Wigan Album

Ron, this sounds very interesting indeed, I will definitely be visiting.
Are there particular times when these talks and films will take place?
Thanks for the advanced notification.

Coiln, Yes I think there will be set times no doubt they will be published before the event I'll let you know

Thanks Ron, much appreciated. I hope a few other regulars come along.

I believe All Saints is no longer a parish church thanks to the the Diocese of Liverpool's "Transforming Wigan" strategy.

Interesting John, if it ain’t broke why fix it. I think Wigan was a major own and parish when Liverpool was a fishing village.

Colin, whether Wigan was, or was not, (as is more likely the case) a major town and parish when Liverpool was a fishing village, what relevance is that to All Saints not being a parish church anymore?

John N. I was essentially agreeing with you, what do you think the motive was for that change? As it any purpose do you think?

It’s not the Parish Church any longer because hardly anybody lives in the vicinity anymore …meaning it wasn’t well attended. It’s more of a Museum these days. I recall going with a group from Westhoughton’s History Group. Are there still services there?
It will still be called the Parish Church though as it always was. I don’t think All Saints will catch on …thats my opinion.

I can only imagine it being money motivated, Colin. They reckon they spend over £1 million a year on maintaining churches in the WN postcode area so, instead of having 30-odd churches in WN being used by, let's say, 500 worshipers, the intention is to whittle them down to maybe ten or so. Churches in Wigan listed for disposal include St Catherines in Scholes and St Annes in Beech Hill. Use it or lose it. I wonder how many churches will be turnes into mosques?

My granddaughter was confirmed there a few years ago, Veronica, in an evening service, but I don't know if it is still used for regular Sunday services or whether it is just for special occasions. Peter and I parked near Pepper Mill on the evening of Edie's confirmation and walked up King Street to Wallgate and there was a woman screaming foul-mouthed abuse at a man in a wheelchair, (who was giving as good as he got!), outside The Bees Knees /Dog and Partridge or whatever it was called at the time, and it was very uncomfortable just walking past!

I’ve seen a quite a few ‘argy-bargy’s’ in that are area Irene and just further up from when I have left the train station. Shouting at the top of their voices obscenities with the road between them. What a world! You can see they’re under the influence of drugs.

Ron, thanks for the advance notice, it was well worth a visit and was well supported.

COLIN by all accounts it was a GREAT SUCCESS I was amazed at how many people came to the various TALKS. Didn't hear one person say the town had changed for the good...A LOT of people put in a LOT of work which was well appreciated by all.

Just wondering. How many wiganworlders, who profess to being interested in Wigan's history. Went to the exhibition?

Judging by the number of people who visited, with each and every exhibitor busy with people asking questions I would say that a great many Wigan folk visited and many from further afield.
In fact so popular and I visited both days. I could not find time to speak to some of the exhibitors including the Aspull Archaeological Ring Ditch Project, possibly dating from the Bronze Age which fascinated me, The exhibition of Titanic artifacts and connections with Wigan, West Lancashire Free Mason's and their artifacts which I knew nothing about and their history and much, much more to see. Not to mention the glorious interior and history of All Saints Parish Church.
Each and every talk by dedicated people was standing room only.
Trust me my dear Inquisitor, if you had been inquisitive enough you would have visited yourself, perhaps next time?

At the moment Wigan is hardly inviting, walking from Crompton Street up Standishgate, drunks, druggies and beggars. Litter, discarded beer cans, pies and pigeons. The park alongside the Parish Church seems to be a gathering spot for even more, never heard such loud foulmouthed language. The Council should get a serious grip on this if nothing else, it's a disgrace and makes me ashamed.

Colin, The bottom part of Wallgate near the Railway Stations up to the Market Place is an absolute DISGRACE... What do visitors to Wigan think of the place, if this is their first view as they exit the station?
What did they used to say when you went for an interview for a job. The interviewer makes an assessment in the first 20 seconds. PRESENTATION says it all

Only a few more days before the next batch of incompetents get voted in.
Get the police back into the town centre and clear out the dregs who are driving decent people away.