Wigan Album

Wigan lost a gem of an auditorium when it was decided it had to go to make way for the bus station. I never went to hear any of the musical recitals that were held there, but I do remember the Portobello Market and the Flea Market that were held there every month in the massive cellars.

I just can't seem to remember the names of the Minister and his wife who in the 1970s pioneered the opening of a Women's Refuge on Standishgate and a Soup Kitchen in the town centre which became The Brick, these markets helped to pay their running costs. If anyone can remember their names please post, at the time if it helps they lived on Greenways Standish before retiring to Southport way.

Was it Ron Charlton, Cyril? I don't know his wife's name.

Ron’s wife was Grace Charlton.

Cyril..was it William Wickham?.

Cyril,I've just realised I hadn't looked at the date that you mentioned,it can't possibly be W.Wickham,he would have been long gone by 1970...very sorry about that Cyril.

Maureen, William wickham was at St. Andrews beach hill.

Yes thank you Daniel,I did know,it was only the other week I was reading all about him.
This morning I read a good article all about the full history of Beech Hill..but that's another story.

Irene and Daniel that's their names, thanks for that, I've been wracking my brains trying to think of them, and Wigan was all the richer too by the work done by them. The council took over the running of the Women's Refuge and it moved elsewhere into much better premises, sad really that these refuges were and still are very much needed.

Maureen, I don't know if the one you read was the same written by Graham Taylor along with information from Andy Lomax and Jim Meehan from Wigan Local History and Heritage Society, this too is a very enlightening and interesting read about Beech Hill. If you want to read it and also for anyone interested in Local History, link below.
https://static.s123-cdn.com/uploads/3625811/normal_6034e5986adb1.pdf

Cyril,the articles that I've been reading seem to be by Wigan local history..and Heritage Society,I've really enjoyed reading everything..it's so interesting.

Yes thank you Daniel,I did know,it was only the other week I was reading all about him.
This morning I read a good article all about the full history of Beech Hill..but that's another story.

I wish someone could tell me why my posts double up.