Slices of Wigan life in 15 pictures taken for the Observer in 2003

By Michelle Adamson

Published 12th Nov 2026, 04:55 GMT

The clock winds back 23 years for these images all taken for the Wigan Observer of news events in 2003.

See if you can spot anyone you know!

Shevington Sharks rugby players John Metcalfe and Barry Leahey have fun before setting off with dozens of others on the Sharks walk to raise money for multiple scleroisis research and the club.

1. 2003

Shevington Sharks rugby players John Metcalfe and Barry Leahey have fun before setting off with dozens of others on the Sharks walk to raise money for multiple scleroisis research and the club. Photo: Geoff Shryhane

Ladies set sail for Wigan's 16th annual beer festival launched at the Orwell Wigan Pier. Pictured ltr; Pauline Marsh, peeping through the lifebeltJanet Gleave, Valerie Hollows Panda Alexander Susan White and Mia Reeves This year they want more women to join the beer bash.

2. 2003

Ladies set sail for Wigan's 16th annual beer festival launched at the Orwell Wigan Pier. Pictured ltr; Pauline Marsh, peeping through the lifebeltJanet Gleave, Valerie Hollows Panda Alexander Susan White and Mia Reeves This year they want more women to join the beer bash. Photo: JOHN LEATHERBARROW

Deanery stars Amy Guest 5'a * and 7 a's Lara Unsworth 5 a * and 7 a's Amy Green 4a* 5' a's B and C

3. 2003

Deanery stars Amy Guest 5'a * and 7 a's Lara Unsworth 5 a * and 7 a's Amy Green 4a* 5' a's B and C Photo: JOHN LEATHERBARROW

Time on his hands... Mike Tomlinson at work on the clock face of st paul's church in Goose green.

4. 2003

Time on his hands... Mike Tomlinson at work on the clock face of st paul's church in Goose green. Photo: Gary Brunskill

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