THE FRUIT in question has many names but the local one is Whimberries with an 'M' not an 'N'. The Eastern end of Winter Hill is recorded by the Ordnance Survey and is given as Whimberry Hill. Perhaps because the fruit grows well in the area.

The fruit is also know by other names i.e. Mildlands and parts of Lancashire as Bilberries; West Country as Wort's (Wortleberries); Scotland as Blaeberries and USA and Canada as Blueberries.

The scoop mentioned is a very efficient implement and is still in regular use by the gypsies in the West Country.

Any how, I hope the foregoing will explain why long serving Boltonians call them Whimberries.

Keith Billington

Brownlow Road

Horwich

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