Photo-a-Day  (Sunday, 17th March, 2024)

Never knew of this very old building and not a clue where it is. I don’t know how you get around to find these secret places Colin. There must be others hidden away that missed the ‘chopping block’!

Perhaps it was in situ when the Jacobites marched through Wigan as related in the book by Kathleen Fidler...The White Cockade Passes....
Nice old building with, as you say Colin, a story or two to tell.

Could it be a stable?

I've never heard of The Hadera Restaurant and had to Google it to find out where it is. But I love that barn, even though I had no idea it existed until I saw the photo. Let's just hope the powers-that-be leave it well alone.

Veronica, I probably walked by it many times over the years and never particularly noticed it.
I was sat on a bench where the Empire Cinema had been up Coopers Row outside John Bull Chop House taking in what was left of all the old building, the sun came out and there it was in all its glory.
I think it’s quite attractive in its simple but practical design.

Helen, I knew of this book but could not remember the full title nor the author. Just found it on Amazon, only one left in stock so I have ordered it. Thanks for the tip.

Looks like an old cow shed.

Malc, if you are looking today, sorry there are no flowers or wildlife, not even a pigeon but there is a bit of tree and grass!

Colin, only a few years ago you needed a King's Ransom to buy "The White Cockade Passes"! Lucky you! I have quite a number of Kathleen Fidler's "The Brydons" series, though.

Irene, I will email a picture.
Exactly where The Ribble Cabinet Company was, the frontage remodelled but made very attractive.

There is a Hedera Restaurant near Wigan Cemetery, Warrington Lane, Lower Ince.

Next time I go to Wigan I’ll nip up that row Colin. Not far from the great glass house then with that ‘gawping’ miserable face.

Spot on Veronica, before I got up from the bench someone tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘Its Behind You’.

Irene I looked up the Kathleen Fidler book...one in good condition was £120 ! My Mother's copy is only worth abt £40 but its not for sale .

Well, your getting there....
Many thanks for the, Colin.

Helen, mine on Amazon is £25.00 + £2.80 postage. This was the last one available in stock.
Once I have read it I'm open to offers. Might ask Ron or Brian to post a picture of the cover on WW and start the bidding!!!!!!

Thankyou Helen. xxx

Helen, apparently it is being dispatched by World Of Rare Books.

COLIN YOU ARE LUCKY TO FIND THAT BOOK FOR THAT PRICE. AS PEOPLE HAVE SAID IT'S A VERY RARE BOOK...

To all you wigan worlders the cafe that was next to the Jokers restaurant was called the Empress cafe,it served a nice hotel horlicks in winter time.

Thanks Eddie, I think that was the original name before the clever clogs kept changing it.

Ron, I have just sent you a picture of the front cover.

Could it be a stable?

Pw. It could have been many things over the last 300 years, barn, cow shed, stables and storage shed for numerous homes and businesses. Who knows Bonny Prince Charlie could have stabled is horses in there. And the old stone foundations might even cover up Roman Remains but doubt that Three Wise Men ever visited, not from Wigan Council that is otherwise it would have been demolished.
Anything though is possible.

Yet again I find it fascinating how a simple picture can generate so many interesting stories, memories and conversations.
Thank you for engaging today. Colin.

DTease, whereabouts is the Hedera Restaurant in Lower Ince please? I know the cemetery area well and I only know The Old Hall Hotel next to the cemetery itself and The Black Diamond round the corner from there going towards Wigan, and I don't think they are still open. I am just puzzled.

Colin, I doubt there ARE three wise men on Wigan Council!

Irene, it’s strange but the map on TripAdvisor for Colin’s restaurant shows it as located on Warrington Road just a little before the Cemetery but it shows the restaurant where Colin says it is!
Maybe they changed addresses and not the map?

Another good shot Colin, you don't half find them. I think it was called Casino de Cuba before it became Hedera. I was at a wedding reception there a couple of years ago and never knew this was out the back. I'll take a look next time i'm in Wigan on the bike.

Born in 1899 in Coalville, Leicestershire, Kathleen Annie Fidler was educated at Wigan Girls' High School, and at St. Mary's College in Bangor, North Wales. She was the headmistress of the Scot Lane Evening Institute from 1924-30, and taught at St. Paul's Girls' School, Wigan, from 1925-30. Fidler married J.H. Goldie in 1930, and had one daughter and one son. She spent most of her married life in the Edinburgh area, and died in 1980.
A prolific author, who penned both children's books and scripts for the BBC, Fidler is perhaps best remembered as the creator of two series, one about the Brydon family, the other about the Deans.