Wigan Album

Bert Smith’s shoe repairs was next door to Oliver Somers in the sixties. I would go there every week with my worn down stiletto heels. It cost 5/- in those days.

I got my Brownie uniform from Oliver Somers when I was 8 years old. I remember Robinson's Sports shop as well, on the opposite side of the road to Oliver Somers and further up Mesnes Street. They sold some beautiful quality leather bags and purses as well as sports goods.

Nothing to do with image, sorry, but been racking my brains for the name of the cafe that was next to the Casino under the veranda. Definitely think one of you Wigan Albumers can answer. Cheers.

Was it New Way Cafe, "Methinks"?

Methinks, I do remember that cafe but not the name in the late 50’s early 60’s. We used to go in there from the Court School of Dancing across the road above the Ritz.
Did it become the Beachcomber or was that next to it?

Do you mean the Wishbone Cafe?

Was it the ‘New Way’ ?
Names are becoming a trial for me lately I must apologise if I get names wrong. Somebody else might know Methinks.

Unless it changed names it used to be the Empress cafe..when I worked next door but one (Wilbrooks) I used to go in there for my morning toast and coffee to take back to the office.

There was a restaurant next to the Casino called Jokers. I don't know if it was a cafe prior to that.

When first at Wigan Poster Writing Company in 1963 I remember working on a large hand painted banner picture of a steam train that hung above Oliver Somers for Christmas. Jack Griffiths was the main artist and I added a few touches.
My mother sent all friends and relatives to look at it she was so proud claiming it was all my work!

I was offered a job in the office of Hardy's Furniture Store in 1968 which looks about right.

I remember Robinson's sports shop Irene, definitely quality. I bought my checkbook cover from there well over fifty years ago and it's still going strong.

Thanks everyone for the response, can remember most of the names suggest, but I can't recall it from late 60s-early 70s. Mrs Methinks goes with New Way.
Thanks to you all.

Hardys took over from Boardmans in the mid 60s, then they were taken over by Harris Queensway about 1980. This branch became Harris Furnishings.

I remember buying a bedroom suite from the furniture shop on the corner. It lasted years until pine was the ‘in thing’ at least it was real wood. Now most bedrooms are fitted with cupboards which are more economical with space.

Sgt Pepper. Was this Boardman’s from Leigh who owned Ribble Cabinet Company in Millgate and Whitworth’s in Darlington Street? I think they owned Campbell’s in Standishgate.
No real furniture shops in Wigan any more, there used to be Brian’s, Warburton’s, Grundy’s, Pennington’s and more.

Grundy's had a shop in Ince too, Colin.....we didn't even need to go to Wigan! Those were the days.

Colin: yes Boardman's head office was in Leigh Road, Leigh.

Irene, I do remember Grundy's in Ince and their store in Hallgate.
We bought a very expensive suite from their Hallgate Store in 1984, they sold some very classy furniture by reputable British manufacturers.
Sad when they closed but like all the other independents they probably could not compete with the major 'cheaper' chains that were springing up bringing stuff in from China and elsewhere.