It's a hobby horse

There's nay-one to beat 72-year-old David Gillett when it comes to collections.

For he has amassed hundreds of horsey items, such as brasses, harnesses and photographs from bygone times that many of us fondly look back on.

"I was brought up in the era of horses and we had a horse and it just carried on from there," said David, explaining how his cherished collection first started.

The pensioner has many marvellous memories.

"I still have the photograph of the horse my father bought at Preston Auction in 1927. I think, off the top of my head, it was £27, but you were lucky if you got £1 a week in wages then."

He has a 1911 bridle made in Chorley by Baxendale. And he recalls the firm's saddlery in the town centre.

Then there's the Jacksons Arms, Cunliffe Street, Chorley, which he reveals was given the quaint nickname the Knacky - from knacker.

David tells how Bolton company Nalls were sub-contractors for the LMS on the railway in Chorley.

"They used to say they bought poor, broken down horses. The horsemen would make in the pub for a pint after work and that's how it got its name."

David, who only wishes to say he lives in Chorley for fear of his collection being raided, reckons he has at least 300 different items - from off pit ponies to shire horses - worth between £3,000 and £4,000.

"Some are in the house and some in a place outside," he said.

ZPart of David Gillett's horsey collection

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