HARRY Hindle, a leading light in the Christian Gospel Hall, Maxwell Street, Astley Bridge, has died at the age of 71.

The funeral was taking place today with a service at the hall at 2pm.

Bachelor Mr Hindle lived in the same house on the Hall i'th'Wood estate for 62 years.

He was converted to Christianity at the age of 20 during a gospel convention in a marquee and went on to devote his life to the Astley Bridge hall. He was Presiding Elder and Sunday School superintendent and took children from several churches on summer camps for many years.

Gifted

He was also well-known in the Bolton area as a rounders referee. He was a gifted speaker and was asked to speak at many local churches.

As a youngster he learned to play the mandolin and was later a member of the Barbara Lobb Music Group. He was such an accomplished player that he was often asked to turn professional.

Harry attended Castle Hill School and Hilden Street Commercial School and after service in the RAF he went on to work for the Electricity Board as a section head. Fellow members of his church say his death has come as a particularly sad blow in the 70th Jubilee year of the Gospel Hall.

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