Wigan Album
David Simm Photography
10 Comments
Photo: David Simm Photography
Item #: 21123
I opted to do an outdoor portrait of her, using Mr. MArtindale's allotment. Over a period of about thirty years Mr. Martindale had buil the most exotic and attractive landscape garden I have ever seen anywhere. Sadly after the old gentleman passed, his family sold the land and it was developed into housing, although at least the streets were named in his honour.
Mr Martindale was my Physics teacher at the Thomas Linacre. he also was my Judo instructor. A rather sombre man. It appeared to me that every time I looked into the 'Staff Room' he was always smoking and playing cards<g>
I used to live in martindale crescent some years ago,but i do remember the gardens and the orchard mr martindale created,it was such a shame when he passed away and his dream garden went with him.
Ron. He was the son of Mr. Martindale, who sold the property on the death of his father. I too went to Linacre but didn't have him as a teacher, but I used to pass him every morningBrown as he rode his bike to school and I rode along with Gordon on the same route.
I have never heard of Mr Martindales garden but it all sounds very exotic as you suggest David. Like Ron i remember him from TLS a very unassuming man, having said that, there doesn,t seem to be anything down to earth about his creation.
I read a book last year..can't remember the title,but it was all about Mr Martindales garden and it was really interesting..if I remember rightly a lot of the schoolboys used to go and help out..the book I'm almost sure was written by one the boys.
Maureen - the book is 'Growing Up In Wigan 1930-1950' by F.S. (Joe) Winstanley.
An excellent read.
Thank you Mick..that's the one..I got it from the library in Beech Hill which isn't there anymore..but I would love to read it again..now I know what to ask for..as you say it's an excellent read..I was that enthralled with it I wanted to see exactly where it would have been..I have a vivid imagination..I'm glad to say.
Great photo, a very interesting looking woman!
i have just read that book it was very interesting downloaded it to me kindle !!!!
ahhh! Martindales gardens! used to pass the entrance to them every day in the 50's on my way to school (st Marks Newtown).. I only ever got to see inside them once and I have to say, they were ubelievably beautiful. at harvest time he had hampers of apples and pears stood inside his gate. (two a penny or some such price). Each day, until the hampers disappeared, we put our pennies in the cup and chewed happily on the fruit all the way to school. bliss. x