Borough Life Summer 2006: Nominate your greatest local heroes
Left to right: Actress Lilly Brayton, Novelist James Hilton, Entertainer George Formby, Miners' leader Joe Gormley, Opera singer Tom Burke
His musings on land ownership became a blueprint for communism. There’s a plaque to his memory, but it’s in Moscow’s Red Square.
So who’s the 17th century dreamer who is name checked admiringly by the elder statesman of British politics, Tony Benn? A Wiganer.
He followed in the footsteps of the Great Caruso through Milan and Naples. He sang for thousands, lifting the souls of paupers and heads of state alike, and later went on to silver screen glory during Hollywood’s golden era.
But who was the man with the voice that could shake the foundations of the earth? A Leyther.
Gerrard Winstanley (1609-1676) and Tom Burke (1884-1968) are just two of many historical figures from our borough who made a lasting impression on the wider world. And soon they could be immortalised in their hometowns as part of an exciting new project to honour our local heroes.
The Mayor of Wigan’s Charity Appeal is now looking for nominations from the public for noteworthy locals to enter the hall of fame.
Incoming Mayor Cllr Eunice Smethurst says: “As part of the Mayor’s Charity we hope we can commemorate those who achieved fame through a series of plaques placed in public places that have a link to the person. We are asking for people to nominate their favourite hero. It can be an entertainer, sports star, inventor, writer, artist or anyone who has really made a difference.”
But there’s just one thing: your hero has to be... dead! The charity already has plenty of posthumous candidates.
Leigh author and Hollywood screenwriter James Hilton (1900-1954) gave us the enduring tales of Goodbye Mr Chips and Lost Horizon. Or how about painter Lawrence Isherwood (1917-1989)? To some, as important as Lowry, but always in the Salford matchstick man’s shadow.
Others on the shortlist include entertainer George Formby, Atherton inventor of the high speed ‘Maglev’ train Eric Laithwaite, and music hall legend Frank Randall.
To nominate a local hero, write to the Mayor’s Secretary, Town Hall, Library Street, Wigan or email c.charnock@wigan.gov.uk