As the 50th anniversary year of Wigan Borough draws to an end, Dr Tom McGrath from Archives: Wigan & Leigh reflects on how the events of 2024 will be remembered for years to come. In the last issue of Borough Life we looked at some of the key moments over the past 50 years which have shaped the borough and the communities within it. Much of the material we used came from the collections of photographs, newspapers, and official papers held at the Archives. We care for 800 years’ worth of documents relating to the Wigan Borough, and we’re always taking in more.
From our point of view, therefore, the ‘Forward, Together’ exhibition which was co-curated by photography students at Wigan & Leigh College was certainly a highlight of the year. The students chose archival images, including some of the collection of local photographer Frank Orrell, which were used to showcase how life, work and play has changed, or stayed the same, over the past 50 years. The exhibition also presented the opportunity to add new items to the archives such as photographs the students had taken of recent events, like the Coronation of King Charles III. We also recorded oral history interviews with residents who witnessed the change in local government in 1974.
2024 was also a year of sporting successes. In recent months, Keely Hodgkinson’s star on Civic Square in Leigh was given a golden upgrade. This followed the Atherton born athlete’s success on an historic night in August, winning the 800m final at the Paris Olympics. Keely was not the only athlete from the Wigan Borough to represent Team GB at Paris, as Gregg Warburton, from Leigh, was part of the wheelchair basketball team that won silver at the Paralympics. There were also multiple celebrations across the year for Wigan Warriors who won the World Club Challenge in February, the Challenge Cup in June, League Leaders’ Shield in September and the Super League Grand Final in October.
Two places of reflection were opened at the end of September in Lilford Park, Leigh and Mesnes Field, Wigan. These tranquil spaces were designed for the public to sit, relax and reflect on the years since the COVID-19 pandemic. These sites of reflection are part of a larger project looking back at this period in our history. The Archives established a collection on the pandemic from 2021, which contain diaries, newsletters, signage, and other items from that time. It was important that these were collected at that time, so that future generations can understand more about that landmark period which we lived through.
Finally, a highlight from the archives recent donations in 2024 was a collection of 13 photographs of Makerfield Mill, Ashton taken by Keith W. Wright in 1991. These photographs give a fascinating insight into life in the mill shortly before its closure. Although only a few decades old, the photographs have already been popular and we have even taken them out to our reminiscence sessions at local care homes to help spark memories.
There are so many other moments to celebrate from across the borough this year; from the Robin Park festival, Flashes Festival, Pride events and Light Night parades, and each will leave its legacy in its own way. What would you choose to look back on as a highlight of 2024? For more information visit archives.wigan.gov.uk