Wigan Album
Central Park
9 Comments
Photo: Keith
Item #: 30900
I’ve “highlighted” the advertising boards by repeating them in a larger format so that they are hopefully legible. I’ve also marked St George’s School and Hill Cottage.
Hill Cottage was the home of one of the spearheads of the development of Central Park, he was John Prescott who was a member of the Committee, the “Cottage” still exists today situated off Great Acre.
The field itself was owned by a Railway company with a view to developing a line to the coast which didn’t happen. When the club learned the rent at Springfield Park was due to be increased considerably the Club earmarked the field as a possible new ground.
The field itself was known as “Joe Hill’s field” after a local Butcher of the same name who used to graze his animals there. Whether he had any connection to Hill Cottage I’m not sure.
The first match was played here on September 6th 1902 when Wigan played Batley and won by 14 points to 8.
I notice a paper seller amongst the spectators, so it was probably the last 10 minutes of the game, I also wonder what building that might be to the right of St George’s school on the horizon.
The building to the right of Saint Georges is the pavilion at Great Acre bowling greens, it's still there.
Building to right is the pavilion on Great Acre bowling greens
caretakers house greatacre bowling green
Many thanks for the replies it has satisfied my curiosity, a bit like reaching a previously unreachable itch.
Thanks Keith, fond memories brought to mind by the pic, made many a visit throughout my childhood days and teen years walking down from Aspull to watch the match at Central Park.
The house to the right of St. George's belonged to the timber yard, unseen just below it to the left.
It wasn't in 1960 but at some point in the 60's Wigan Athletic a non league team had a bigger attendance for a home league game than Wigan Rugby did that weekend
Sorry typing error I meant to say the house to the LEFT.
Memories can be so unreliable, especially when it comes to dates. I have now established this photo was taken on Saturday April 10th 1965 - I was 5 years out.
Wigan won 47 - 12. Trevor Lake scored a hat trick and Geoff Lyon 2 tries. Others who scored were, Billy Boston, Eric Ashton, Colin Clarke, Laurie Gilfedder, Keith Holden and Frank Parr. Laurie Gilfedder kicked 7 goals. Attendance 7,757.