Turpin and Monks wood

Does anyone remember the Turpin and the Monks Wood near Garswood which acted as playgrounds for me and my pals when we were kids? I believe the Turpin still wxists (although I haven't been for years) but I understand the Monks Wood gave way to opencast mining many years ago. I guess it's too much to hope for photos of either place. As I remember, the Monks Wood connected Garswood with Carr Mill.

roy are you betty's brother?

No, I'm Betty's cousin. Who are you, then?

i used to go to school with betty +used to go in simms road +see roy+dickie smout.

sorry it was ronnie millett wasnt it?

The woods have gone Roy, just an odd tree here & there, not bad over Hollin Hey way, Roy the correct spelling is Mulks wood from what i have been told but we always called it Monks wood,

Tumtingle being as I am from Downall green and not Garswood we called it all the Turpin from the top of the path where the wood started to Carr Mill,last time I walked over from Garswood they had made a good path running through the wood to Carr Mill and all round the lake,
do you remember the twelve apostle trees off Billinge Road was Monks wood around that area

The Turpin began off Garswood Road near the Stag and went up the hill towards Billinge. The path then went down a little and made a right angle turn to the left to the trees. It was then possible to take a path to the right leading through to Billinge, emerging on what is now named Garswood Road onto Main Street. If you didn't take the Billinge path but just carried on it brought you to the end of Arch Lane near where Lavin's Pit was where a left turn would lead you back to Garswood. As I remember, the path to Monks Wood began somewhere in the region of the pit. It was quite a big wood and, as I say, it led through to Carr Mill.I'll have to make a point of going back to have a look if they have restored the path through again if this weather ever improves.

Trixie, you're right, Elaine's brother's name was Ronnie. Sadly, he passed away just a couple of years ago. He'd been troubled by diabetes for a long time and had a couple of amputations but was badly knocked back by the tragic death of Elaine's son Michael (Latics supporters should remember him) and then died from a heart attack.

OH DEAR VERY SORRY TO HEAR THAT,WAS ELAINE YOUNGER THAN BETTY.IS BETTY IN IRELAND?

Hi again Trixie, Elaine is quite a bit younger than Betty. It took her a long time to get over Michael's death (she never will really) but last year she met someone and they've now moved to the Costa del Sol in Spain in a house up in the hills. Betty isn't in Ireland or, at least, she wasn't last week when I visited her at her home a few doors down from the Ben Jonson at Goose Green. Her married name is Betty Wogan and her husband's family were originally from Ireland but that's the only Irish connection I know of. Her husband John is heavily into geneaology and he's sorted out the Millett family tree for us. He's working on the Wogan side now but I think he's having a few problems getting information from Ireland. Incidentally he's a good friend of Brian who runs Wigan World,
All the best to you,
Roy

i dont think you can ever get over a childs death.very sad.i cant remember where i heard betty was in ireland,may have been on friends reunited.

best wishes.
marjorie

Marjorie, I'll probably be seeing Betty pretty soon so can you please let me have the name that she'll remember you by. She'll be pleased to hear about you and will probably want to get in touch,
Regards,
Roy

I went to Rectory school with Elaine and my daughter knew Michael - we were so upset by his tragic death, a lovely well liked lad who had loads of friends. Glad to hear that Elaine is doing well and finding happiness, she deserves it. If you speak to her at all please tell her Susan Atherton was asking after her.

betty will remember me as marjorie brogan,i have lived in north wales for 20 years ,i would love to move back to wigan but my children+g/children are settled around us +my husband would never move back.i have been to visit my mother today in ashton who is 83.still got friends down there.
marjorie

Roy Millett..THE ROY MILLETT, what a joy to find you!

I only just found this site and I saw you! I'm sure you have heard this many times, but you were my favourite teacher of all time! Walking trips to the Lakes, throwing board rubbers and being a general inspiration.

I was at HAGS from 1972-1977. I'll upload some pics if I can find some!

Really hope that you are well.

Ian Abbott (ian.c.abbott@ntlworld.com)

sorry to hear about ronnie knew him and dicky smout along while.i walk through the turpin sometimes a nice walk but the walk near the stag end we call it the dog pooh path.do0g owners dont clear it up.but it is still a nice walk sometimes we walk down arch lane thats not changed alot.

Unfortunately not Monks Wood. But the Blue Hills at Billinge, which you would pass when going either way along the path that links Garswood and Billinge.



The landing light for the helicopter at Blackleyhurst Hall can be seen protruding.

Roy Millett, Do you remember JOHN & James Ashtonwho lived a few doors away from your grandma in Station rd? They went to live in Canada in the early 70s, I have been trying for years to find them & a few weeks ago i finaly got Johns email add from Tommy Johnson, Both John & James send about 5 mails per day, mostly jokes. It was nice to get in touch with them but they are getting a bit overpowering with the jokes, but the photos are good,If you remember them i will let them know, wait for your next post, Ged Hilton.