Alan Calvert used quite a few of Alf Sutton's wonderful stories of his days in t'mill on this page. I see no reason not to continue this tradition.

One of Alf's stories describes how he and his mates would sometimes, on a hot summer day, go for a break and a breath of fresh air on to the roof of the mill. Here they had a view of more than 50 chimneys and other landmarks around the "town in the bowl".

Of course, their little trip was completely against the rules.

One day, for a laugh, a "mate" locked the door and Alf's little group was trapped for quite a while.

Panic was setting in until the door opened and a spinner stepped out for a cigarette.

"We had been saved," writes Alf. "To show our gratitude, we had a quick whip round, giving him the money to buy his next packet - and also his silence!"

How theatre turned into Johnny's

DO you remember The Prince's Theatre in Horwich?

Dan Ranoe, whose works include the recently published A Brief History of the Methodist Church in Bolton, is looking for memories of the theatre for a new book he is researching.

In particular, he needs information and memories of Johnny Holland, who was the manager of the theatre at the end of the 19th century.

During this time the theatre became known as Johnny's.

If you can help, please contact Mr Ranoe on 01204 591326.