Wigan Album

Did Lord Robens visit twice? I was there when Sid was and I seem to remember Lord Robens coming while I was there,but I left in 1967.

did Sid stop Lord Robens time for going up early? He did everyone else's! Great guy though very black and white and didn't suffer fools. Great memories

I remember Sid Hitchison very well. He started at Johnpit just after me, straight from Training school (Low Hall).
Nice friendly lad, he had a brother George. I think when I left, he was working with the diallers (linesmen/surveyers).

sids brother george, was best man at my dads wedding... back in 1961 [bernard butcher].

the one on the right is Bill Holdsworth the colliery manager at that time.

Saw Sid in Pemberton the other day,looks in good fettle.Spoke with ex Parkside deputy Kenny Walker the day after,struggling on the pins but otherwise ok.Kenny also tells me ex Parkside overman Bill Peet aka "skippy" has just passed away.Everyone at the pit will remember Bill,always rushing about and screaming down the DAC system.
Sad to hear of his passing.

Sid was good friends with my Grandad, Ron Wilkins. I have been looking for photos of them both and have tried to get in touch with sid but have had no sucess. My Grandad passed away in 2007 and would love to hear any tales about the two of them.

Joanne Wilkins, let me have your email and I will get in touch with Sid for you. I remember your granddad at Parkside, but have no stories about him.

Yes, I remember Sid very well.I was part of the photo with Sid, Frank Atherton and Bill Holdsworth (Manager). We met Lord Robens as part of the Parkside First Aid Team. Sid was No4 in the team.

Sid has a brother who worked at bickershaw, he got a few good hiddings in Wigan by mistake. Good to read your comments Tony (TIGER)

I remember Sid had quite a reputation at the colliery, was s decent bloke though, new his brother George from my time with the junior first aid team.

Is that John Welsby Geoff Berry's mate? If so I remember you trying to keep up with him, must have ADHD Berry he was never still.

Fred, regarding Joanne Wilkin's request for info on her grandad Tommy-did you know my dad Bert? He was Tommy's best mate, they went everywhere fishing together (me also). Sadly, we lost my dad 8 Dec last year (2009). It would be great if anyone had any pit piccies of either of them. Incidentally, I worked at Parkside from '69 to '74 as a fitter. Does anyone reading this recall it? I did a regular 3 or 4 days a week as a young lad before 'seeing the light!'

hi denis
i remember you very well along with your brother ronnie we started together at old boston tc back in 69 along with p rutter and urco good to here from you how are you?

Does anyone remember the undermanager nicknamed VUM.
These were his car lisence plate letters, one of the face men transferred from Dairy Pit gave him this name. Then he changed his car and when he came into work he said well thats the end of VUM, the same guy who had called him VUM said well this is much better it was VLV, it is now VUM lousy VUM.

from left roy mason.little sid,frank atherton ,alan davies .and bill holdsworth from ken foster

Hi Roy, How you doing? Sorry i've not replied sooner - been busy being unemployed for 8 months. I remember owd Boston - happiest year of my life - sunbathing on top of the gallery, diggin out from under upturned tanks, eating worms and wacked on the arce for £1.65. Do you hear from any of the other Frank Heavey, Herc ...forgot the names of a lot of them. Drop me an email will you? Should be good.
Cheers - Denis

I was there,operating the flameproof flash for the photographer,I was on the first aid team with Frank and Alan.

alan davies leave me your email address ken

Hi Ken
Nice to see you are contributing to Wigan World. Your photos bring back many memories. Very sad to here of Kath and Geoff (fine people) they will be sadly missed. Sid has a good following with regard to Wigan world. I alwayys thought he would generate some form of fan club .

Best regards to Bev and yourself.

Allan

Hello Fred

Its been many years since we worked at Parkside (MID 60 / early 70s). Remember the first aid team and the years we spent in North Stafforshire. Good memories.

Best regards

Allan

Hello Allan,how are you,contact me on facebook?

hello denis& roy i was at old boston in 69 i think i remember u i was mining craft i remember the mining lads playing the fitters&elecis at fottie and we wore our pit boots they footie boots we kick them off the field good memories

He was boss at pit bottom for a while when i was on the locos,he wasnt as bad as people made him out,he was a pussy cat,couldnt get him out of the cabin when it was cold.I used to run rings round him,he used to say i was a pain in the butt,just like my dad,Terry Rich,belt man

Sid Hichisson and I started work at John pit and worked together in the early 50's. We were also in the Pit First Aid team. I do not live in the area now. I would love to contact Sid, can anyone help.

Ho i remember little sid he always stopped my time for comming up the pit early,even though i was carring power case's but tobe fair he got me top rate of pay wheni worked L18 return haulage

When I worked at Parkside remember little Sid going on holiday to Spain,stood at the bottom of steps to board plane and wouldn't let anyone get on the plane.a man tapped him on the shoulder and said but I'm the pilot ,little Sid said I'm not bothered who you are this planes not going till its time.

Sorry to hear that Alan Davies has passed away we had many good memories to share he will be sadly missed.