Wigan Album

Eddie, another reminder,scary now, but as 12/13 year olds we went to New Brighton more than once on our bikes I remember the cobbles and tram tracks in Liverpool and the Mersey Tunnel( Yes ON Bikes) with traffic lights and a right turn to come up in the Wallasey Docks an then more cobbles and railway lines in there to New Brighton as shown here Frightening to think of now ?

We did a lot of dangerous things back then AB our mothers would have had kittens! it's frightening to think about it especially when you have grandchildren. I remember biking to Parbold intending to go to Southport but we turned back!

Went dancing in New Brighton in May/June, 1953, whilst square bashing at R.A.F West Kirby. Alas no more R.A.F. West Kirby.

I bet you look back on those days Albert as being some of the best days of your life.

Went to New Brighton once with Spring View School ( it was shut ).

Eddie,I've been following your photos on Wiganworld getting more and more convinced as to who you are.Your interest in lorries,your reference to School Lane and the picture with Santa in Lowes but this is the clincher.I'm convinced the lady on the left is your mum and you are the young lad.To be 100% sure does Clyde Ankle, Omar Stagmire and meeting up on Spindle Hillock Bridge at 7 o'clock mean anything.

After a previous four years down the pit vb, it was certainly a new beginning. In that era a lot of the lads did complain about being called up for national service, but as those lads have progressed in years, it is obvious that it is something that they are now glad, they did not miss out on.

Columbo has nothing on you does he Lyndon?

I have a hugh respect for anyone who served and serves their country Albert. It wouldn't do any harm now to have National Service. However,that's not likely to happen again.....I don't think.

In the early sixties, on a week-day, we had an early tea then drove from Wigan to Liverpool and parked the Morris Minor (free of course then) outside the Liver Buildings and went on the ferry to New Brighton - did this trip several times.
Vb; our gang, on a Sunday, biked it from Wigan to Southport via Parbold. On the way there we went in Delph Tea Gardens and had a row on the lake. Tried to ride up Parbold hill on the way back, but only got as far as the cobbles.
Albert; I was exempt from National Service and was glad I didn`t have to do it.

Ernest. I was also in an occupation where you were exempt, but the working conditions were so diabolical, with the amount of dust you were breathing, and really tough conditions, both physical, and dangerous. I made a choice that I've never regretted. I wanted to choose which of the armed services I joined, plus joining the R.A.F. Police, with intention of joining the civilian police after demob, and in consequence served for five years. Because I had worked in the mines, I had to have a much larger x-ray on my lungs than the other servicemen. Thank God they were in good order. On demob, I served just over six years in the Wigan Borough Police, and twenty six years in the Kent Police. Next May, God willing, I will have been retired from the police twenty eight years. Wishing you all happiness, and contentment over Christmas, and throughout, 2016.

Hi, Eddie, Is the young girl your sister Marion & Brother Jack, Your mother & Ada,

Ernie, Albert, I spent many afternoons at the Delph, later After deferment to finish my apprenticeship I was both fortunate and unfortunate enough to do my National service. At 21 I qualified to receive a tradesmans pay of £6/7 per week of 44 hrs and within a couple of weeks was in the army at £1 per week.of 7 days.

Thanks, Albert. I heartily reciprocate your wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

The girl isn't my sister Ged but you've got the right family.

My mistake gentlemen. I served just a couple of months short of twenty four years in the Kent Police. Sorry for the mistake.

Hope you are keeping well my friend. Not seen you since the reunion, in fact I've not seen anyone. Last person I saw was Mick in 2005. Do you still live in Wigan? Thought you would have put a photo on of a Scammell Highwayman, circa 1964, trundling north on the M6 (happy days). Have you still got your one share in Silver Roadways? Best Wishes

Hi Lyndon, sorry mate, I've only just seen your post. Like yourself, I've lost contact with most of the old crew. That said, I'll be seeing Mick this Sunday and your name will most certainly be mentioned. Fancy you remembering the names of the drivers from ' Mad's ' truck driver's hall of shame. You left out Chester Ripp though. And how about Wellington, Marlon and Maisie from ' The Perishers '. Do you recognise the little girl in the picture? As Mrs Doyle would say " no clues, no clues ". All the best for now mate, speak to you soon hopefully.