THE old town has come in for plenty of stick over the years. Complaints over the destruction of landmark buildings such as the old market hall and Helena House, about the horrendous modern day traffic layout and its threatening town-centre atmosphere of a Saturday night.

But there is one person for whom St Helens will always have a special place in her heart.

Pat Staples (nee Walsh) cherishes the memories of her evacuee days in the borough and would love to be reunited with any of the kids with whom she and her sister formed wartime friendships.

Writing from South Croydon in Surrey, Pat unfolds thoughts of both the happy and tragic kind.

"My sister Margaret and I were evacuated during the war to St Helens and we wonder if anyone remembers us. If so, we would love to hear from them."

"We were taken in by a lovely couple, Mr and Mrs Smith of Agnes Street, Clock Face, and we have such fond memories of the large family who showed us such love and care during those austere times."

When Pat and Margaret get together with their mother they often talk about that big-hearted family . . . "and even when the war was over I always, as a child, went back for odd weekends and during school holidays.

"We will always remember Helen, Winn, Vincent, Anne and Joe, and especially their wonderful mum and dad. Thank-you St Helens for the happy times we had, even though we were far away from our parents.

"We grew up," adds Pat, "to be well-adjusted ladies, forming long, happy marriages with children (and now grandchildren)."

On a more sombre note, she tells us: "My grandfather, Mr W. Thompson, was killed in a fight with my uncle. It happened at the time we were evacuated to St Helens and took place outside a pub over the bridge from Clock Face."

She signs off: "Although tragic for our family, it was news at the time. Can anyone say whether anything was printed in the newspapers at that time?"

IF anyone can provide any info, or any childhood friends would like to get in touch with the sisters, Pat can be contacted at 3 Endsleigh Close, Selsdon, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 8RT (tel. 0181 6573077).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.