In March, 1977, this picture showed Bolton Swimming Club members busy training for the forthcoming season when they would be competing in the Bolton and District and North Lancashire Leagues. The club catered for people of all ages, from four-year-old non-swimmers to competent team members and an adult teaching class.

Do you recall old buildings where rescenet stands?

ON March 27, I printed a 1908 picture of Deansgate/Queen Street. However, reader Mr John Connolly writes to say that he does not think it was Queen Street but Back Spring Gardens, with the Druids Arms pub on it.

"Queen Street would be next to the Hippodrome and difficult to see," he writes. "By the side of the Druids Arms is Spring Passage. Part of the demolished area of Queen Street formerly contained a Ragged School and some lodging houses.

"My grandfather was born at No 7 Queen Street in 1891."

Mr Connolly goes on to ask whether anyone recalls the buildings which used to occupy the area where the Crescent now stands - Spring Gardens and Howell Croft. "From old maps, these buildings appear to be one solid mass virtually from Deansgate to Great Moor Street.

"I believe that several hundred, if not thousands, of people lived there, but I would like to know whether they were two-storey or three-storey.

Also, does anyone remember the area between Deansgate and the Croal i.e. Idle Lane, Chapel Alley and particular Joiners' Square." If anyone has information, you can contact Mr Connolly at 103 Queens Avenue, Bromley Cross.