Wigan Album

You look like you are enjoying this more than in the 'car' Barrie. I remember the ice cream man in his white coat, but he was in fancy cart pulled by a horse. That was more exciting than in a van like Mr Whippy. In the fifties horses were used a lot more more not only for ice cream, but the fruit and veg cart, and the rag bone man. I wonder if others can remember any more...

Veronica, I seem to remember a man called Tommy Norris who had a horse and cart, I think he sold fish.

I didn't know that Tuddy, well done! I wonder if there was a coal cart. I don't know whether I dreamt it but there seems a very vague memory of one.

Bill Eatock,who had a farm down Lord St in Hindley used to deliver milk using a horse and a covered type of cart.

Veronica, item #32202 under places-Standish shows my 2 sisters with their ex ice cream vendor pony Lady Bet that Father bought from someone in Scholes in 1940 as he gave up his round due to the war. In the early 50's in Standish we had a greengrocer with a horse and cart coming round the village. Later he bought a lorry to do the rounds and us "kids" used to help him serve and help out for a bit of pocket money. I can't remember his name now.

Barrie. A lot of the tradesman gave up their horses and ponies after the war. My dad bought such a pony in the 1950s and also rented the bit of land and stable along with a little dog cart. We used to go out on the roads with it around Wigan and sometimes I was allowed to get on a saddle on "Tommy" even though he always used to try and bite me !!

I have added a comment on the photo 32202 Barrie. Thanks.
Don't know whether it is of any help.

My friend's Dad went all through the war in the Royal Navy, and when he came home he got stuck in the Marine Lake at Southport!

He sounds like Uncle Albert from ' Only fools ..' , Irene .

Veronica, saw the comment & replied to it. Carolaen, according to my sisters, father built a stable on our back garden -plenty of room - after a few months grazing in the field close by. We also had an allotment at Ashfield during the war so the pony was put to work during that period as well as being ridden by the girls.