Places   (Help with places, streets and buildings in Wigan.)

Have not worked in mining, but....

In early 1960's, I was considering training as a Mining engineer, and as part of this process, NCB had arranged for me to spend two days on an underground 'try-out' at Golborne Colliery.

I wish I could recall the names of the two Golborne Pit men who shepherded me through this process. They were extremely courteous and very helpful. (Think one was in charge of Elec Eng on the site.)

First Question when I arrived was, " Where is your pit gear"? And my reply was, "I don't have any pit gear: I'm still at school"! So, I am guessing this was not a thing they had done previously.

Anway, they got me kitted out, and we went down to watch the Anderton shearer loader cutting the Trencherbone seam, and my host spent the first day giving me a crash-course hands-on experience of the underground transport systems and maintenance of roadways and services, including ventilation, drainage and methane extraction.

Second day, similar with explanations of control systems associated with the (electric) winding, maintenance and inspections requirements concerning shafts/ropes/etc. Also the coal handling at surface.

They managed to cram a hell of a lot into two days, and I am incredibly grateful to them for the time they spent on my education. (A full-time task for them!)

Later, I was also required to spend a day at Anderton House, and a day at Portland Street in Manchester, but the two days at Golborne were the highlight of this episode.

I do, however recall Ethel. Who could ever forget her!