ADA Gibson's poem 'Donkey Stone' (LET, February 8) brought back some lovely memories of growing up in Oswaldtwistle.
A Mr Sam Hewitt came down our street every Saturday morning with his horse and cart. He was a small man, with red cheeks, snow-white hair and a brown trilby hat. He had a big hand-bell which he rang, shouting: "Rags! Rags! Rag and bone -- Rags."
Women and children would come out, with rags etc., waiting for Sam.
We never had many rags, but my mother would make Mr Hewitt a 'brew' and give the horse a drink of water. He paid the women for their unwanted items -- rags and all kinds of bric-a-brac -- cash if they preferred, or 'in kind' with bundles of firewood and firelighters.
He gave out 'donkey stones' by the hundred -- in cream, white, brown, beige to blend with the stones of the door-steps and windowsills of these thrifty, house-proud women.
CHRISTINE WILKIN-WYKE, New Lane, Oswaldtwistle.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article