Former Tory Defence Minister, Michael Portillo, reading for young Wiganers at the Linacre creche during a visit to Wigan College as part of his backing for Conservative candidate, Tom Peet, in the upcoming local by election in September 1999.

placeholder image — Former Tory Defence Minister, Michael Portillo, reading for young Wiganers at the Linacre creche during a visit to Wigan College as part of his backing for Conservative candidate, Tom Peet, in the upcoming local by election in September 1999.

Turning back the clock to see what was making the news in Wigan in 1999

By Michelle Adamson

Published 2nd Nov 2022, 15:45 GMT

Updated 9th Sep 2025, 09:41 GMT

We are heading back 26 years to a selection of the news stories we covered in Wigan in 1999, with pictures taken by photographer Frank Orrell.

See how many you remember.

13. 1999

Orrell club members Al Daniel, Ian Lucas and Gary Daniel check the score during an archery competition at St. Joseph's College, Up Holland, on Saturday 19th of June 1999. The tournament was organised by the Lancashire Archery Association and competitors came from all over the North of England. Photo: Frank Orrell

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14. 1999

An archery competition at St. Joseph's College, Up Holland, on Saturday 19th of June 1999. The tournament was organised by the Lancashire Archery Association and competitors came from all over the North of England. Photo: Frank Orrell

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Wigan

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Turning back the clock to see what was making the news in Wigan in 1999

We are heading back 26 years to a selection of the news stories we covered in Wigan in 1999, with pictures taken by photographer Frank Orrell.

13. 1999

14. 1999

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