Wigan Album

Not a car or bus to be seen, I remember going to Lowes up stairs to see Father Christmas each year in the late 50s early 60s it was great, the place was buzzing with kids each saturday up to Christmas. Thanks Aitch.

Those toilets were a work of art, always pristine with polished copper and brasswork. I like to think that they might remain intact, encapsulated for a future generation to rediscover.

We sure do love talking about those toilets on WW! I love the photo though - no clutter of signs, or cars!

i remember going into lowes for a drink with my auntie when i were young. looking back it reminds me of the programe are you being served.at least those days when you went in a shop you got the sales assistants attention not like some of them today who to busy chatting or chewing gum to be bothered with you.oh i think im getting old. lol

Hi Trewyth, I do believe the toilets are still there, they were capped over,

"Alexandre" tailors became Jacksons Got my wedding suit from Jacksons 1957 so the photo was before then.
Good beer ad., topright Double Diamond.

Toilets were filled with concrete I believe.

A simple photo of a time long since past.
Are we any the better, for mans delusional pursuit of never ending progress?
Somehow I don't think so.
Be Happy every one and take care.

Syd.

lovly photo aich , i think they were the best kept toilets anywhere i always remember the strong smell of pinacle disinfectant, lovely,not like today the toilets in wigan are disgusting they stink!!! i was in leigh last week and went to the toilet on the bus station it was before 12 so not as if they had been used all day, i was disgusted there was paper all over the place the toilets were dirty there was a wine bottle in one and the dryer didnt work and they stank but what annoys me is where is the attendant not doing their job obviously all i could hear was music comming from where he or she sits on their arse all day,well ive had my rant now , feel better ha ha.

Oh how I wish I lived in Wigan. God Bless You.

My great auntie, Sally Fanning worked in the toilets for many years and she loved her job. Whenever me and my mum went in she would use her 'special key' and let us go for free. But dont tell the council or they will be after us for all the pennies we owe them. LOL.

Hello Derek in Aus Just a point.. Alexandres shop became Brooks Bros then Sarah Lynns. Jacksons was next door on the corner it then became a travel agents

Julie I thought your comment was really funny. To think of all those 'free wees' you and your mum must have had over the years, courtesy of Wigan Council, it's no wonder our rates (as they were called in those days) kept going up!

Julie, haven't you just told the world...... great story.

Gerry, my mistake,but I thought they took the corner shop as well.

Nellie Latham was also an attendant at the Ladies.
Often used to have a chat with her when she was stood at the top of the steps, taking a break.

Yes Gem is correct, the toilets were removed and the void filled in.

I remember my mates and I in the early sixties after going to the baths would buy chips and a ha'penny crust from the Boro chippy; and then make our way to the back of the shop at the side of Churchgate, I think it was a bakery, and sit eating them on the iron grating where there was always hot air blowing up from the cellar.

Has anyone else noticed the decline in public toilets?Maybe it is just me getting older that needs to plan my route by them!

I remember those toilets had perfume dispensers in them, you could put money in a slot and get a squirt of the perfume of your choice. I can only remember 1 of the perfumes and that was Coty L'Aimant.Oh happy days. !!!!!!!!!

I don't recall the perfume dispensers but I can still hear the old penny, (with Britannia on the front), dropping into the slot on the doors, the flush of the chain-handle (out of reach of a small child), and the clang of those heavy doors! Yes, we DO like to remember those old toilets, abd why shouldn't we?!

i worked at nora webster and norman hair dressing 1972 till 1979 good times in those days took good pictures from the top of lowes roof buses stop at front of lowes