Wigan Album

Philip, this photograph and your story make me wish that I could go back and do it all again.

What childhood was all about.
Getting on your bike with a bottle of water or pop & a jam sandwich....the world your oyster. Great times !

In those days we had all the RICHES IN THE WORLD without 1d in our pockets. Children today will never experience the happiness and friendships we had.

does p.gormley have a brother called stefan ? .

Whups - My older brother Stephane is on this photo, and not too long ago told me a little more about your sporting prowess - I didn't know you'd reached County standard! Thanks.

Which estate is that then?

Jarvo - I guess your question has been put to me and, by extension, where exactly have I dropped anchor. Come along, Jarvo, don't be shy - you're celebrated in ballad literature.

hi phil. yes i did reach county standard & beyond. i got nominated to play for england then along came the miners strike. how,s stef doing . seen him a couple of yrs ago in ashton?.

Whups - Glad you like the photo, and my thanks for your kind reply. Nominated to represent your country as well, were you, my word! It's a pity your hopes were dashed due to unforeseen ....., but heartening to find no pomposity or bitterness in the brief account you've given. 'That's the spirit.' Steph's doing ok, he takes me to the shops almost every day, and sometimes keeps an eye open for anything coming over from O'Brien's Ballydoyle stable. Regards.

You mention the word ' Dingle ' Philip; The word ' dingle ' doesn't appear to be a word commonly used in this area. However, there's a short section of sunken roadway historically referred to as ' The Dingle ' not far from Blackleyhurst Hall. Having been raised in Garswood, and being reasonably well acquainted with the area, I'm just wondering if this is the same place that you refer to. Just curious.

Regards. Ozy.

Ozy - Thanks for your response to my photo. You've good reason to be curious about the word 'dingle' occurring in contemporary language; it does indeed appear to have fallen out of favour - unless used in specific texts concerning Farming Agriculture Landfill ..., It's a pity, though, as I still regard it as having some appeal - 'piccolo'. The Dingle near Blackleyhurst, which you refer to, is unlikely to be the hollow ground we shared as 9/10 year-olds and which, while maintaining its shape, now plays host to part of the footpath surrounding the play area of Bankes Park. Other melting pots were The Rec' - situated near Billinge Med. Practice, and The Pingot - not only the eventual home of The Royal British Legion Club, but a once veritable source of guaranteed-straight Privet. Your mention of Blackleyhurst also encourages me to put the name of Henry Fothergill Chorley to you; he was born there and, like yourself, quite a scribe. Maybe you'd like to look him up. Continued regards.

Urtica Dioica eh? I'm a gardener, but I admit to never having heard of this plant. . . until I looked it up that is. Great picture by the way - takes me back years.

phil did you ever catch the bus into ashton to shop ? .

Whups - Thanks for your query. Yes I have used the 157 Rainford to Ashton, many times, but not of late. I do recall speaking briefly to you on that particular run but that was quite a while ago now - I trust you're keeping well. I've also been trying to locate a newspaper-cutting that's hidden somewhere on this site but haven't had much luck - maybe yourself or Alan Horton could help? The cutting shows the 1971-72 football presentation night at the Village Club with Brian Labone as chief guest; the season we won the Third Division Championship - I had just one, maybe two, seasons there but didn't play as well as I would liked to have done. I remember Sammy once giving an opposing winger a fair amount of stick, the poor lad was almost toothless but that didn't stop Sammy saying "an' another thing, clean thi' teeth." Regards.

yes phil i can help. it,s on the sports section under north ashton village club . when i spoke to you we was on about phil taylor & i told you what was going on with the PDC. i,m a bit crocked at present as iv,e tore a calf muscle in my right leg. but we,ll soldier on as we do.

Whups - Thanks for locating the photograph for me. Unfortunately, the photograph 'seems' to concern the 70-71 4th Div. Winners? The sought after ...cutting definitely concerns the 71-72 3rd Div. Winners. I also seem to recall the ...cutting being in one of the other sections ie Forum Stuff Communicate - I'll have another look for it there. Unfortunate you should have become 'crocked' during the cold spell, as the cold may hamper your recovery a bit - hope it doesn't take long, though. Regards.

thanx phil.

where was this pic took phil. my relations still live in billinge & they used to live in holt crescent .

Whups: Photo was taken in the Claremont area - just behind The Stork.

you may know them phil. paul,kevin & anne roper.