Wigan Album

Interesting to see all those formal names. When I began working at Debenhams as late as 1973, the sales assistants still had to call each other by their formal names whilst on the shop-floor. My friend Carmel, (who sadly passed away at a very young age) and I had to call each other Miss Jones and Miss Griffiths. I know it sounds dated but it was rather nice in a way, and smacked of Grace Brothers in Are You Being Served? But long before I left to have my son in 1976, ( I was "Mrs. Roberts" by then, I assure you!), the rule had been relaxed and it was Christian names all round. These photos are fascinating. I think everyone on Wigan World knows my fascination with old shops. Thankyou for posting.

Miss Hardman (Vera) was still employed untill the takeover , she went to work at Taylor's Westhoughton afterwords . Vera married Tommy Moore the van driver when I started to distinguish between the two I was know as little Tommy even though I was much taller then Big Tommy, confusing ! Tommy and Vera lived in Springfield Road . I still have some initialled handkerchiefs Vera gave to me after 'Big Tommy' died they are still in the gift box. Vera was the most popular member of staff on Fridays she used to go to each department in turn with the wages .

I remember Vera Hardman, a friend of my great aunt, Henrietta Chadwick, who also worked at Lowes for many years. My mother, Marjorie Fairclough, worked there too, not sure of the dates, but I remember her telling me about 'firewatching' during WW2.

Well I think Miss Hill has the best job. She's the one for me!!!

Gerry, I have to agree, I can't help but wonder exactly what talents she had to "please the men" with "the greatest of ease"!

You little tinker, Gerry!

Helen B, I remember Henrietta Chadwick (Hettie) she was. Great friend of Miss Crompton(Elsie),if my memory serves me right she lived in Monument Mansions . She was a lovely lady kind to everyone.

Tom, your memory is good. Hettie did live in Monument Mansions. She was still there at the time of her death in 1981. Her flat was on the top floor, don't know how she managed all those stairs!

The caption for Miss Hill would definitely not be worded like that these days! It sounds like one of those sleazy ads you might see in a downmarket newspaper. What strikes me now though at my age is how those ladies appear quite fresh faced apart from the hairstyles. Lovely photos of bygone times and very interesting historically.