Memories of King Street Wanted


To share your memories, email: contactus@healthyarts.org.uk by midnight on Fri 28th Jan
Link: www.theoldcourts.com
Started: 10th Jan 2022 at 23:12

Before Christmas, I was in the alleyway off King Street, trying to locate where the old 'Movies' club was located, you walked down some steps to it, but it was always pitch black down that alleyway at night, so I never registered where it was.
I think this was the entrance to it.
Replied: 12th Jan 2022 at 14:37
Last edited by Tommy Two Stroke: 12th Jan 2022 at 14:38:41

I remember the snooker hall.
Replied: 12th Jan 2022 at 16:06

The Snooker Hall which became Chaplins, and Chaplins closed by agreement with the council, when the owner of Chaplins, opened the Prince's Nightclub in the old cinema
Replied: 12th Jan 2022 at 16:31


TTS Is that College Avenue?
Replied: 12th Jan 2022 at 16:36

Ena
Yes it is College Avenue
Replied: 12th Jan 2022 at 16:40


I have some fond memories of that door!
Replied: 12th Jan 2022 at 16:44


I did work in King Street in the 1960's, though only very briefly. (Weeks).
It was convenient for me, as I arrived by train from Bryn, and simply walked across iron bridge to King Street.
Post Office Engineering Dept. had their drawing Office in upper floors of one of the buildings. Can't remember if it was same block as Bodega, or adjacent/close.
This was very different from the usual Engineering Drawing Office. It was a record of the wired network of the district ie. which ducts were occupied by particular cables Where a cable ran to, and from, and the termination/connections at the ends of each cable.
One of the categories of employment was 'Reproduction Assistant'.
This gave rise to one of those bloomers. Quite genuine: I've seen the original.
From publication: Amendments to the rule book of the Union of Post Office Engineering Workers.
It reads:
"Insert in front of female candidates. reproduction assistants."
and, has been oft quoted over the ensuing years!
Replied: 12th Jan 2022 at 16:57

Replied: 12th Jan 2022 at 17:06

I used to play guitar in the Turnkey.
Replied: 12th Jan 2022 at 18:15
The Oompah band in the Bier Kellar. Everyone trying to get their round in the Clarence or the Stable Bar (Minorca) as the ale was more expensive in the Bier Kellar.
Replied: 12th Jan 2022 at 18:27


Ziggy played guitar too, apparently. Maybe not in the Turnkey though!
Replied: 12th Jan 2022 at 18:29


Ideas on ways to improve King St are also needed.
Make King Street the ‘King of Streets’: Survey
Replied: 18th Jan 2022 at 17:38

As an underage drinker (not on my own there) it was the Shakespeare (long demolished) followed by the Bier Keller, if I had the money to buy the ridiculously priced but incredibly strong German lager. But good days. The Shakespeare had photos of celebrities who had appeared at the Hippodrome. A great pub to start the night in winter with a roaring coal fire glowing. As a hippy in the day I wasn't allowed into quite a lot of pubs and almost every restaurant... so I do appreciate being welcomed without prejudice by the few decent people who only judged on behaviour rather than dress. Colin Cook at the Market Hotel called everyone sir regardless of appearance or social status.
Replied: 18th Jan 2022 at 18:21


Anyone remember Wigan Transport club, Down College Avenue.
Replied: 19th Jan 2022 at 17:01

I thought that the Transport Club became Pemps in Dorning Street, and then the bus drivers had a shed on the way to the bus depot in Melverley Street (1980s), which they called the Transport Club.
Replied: 19th Jan 2022 at 17:24


I really enjoyed my brief period of working on King Street in 1960's.
Back then, there were some brilliant places to get lunch/dinner in central Wigan.
I think best of all was the Conservative Club in Commercial Yard. They had a 'wet subsidises dry' policy, so you got a good bargain. Still remember their gorgeous golden syrup sponge pudding and custard.
Also, the Chinese on Market Street. (Only the one back then) and Park Hotel were places where I frequently dined.
But Tory Club trumped the lot!
Replied: 19th Jan 2022 at 18:08

I couldn't believe they shut chaplins down for the sake of buying the princess.
Replied: 21st Jan 2022 at 09:32
I can remember a few years ago, King Street being described as Wigan's equivalent of America's wild west with some of the bouncers said to being as bad as some of the customers who were coming from miles around because of it's reputation for trouble.
Replied: 23rd Jan 2022 at 08:57

I used to take my Son to Blue Coat School in the late seventies and as we lived in Warrington Lane it meant going up and down King St an awful lot..Tesco's was a very nice little supermarket,then close by was Frank's sweet shop.Kinleys men's shop further up where my Mam bought hubbys shirts etc for his Birthday..the coffee shop at the top in the fifties was supposed to be the first cafe to sell coffee in glass cups and saucers.
When I was a little one my Dad took me to see 'Jane Eyre'at the Hippodrome,it frightened me to death..and can remember my Mam telling my Dad off for taking me.
I think if memory serves me right the 'Palace Cinema' was where Brocol House is now.
Of course the Court Cinema was a favourite at the time..there was a film on at one time that I wanted to see..I was in my early teens,my Dad also wanted to see it so there we were in the queue when a voice at the back of me who it turned out to be my classmate saying " I'm going to tell your Mam of you being with a lad" was I proud of my Dad that she thought he was a lad.
'The County 'was another great cinema..my Son is in a rock band and they practice upstairs there..the saying 'what goes around comes around' come to mind..my Mam and Dad were in the queue one night there when a horse was running up King St,my Dad grabbed him and he got a letter of thanks from Paul Foster thanking him..I still have the letter.yes I have plenty of memories of King St.
Replied: 23rd Jan 2022 at 10:08


Remember listening to Ronnie Carr & The Beat Boys in the Transport club in College Avenue..
Replied: 23rd Jan 2022 at 14:45

Ena Malcup,I was also employed on underground maintenance at Post office Telephones,and signed on in the morning at Victoria buildings on King St. More often than not we would use the side entrance in College Ave,next to the entrance to the Transport club.
This was late 1960’s.
Replied: 23rd Jan 2022 at 20:38
Last edited by fossil : 23rd Jan 2022 at 20:40:30
Aww..remember the bierkeller with a one man ban..the m6 breakdown band….brilliant….everything all’s right now…incredible string band….lager 7/6d litre….
Replied: 23rd Jan 2022 at 22:12


Thanks fossil.
I thought it was the same building, but was not sure.
Tis over 60 years ago, so my memory is not as clear as I might wish.
One thing I do remember, was the very ancient lift. No push buttons. You entered, manually closed the scissor-concertina gate. Then you actuated a brass lever which closed electrical contacts, requiring you to keep the lever engaged whilst the lift was travelling.
It was very interesting device. I do wish that I had taken some photos of the thing.
Replied: 23rd Jan 2022 at 22:51

Ena Malcup, yes I remember the lift but more often than not I would run up the two flights as was quicker that way.
Not now I might add!
Replied: 24th Jan 2022 at 13:47


Fossil,
Was a guy named Mort still in charge of UG maintenance in your day?
Replied: 24th Jan 2022 at 16:40

Ena Malcup. Len Mort was a foreman engineer on underground construction based at Rose Bridge from what I remember.
Nice chap,he used to run the Sports and Social fishing club.
The Engineer in charge of Maintenance was Alf (AC) Smith and Frank Power was the foreman.
My brother tells me that he believes Victoria Buildings was the site of Wigans first telephone exchange in the 1890's.
Replied: 24th Jan 2022 at 20:48
Last edited by fossil : 24th Jan 2022 at 20:51:26


That's interesting.
Thanks, fossil.
Replied: 24th Jan 2022 at 21:10

Posted by: Owd Codger (62)
I can remember a few years ago, King Street being described as Wigan's equivalent of America's wild west with some of the bouncers said to being as bad as some of the customers who were coming from miles around because of it's reputation for trouble.
I think it was quite a few years ago when the bouncers weren't checked on and didn't need badges so anyone could do it.
Replied: 27th Jan 2022 at 09:02


On behalf of the King Street Wigan HAZ Programme, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) has launched an online survey for anyone with an interest in the area to help shape future regeneration plans.
They are particularly interested in hearing from young people, aged 16 - 24, to gauge their opinions on what is currently on offer for leisure and entertainment. (Link)
Survey Link
Replied: 18th Feb 2022 at 14:24


Photo Walks
• Sat 12th March
• Sat 19th March
• Sat 2nd April
• Sat 9th April
A series of free afternoon photography walks led by Ciara Leeming.
Email: info@ciaraleeming.co.uk
www.ciaraleeming.co.uk Instagram
Replied: 19th Feb 2022 at 15:41
Last edited by jo anne: 25th Feb 2022 at 12:00:29


In case the poster pic isn’t clear, here’s what it says:
King Street Photo Walks
Are you interested in photography, people and stories? My name is Ciara Leeming - I am a photographer and writer. I’m looking for people to work with me on a collaborative art project inspired by the King Street area of Wigan. This will be exhibited in the public realm, in partnership with Streets Apart.
I’m particularly interested in including perspectives from people who currently work near King Street or have in the past - as well as anyone who has experiences of and stories about this area.
To kick things off, I’m running a series of free afternoon photo walks - a chance to get creative, see the area differently and meet new people.
All are welcome. No experience necessary - bring your phone camera or DSLR to take photos on the walk. Help is on hand, should you need it.
Find out more and book a place: info@ciaraleeming.co.uk
You can still get involved in the project without coming on the walks. Please get in touch.
Replied: 19th Feb 2022 at 16:30


More about Streets Apart - Link:
King Street was once the hub of entertainment in Wigan, and a new project called Streets Apart intends to celebrate this history, uncover hidden stories, and kick start a cultural revival. Created by a consortium of 9 Wigan and Leigh based organisations on a mission to bring world-class cultural activity to King Street, Streets Apart is a three-year project supported by £120,000 investment from national funder Historic England.
Over three years, this locally-rooted programme will commission artists, local creative partners & community groups to co-create unique street art, podcasts outdoor performance and more, culminating in a celebratory festival for the whole community in 2023.
Replied: 25th Feb 2022 at 12:02


The photography walks kick off this Saturday - 12th March
If you’d like to take part, email Ciara: info@ciaraleeming.co.uk (Link)
You can also still record your comments & views on the King St Heritage Zone online:
Info - www.wiganlocalhistory.org
Replied: 10th Mar 2022 at 08:07


Places still available on the photography walks:
• Sat 2nd April
• Sat 9th April
If you’d like to take part, email Ciara: info@ciaraleeming.co.uk (Link)
Replied: 30th Mar 2022 at 16:46


*Photos, stories and artwork now on display*
@MayWildStudio (29th Sep):
@BethanEllis10 (30th Sep):
Go to The Old Courts website to read more about the artist-led projects: Streets Apart, Ciara Leeming and Rebecca May
Replied: 4th Oct 2022 at 12:50
Last edited by jo anne: 4th Oct 2022 at 13:53:39


I USED TO GET "PLASTERED " EVERY WEEK-END IN KING STREET IS THIS THE NEWS YOU WANT? GB.
Replied: 4th Oct 2022 at 16:11


Yes, GB, I suspect that’s a common theme in many people’s memories of King St.
@CiaraLeeming (29th Sep):
www.theoldcourts.com
A review of the zine, by @Jeans_Jewels:
“A wonderful selection of personal memories of growing up in Wigan as well as the accounts of people moving on from homelessness.”
Extract from www.ciaraleeming.co.uk:
“One thing that has been bothering me a little about the project is when I learned that at the same time my work was being showcased, the porch area where the rough sleepers had been sheltering would be blocked off by the authorities. I understand this is part of the regeneration process but for me personally it jars massively – it’s the same building where my group’s vinyls have been put. While it wasn’t the work from the Brick, it was work also facilitated by me and the whole thing felt very uncomfortable and compromising for me on a personal level.”
Replied: 5th Oct 2022 at 07:28
Last edited by jo anne: 5th Oct 2022 at 07:30:25


Another chance to tell your stories about King St:
Fri 28th Oct, 1pm - 3pm
Cafe in The Old Courts, Crawford St, Wigan
Fri 4th Nov, 10am - 2pm
Wigan Little Theatre
@sjf40:
Steve Fairclough: healthyarts.org.uk
Replied: 27th Oct 2022 at 17:24


@WiganLocalHist1:
Tue 15th Nov, 10.15am
Back of Town Hall
WLH&H Society + ‘Living Streets’ are running a short guided tour around the King Street Heritage Action Zone. See the details below and contact Liz Neary to book a place.
Replied: 31st Oct 2022 at 20:16


* Free local history walk next Tue, 14th Nov *
Email: Liz.Neary@livingstreets.org.uk if you’d like to take part
Replied: 8th Nov 2022 at 12:08


* Today - Thu 10th Nov, from 1pm *
Film company Northern Heart Films will be on King St to gather people’s stories of the historic high street. (Link)
Replied: 10th Nov 2022 at 06:41
Last edited by jo anne: 10th Nov 2022 at 06:42:09

every time I see this thread I always want to say "ask Mick Lyons" he would have known everything about King street
Replied: 10th Nov 2022 at 08:37


@NorthernHeart - Wed 16th Nov
Replied: 16th Nov 2022 at 12:51


King St Improvement Scheme
Phase 2 Consultation till Mon 19th Dec
Info:
www.wigan.gov.uk / News
Have your say: Online form (till Mon 19th Dec)
Replied: 17th Dec 2022 at 08:59


King Street ,Wigan , IF i were asked i would light the touch paper and blow the god damn awful place up it's a glorified "S------hole GB.
Replied: 4th May 2023 at 14:58

Fossil,was the Smith you mentioned the formidable AYO Smith ?
Replied: 4th May 2023 at 18:51
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