Wigan ex-pats (Australia)

Comments: i used to live in little britain but i moved down under and got a job as a surgeon. I am now earning 5,000 a month and have paid off my mortgage.

I miss: I miss the people and the accent coz no one round here talks like me

Comments: I used to live in Winstanely (Berkeley Ave), went to Marus Bridge Middle School then Whitley High. Moved out here in the 80s and have been back heaps of times but only on holidays (my folks moved back to England years ago). I now work for the State Govt in public relations. Would love to hear anyone who may remember me from all those years ago.

I miss: Going into Wigan when I was a kid to go the pictures (Saturday matinee) and watching Latics (who were in the fourth divn way back then). Everything foodwise and of course the English ales.

Comments: moved out here to Perth W.A. in Feb 2000 after living in Wigan all my life

I miss: sweaty bettys vindaloo, pies and a wigan lane pint

Comments: Lived in Canal St, New Springs from 1948, used to work at Harveys Bakery as it was then. Married a girl from Bolton, had three kids and emigrated to Bribane in 1974. Joined the RAAF and served 22 yrs. My children are grown now with kids of their own, 4 grandchildren to date. Have taken early retirement and enjoy my hobbies of woodworking and golf.

I miss: I have been back 4 times since emigrating and plan for another trip this year. I miss family and friends, Wigan sense of humour and banter. Fish and chips, steak puddings and potato cakes

Comments: Used to live in Pemberton, Whelley then Highfield. Went To Highfield Primary School, Deanery High School then trained as a nurse at RAEI worked there until 1989 when amigrated to Adelaide with my fantastic Hubby John. We ave 3 wonderful kids, Paul and Lisa (twins) and Martin (all Wiganers). Am working in the local hospital in charge of the paediatric unit at present and John is a case manager and finds people with disabilities employment. We love Australia.

I miss: Family and friends. Wigan RLFC and travelling to away games (funny how it always rained once you were on the wrong side of the Penines!)A good session at the local pub (White Swan in Pemberton)followed by pudding, chips and pea wet on the way home. The smell of Uncle Joe's Mint Balls walking to school in the mornings past the factory. Pontins.

Comments: I logged onto your site a week ago,i visited and signed the guest book and answered a query or two to a couple of your members,and registered my membership,which was accepted,now that I try to log-in,my e-mail address,is not recognised/or my password isn,t,even after trying for ages to get moving.,and I didn,t recieve an acknowledgement to my application in my e-mail.dissapointed!I placed a comment in the guest book2days ago reffering to my roots/schools/hobbies/e.t.c.

I miss: the old type of uncle joes mintballs,none of that candy covered stuff,that passes for uncle joes now/pies/yes(for sugar butties)browsing in the market/meeting up with old friends/getting into the amber liquid/--roll on april 06.

Comments: There's a lot I miss esoecially from my soccer days at Sacred heart.I am now 65 ,love to hear from my old mates.

I miss: Beer and women especially Joan Porter

Comments: Originally live in Marsh Green,Goose Green then Darlington Sreet. Attended Gidlow 1967/1971, Worked at telephone exschange Wigan.Emigrated to Australia 1973. Love to hear from anyone.

I miss: Miss the people, and everything about Wigan.

Comments: Now retired - lived Wigan from 1938 until 1966 when moved to work in London - and to Australia in 1971 - worked in fare East for some 8 years and returned to Australia 1986.

I miss: The great friendliness of the people and the general way of life as it was when I lived in Wigan

Comments: My parents moved to Austalia in 1978 and being nearly 16 at the time had to move to. I went to shevington County High school. We used to live at 56 Whitehall Avenue, Appley Bridge and before that at 25 Addamson Street Ashton-in-Makerfield.

I miss: shopping at the markets

Comments: I used to live in Beech Hill,got married in 91, ahve two beautiful children, Kyle aged 10 and Keira aged 5, moved to townsville in 2003 and absolutely love it here.Will visit Wigan again soon to visit family and catch up with friends.

I miss: I miss family and friends,WIGAN SENSE OF HUMOUR, pooles pies and especially my niece Joanne.

Comments: Used to live in Newton-le-Willows, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Appley Bridge. Came to Australia in 1978. I have a small spinning supplies business and design clothing - knitted, felted, sewn etc. Used to be a home economics teacher in Tech here.

I miss: The markets, spring and autumn (we don't really get them here). Walking by the canal in summer and having a drink at the Railway, Appley Bridge. Miss my friends Pauline and Judith, would love to sit down and have a cuppa and a natter. Hope to visit maybe next year if the funds allow.

Comments: We lived in Whelley. and I went to High School in Aspull. We moved to Canada in 1982. I am an accountant, married with two beautiful boys.

I miss: I miss Wigan so much, I check in every once in a while when I miss Auntie Ang and Uncle Bri, mushy peas and chips, uncle Joes, meat & potato pies and Asda.......See you soon!

Comments: Originally from Appley Bridge/Wrightington (Glenside). Went to St.Peters, then Wigan Tech. Left UK '95, spent time in Asia and New Zealand for 9 years. Left the UK permanently and end of '04 moved to Sydney and am loving the aussie experience.

I miss: My mates from school/college, jaffa cakes, wagon wheels and battenburg cake!... apart from that... nowt!

Comments: I'm a Melbourne girl born and bred but my Mum is from Wigan and I sometimes think that my heart really belongs to Wigan. I'm very proud of my Wigan heritage. I am posting this message to all the Wigan ex-pats who live in Melbourne and miss some of the treats from home. See my message in 'Things I miss from Wigan' below.

I miss: This is a message for all the Wigan ex-pats living in Melbourne who miss English chocolates, sweets, crisps, pop and biscuits. There is a shop called The Original Lolly Store (2 locations - Lygon Street and Melbourne Central) that sell a selection of Engish food. You can even get cans of Bachelors Mushy Peas! They have a website as well : www.theoriginallollystore.com.au. Enjoy!!!

Comments: LAST ADDRESS 59 ZABELS RD. MINDEN QLD. RETIRED GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE. LEFT U.K SOUTHPORT 1970(SCARISBRICK LIVED IN QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA 35 YEARS

I miss: NO IMMEDIATE TIES LEFT EXCEPT FRIENDS I PHONE A FRIEND EVERY MONDAY. TOO LATE IN LIFE TO MISS ANY OTHER LUXURIES.

Comments: I lived in Monument Road, in what I belive is now called the Swinley area now, until the age of 13. I found this web site because I was researching information on the monument, which commemorates the death of Sir Thomas Tyldesly who died in the "Battle of Wigan Lane" in 1651 during the civil war. I attended Woodfield Primary school and then the Grammar school until the family moved to Garstang, near Lancaster in 1960. At the age of 22 I went travelling & never returned to live but have been back to visit a few times over the years. My family owned Moorfields Brewery until 1970something when it unfortunately closed - not sure whether the beer was any good or not! My mother's maiden name was Moorfield, who was a director along with her 3 sisters, and a Moorfield cousin was the managing director. There is an old Moorfild's Wigan Ales clock ticking on our kichen wall - found it in a junk shop in Wigan Lane some years ago - original condition except for a quartz movement now in the back. I still have some relatives in the Swinley area. We have been in Melbourne since 1972 and always kept up with the fate of Wigan rugby league until the advent of Melbourne Storm.

I miss: What do I miss? Hard to say....my carefree childhood in the Wigan streets and the cricket club.

Comments: 43 Chorley Road, Standish, School-St Wilfreds Standish, and Shevington Sec Years Born 1944, school from 1949-1959. Moved to Bedford, harrogate, then Aylesbury then Bedford again before migrating to Perth in August 2004, to be near daughter and grandchildren. Both Geoff & I retired on a 4 year retirement visa, hopefully renewable after 4 years. weather great

I miss: Old school mates, mum and 2 sisters, still live in Standish, Wigan. all visiting Perth in March 2005

Comments: My family and I used to live on Sussex Close Standish, although I was 4 when we left I remeber the house and my Dad use to work for the Post Office, his name was John Henderson.

I miss: I miss my Dad as he passed away in 1993, Other than that think I was a bit to young to really miss anything at 4.

Comments: i was born in wigan in 1971.i used to live in newtown then pemberton then moved to ashton were i met my hubby.we moved here 2004 not been here that long ,would love to here from any wiganers with advice on how to cope with not having meat and potato pies!!

I miss: i miss pies,fish and chips i didnt eat them much but now i caint have them i want them.mayo not the same here tastes like salad cream.most of all i miss the pubs and the crazy lads and lasses and mi mates.but the gold coast is a byut place..

Comments: Born in Beech Hill 1973 and went to the famous St John Fisher School., moved to London , then to manchester before heading of for Sydney.

I miss: Chips, Peas, Pudding and Gravy ! Miss that so much.. Would pay a mint for one today. King Street, still the best p***-up on the planet

Comments: used to live in Wigan Road Bryn, moved to Australia in 1961, have three children, 2 g/children & 3 g/g/children, am now retired, but keep busy doing various things, I still enjoy my dancing, went to A-inM'field Sec Mod. School in middle 50's, looking for my first love Billy Winstanley parents had fish & chips shop in Ashton, he had 2 older sisters, he would be in his middle 60's now, he was a real nice bloke, with a nice smile, have never forgotten him.

I miss: Sorry to say not much really, only I used to love the toffee from Santus in Wigan Market, & the meat & potato pies from any cake shop.

Comments: Hi I lived on Orrell road in orrell in the 70's, the highfield, then Moor road Orrell. Left Wigan in 1999 to move to Perth Scotland to be with my Hubby who is Scottish. Emigrated in Feb 2004, love it here. I am now an internal business consultant for the government.

I miss: Greenalgh's pies and pasties, boddingtons in a pint. My family who are still there. Nightlife.

Comments: I was born in wigan road bryn, moved to shevington when I was married to my loverly wife Pam, we moved to OZ in 1975 and never regreted one moment of it we now live by the side of the lake Illawarra just south of wonderful Wollongong. We have two KIds and three grandkids.

I miss: The only thing I miss is the latics, and my uncle Joe's mint balls,went back in 99 and found it just was not the same, but I still like to keep in touch with the old place.

Comments: Lived in Beech hill,Upholland. Been here since 1982. Used to work at Hartwood Hoisery

I miss: Pies and Bernedette Hurst from Ince

Comments: Born in Hindley Green, 1953,lived in Ex pub - Miners Arms I think, on Atherton Road, went to Sacred Heart Primary, moved to 33 Derwent Road Hindley about 1975. Went to Cardinal Newman Secondary in '64. Emigrated with sister Ruth, brother Tony, Mum & Dad to Perth Western Australia in 1968. Planning a trip back probably 2005/6. Have had my own business now since 1999, into steam equipment etc..have two sons, one lives in Brisbane Queensland, the other with his mother in Townsville Queensland. My partner and I live in Kinross Perth WA with her two children.

I miss: Going to Central Park on Saturday - RIP. Going into Wigan to buy scalextric bits on a Saturday after getting paid for delivering bread and papers as a kid......memories. Also miss old friends, would be nice to get back in touch with some of them.

Comments: 4 Warnford Street. Left in 63. Now near Melbourne. Coming home for my 50th. dec 05. Occupation IT Project Manager. Last back 1985.

I miss: The town ship, the pubs and hospitality.The Latics

Comments: I was born in Turner Street off Greenough Street, back of good old CENTRAL PARK. Moved to Adelaide in 1969 with my wife Margaret(nee Beard)who was from Devon Close Norley Hall Estate. I went to St Georges and then onto All Saints, we both worked at H.J. Heinz at Standish, bottled goods and veg prep, if anyone remembers us please get in contact.

I miss: Mixture,PUDDING & A FISH FROM THE MILLGATE CAFE,MY FAMILY IN HINDLEY

Comments: Lived in Hawkley Hall before moving to Aberdeen, Scotland eight years ago. Moved out to Perth in 2003 and am working for an oil and gas company.

I miss: Friends and Family.

Comments: just come back from a trip to wigan ,rain ,beer, madelaines food and more , thank you . freddythefrog

I miss: george and madelaine orrell . no pies left in wigan , brocket, john smiths bitter . wigan rugby, jjb gym

Comments: Russ lived in Lawns Ave, Tontine, Orrell. I lived At Billinge Hospital(nurse). We moved to Sandpiper Rd, Highfield, then Chelmorton Grove, Winstanley. Emigrated to Brisbane in October 2003 with our youngest son Simon ( 15). Russ worked in Parsonage mine, then Procter & Gamble, and finally Heinz. I last worked at Winstanley Medical Centre. Russ is currently working for my brother-in-law awaiting his electrical licence( 7 months and counting).

I miss: Wigan Rugby on a "sunny" day at central Park(no more!), pea wet on a greenhalgh pie. Friday night pub crawling and ending up at no15. The family and great friends we have and still keep in touch with.

Comments: Hey yall, me iz livin' in ozzi. whell yesh I was born in 1962,Went to St John Fisher High School, have a son called Martin Doran who is 26, he also went to Fisher in 1989. I have a Daughter called Natalie who went to fisher in 1999. My family owns the Swinley Labour club, just tell pauline that you know Cath, and she will gi'ya cheap ale. I worked at greenalghs and Lloyds. I am married to Derek hart. We are the Dorans. But are now the harts. We are also related to the Birchalls of Leigh. Signing off, will catch up with all you strangers on the 7th august 2004 when we stay in scholes.

I miss: FOOD, pubs, swinley labour club, the lovely skys.

Comments: Used to live in Shevington.Moved to Perth in June 2003. I'm accounting now for a mining company.Married to Kathy who was from Parbold, 1 daughter (Lorna) who's 3, another baby due in September 2004

I miss: Definately Greenalgh's !!! Saturday lunchtimes are't the same without a couple of pies. Nights at the Station, Gathurst then stubling home. Hello to all our friends. Probably coming back to Pommie land for holiday christmas 2005/2006!!

Comments: Both of us born in Wigan in 1936. Terry attended St. Andrews School and I attended Beech Hill Primary. We later moved to S. Wales and had two children Lauren and Nigel Shacklady. We now live in Australia and are retired.

I miss: Pies, beer...yes!! Cream cakes, Barm cakes. Wigan Market Hall. Shopping in Standishgate. People I used to know.

Comments: Used to live in Richmond Rd Bryn until I got married.We had two girls in England and emigrated to Australia in 74 returned to England for two years and returned to Australia in 77 as then I knew I could give my family a better life.The family grew to 4 with two boys.Still working for a living.I enjoy cooking,fishing,and a good beer.

I miss: The atmosphere,some of the food,my sister June & husband Don who live in Ashton-in-Makerfield and other family members,my dear mother inlaw and Friends.

Comments: lived in orrell and pemberton , been in australia since 88 , studied as a mature student in psychology and now work as a analyst and cordinator at a brisbane prison.

I miss: fog - mother-inlaw - heinz- frozen water pipes

Comments: I was born in Wigan in 1948. My grandfather was the owner of the Railway Hotel in Orrell opposite the railway station. I went to Abraham Guest Country Secondary School. I completed my apprentiship as a Butcher and then enlisted in the RAF. I served 6 yeas as Aircrew having travelled all over the globe. In 1980, my wife, daughter and I emigrated to Australia where I worked with the Victorian Red Cross. I then completed my training as a Paramedical Nurse and worked for the South Australian Health Commission. When My wife attended Uni at a later age and when she was offered her Clinical Masters in Victoria, we decided to move. I started my own successful Security & Investigation business (been studying Criminology and prosection. After that, I was enticed to follow my dream of becoming a social worker, so I attended Latrobe UNiversity and completed my 4 year degree in social work. I graduated this year and am now working with child & Adolescence people who have problems in the mental health field. My wife has a successful business also working mainly in the child adolescents mental health area and working with victims of crime etc. For me, I have decided to come back to the UK to do a 12 month contract as a social worker, I will be bale to live with my daughter from my first marriage and am looking forward to see the places I used to hang around as I was a kid. My family will have to stay here in Aussie, and that will be a downside, but the experience that I will gain will be an asset to me. I am very spiritual and follow the beliefs that are closely related to Conversations with Gods books Author Neale Donald-Walsh. If you don't know it, read about it.

I miss: What I miss from wigan is the Fish, Chips, & Mushy Peas. Also the Steam puddings. Over here are not the same. I need to come home one more time to meet my family, see my past friends before I move on to my next cause, and that is working in Tibet with Underprivileged children. No I am not a saint, (far from it) just a human being doing what I feel I must like everyone else.

Comments: I come from highfield, i am plumber lived south africa, then came to australia 1988 worked mainly in the bush on oil refinerys, go to wigan every two years if possible

I miss: I miss the pies,beer,wigan women, old friends the crack

Comments: Moved to Southport,Lancashire at age 5, Moved to Sydney aged 25

I miss: Uncle Joes Mintballs

Comments: joe corlett from top lock jackie corlett from hindley green moved here in 1994

I miss: joe misses pies and beer jackie misses markets and pubs

Comments: Used to live in Lower Ince and attended St Mary's Primary before Britannia Bridge Secondary Modern. Went to Wigan Tech, worked in Westminster Bank, Standishgate, 1960-62 then followed future husband to Crewe and eventually into the hotel industry in North Wales. Arrived in Perth Australia in 1983 with 4 children. Am now a widowed grannie with 4 1/2 g'kids.

I miss: Family. Haigh Hall. Mesnes Park. The best pies in the world. The atmosphere.

Comments: Lived in Hindley Green until 1970, moved to Perth Western Australia, with my husband Ron and kids. Now retired.

I miss: Cadburys chocolate(it doesn't taste the same here, and the markets.

Comments: hi i moved from Wigan England in the year 2000. i am 16 years old and migrated here with my Dad Dave Egan and Mum Lynne Egan.

I miss: eastenders and corronation street and the markets!

Comments: Born in Belle Vue Street, West Gorton, Manchester (1950). From large family of Blinston's (9 plus). Am 2nd youngest. Moved up the road to Openshaw in 1964, then closer to city (Beswick) in 1970. Emigrated to Australia 1973. Been back home twice since (1980 and 1995) for holidays and see family. Am Graphic Designer, own business since 1980.

I miss: I miss... (1) Steak & Kidney puddings, chips and gravy from chippy. (2) Nice English parks. (3) Man Utd. (4) My family... not necessarily in this order. Love Australia - best thing I ever did. Went to Wigan once (it was closed).

Comments: My father grew up in Wigan His name was John Charles Hilton born 1919 His brothers were Harold & Lawrence. His sisters were Marian and Connie. He emigrated to Australia in 1949/50 If anyone has any knowledge of the family I would be really grateful

I miss: .

Comments: Hello there, born in 1965,lived (Worsley Mesnes),Schooled? at St James, Whelley and Whitley, then worked (Stephensons, Hindley) until 1992, after that I was a brain surgeon for five years, then an astronaut for four years,after that I discovered the cure for cancer and AIDS,married Miss World and am now retired after winning 30 million pounds on the lottery.Guess which is correct.

I miss: THE WIGAN SENSE OF HUMOUR!!! Seriously though,my family and eating peanuts (in little paper bags)with my Grandad at Springfield Park watching the best team in the world,(to me at least). PS Tetleys and/or Walkers ( who remembers a pint of twilight?) and prawn cocktail crisps. PPS. Any Wiganer is welcome to contact me. Bye for now.

Comments: born new springs 10 july 1933,moved to 4 penson st, off coppull lane ,swinley area went to st mary's rc school, left as thick as a brick in 1948, worked for j.h.naylor ltd up the wiend till 1959 then in desperation join the raf till 1971 marrage failed moved to aussie met my wife cathy and have been as happy as a pig in muck,have 3 brothers in uk derek in swinley rd albert poolstock lane and lesley in ireland

I miss: EVERYTHING

Comments: I come from Ashton-in-makerfield Came over to Aus in 1989, I am now living in Gladstone Qld, Still single, looking for the perfect women "as you do"

I miss: The thing i miss the most is goining out on a friday night and having a good laff, and taking the p**s out, 'off yer mates' and also the pies...And really miss the cold weather, Snow etc,

Comments: I used to live at 7 Foundry Lane in Wigan. I went to St Cuthberts Infants school in 1969 and moved onto St Cuthbers Juniors. I remember being taken over to the church every lunchtime for a week to pray for the apollo 13 astronaughts! We moved to Skelmersdale when I was 7 (1971) and to Australia 1974. I now have 2 daughters 4 & 6 and am an Avon Lady. When I win lotto, I will return to show my girls where I was born.

I miss: I miss the field across the road from where we lived, especially when it snowed and the snow fell down into your wellies! I miss the thrill of sliding down the "hill" on the field (I think it was a slag heap) and I miss exploring the abandoned coal mine near us. I also miss a huge german shepherd called Bruce, who was as big as a donkey, and hung around with my fox terrier dog, mike. I also miss hearing my accent.

Comments: born 1933 lived at 4 penson st off wigan lane. went to st marys school,I have 3 brothers. 2 live in wigan.1 in ireland moved to australia 1971 have been HOME 8 times

I miss: EVERYTHING NO PLACE LIKE HOME