Wigan Album

Didn't John Stopford run the long gone Water Wheel pub that was on the ground floor of one of the tower blocks in Scholes?
I lived in woodcock House at the time so it was one of my locals.

John Stopford used to take us for games & rugby practice at Pem Middle in the mid 70's, as we were lining up to go and get changed, his catchphrase was "I want no notes, only pound notes!"
Didn't like people crying off obviously!

Dave - yes he became the landlord at the Waterwheel.

We lived off Darlington Street and I remember the Waterwheel very well. Saw Johnny Stopford play when he was at Swinton but I didn't know he had been the landlord at the WW, but I left Wigan in 1970 to go to University. Looking at Jeff's picture reminds me that you had to wear short trusers in the first year but it was long trusers after that. It was such a big deal then as of course most boys would have worn short trousers all the way though primary school.

John Stopford add the Brookhouse at kitt green

Johnny's last pub was the Bucks Head in Abram, Very good landlord,

I've been trying to trace a photograph of my brother,
Barrie Critchley. I know it appeared in the evening paper in
1957. The picture shows Barrie receiving a presentation from
Joe Egan, he was the highest points scorer of the season playing for St Thomas More. Can anyone help? Valerie Price

hi, Valerie. i played with your brother barry at st Cuthberts i was captain then fred Riley and joe Mc Ardle trained us then i am sure frank sullivan has a team photograph we had a get together at st. cuthberts social club awhile ago . i have spoken to your barry not long ago he was a brilliant goal kicker and rugby player we broke a record at st cuthberts with low points scored against us. there was a photograph of me outside the headteachers office receiving the platt cup from billy blan. memories i hope your wish comes true. bye. your barrie was the topps. johnny.