From the Archives

Jim Ironlegs Ratcliffe who was about to set off on one of his long distance walks from Wigan to Paris sponsored by CO-OP milk in July 1972. Jim, aged 62, from Rydal Place, Abram, took up long distance walking when he retired and was attempting the 500...

Tea and cake for world famous actor, Ian McKellen, as he chats to Parsons Walk resident, Bob Yates, inside the house at number 17 where Ian spent most of his early life until he was twelve after being born in Burnley. He was on a brief visit to Wigan on...

The latest fashion craze of hot pants caused quite a stir in Wigan town centre in February 1971.Upload Date: 08 Feb 2018Original Filename: HOT PANTS.JPGStore Filename: 35945276.jpgByline: Frank Orrell Frank OrrellKeywords: HOT PANTS.JPG...

Norman Melling serving in his grocery and off-licence shop in Heath Road, Ashton, in October 1971.Upload Date: 08 Feb 2018Original Filename: HEATH ROAD ASHTON 3.JPGStore Filename: 35945273.jpgByline: Frank Orrell Frank OrrellKeywords: HEATH ROAD ASHTON 3...

The graveyard for St. Thomas s Church separates the infant and junior buildings of the primary school in Heath Road, Ashton, in October 1971.Upload Date: 08 Feb 2018Original Filename: HEATH ROAD ASHTON 2.JPGStore Filename: 35945272.jpgByline: Frank...

Heath Road, Ashton, in October 1971.Upload Date: 08 Feb 2018Original Filename: HEATH ROAD ASHTON 1.JPGStore Filename: 35945271.jpgByline: Frank Orrell Frank OrrellKeywords: HEATH ROAD ASHTON 1.JPG HEATH ROAD ASHTON 1.JPG LPL-180802-124153016 HEATH ROAD...

The Hale-Bopp comet in the night sky over Wigan Parish Church on Sunday 30th of March 1997.Upload Date: 08 Feb 2018Original Filename: HALE BOPP COMET.JPGStore Filename: 35945269.jpgByline: Wigan Newspix Frank OrrellKeywords: HALE BOPP COMET.JPG...

A view down Gidlow Lane towards Eckersley Mill and St. James Church, Poolstock, in November 1999.Upload Date: 08 Feb 2018Original Filename: GIDLOW LANE VIEW.JPGStore Filename: 35945264.jpgByline: Frank Orrell Frank OrrellKeywords: GIDLOW LANE VIEW.JPG...

Georgie Fame with Alan Price, formerly with The Animals group, and then teamed up with Georgie on record, as they appeared together at the travel shop opening.Upload Date: 08 Feb 2018Original Filename: GEORGIE FAME 2A.JPGStore Filename: 35945261...

Florence Gavaghan rescues some bedding and clothing from her house in Spring Street, Wigan, after a gas explosion blasted the walls out on Tuesday 11th of April 1972. She had escaped with bruising after calling gas board official William Farrimond when...

Local residents at the scene of the gas explosion in Spring Street.Upload Date: 08 Feb 2018Original Filename: GAS EXPLOSION 3A.JPGStore Filename: 35945259.jpgByline: Frank Orrell Frank OrrellKeywords: GAS EXPLOSION 3A.JPG GAS EXPLOSION 3A.JPG...

Frog Lane in 1971 with Taylor s newsagents on the corner of Glebe End Street with Gidlow Lane branching off further up to the right. The junction of Prescott Street is on the left.Upload Date: 08 Feb 2018Original Filename: FROG LANE.JPGStore Filename:...