Wigan Album

Woolworths closed in 1984 and the following year John Menzies opened. In 1990 there was also WH Smith that was initially in the Galleries from 1990 where a clothes shop is now. John Menzies was taken over by WH Smith by the late 1990s, and that's where WH Smith moved to.

Never the same after Woolies went - just like when old movie stars fade away! This photo looks as if you were lying on the ground for a worm's eye view Dtease.....

I wonder what the crane is working on there, galleries was built in 1989.

I noticed Burton’s the Tailor was still in the same location, as it was when I bought my wedding suit, in 1961. Is it still there?.

David, The big crane was probably on the site at the corner of Crompton Street and Standishgate, I recall a shop being built there around that time and a big crane was there when building started. I think it is a gaming shop now.

You're right, Veronica - and I think it takes a real photographer to spot such a good photo-opportunity whilst lying drunk in the gutter.

Rev David, I couldn’t find any room in the gutter. All the best spots had been taken by ex members of the Clergy.

Albert S Specsavers is where Burtons shop was

Were they suffering from the DTs, DTease.

Any sign of Father Jack? Drink!

Sorry, DT's - I hadn't realised you'd been a drinking partner of some of my former colleagues.... Of course you'd have to give place to them.

It’s all a matter of timing Rev David. Eventually us meek will inherit the earth. Trouble is, it will have to come soon or there will be beggar all left worth inheriting.
Inheritance or not the gutter will always be there and there will always be room for one more. Remarkably, it seems to expand to accommodate any given number. Who will the Fickle Finger of Fate summon down here next? Will it always be the other man?

Poet, Father Jack still had his pet brick with him the last time I saw him. I asked him how he was and he told me to “Tek off” (at least that’s what it sounded like). Bless him.

You two, DTease & Rev Long, make me laugh, you lighten the day !

DTease, credit to Father Jack's sound advice that one ought never drink Toilet Duck after Lighter fluid as only eejits mix their drinks.

Ah! Sure Mrs Doyle would make you a nice cup of tea Dtease when you come over all faint...

Thank you A.W, another one that's got me thinking is outside Makinson arcade, where the lamp is on pic is now a half circular lovely glass veranda but don't know when this was attached.

The crane could be involved in the construction of the building that became Game