Wigan Album

In those days the band was often called Birkett's Band by the locals.
There are ten Birketts in the photograph.

my grandads on this picture (Lot Birkett) its so nice to see him with all his family x

Does anyone know of Wilf Gill, his son Wilf and other sone (I think) Bill. One of them payed the big drum I think.

I had an uncle Stan Birket, used to be the landlord of the Black Horse in Blackrod. Could he be on this photo ? The man 4th from left in front row looks like him.

Hi Ken R
I knew your Uncle Stan very well, used to chat to him in the Black Horse, however he is not on this photo.
The man fourth from left on the front row was Charlie Hulse the band's conductor in the fifties.

Christine,
The man standing fourth from right on the back row is Billy Gill.
Wilf Gill, the drummer is standing extreme right middle row.

my dad is one of the ten Birketts in this photo. Top row second from the right Brian Birkett. Thomas Birkett my uncle top row first from the right. William (Bill) Birkett my grandad bottom row second in from left.

Hi, it was great to see these two old photos. I remember them in the band room over the 'Royal' pub in New Springs.
I used to go to Our Lady's school in Aspull and started playing with the Haigh Band in 1970. All the Birketts were very helpfull to me, especially Lot and Bill who taught me to play the cornet. Nowadays I live in New Zealand and conduct brass bands in NZ and Australia. Couldn't have done it without these guys.

My Grandfather Hugh Owen was the Landlord of The Royal in New Springs were the band used to practice. He is 5th from the left front row.

my father John Turner played solo Euphonium and is pictured front row 3rd along. He was proud to be apart of this successful band and I am proud to see him in this photograph.

Middle row 3rd and 4th from right my uncle jack and my grandad Birkett