A GUIDEBOOK reference, about a Bavarian church's organ, struck a chord which echoes back to the Haydock of Victorian times. And now, reader M. Rigg, who spotted the connection, would like to know more.

He explains: "I recently returned from Bavaria, staying in Oberammergau, where the world-famous Passion Play is performed every 10 years. On visiting the local Catholic parish church I came across a headstone which read: 'Mr Arthur Evans, Haydock, England (1846-1896)'.

"On reading the guide book", adds Mr Rigg, of Priory Close, Whiston, "it stated that 'A friend of Oberammergau, Mr A. Evans, donated the present church organ.'

"I wonder", he signs off, "if you or your readers have any information on Mr Evans and how he came to be buried in Bavaria?"

Well, I do know for sure that he was a member of the powerful colliery and foundry-owning Evans family of the 19th century. He lived at the historic Homestead dwelling at Haydock which still exists today, and was credited with setting up the Haydock Reading Room (originally for the literary use of the local working class and now a popular licensed club).

I believe that he died in tragic circumstances in Oberammergau. But the rest of the detail escapes my memory. Can any helpful reader fill in the gaps?