JEAN Rostron brought her Astley Bridge memories to life in last week's Looking Back.

She grew up in the little village and recalls the little valley below the bridge which was called Heywoods Hollow.

So many memories came flooding back to 69-year-old Jean and she hopes they will be shared by other Looking Back readers.

Further down from the Iron Church, says Jean, was Jack Sheff's on the corner of Howard Street.

It was a favourite meeting place for the "tough lads" she says.

"Well they seemed tough when you were younger than they were, drinking nettle beer.

"The shop was used a lot by swimmers from Moss Street Baths, who got hot Vimto, or sarsaparilla from there," she recalls.

Jack Sheff's was a snack bar and very well known, says Jean.

"He had the old earthenware type flagons with a serving cup on shelves at the back and played music.

"He was a fabulous man and you certainly behaved in there.

"Nettle beer, hot Vimto and all the soft drinks were available then."

Jean did not attend her local school, Wolfenden Street Girls School as the tradition was for family to go to Castle Hill.

On April 2 a reunion is being held for anyone who went to Castle Hill School.

On Saturday April 2 a reunion is being held for former students of Castle Hill School at the Roundhouse, in Kenton Close, Halliwell.

Tickets are £3 and available from On a Roll sandwich bar in Tonge Moor Road, Appletree Cafe in Tonge Moor Road and Fancy That in Chorley Old Road.

Jean recalls some of her pals from school including Carol Garland, Glynis Spragg, Dorothy Whittle and Pauline Pennington.