THE quirkily-titled Moss Bank Debating and Walking Stick Society has re-launched itself after a break of several years and is off to a flying new start.

The group, who gather at the Moss Bank Hotel on Tuesday evenings to shoot the breeze about local history, arrange for guest speakers and social outings and join in a hearty sing-song, have fired in a selection of yedscratters for followers of the old page to chew upon.

One member has produced a brass nameplate found in an old attic. Measuring 3ft by 6ins, it bears the deeply-embossed bold title Ivor Soot Lance. The name of an Aberdare engineering company also appears in small lettering.

The lads want to know exactly what it is, being hopeful that it turns out to be a loco nameplate which could be added to rest of the railway theme running through the pub (it was formerly called The Railway).

Here is the rest of their yedscratter list:

When was Carr Mill Dam first created; and for what purpose?

Where and what was Rushy Park which appears on old maps covering the St Helens area?

What became of the large and impressive linen-based roller map of the town which once graced St Helens Central Library's reference room?

What was the original name of Tolver Street, St Helens?

ANY answers can be forwarded to me (in writing only, please) and I'll happily pass them on.

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