Wigan Album

Colin could you please post a scan of the article on Mick Burke the Abram mountaineer, underneath the bottom right of the picture, would be interesting to read that bit about a local man who was sadly killed on Everest in 1975, whilst filming an expedition for the BBC.

Cyril: The article reads.. Abram man led Alpine rescue. A young Abram man played a leading role in the rescue of two German climbers trapped on Mont Blane this week(26-8-1966) he is Michael Burke, 25 year-old son of mr and mrs Patrick Burke, of Grasmere Terrace, Abram.
Michael, who was educated at West Park Grammar School and Manchester University, first became interested in climbing some 10 years ago(1956)in the Lake District. He has been teaching at an American school in Leysin, Switzerland, where he is a member of the physical training staff. His friend, the late John Harlin, an American climber who fell to his death on Eiger in March,(1966) was also one the staff of the school. Mr.Patrick Burke, said that is son returned to Switzerland in mid-July(1966)for a holiday and was expected back in September(1966). Members of the Alpine Club are called up on these occasions. said Mr,Burke "we try not to worry too much about it, we look about it as a sport and is quite able to look after himself. The 10-day ordeal of the two German climbers ended on Tuesday 23-8-1966, when they were brought to safety by the team led by Michael Burke.

Cheers Colin.

This newspaper is 45 years old on this very day Colin, 26th Aug 2011, and in Colour amazing when others papers only took this step in the mid 80s and 90s, we Wiganers should be proud.

Those were special balloons - the printing colours used on the press. The photographer had to bring them back from the Wigan Infirmary garden party and they were used in the printing hall to help the printers get the correct colour!