LORRAINE DAWSON writes: "I last wrote to you in January, when, together with a couple of old school pals, we decided to do a school reunion. That happened last Saturday, May 4, and what a fantastic night it was.

I would just like to thank the Bolton Evening News for having the Old Pals section in your newspaper, we found so many people this way.

I would also like to thank the Steward and staff at Heaton Cricket Club for letting us have the room and providing their services, and also the DJ Craig Harrison, who provided his services free of charge. Thank you also to Peter Guvvins from Somerset who, at short notice, printed us some small autograph books as a keepsake for everyone. And thanks to everyone who turned up, making it a big success for myself, Mark Llwellyn (who started the ball rolling), and Howard Tustin. Thanks again to everyone who helped.

ANDREA SEABORN of Port Macquarie, NSW Australia writes: "Hi, I'm so excited, I just had to let you know that today I received a letter from a friend I haven't seen since 1971, when she moved back to Horwich with her parents. She tried unsuccessfully to reach me via the e-mail I put on the site, I have no idea why. Then she tried white pages directory and found a phone number with was disconnected. Finally, she wrote a letter to the address in the white pages, not knowing if it would find me. My brother-in-law now lives in that house and passed on the letter to me. What a determined lady!! Her name is Dianne Crompton, she still lives in Horwich. Thank you for the service you provide it is so valuable and yet its FREE!! CONGRATULATIONS on another success story.

SUCCESSES

VERA CARTER (nee Grimshaw) writes: "Just a short note of thanks. I have received word of/from all the people I mentioned in your column, and, for that, I sincerely thank you. I have even heard from people I did not mention, but who saw my name and have written or e-mailed. One of them was a relative I had "lost" over the years. Once again - thank you so very much and keep up the good work! I will keep on reading!

LYN HOYLE says: "I read the BEN every night, I have been in Somerset 46 years. It's great to keep in touch. I have found 11 "girls", we all worked at Whitakers, 1942/56, We are having a reunion in May, after not meeting up for 50 years. I had this information through the BEN. Thanks again."

lynhoyle@littledeakins.freeserve.co.uk