WHO was Sidney? Ah, now, that's got you thinking, hasn't it!

Yes, I realise that almost all of us would know someone with that name, but this is a special Sidney, who used to work at the John Miles Rubber Company at about the end of the war.

I have been asked to appeal in the paper for information by Mr Graham Gibbons, of 12 Neston Avenue, Sharples, BL1 8SQ (Tel. 305749) - a former deputy editor of the BEN - because he is writing the history of the firm, now owned by his son Nigel, with premises at Deakins Business Park, Egerton.

Graham has already found out many facts about the firm, which was started in 1858 by a John Marsh. John Miles, it appears, later married Mr Marsh's widow, took over the firm, and renamed it in 1875.

"At the end of the second world war, the company was being run by a Miss Woods," says Graham. "Sidney was a salesman who always wore a bowler hat, and prided himself as a steam engineer. He had been a chief engineer on a submarine in the first world war; many local firms used gaskets made by the John Miles firm. He seems to be a fascinating character, and I would like to know more about him.

"When John Miles died, he lived in Chorley New Road, Bolton, He had three daughters and a step-daughter, and one of them, Mrs Constance Jane McGee, lived at Lower House, Lostock."

"I would also like to trace anyone who may be descended from John Miles so that I can fully complete the history of the firm." If anyone can help, please contact Graham direct at the above address.

For the rest of you, join me in a song. All together now: "If you knew Sidney like I know Sidney, oh, oh . ."

Oh, please yourselves!