We played in the ruins of what was known locally as "Bobby Scotts" in the 1950's, leaping across the huge lumps of stone that the mill engine once sat on. It was a bit dangerous, but it was our playground. I remember the rail connection across Derker Street to Platt's East Works, where my dad worked, and watching the huge fire that destroyed the Holyrood Mill adjoining Royton Junction. I even managed a couple of rides to Higginshaw Gasworks on the coal trains from the Junction. Thanks for triggering the memeories.
My Mam worked at the Holyrood, always had good Christmas parties for the children. Went to higginshaw school so our playgroind was along the railway lines and up to Stoneleigh park
In early 1963, I worked at the Albert Mill on night shift for a month or so before returning to Australia. At the time, it was Oldham Tyre Cord and owned by Courtaulds. I worked on Verdol doublers with each frame powered by a large electric motor. The noise was horrific probably due to their being run at a greater speed than that recommended by the French manufacturer . Twice a week, we blew the frames down with compressed air guns which resulted in a fog of cotton fibres in the room. H&S? What H&S? The working week started on Sunday night through to Friday night and the hours were 10:00pm till 6:00am with two hours compulsory overtime on Saturday mornings. I was paid about 16 pounds a week. As a seventeen year old, I should not have been employed there but there was no Union and no questions were asked. Probably, the advent of steel belted tyres, reduced demand for tyre cord resulting in eventual closure of the mill.
well done lads from wigan lancashire
Used to get coke from Higginshaw gas work son a bogey every week in the 50s, was cheaper than coal, bit difficult to light but lasted ages
We played in the ruins of what was known locally as "Bobby Scotts" in the 1950's, leaping across the huge lumps of stone that the mill engine once sat on. It was a bit dangerous, but it was our playground. I remember the rail connection across Derker Street to Platt's East Works, where my dad worked, and watching the huge fire that destroyed the Holyrood Mill adjoining Royton Junction. I even managed a couple of rides to Higginshaw Gasworks on the coal trains from the Junction. Thanks for triggering the memeories.
My Mam worked at the Holyrood, always had good Christmas parties for the children. Went to higginshaw school so our playgroind was along the railway lines and up to Stoneleigh park
Great Colin. Do like the old Mills of Lancashire.👍👍
In early 1963, I worked at the Albert Mill on night shift for a month or so before returning to Australia. At the time, it was Oldham Tyre Cord and owned by Courtaulds. I worked on Verdol doublers with each frame powered by a large electric motor. The noise was horrific probably due to their being run at a greater speed than that recommended by the French manufacturer . Twice a week, we blew the frames down with compressed air guns which resulted in a fog of cotton fibres in the room. H&S? What H&S? The working week started on Sunday night through to Friday night and the hours were 10:00pm till 6:00am with two hours compulsory overtime on Saturday mornings. I was paid about 16 pounds a week. As a seventeen year old, I should not have been employed there but there was no Union and no questions were asked. Probably, the advent of steel belted tyres, reduced demand for tyre cord resulting in eventual closure of the mill.
Thanks for sharing, David.
We played in the remains of the Pearl Mill in Glodwick.