BANK Street Unitarian Chapel, Bolton - described by correspondent Adrienne Tonge as "a hot bed for strong-minded, free-thinking go-getters" - once had a congregation made up of some of the wealthiest men in the town.

But although Bank Street has a busy, healthy-sized congregation, things are not what they were.

She says: "As result of smaller congregations, with no Heywood, Darbishire, Arkwright, Wedgwood or Crompton offering their support, we are no longer the rich church we were."

These days Bank Street - the present building dates back to 1854 - is also home to the Bank Street Writers, the Theosophical society and several charitable groups which use the facilities free of charge.

"Maintaining our beautiful old building is a challenge and fund-raising a constant pressure," Adrienne says.

To raise money there is a "From Back to Barbados" fund-raising concert at the Chapel on Thursday, March 17, at 7.30pm.

It features Keith Bateson on the Chapel organ, students from Leigh college and a steel band and samba band by permission of Blackburn with Darwen music Centre.

A member of the congregation, Alison Mancini, is head of the music centre there.

Tickets are available from Adrienne on 01204 706838.

DOROTHY Wilkinson has written again from Duchy Road, Harrogate, to thank all the people who contacted her after a recent item about the "Tin Trunk" cinema at Bradshaw.

She says: "It does one good to find that the old Boltonian kindliness of spirit still lives on.

"I certainly loved my life there."