Wigan Album

I would guess at this being Hardybutts just coming up to the old boys' school. May be the pub at the back is the Prince of Wales at the bottom of John St and the other pub is the Wigan Arms further back still.?????? The pub nearest I cannot remember the name but Cotton Tree comes to mind. Mr mc Dermott looks youngish there would this be the early fifties?

Scholes Malc, is this the same John McDermott who used to commentate on Micron Wigan Rugby Videos?

Vb, you're correct on all points. The Cotton Tree at this time was used as a furniture storeroom for Warburtons . The last Landlords were Mr. Varley The Cotton Tree. Mr Carney The Prince of Wales . Mr Donnell The Wigan Arms.

Whit Monday. written for Past Forward a few years ago.
By Tom Walsh.
(2 Pages)


Whit Monday morning has finally arrived, I live at the back of St.Patricks church, Mam has been up and about for hours, ironing, last minute alterations, cleaning and polishing, not to mention baking, in preparation for the many visitors we would most certainly receive on this very special day

That's him. Those were the days my friend We thought they'd never end

I didn't know that Tom about the Cotton Tree being used as a store room for Warburtons, I remember that story you wrote about Whit Monday it is brilliant and so very true. Don't think we will ever see the like of those walks again. It was one of the highlights of the year no doubt about it.....I can hear the skirrrrl of those pipes just looking at that picture!

Dennis, Yes, that's the same John McDermott. The one and only.

Regarding the comment above about the story on Whit Monay, I thought I had sent the full article ,but it must have been to long for the comments box. If any one is interested in reading it type in Past Forward Whit Monday, it's on page 26. It's a lighthearted look at the day.

Whit Monday. written for Past Forward a few years ago.
By Tom Walsh.
(2 Pages)


Whit Monday morning has finally arrived, I live at the back of St.Patricks church, Mam has been up and about for hours, ironing, last minute alterations, cleaning and polishing, not to mention baking, in preparation for the many visitors we would most certainly receive on this very special day

John mc Dermott is my all time hero,l bumbed Into him on leaving school in1959 (John Fisher),he got an apprenticeship in a joiners shop owned bye. his friend for me, which l always wanted. What a guy.

He learned us how to do the Barn Dance and St Bernard's Waltz at St Patrick's in the new school hall I'll never forget that,happy days.He is buried at Gidlow Cemetery close to my parents,

Tics I remember the dancing in the new school hall. We must have been keen because it was in the dinner hour if I recall!
Not only the barn dance but the "Gay Gordons"! It was hilarious. It was good practice as well for the School Ball at the old baths. Happy days and good memories.

I remember John McDermott in one of his commentaries saying "If he carries on up that way he'll end up in Dickies Meadow". Where the eck was "Dickies Meadow"!

I am surprised Dennis that you had never heard that saying 'Dickies Meadow'. It was used a lt in Scholes! Mr McDermot was a really good Head Master .... Whenever we had him for a lesson he would always talk about the war before leading into the lesson. We used to be spellbound he was so very interesting and sometimes funny! He only gave the boys six of the best -never the girls!

Vb, I haven't heard the saying before. Where or what was 'Dickie's Meadow'?

Looking at other comments, it would appear that not everyone holds Mr Mcdermott in the same regard..

[url=http://www.wiganworld.co.uk/album/photo.php?opt=2&id=20382&gallery=St+Patrick's+junior+mixed&offset=0]link[/url]

Anyone interested in the expression "Dickie's Meadow' apparently refers to the Battle of Wakefield in1460 a major battle in the War of the Rose where Richard of York met his end.Richard was I'll advised to fight there ....hence the common expression "Dickie'sMeadow". Thought you might like to know that .....I didn't know either!

Thanks for that Vb, I'm a little older and a little wiser.

where this photo was taken ,is now st pats play ground thus cutting hardybuts in half.it looks a total mess in my opinion.why did they ever cut hardybuts in half, put it down to rubbish planning.

where this photo was taken ,is now st pats play ground thus cutting hardybuts in half.it looks a total mess in my opinion.why did they ever cut hardybuts in half, put it down to rubbish planning.