Wigan Album

Is that Curly, one of the Three Stooges, on the left?

A desrespectful comment about a man who unfortunately is no longer with us. I prefer for him to be known as Cliff Roper.

Lighten up Amazed, I bet you were a Barrel of Laughs at work? Where I worked EVERYONE had a nickname. A guy with a big nose was called Snozzle, and a Guy who had big ears was known as the F.A. Cup. A lot were a lot worse than that. Everybody took it in good part. NO Disrespect was meant and none was taken by anyone. It was all part of the work place banter.

did you know cliff roper personaly or did you work there

Both

hello amazed1 do you mind telling me your name.also are you one of the gents on the photo.what year do you start at wigan observer an what year did you retire many thanks

The point of this photograph shows six very proud printers (some who are no longer with us) receiving their Newpaper Printing World Awards at the Wigan Observer offices in 1975.Between 1966 and 1984 the paper then at Woods street won many National major awards.

I agree with amazed 01. A desrespectful remark to the late Mr.Roper, what must his family think ? I knew Cliff personally, he was a friend and workmate of my late father
Thomas(in the photo), I'm sure Ron meant no harm, and I'm
sure he had nicknames at work, we all have, but lets not forget the loved ones of the deceased.

I worked with these men at Rowbottom Square and Wood Street.
I finished with 4 years at Martland Mill.

Hi Frank, you too have many years in at the Wigan Observer and have seen many changes in the newspaper world. Sadly not many from the old school are about, but we still have great memories especially of Rowbottom Square and Woods Street. Thanks for your comments.

Hi Colin Have you got the plate of your fathers obituary that
I made for you.1

Certainly have Frank, how very kind and thoughtful of you to remember, it's 31 years since he died at just 61, years of age. My brothers and sisters have one each aswell, we had frames specially made to fit the plates. They will be with us forever. I dont know if you knew my late grandad (bob) he spent 55 years at Rowbottom Square, my late uncle Gordon worked for the paper before moving to the Daily Express then in Manchester, I dont think he spent any time at Woods street. I still hear from John Dakeyne from time to time, John's now 88, years of age. Well, its nice to hear from you Frank, and once again thank you for those precious plates. The Wigan Observer will go down in history as being one of the first web-offset newspapers in the country to print colour, back in 1966, Wigan should be proud of it.

Yes Colin I remember Bob and Gordon. Gordon was an apprentice whenIwas serving my time as a copositor. I also new your Auntie Jesse who worked in the bookbinding room. Next time you contact John Dakeyne will you tell him I've been asking about him

It will be a pleasure Frank.

Hay Frank, it has been a long time, Is my pal Harry Stopfirth still around? those were happy days when I used to drop by at Woods Street, especially when we all worked so hard of the Queen of Industry Colour work

Hello David,we lost Harry about 20 years ago. I remember our friendship with fondness, working on the Queen of Industry.I now live in sheltered accomodation in Pemberton,I suffer with MS and I took early retirement in 1989.