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Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



Wigan Album

Davies family

6 Comments

Landgate colliery 1940's
Landgate colliery 1940's
Photo: Keith Beckett
Views: 3,116
Item #: 30502
My great uncle Billy at Landgate colliery.He's atanding on the right hand side.
He invested in the stock market for most of his adult life although he didn't have a telephone. All of his dealings were by telegram or letter.
He was also a talented musician playing the piano, banjo and piano accordion in the local pubs and clubs.

Comment by: DTease on 7th May 2018 at 21:18

It's sad Keith that some people think that because a man worked down the mines he must have been lacking intelligence? Many brilliant Writers, Artists, and Musicians spent there working lives down the Mines.
They used what little free time they had to improve their education by attending Night Schools and Libraries. They set up Brass Bands so that they could practice their music.
Just because a man gets his hands dirty at his work does not mean that he can't think and strive to better himself.

Comment by: Keith Beckett on 8th May 2018 at 09:27

Absolutely DTease. Coal mining was an automatic way of life for many communities irrespective of ability. No doubt many would have excelled in all walks of life had they had the opportunity to use their considerable talents.

Comment by: GW. on 8th May 2018 at 09:35

Well said DTease.

Comment by: Jarvo on 9th May 2018 at 18:17

Most miners were dog tired when they'd finished their shifts, certainly far too tired to do wheeler dealing in the distant stock market. But well done, Sir and to do music as well is outstanding. Did your uncle do a surface job by any chance? He surely couldn't have done a coal face job and worked out his money while he did it...Was he the Lamp Mon by any chance?

Comment by: Keith Beckett on 9th May 2018 at 22:38

Jarvo

The 1939 census lists him as a Colliery Hewer (Below) Heavy Worker.

Comment by: Dougie on 25th May 2018 at 20:44

The man on the left looks like Joe Tootle an old work friend, someone on WW maybe able to confirm that for me that it is

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