Wigan Album

That is the old West, before the extention to the concert room was built. Lokoing at this picture, I think this may be General meeting on a Sunday morning; the way folk are dressed looks pretty much like it to me. A lovely photograph of a great club that is so sadly missed.

What a great photo of times gone by! Very atmospheric. Thanks for sharing.

Where was the location of this club?

Jarvo,If it were a general meeting on a Sunday morning there would be no ale on the tables, the bar only opened after the meeting had finished

Albert: I think the meeting has finished...lol.

Jarvo. It probably had ,if the club no longer exists.

I love this photo, Jarvo. It reminds me of the time when my Mam and Dad,(who were in their forties when I was born), could enjoy a drink in the "Singing Room" in the pub across from our house, in the company of friends and neighbours, without being subjected to foul language and unacceptable behaviour, which would have been nipped in the bud by the Landlord. Where did it all go wrong?!

It as all gone wrong Irene, because respect for other peoples feelings, or circumstances, are no longer a consideration. Too much materialism within modern society.

I agree with you Irene sadly happy days will never return,

Great photo. Is this Pemberton West Ward at the top of Norley Hall ave. It would be interesting if it could be roughly dated I would say sometime early fifties judging by the clothes Interestingly there appears to be a grand piano on the stage and a drum kitt. Most clubs moved over to electric organs in the fifties.

I would say late fifties. I still remember those two doors at each corner of the stage. At the kids' Christmas party, you went through the left one empty handed, and came out of the right one with your present. Then you walked down an ailse and were given a bag that was filled with an apple, an orange, a bag of crisps, a bottle of pop, a section box, and ten bob in an envelope...It was the best kids' party in England. NO DANGER!

Selection box! lol

Like Jarvo, my earliest memories of West Ward were mid /late 60s Christmas parties. This must have been prior to that....as Jarvo said, there were 2 doors, one either side of the stage...the door to the left is on the side wall so is committee room. They must have refurbished and moved the stage over to the rightsome time before mid 60s. The later extensions were done approx 1974.

My granddad Tom Wilding used to be on the door at West Ward

Spent a good few Saturday nights in here, from 1968 to 1980

As a travelling performer I worked West Ward loads of times and often parked my camper van overnight in the car park. No one wanted to work Christmas day so in the late 70s I did Christmas day noon show two years running, both ended in a fight

Best club ever great memories, just asking what date did the club close