A Tonge Moor Childhood', written two years ago by Harwood man John Webster, has evoked many memories and resulted in a large postbag, particularly from Boltonians who now live abroad.

One letter dropped on the author's door mat a few days ago, postmarked Canada.

The writer's name Lucy Dziadko meant nothing until she explained that until her marriage to a Pole (whom she met in Blackpool in 1956) her name was Lucy Grimshaw.

She had been for nearly 25 years a teacher at Castle Hill Junior School where John Webster began his education on the first day the new school opened in August, 1930.

The book given as a present by another Castle Hill teacher, Mrs Kathleen Holt (formerly Phetheann) on a visit to Canada a few months ago has brought Mrs Dziadko much pleasure and nostalgia".

She went on: "I felt I should write and tell you so."

She included in her letter three small snapshots as a reminder of times past. One was a photo of the staff of the Junior School, including Lucy herself and Miss Hall the headmistress. Another was of the staff of the Senior Boys school with Frank Milner the headmaster.

Prominent among the staff are Stanley Pollit, Tommy Williams, Teddy Hatfield, Herbert S Duffin, (former Bolton cricketer) and Willy Hardy, mentor of Nat Lofthouse.

The third snap was of a young boy named Brian Boardman, taken in the garden of the Junior School.

On the back is written: 'Essay. When I grow up I want to be Prime Minister!" Underneath has been added, it would appear more recently: 'In my class. Wish I knew about him now'.

Well that is remarkable to think that a woman now 85 years old was so impressed by this young boy that she has kept his picture for perhaps more than 60 years.

Are you out there Brian Boardman? Lucy Grimshaw, that was, would love to hear from you. So call John W Webster on 01204 523250.

"A Tonge Moor Childhood" is available at Sweeten's Book Shop.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.