WHEN on September 11 I published a picture showing a delivery of dried milk to the Ridgways Endowed School, Bury New Road, Bolton, in the early 1940s, it brought back memories to reader Mr Michael McEwing.

'I remember that the classrooms were divided by sliding partitions, and during assembly a partition in each classroom would be slid back to form one big area, then after assembly moved back into position. Though this concept may not have been unique, I have always thought it a great idea.

'I remember the headmaster, Mr Barlow, and on one occasion was introduced to his cane. Myself and a girl whose name I cannot remember (well, it was over 40 years ago!), left the school at break time, crossed Bury Road, and I think we hid under a railway arch.

'When we returned to school Mr Barlow was waiting for us, and asked me what we had been doing. I said we had been playing house - and was promptly caned for my honesty. If the girl involved reads this and remembers the incident, perhaps she will contact me.

'I remember my teacher Mr Bayle; we went on a trip to a railway museum in York, and Mr Bayle took his son Berry along. On the engine displays were notices saying "Do not climb on the engines", so of course, we did.

'I also remember the Queen's visit to Bolton, and she came past our school; we stood on the pavement waving our little flags.

'Among other teachers I recall Mr Walsh, a tall man, and Miss Mole, who I think taught music, and she had a baton type cane that she called Marmaduke. I shook hands with Marmaduke a few times.

'I still remember some of the other pupils: Brian Morris, Tony White, Amy Potts (she had a sister called Ivy). It was Amy who introduced me to a game called solitaire - it was in a round red plastic box with white pegs.

'The most terrifying experience for me was when I had to sing in front of the school. I remember the song, but not the title, and I heard someone say: "He sounds like a girl." I also remember playing truant, as it was called then, and my father dragging me back to school along Bury Road. Happy Days?

'I left Ridgways in 1956 and started at Tonge Fold, now demolished, until December, 1960. I went into engineering and left the trade in August 1998. I am now a security officer at Smithills Hall.'

If you recall Michael, and wish to contact him, he lives at 270 Turton Road, Bradshaw, and his e-mail address is tanjettee-@ic24.net