Wigan ex-pats (New Zealand)

Comments: Born in Aspull 1975. Moved to new zealand in 1998 after meeting my husband in wigan who is from new zealand. Have two sons one born in wigan and the other was born in new zealand.

I miss: I miss my family so much especially my mum and dad. who both come over here ever few years. I miss the nightlife especially on a saturday night. I used to work at pooles pies and miss the pies and the laughs we had there. And i miss proper rugby from the wigan lads.

Comments: Born Gidlow 1929.Hindley till 1937 Wigan 1950/51. worked Thomas Crompton. Left for Australia 1952, New Zealand 1955. Work Publishing, then Dairy Farming 1958-89. married with 4 children Now retired and writing articles

I miss: The atmosphere, probably the old days and visits to Central Park, walking in Mesnes Park on a Sunday.

Comments: Been here 4 months at time of writng, originally form LR Ince, but been living in Springfield for last 12 years,working as a ecological restoration co-ordinator in a bush reserve, absolutely lovin it

I miss: Things i miss the most......obviously the pies, although they do sell decent ones over here. Its got to be the humour, there's no where like the wigan sense of humour

Comments: used to live in Bryn (Richmond Road) until 1964, then Ashton until 1968 when to live in Zambia for five years. Now in New Zealand since 1974. Would love to hear from old friends

I miss: Definitely miss Pools Pies, mushy peas, Tesco supermarkets, Marks & Spencer but most of all the people

Comments: Used to live in Appley Bridge/Wrightington. Went to St.Peters, then Wigan Tech. I'm working as a Graphic Designer in NZ and loving it. Left UK '95, spent time in Asia and Aussie before settling in NZ!

I miss: My mates from school/college... apart from that... nowt!

Comments: Was born in pemberton but lived in standish before emigrating. Iam a self employed painter & decorator. have 2 married kids and 6 grandchildren. my wife's name is Marion (nee pilkington)

I miss: family of course but keep in contact at all times. pies yes i miss them and the wigan sense of humour. family & very close friends would be the most we both miss even after 30 yrs,but would not go back to wigan to live

Comments: Lived in Wigan from 1951-1988 I was from Pemberton originally then moved over to Wigan Lane area, finally settling in Pemberton again. I moved to New Zealand in 1988 to be with the rest of my family who moved previously. Married in 1996 and have 3 boys . I am into photography and computers.

I miss: MIss friends, family , Wigan Cricket club. Voses pies Rivington pike on Good Friday. Match of the day, etc etc

Comments: I used to live in Poolstock. I was born in France but my father was english and a Wiganner. Taken to Wigan at the age of about two. Went to Poolstock school. My headmaster was Mr Horrocks. Canal across the road. Caught a pike once and kept it in a bath in the back yard such as it was. Came to New Zealand in 1956/8. Lived in Rotorua 30 yrs now in Whakatane 20 odd years. Growing Kiwifruit on 5.5 hectares.

I miss: Too young to really miss much, but do remember milk brought round by horse and cart-horse had feed bag. Snow outside the door. Lucille Hewitt (barmaid for jack and Annie at rovers return) was our next door neighbour. Walking days.

Comments: brought up in Newtown and then shifted at age 18 to Orrell near the Old Engine. Moved to Winstanley when i got married. Then to Falmouth in Cornwall for 12 months. Came back to Winstanley then emigrated to NZ in 1974. I am a self employed Draughtsman.

I miss: Pooles and Hampsons pies. Black peas. Steak pudding Chips and peas. Steam railways. Pint of Tetleys bitter. Fishing.

Comments: I left Higher Ince in 1969 to go to Australia and from there came to New Zealand in 1974. I am a mechanical services supervisor for a large construction, my work takes me all over the South Pacific and of course NZ.

I miss: The close nit community, the local pub and of course Wigan RL

Comments: I used to live in Wigan as a lad. Mum, Dad my brother Tony and me moved to New Zealand in 1974, when I was 6 yrs old. All my Dad's side of the family are still in Wigan or thereabouts. I'm now married with 4 kiddies of my own. I work for Toyota, but I also do a bit of freelance jingle writing for radio stations. I've been playing in bands since I was 16 and love my music.

I miss: My Nan still lives in Wigan and I've always missed seeing her and my 4 uncles, one Aunt and many cousins that haven't seen since they were nippers. What I also regret about not being in Wigan is the chance to pop down on a weekend and watch the mighty Wigan Warriors. My brother went back to Wigan for a year or so in the late 90's and said that the Rugby League was brilliant. PS Hi to Nan, Uncles Dave, John, Billy and Jeff and Anne. PPS The beer over here is bloody awful!

Comments: Originally from UpHolland, i left in 1967 to move first to Toronto, Canada for nearly 6 years, then to South Africa (going 'overland' from London to Capetown). Then in 1974 i moved to New Zealand.

I miss: I miss the Wigan sense of humour, good bacon, watching the mighty Wigan R.L.F.C. and of course my family. I don't miss the crowds, traffic jams, wet cold winters :) lol