Photo-a-Day  (Thursday, 3rd January, 2019)

thats hou biks get in the cut'

This place is starting to look dilapidated, Mick , you had better move your bike, there is a wagon full of coal coming, and if they get the tippler working your bike will be toast. Happy New Year.

There are old photos like this of Wigan Pier from years ago and it has gone back to what it was. It is as if "The Way We Were" museum never happened or was just a dream.

Irene,I never understood why it was closed,
or did I miss something,I personally thought it
was a brilliant place,I went with my youngest Son,and he thoroughly enjoyed it..I also took my Mam,and have lovely memories of their day...can anyone enlighten me as to the reason why it was closed please.

Now it's desolate and really consigned to history! 'The Way We Were' is now the way it is....of no significance at all it seems. One thing strikes me - there's no litter about even though the weeds are sprouting up here and there.

It probably wasn't making money, Maureen. I remember going with both our Jamie's and our Ashley's classes from primary school and we all dressed in Victorian clothes. I also loved the Robert Opie museum that opened for a while, displaying old packaging, old toys etc. I went twice on my own and could have spent a day there each time, but I believe Robert Opie himself wasn't happy with the way it had been set out. I'm so glad I saw it before it disappeared.

We went in the late 80s, the Victorian classroom and strict discipline was certainly a sharp shock to our young children. They said they were glad that they didn't have to go to school in them days.

Tommy,when my youngest lad came out of the classroom,he said the palms of his hands were sweating,and said exactly the same.

There was a nice shop there as well at one time, selling Dorma bedding and ex M&S. Very good quality and not bad prices. That's a good while ago though....

I agree Maureen and Irene, it was a brilliant place to visit. I'm sure you're right,it closed because it wasn't making enough profit, and it does look quite desolate now.

That Victorian generation hardly had anything going for them. Rough lives, rough schooling and rough working lives and on top of those unhappy circumstances,those born in the later years of Victoria's reign had the Great War to contend with! Not much to look forward to had they?

I was hauled up to the front of the Victorian Classroom and called a "Jezebel" because I had "paint", (make-up), on!

We went many years ago and I wandered off on mi own and came across the room with the coffin in and his missus telling me the story. I played along as though I knew the fella, and when I came out I went running around looking for the wife like an excited little school boy. When I found her I said "You have just got to come and see what I have seen". The whole experience was brilliant and reminded me why I love Wiggin and the people so much.

Peebee,I remember going into that parlour where the coffin was laid out,and nobody spoke a word,everything was hushed,it was so realistic.Also my youngest Son at the time was a teenager and white trousers had just come into fashion..as we walked past one of the staff,he said "Eyup lad,hasta bin playing cricket",I thought he was quick on the ball as up until then only cricketers were wearing white trousers.

A belated Happy New Year to all contributors to WW, especially PhilipG, Irene and Maureen.

And a Happy New Year to you too Johnny..I wish you everything you wish yourself.xxx