Photo-a-Day  (Wednesday, 4th November, 2020)

Would have made a better photo..except for all those cars but thats life these days.

Good photo Mick, captures Wigan as it is today

Helen, Its not trying to be a better photo, I took it so future viewers of Wiganworld PAD, who may enjoy looking back at old photos of some vintage cars parked up on Wigan lane in autumn of the year 2020

I agree with Helen about the cars but can't be helped these days. I like that one, Mick. Happy memories of going to Haigh Hall on the tractor from the Plantation Gates on a Sunday afternoon as a child. We certainly didn't have a car....we went to Wigan on the bus and walked up to the plantations.....me and my Mam and Dad going through those gates into the cool, shady plantations. I love the tree with its Autumnal colours. It seems to make a natural frame for the gates.

Parking for Wigan Infirmary Helen, unfortunately, their car parks aren't big enough and they charge too much.

Should have gone further down the road just past the hospital entrance and took the shot looking UP Wigan Lane. No cars parked near the Hall entrance and could have waited for a gap in the flowing traffic

Why don't you do it Peter P?

A good photo Mick, it is what it is ! like you say Mick, 40 -50 years from now folks will be able to see what the Autumn of 2020 was like at this spot. We all like looking back over old photo's maybe our children's - children will have the same enjoyment.

The stone structures are still so impressive, you can imagine the coach and horses entering the path to the Hall. The parked cars are like permanent 'structures' as well.... it's a pity.

Again very sorry to interrupt photo a day,but Veronica can you send your email address to Ron Hunt please so I can reply to you..have looked everywhere for it but cannot find it ..Ron will then send it to me.x

Maureen I have sent you an email. I will ask Ron to send it to you though.

Edna you would have been able to access all the records at the history shop on library street but they are closed at the moment.If you don’t have access to census records let me know her full name when she was born and if possible her parents names and I will look for you.

Maureen. I have forwarded Veronica's email address to you. I seem to have TWO addresses for you, Maureen, and not sure which is current so have sent to both. Hope you're okay. Mick won't mind us doing this.

Veronica,I've got your email,am waiting for Ron to send me yours.

Irene,I haven't got your email yet..again Ron will send you my current address.

Sorry again folks for interuptions.

How do you know Irene what Mick likes and doesn't like, lately on PADs its getting like me going into the chippy to order, and the two chippy women ignore me until they have finished their chit chat.

People are still looking at the photo Mick, your efforts have not been in vain.

Because I just know you WON'T mind, Mick. We've all passed on a message via p-a-d now and again when we have had no other means of doing so. Maureen did apologise and I think we're all sorted now. We all liked your photo today, and I would give you my undivided attention and an extra-large portion of chips and a free can of pop if I worked in the chippy! xx

That was never a main entrance to Haigh Hall.

Veronica,I've got your email,am waiting for Ron to send me yours.

Irene,I haven't got your email yet..again Ron will send you my current address.

Sorry again folks for interuptions.

Lovely photo of Autum thank you Mick.... Jean thank you, I only know she was May Kay. 5th June. approximately 1911.I will check with the history shop when they reopen.

I don’t know how they could miss you Mick, they can’t get many men in there sitting on a ‘ lectric bike.

When I was little , the ladies in the chippy would give me two chips on a wooden fork for waiting quietly like a good boy .

After the official opening of Wigan Infirmary King Edward Vll entered those gates with his entourage by coach and horses to stay at Haigh Hall. No back entrance for Royalty in the late 1800's.

Poet's mention of waiting patiently to be served in shops whilst the old un's spoke in half heard whispers. Made me think of when I heard it said. " Yeah she's bin teken th' Infirmary - her's had everythin' teken away" !
No wonder I was terrified if I had to go to the Infirmary!

I do believe they used the Whelley route to and from the hall, Veronica.

I am sure they did George. But when the the Prince of a Wales officially opened the Infirmary , they would have used the Plantation Gates, surely. It was and is a magnificent entrance. Why would they go through Whelley when they could use the entrance on Wigan Lane? Wouldn't it have been a more pleasant journey through the Plantations , it may not have been as overgrown in those days anyway. There must be a record of it somewhere of the route. It seems more logical to me.

ps George . Wouldn't that have meant going up Greenough St and then Scholes ? Shiver me timbers! The Prince of Wales riding up Scowes in a fancy carriage, what would the good folk of Scholes thought about that I wonder ..all them pubs as well !

According to Wigan Council, Veronica, that's the way they went. And they also went that way the day after, Bolton and back.
Again, I'm only repeating what Wigan Council say. I didn't wee them myself.

Looks like I will have to believe you George, although it seems pointless to me. Perhaps it was so the poor folk of Scholes could see their future King. I hope they didn't boo him though, seeing as there was a lot of Irish people living around St Pat's.