eater'. Married an Aussie in 1996 and moved to Perth in 2002. I went to Leigh C E High School until 1989. Worked as a Security Guard in UK and doing the same here for Chubb.

I miss: Everything except the weather (and sometimes that too). I miss the chippys...all of them. At the worst English chippy you could still get chips, pudding,peas and gravy...with 'fish bits'. You can't get here, even in the best of chippys in Perth - Where ever that is? I miss Match of the Day, watching Rugby League (no League in Perth), Sunday pub-lunch, nipping to Asda, JJB's, Waterfield's pasties and Greenhalgh's pies, cinemas with nachos & hotdogs. Also miss the English country side. Most of all I miss family and friends...but if I win Lotto, I guess that wouldn't be a problem anymore- we'd all live here.

Comments: Initially lived in Green Hey then Gathurst Road and Linley Close. Went to Lamberhead Green school prior to doing an electrical apprenticeship at De Havilland Lostock then moved to Brisbane Australia in 1968. Wouldn't change my lifestyle for anything i just love it here, great place, great job and great weather. I visit the UK quite often on business but haven't been back to Wigan since 2003.

I miss: If there's anything it'd be the little country pubs and also those long summer evenings.

Comments: Left Upholland Grammar School in 1944 Lived in Malaya, New Guinea, now settled In Australia. 3 children and 6 grandchildren

I miss: Like to contact old friends

Comments: Used to live at Orrell. Attended Upholland Grammar School, leaving to go to sea in 1944. Lived in Malaya and New Guinea before settling In Australia in about 1952. Now 79 and retired. 3 children and 6 grand children.

I miss: Am now a dinki di Aussie and don't miss much about the old country. Perhaps the greenery and some old friends .

Comments: I lived in Moss Lane brother Bill sisters Alice,Edna,Jane...moved to Perth Australia in 1969 with my husband Jimmy Govan and my 2 children John and Christine...I am looking for Sylvia Marsh or anyone that remembers me.. I went to moss lane school.

I miss: Everything....

Comments: I was born at 90 City Road, Kitt Green in 1957 (yep, 50 this year....) and attended Abraham Guest CSS until 1974. I moved away from Wigan to University in 1976 and after 7 years of studying Geology joined the petroleum exploration industry. Life as an 'expat' took me to Spain, Aberdeen, London, Glasgow, Oman, Yemen, Pakistan, PNG, Azerbaijan, before moving to Sydney in 1994. Glad to say I'm settled here where I'm the MD of a consultancy that provides oil & gas exploration business development services to international companies.

I miss: Old friends from the past (Lamberhead Green infants' & primary Schools in Kitt Green from 1962-69) then Abraham Guest 1969 to 1974. Anyone out there????

Comments: I was born in Platt Bridge went to ST.NATS & Moss Lane school.Married & lived in Spring View.Then came with my family to Adelaide in 1971Enjoyed dancing at Moss'and Wigan Emp

I miss: Vimto pies uncle Joes &friends and family I left behind

Comments: Born 1973 in Aspull, went to Fourgates County Primary School then Aspull High School. Moved to Heath Charnock / Adlington until 2002 when emigrated to the Great Southern Land, Married with two sons James and William

I miss: Wiganers !

Comments: Hindley/ Hindley Green Primary schools Castle Hill,All Saints, High School Mornington high, Wigan Tech, Liv Uni Moved to oz new years eve 2006 arrived 2/1/07 No body told me about the rain here, jees its pourin down yeah ive hadb the 45 degrees stint for 2/3 days but i should be enjoyin a brit summer now havin said that i wouldnt go back for the world love it here

I miss: MY DAD wish he'd a come out as a ten pound pom,with me mam. Anything else you can get over here (inc uncle joes) Its like im back in the seventies for all those established watch Life on Mars on ABC Im not a rep

Comments: Lived in Crown Street Poolstock, Went to St James School, Worsley Mesnes. Moved to Ashton in 1981 went to RL Hughes School and then Cansfield. Moved to Perth 7th January 2007. I may be the otherside of the world but but my heart still lies in Wigan!!! The good thing about where I live now is the amount of Wiganers that are over here and its great to see cars driving past you with WIGAN ATH as thier Reg Plates!!!

I miss: My Family, Friends and a decent Chippy!! Rugby ( Aussie Rules still tryin't to undersatnd. Going out round Wigan and Ashton.

Comments: Early years lived at Poolstock and went to Goosegreen school moved to Darlington Street Wigan faimily had local fish and chip shop,Lived in Shevington, went to school at Shevington Secondary Modern. Moved to Australia in 1966 whith family at the age of 17. Travelled through Australia and currently living in Bendigo

I miss: Sausages, scratchings and a bag of chips with a dollop of sloppy peas. Kay-lie, Blackpool rock. Beaches!!! Ha Ha.

Comments: I used to live in Goose Green. I worked at Haigh nursing Home until 1987, when I emigrated to Australia with my family. Working now in community nursing. I have three children, 17yr old twins and a two year old.

I miss: Rathbones bakery, the wigan accent, but definitely not the cold wet weather!

Comments: Born and bred at kitt green. Went to St Cuthberts, Tommy More then St Peters at Gathurst. Left in 1962. Worked at National coal Board - apprentice fitter at many Pits and Kirkless. Then played a bit of Rugby at orrell then went away to sea as engineer. Emigrated to Australia 1971. Now 60 yo in 2007.

I miss: Mainly Wigan humour, it is the best and I always have a good laugh when in Wigan - it's good here but ..........

Comments: Brought up in Billinge, went to St James Road Junior and then Abraham Guest High, lived in Upholland as an adult and moved to Adelaide in 2003.

I miss: My parents, real chips, not deep fried frozen ones, mushy peas, steak and kidney puddings from the chippy, proper vinager on my chips, warbutons toastie loaf, vimto, mr kiplings almond slices, living within walking distance of pub - bloody hell, why did i ever leave!!

Comments: Lived in Actons walk then moved to Delph st when I was around 6. Went to fisher left Joined the Navy. Left moved around lived in US and Holland Been here about two years now. Living in Coogee by the beach and brilliant. I am in Gods second country.

I miss: Puddin chips n pea's wi curry sauce, Mo's chippie, meeting up with the boys every year for the Silk cup final regardless of who's playing, Familiy. tinternets brilliant for keeping in touch. Draught Tetly's. n nowt else

Comments: I was brought up in Standish at Pepper Lane I left Lancashire in 1960 when I joined the British Army I emigrated to Australia in 1977 and have lived in Darwin ever since. I trained as a school teacher and worked in Primary school, High School and Secondary school. I lectured at the NT Univrsity before retiring in 1996. I play Solo Cornet in the Darwin City Brass Band and I have worked with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra on Principle Trumpet.I first started to play the Cornet in the Standish Brass Band when I was eight years old. ,

I miss: The things I miss most about Wigan are the Pork Pies .I cant get anything like them in Australia.

Comments: Billinge retired railway manager living mid north coast N.S.W.

I miss: I MISS THE PEOPLE THE PIES BOUGHT FROM THE BUTCHER AT PEMBERTON FIRST STARTED WORK FOR ORRELL COUNCIL 1965 WENT TO UPHOLLAND SECONDRY SCHOOL billinge hill