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Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



Wigan Album

Roburite Works, Gathurst

8 Comments

Roburite Gathhurst 1950-1960?
Roburite Gathhurst 1950-1960?
Photo: Kath Gerring
Views: 2,533
Item #: 22424
Works outing ?

Comment by: Mavis Higham (nee Gee) on 14th January 2013 at 21:27

Front row seated 1st from right Tom Ashcroft (my uncle)

They have not formed neat rows on this picture, perhaps they had had a wee dram on the coach so I hope I get these right.
Standing - 2nd fron right Fred Jones, 4th from right John Gee (my dad).

Back row Jack Rollins (wearing glasses) is in the middle behind a lady who is wearing a dark suit and a light hat.

Seems like they were enjoying themselves. Love Uncle Tom's tie.

Comment by: Me on 17th January 2013 at 12:57

I just want to say a thanks to the contributor of this photo and the identity input, the lady putting some names to the people. It does really pay for people to visit the album and take an interest in what people kindly share.
That pic has enabled me to see what John 'Jack' Rollins looked like. He was a cousin of my Grandfather who died in 1929, no photograph of him exists. Looking at Jack Rollins
there - I can pick out familial features, recognisable over a long time - I believe the Clan must have strong genes.
John 'Jack' Rollins has been recorded on my family history work for years - and what a pleasant surprise to 'meet' his image here. Thank you ladies, you have made my day - no photo of Grandfather - but a good look at what his cousin looked like! (Am a female, it's me job)

Comment by: Katd on 17th January 2013 at 14:45

Alf Bretherton is second on the left middle row. Centre front row i am sure is surname was Fairhurst.

Comment by: Bob Aspey on 18th January 2013 at 20:15

Hi Mavis...I remember your dad well, he was a great guy....I bet you don't remember me?

Comment by: Mavis Higham on 19th January 2013 at 15:27

Kath, I am sure I heard my dad mention Alf Bretherton and his face looks familiar to me. Occasionally I visited Roburite with my dad, we played tennis on the courts there. Possibly I met your dad but it would be about 60 years ago so can't be certain. I can't thank you enough for sharing these photos!

Me, I knew Jack Rollins and his wife Maggie quite well when I was a girl as they lived near us in Gathurst rd (approx 148). We lived at 162. They had a black mongrel dog, Laddie. Maggie's brother Bill Bone lived further down at approx. 174. Jack is on some of the other photos as well - I have just put his name on the bowling team photo. I have just been looking at the Rollins and Melling family photos in Album, and yes, there is a family likeness between young Ben in 1926 and Jack. Hopefully others will see familiar faces and be able to put names to them.

Bob Aspey, Of course I remember you. After all we share an aunty,an uncle and a cousin, not to mention a chip range by John Rouse of Oldham. For anyone wondering - my dad had a chip shop which he opened some evenings and weekends. It was next door to the Old Engine pub and was demolished when the Cambridge rd houses were built. The chip range was the bought by Bob's dad for his chippy and lived to fry another day. Thanks for your kind words about my dad. He was indeed a great chap. Much missed and always remembered.

Comment by: Anthony Green on 5th February 2014 at 20:25

My father Frederick Edward Green worked at the Roberite works, Gathurst for 30 years 1921-1951 ish, he worked as a dispatcher. Does anyone on this thread remember him or has heard of him. Thanks Tony

Comment by: Ian Worthington on 29th December 2016 at 12:34

Jack Rollins was one of my grandmothers brothers,(Elizabeth Whitfield). My mum & dad bought Bill Bone's house when he died in the early 80's, Dad still lives there.

Comment by: Anne McHugh on 16th July 2023 at 19:41

My aunt, Belle (Bella, Isabel) Fouchard worked at Roberite during WW2.
She lived at Ormskirk Rd, Upholland and walked to work every night. She told us of seeing a silver fox in the moonlight as she and her pal pushed trucks of grenades to storage along the rail tracks!
I think she had two friends working there too, Grace and Dorothy (Dolly) Wadey. Dorothy became Mrs. Molyneux. Don't know Grace's married name. They are all "long gone" now. R.I.P. and thanks to you and all who were at Roberite doing such valuable war work for this country. in the time of greatest need.

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