Photo-a-Day  (Wednesday, 17th July, 2024)

Much nicer when it was 'Baker's Jewel Casket'

one of the more upmarket jewellers

Quite uncanny Dennis, in that I have sent a similar photo to Brian this morning.
Mine is really regarding the location to what was the entrance to the Market Arcade or as we remember it The Little Arcade.
If you look at that empty shop on the right (I think it was last Boots Opticians) there is a plaque on the wall at the far side above that couple’s head stating that that was the entrance to the Market Arcade, which is incorrect.
The entrance was beneath the two white blank panels on the right of the Goldsmiths sign and the old entrance is now incorporated into Goldsmiths as an extension.
I went into Goldsmiths last November, the manager was very helpful and informative, he told me about some of the history and brought out some old photos and memorabilia for me to photograph. Including the original casting of the 1843 plaque above the shop that fell of decades ago now recast and back on the wall.
Should anyone like these photos and the report I sent to Wigan Museum my email address is on yesterdays pad.

I still think of it as Bakers. And yes you’re right Dennis. It was the essence of ‘poshness’. ;~).

My ring was from Ratner's which was also along that stretch. Maybe not as posh as Baker's but the ring is as it was 50 years ago when it was put on my finger, and its pattern is as sharp as it was then. Unfortunately I have had to remove all my rings recently due to swollen fingers. Baker's Jewel Casket used to be advertised along with adverts for Wigan businesses at The Ritz, (ABC), Cinema on Station Road in between the Pathe News and the film....Rathbone's God Medal Bread being another one.
Colin, I would like to see the photos please, and you already have my email address. Thankyou.

Our wedding rings were bought from there when it was Bakers, 56 years ago.

I went in this shop when it was Baker and asked them to put a new battery in my Seiko watch, they said you will have to leave it with us because we will need to send it away.
So much for it ever being a good shop.

Same thing happened with my Rotary watch which was bought from there when I took it in for a new battery.

Baker’s for me in the 60’s. Marriage lasted 33 years and then I decided I’d had enough. Happily single for over 22 years now and I’ve got my smile back.

Best. place in Wigan to get a new battery fitted is lad in the market hall. He does mine once a year and only changes about £5, alway good service so I always put a couple of quid in his charity running collection tin

Do couples get married these days.

Change battery yourself, only cost £5 for five disc batteries on ebay.
That's five years supply.