General   (General discussion, talk about anything.)

I find your remarks quite insulting, Tonker. Just because I never lived anywhere other than the town I was born in - ie Wigan - does not mean to say I have 'small town mind' syndrome, or that I am not well informed about the world. Living in more than one place does not necessarily broaden your mind or alter your mind-set either and it certainly doesnt make you better than anyone else.

I would love, however, to have the opportunity to sample living away from my home town, but finances and practicalities make that impossible, but my reasons are not to rid myself of the perils of 'small town syndrome'. It is simply a desire for different surroundings and better climbs.

I am the Wigan version of a cockney if you like, as I was born a few yards from Wigan Pier in the Coffee House, Wallgate, the equivalent of bow bells.

My mother was a mill girl, as was I and my father was a canal boatman before going in the pit. I do not however, wear a shawl and cloggs and suck a clay pipe. I have an Honours degree and manage a busy office.

I agree that if I lived anywhere other than central Wigan, such as Ashton, I would probably say that I live in Ashton, but Ashton is part of the Wigan borough whether you like it or not and that my friend makes you a Wiganer.

As for pride, yes I am proud to be a Wiganer and I am proud of my country. It is time we brought some patriotism back into this country. I am not a royalist, but I am loyal to my country and to my home town. This is what is often lacking in our community it is what binds us together, rather than live as individuals, just happening to be using the same spot of land.