Production director, John Butler, and managing director, John Winnard, at the Santus factory in Dorning Street, Wigan, in July 1977.placeholder image
Production director, John Butler, and managing director, John Winnard, at the Santus factory in Dorning Street, Wigan, in July 1977.

RETRO: a picture special celebrating 125 years of Uncle Joe's Mint Balls

By Michelle Adamson
Published 5th Feb 2023, 15:45 GMT

As the iconic Wigan sweet company Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary, we thought we’d take a lucky dip into our archive and found all sorts of pictures taken over the years at its famous Wm Santus factory in Dorning Street.

Keeping you all aglow!

John Winnard officially opens the Uncle Joes on the new mall at PEMBEC watched by pupils Lisa Turton, Claire Rogers Chloe Johnson Daniel Littler and staff Anita Taulty and Carl Taulty.

9. 2004

John Winnard officially opens the Uncle Joes on the new mall at PEMBEC watched by pupils Lisa Turton, Claire Rogers Chloe Johnson Daniel Littler and staff Anita Taulty and Carl Taulty. Photo: JOHN LEATHERBARROW

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Ronnie Curran sees over the wrapping stage.

10. 2007

Ronnie Curran sees over the wrapping stage. Photo: Gary Kelman

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The mint balls begin to take shape feeding onto a drop roller at the Santus factory in Dorning Street, Wigan, in July 1977.

11. 1977

The mint balls begin to take shape feeding onto a drop roller at the Santus factory in Dorning Street, Wigan, in July 1977. Photo: Frank Orrell

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Terry Wynn MEP gets to sample the Uncle Joe's Mint Balls straight off the production line during his visit to William Santus & Co, to talk about the Euro and exports (and rugby and football!), with joint managing director Antony Winnard,

12. 2007

Terry Wynn MEP gets to sample the Uncle Joe's Mint Balls straight off the production line during his visit to William Santus & Co, to talk about the Euro and exports (and rugby and football!), with joint managing director Antony Winnard, Photo: NICK FAIRHURST

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