Wigan Borough Celebs

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Frank Randal

(1901-1957)
Frank Randle was born in Standish in Wigan in 1901. He was a childhood friend of George Formby, (also a Wigan man), who later became his main rival. Randle was probably one of the best music-hall comedians of his day. Curiously, he always appeared on stage without teeth. His career began in 1916, when he appeared as an acrobatic with the stage name of Arthur Twist. His stage acts were distinguished by his wild, extravagant, cheeky dialogues, frequently filled with risqu� topics and bad language. Of course, none of this was permitted in his movies, where he appeared as an honest comic cheeky chappie. However, it was to be much later, in the 1930s, before he would achieve notoriety as a comedian and popular entertainer with his own touring company known as "Randle's Scandals" . He was also a popular movie actor/comedian and starred as top of the bill regularly in summer season shows at Blackpool. During the early fifties his health declined and he died in Blackpool in 1957.

  Sorry! just trying something.

Corky Ringspot.

(Born: Up a Nick in Russia. Near Wigan. 19xx...)

Posts :
46094

Join date :
2013-12-04

Location :
Up a nick in Russia

Job/hobbies :
Strangling animals, playing golf and trying to remember Python (Monty) quotes.

Humour :
Being pedantic about Americanisms.

Has a weird brother in the Caribbean, and an ugly sister. Belongs to a fairy story group of three sisters.

Dislikes bottomage in any form especially the rear end of said stuff.

Great sense of humour and pleasant personality. Beware of him though, DO NOT CROSS him, as he shall fell thee with a mighty blow as he warns us of others.

(Beware! For thine admin wallah could be a vindictive god who may smite thee a mighty blow.)

I've just remembered that Monty Python quote.

The Tansads

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tansads

Kathleen Mary Drew-Baker



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathleen_Mary_Drew-Baker

Louise Fazackerly

The performance poet – winner of the Radio 3 Verb New Voices award.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/the-northerner/2014/jun/06/wigan-poet-louise-fazackerley-radio-3-verb-new-voices-award

Unsung heroine Mary O’Shaugnessy from Leigh

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/52/a2082052.shtml

Ada Smith trained at the Marsh Gymnasium in Ullswater Street, Leigh. She was part of the first ever female Olympic Gymnastics Team to compete for Great Britain. The team was made up of the best 12 gymnasts in the country. Her team mate Hilda Smith (no relation) was also from The Marsh Gymnasium. Ada then went on to coach members of the Leigh Club at the Marsh Gymnasium .
"For 84 years theirs was the only women's GB gymnastics team to win an Olympic medal for Great Britain.

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/northwest/9927535.Ada_s_blazer_glory/

One of the most important people to hail from Wigan, and arguably one of the most significant women in British history, was Martha Hogg.

One of the most important people to hail from Wigan, and arguably one of the most significant women in British history, was Martha Hogg.

A pioneering political figure, she also made a huge contribution in the town as a midwife. She worked in the poverty-stricken communities of industrial Wigan, later immortalised in George Orwell's book The Road To Wigan Pier. She was so shocked by what she saw that she joined the Labour party and stood for election as a local councillor.

At that time it was highly unusual for a woman, particularly one from the working classes, to become involved in politics.

Read more here

"And now Pathetone Weekly presents the World Famous Operatic Tenor - Thomas Burke". (new title) "Singing to disabled ex-service men at a Concert at Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton. (Organised by the Stock Exchange War Wounded Entertainment Fund.)"