THE time when splints and bandages replaced chalk and exercise books at a local infant school is remembered by a Newton-le-Willows reader.

RH (he wishes to remain anonymous) tells us that it was during a wartime episode when Holy Cross infant school, at the rear of the now vanished Providence Hospital, was converted into a first aid post to which he had belonged.

In recent times, he's tried to unearth any records about that comradely establishment, including a list of the personnel. But without any success whatsoever.

Now, he wonders if any customers of this column (including, perhaps, wartime colleagues at the first-aid post) can fill in some of the blanks.

RH recalls that the two doctors on the voluntary staff were a Dr G. O'Keefe of Fingerpost and Dr Rosen of Duke Street, St Helens, and that a number of prominent business folk were also among the volunteers.

These included Hugh Bateman, town-centre jeweller, and Fingerpost barber Tommy Smith.

Norman White, of Blackbrook branch of the St John Ambulance Brigade, was also on staff and Bernard Roberts, he believes, was the post's superintendent.

RH, then living in Mather Avenue, Parr, was drawn to join them as the result of an announcement on the Pilkington glassworks notice board seeking volunteers. He left in December, 1943 to join the forces.

But now, it is as if the first aid post never existed. For RH has made exhaustive efforts in a vain attempt to unearth records about the post and its later transfer back to educational use.

ANYONE able to help with details, and make RH happy, could kindly drop a line to: Whalley's World, St Helens Star, YMCA Buildings, Duke Street, St Helens WA10 2HZ.

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