IT was interesting to read the articles in the Bolton Evening News about Alice Foley and Robert Heywood. What your writer portrayed was a catalogue of their achievements, but failed to mention what inspired them to do such noble service for Bolton.

Both in fact were Unitarians and members of Bank Street Chapel in the town centre.

It was the ethos of service to humanity based on a deep faith in God and the teachings of Jesus that drove them both.

Robert Heywood was a businessman, but he also protected jobs in Bolton during the slumps by buying up his suppliers and outlets rather than see them close.

Although his business interests and charitable works were considerable he nevertheless taught in the Bank Street Sunday School each week all his life.

It is thanks to Robert Heywood and his friends at Bank Street that the Bolton School Girls' Division was founded.

Alice Foley, brought up in the catholic tradition also came to Bank Street as a member.

So did many of the employers against whom she strove for the rights of Bolton mill workers during the week. But there was an unwritten agreement that union- management business was not discussed on Sundays.

Tony McNeile

Minister

Bank Street Chapel

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