I KNOW that many readers bought the book The Heatons of Deane, by E.R. Heaton, when it was published earlier this year, and Mr Heaton has now contacted me to say that the book also aroused considerable interest both throughout the UK and overseas, particularly in America, but also in Australia and New Zealand.

"One person in Florida discovered from the book that his great-great-grandfather Eli Heaton was born in 1828, probably at Slack Hall Farm, Horwich, and was so excited at being able to trace his ancestry back from there to the 13th century that he promptly ordered 15 copies of the book to be sent to him for distribution among his family in America.

"A particular point about this, which might interest you personally, is that Eli Heaton married an Alice Gent, and I believe there are people both in America and Lancashire who are also researching this Gent family." (As far as I know, Mr Heaton, Alice was no relation of mine; but then, even if she was, she'd probably deny it anyway!)

Mr Heaton continues: "I have had many letters from buyers of the book who have helped in connecting their own knowledge of their family with its earlier history, and I know that several individuals from all over the world are following up leads obtained from the book."

I am glad to hear that, Mr Heaton. Certainly, The Heatons of Deane is in my view a most important source of local information. Should any reader not have the book, and wishes to purchase it, it is in the bookshops, although you can also order it over the Internet at www.heaton.celtic.co.uk/deane.