AN item in last month's column on Leigh's speed skater extraordinaire, Joe Bates, brought back many happy memories for former Astleyite, Beth Seddon.

Beth, who lives in Lincoln, and keeps in touch with her home town through the Journal, has kept Joe's story with her throughout her life because he was her mother's hero.

Joe, who died at the age of 52 in 1924, was born in Bold Street, and took to ice skating like a duck to water.

He had a notable career between 1890 and 1908, when he was one of the fastest skaters in the world, winning many wagers.

Mrs Seddon, who lived in Astley for 60 of her 84 years, tells me a photograph of Joe Bates wearing his huge skates and holding a big silver trophy, takes pride of place in the hallway of her home.

She remembers stories about the Leigh character being told to her as a child. Her mother, due to unforeseen circumstances was brought up with her aunt, Betsy Burrows, who kept the now demolished Union Arms at Butts Bridge. Joe lodged there at the height of his career and was very kind to her mother, leaving her in sole charge of his skates, and she kept them well polished and clean for his next event.

She knew every pair and had the honour of showing them to important visitors. Eventually she lost touch with him, but never forgot his kindness to an unwanted 11-years-old child.

What a lovely way of keeping both their memories alive.