Wigan Album

Belle Green Lane opposite the Oak Tree pub and definitive 1957. I can't add much to this series of slides except perhaps picture the scene.........
What's to be done on a glorious sunny day? It's either get your best shoes covered in melted tar or sit on the front step on your haunches with a cup of tea and a woodbine and a camera to watch three quarters of Ince parade by. The other quarter probably hanging out of the Oak Tree front windows watching.
I should explain 'sitting on your haunches'. Babies do it naturally and pitmen do it, well, naturally. It involves staying flat on your feet and lowering to sit down by bending the knees all the way with your bum nearly but not quite touching the floor and your weight supported on your thigh backs. It allowed a collier to work a pick in a cramped space for a long time without his legs seizing up. My grandad used to do it on the front step and on the fender in front of the fire all the time.

Please don't try this at home!!