WHEN the plans were made to scrap the traditional Wakes Weeks holidays in Bolton there was a large measure of agreement about throwing off the past.

Children, went the argument, did not benefit from having a fortnight's break in the summer term before the long school holidays.

It was disruptive and pointless, especially as the main reason for having Wakes Weeks -- the total shutdown of local mills and factories for holidays -- no longer occurred everywhere at once.

Since that decision was made, plenty of local people have come to realise that this two weeks actually gave local families real holiday bargains. They were away before the bulk of other families, and before prices became inflated.

There is no doubt that other things were also lost when the Wakes Weeks went. And it is interesting to see that Bolton Little Theatre is premiering a new musical next week which brings to life the story of a Bolton family heading for Blackpool in 1953.

The play was written by local man Roger Spencer and features authentic costumes and a cast who will, no doubt, add to the genuine feel of what promises to be an enjoyable production.

It was no surprise that people felt there was plenty to sing about in those Wakes Weeks.

They were certainly times when the local community seemed to leave en masse, to re-assemble in little enclaves on beaches and caravan parks in Blackpool, Southport and North Wales.

Whether everyone wanted to holiday with their neighbours and workmates is debatable, but this was the way of living, accepted as much as the seaside landladies who charged extra for "cruet".

Bolton itself was left feeling like a ghost town. The Bolton Evening News used to send its reporters and photographers to the resorts to record the holiday activities of local people to fill the columns.

I well remember trudging along Blackpool sands with a photographer, shouting out to the holidaying groups: "Anyone here from Bolton?"

Often in response, along with the regular warm "Over 'ere, luv. We're from Farnworth", came abusive shouts of, "No, we're from Glasgow, so b***** off!"

Bolton's weeks coincided with some of the Scottish annual holidays. Ah, yes, definitely some fond memories there.