Wigan Album

just lovely!!

Johnny Bradburn was a teacher at the Wigan Grammar School in the 50's and owner, at the time, of the famous JJB's. The bat was named after the legendary Don Bradman of Australia, not Johnny. I now realise the photo must have been 1953, not 51. Thank you Josie.

I see one of the tail lamps has been knocked of your WICKET?
Hope the owner didnt mind!!

Thinking about it, I think there may have only been one tail light in those days, I think it is just a speck of dirt on the photo and not a screw hole.

Would the small sign to the left of the lowest window be Jack Cometomorrows shop ????

Hi Dave, just for info' this was my father's 1939 Hillman Minx, it lasted until 1956. The indicators were the ones that (sometimes) emerged from the pillar posts as long as you gave a hefty bang - otherwise it was usually a matter of hand signals. Other "features" the front windscreen could be opened as you drove along and one memorable 7 hour trip to Wales (the car needed a de-coke) the windscreen wipers packed up and of course it poured all the way, involved my father operating them manually from inside the car - repetitive wrist strain injury indeed!

Hi Aitch, unfortunately "Jack To-morrow's" shop is well hidden by the car. He managed a couple of cricket sessions with us down "Masons Hollow" during his short lunch hour. The sign at the very edge of the photo on the left is one of those "play street" signs - it was often used by children to swing themselves around holding onto it by one hand. My sister was doing just that one day when this exact post and sign promptly fell down narrowly missing her. Health and safety!