Wigan Album

Just wait Jack.....irene wil be on these like a cat on a kipper

Looks like R Josie peeping out from back row on the left

How well you know Irene.She'll be kicking herself the photo wasn't just a bit higher up the street to show her old home.

How well you know me, Gerry! These are wonderful. Although I walked with either Ince Central or Rose Bridge Methodists, (where I was christened), I lived next door to St. Williams, and remember scenes like this in Ince Green Lane so well; neighbours lining the pavement, or even taking chairs out to watch "T'Scholars", gossiping over who was "livin' oe'r t'brush" or who had "done a moonleet", ice-cream vans vying for the best "speck" and, as I have told on here before, Aunty Mary trying to put a posh voice on but getting her aitches in the wrong place: "Oh, 'ello Vicar, hisn't it 'ot?", then spying some high-up church lady's little lad carrying a crepe-paper covered crook, and returning to her normal voice: "Ey-up, Ah thowt yon mon ud at t'be a shepherd!" Then a special walking-day tea of boiled ham, lettuce and tomatoes, followed by jelly-and-custard. Happy, happy days! I'm sure you remember them too, Gerry! Thanks to Jack Lawton for posting. Hope you've got some more!

Yep... Irene is gonna be doing back flips when she sees these, just don't put your back out pet.

I'm with Irene on this , Walking Days will always remain clear in my mind as such special days, such special memories...

How well you ALL know me! I remember little lads marching with the boys' brigade pretending to play trombones, imitating the accompanying brass band, and causing titters from the onlookers, then when they realised they had an audience, they would obligingly cross their eyes and adopt a comical walk to accompany the "trombone playing"! I remember the beautiful rich colours on the embroidered banners, the heady scent of fresh flowers in the little girls' posies and the special "feel" in the air that was Walking Day.

Beautifully described Irene. Let us promise never to forget those very special days. You should write a book Irene as you paint the picture just as it was.

Irene. If you lived so near to St William's Church, you probably would have known some very good friends of my family, Jimmy & Jane Mayors. They lived about three houses passed the church, a terrace row, of about six houses.

Beltin pictures, great memories of walking those four weary miles collecting money off my relatives and running like hell at the end to collect a bottle of pop from a table set up in the school yard

Great days watching the walking days in Ince Green Lane...My Uncle Tommy And auntie Tilly Chatterley lived at 106, whos front door was facing St williams church.

Albert, I know the row you mean, but don't recall Jimmy and Jane. I was born in 1952; my mam and dad were in their forties, my brothers were many years my senior.....one was 19 when I was born, and the other one was 12, so our memories of people are so different. I always enjoy your reminiscences on Wigan World.....we all remember Ince and Wigan in different eras and that's what makes it so interesting.

Jean, thankyou so much for a lovely compliment; the comments I have made did actually come from an article I wrote for Past Forward some years ago. Gerry, I remember many Jumble Sales in that schoolyard. They were held in the Parochial Hall if it rained, but always seemed more fun in the schoolyard. A. Bolton, I think we have "spoken" before. Tommy Chatterly, (Tommy Chat), was a great friend of my Dad, Bob Griffiths, and both were true Gentlemen. My friend Dennis Miller, an earlier commenter on this thread, will confirm that.

Happy Bank Holiday Weekend, All! Off to our caravan, but straight back on here next week to see if any more photos or comments. Goodnight.

For those of a nostalgic persuasion who don't know Irene's wonderful stories, try to get hold of some old copies of Past Forward e.g.issues 32,34,36,38. Jean has it right when she comments on Irene's wonderful way with words

Irene/ Neil , I will try to seek out Past Forward. How beautifully Irene puts it.... 'I remember the beautiful rich colours on embroidered banners, the heady scent of fresh flowers in the little girls posies and the special 'feel' in the air that was 'Walking Day. So accurate, so moving...

gerry just seen this before i saw your comment ans thought eh thats me yey pic of me on at last x

Thankyou, Neil, for those kind words. If you found the articles, Jean, I hope they brought back happy memories.

i dont look very pleased x

Front row on the left Carol Parr,Marleen Gill,the next one i can only remeber her first name its margaret,and i think thats Ann think her last name is Banks she and her family went to austrailar when we was at carrdie.

oops made a misstake the girl on the end with blond hair is PAT GRIMES.

Does anyone remember my mum Christine mackin born 1952 she was born in scholes went to st pats

Does anyone remember my mum Christine mackin born 1952 she was born in scholes went to st pats