Photo-a-Day  (Thursday, 22nd May, 2025)

NO PARKING ON THE GRASS

Correct Mick. The peak cap wearing parkeepers would never have allowed this to happen. We weren’t even allowed to step on the grass.

This is what happens at Lytham for the 40’s re-enactments on the very large area of grass at the seafront. Grass is tough it recovers in no time. I hope a good time was had by all.

Sounds like it was a good day. We went to St. Peter's at Hindley in our forties' outfits as we had lent them some stuff for their display. The day was so lovely and sunny that we would have gone on to Wigan Park but Peter already had other commitments in the afternoon. I hope everyone had an enjoyable time.

Good use of Wigan Camouflage by the Landy

I thought it was a Dingo?

It was a prefect day regarding the weather and the crowd was huge to hear the rousing military bands play on the Band Stand and a Fredricks ice cream went down very well in the warm sunshine sat outside the Pavilion.
Quite few stalls selling memorabilia and fair ground rides for younger children but I thought that there could have been a bit more more going on for all ages.
If you remember that huge expanse of unused land between the park and West Coast Main Line that used to be the bowling greens and tennis courts, it would be better put to use tarmacked over.
Most of the year it could be used for parking, ideal for Mesnes Park, Hospital Outpatients, College and Town Centre Shoppers and Workers.
So many events could happen on that space, re-introduce the bi-annual Silcocks Fair and Pot Fair that used to be so popular on the old Market Square, Car Boot sale every Sunday and perhaps even an occasional Circus coming to town.
Not very likely though, they're more likely to build blocks of flats!

In the late 1960’s there was a dreaded Parkie on a motorcycle. I can’t remember his name or nickname but if you stood on a blade of grass he would follow you on his bike to apprehend you. It didn’t matter how far he followed you and often out of the park and up Bridgeman Terrace or Walkden Avenue even. Must have trained with the Mounties because “he always got his man”. Does anyone recall his name?

Yes, it wasnt a good turnout, was it? Maybe its time to stop these end-of-war celebrations because the younger generations are not bothered.
I mean, we don't give two hoots about Drake chasing off the Spanish, all that is forgotten now.

Wigan Park wasn't there when Drake was alive, but it WAS there when many of our p-a-d viewers were young in the 1940s, and they DO give two hoots and it will never be forgotten in THEIR memories. My husband and I, (although born in the fifties), attend many 1940s events where children and young ladies and young men who were only born in recent years dress up in forties' fashions and look absolutely amazing. We would have attended but the trouble is with VE Day celebrations and similar ones is that they happen all over the country but all on the same day, and people can't be everywhere at once so have to choose which one to attend. We could all do with being quadruplets so we could attend them all! No, it isn't time to stop them; no-one is forcing anyone to attend.

As usual anything for a re-action. The usual nonsense spouted.
How can anybody forget what the last generation went through. You only had to listen to the dwindling Veterans who survived telling their stories on the 80th anniversary. I suppose in his opinion we should forget Armistice Day on the 11th of the 11th!
What an ignoramus.

Irene, I mean, people don't give two hoots about these ancient wars, and now it seems the British public is doing the same with the last war by no by not attending these gatherings
But you also could be right in saying there are to many for the enthusiast who likes dressing up to attend.

Going by the 40's weekend here, you see more & more young people attending....and young families taking part too, they never knew wartime but their grandparents maybe knew it. Perhaps its the 'spirit' of those years when this country of ours was a kinder place.