"SINCE being re-converted to the BEN some months ago. I have followed your column with great interest," writes Mr Brian Smith, of Rainshaw Street, Astley Bridge.

"I have to admit to enjoying nostalgia about my town and area, and often learn something more in the process of reading the articles.

"It is, of course, a little bit startling when on looking at the photograph of the day one sees oneself - only 40 years younger! This happened to me on September 1 when you printed a photograph of a group of young people on an electronics course at New Overdale in 1961.

"These courses were organised by Mr Bill Freeman, who was youth organiser for the borough in those days, and covered a variety of interests and activities.

They were always well received, lasted over the weekend, and were residential. I can't see them being popular today; how times have changed - but no doubt that's what our parents said!

"I have just retired - a little earlier than I might have and what really struck home when I saw the photograph was the fact that the day after it appeared, at the Songs of Praise at Bolton Parish Church to mark the end of the Festival, what should the last hymn chosen be but my old college hymn. Somehow it all seemed to be a sort of pleasant conspiracy.

"I wonder how all those people on the photograph have gone on in the ensuing 40 years? I know about only one of them, Marjorie Cocker (now Neale) and at the time we were going out together. She now lives in Scotland, but is in regular contact with a mutual friend.

"New Overdale is very different now in many ways - it was a bit spartan but friendly, and the young people who used it felt it was theirs. What was originally set up to be appears to have changed, and the saddest of all is that, after more than 50 years, it is closing."

Well, Mr Smith, I am glad that you are again reading the paper and enjoying this column. I was at New Overdale not long ago, though, and it certainly seemed a very friendly place, and the young people still feel very attached to it.