Ron Freethy's postbag

IN a recent article I wrote about the history of clogs and asked for readers memories of these versatile and comfortable items of footwear. More than 30 readers have added to my knowledge and just a few are mentioned here.

Ernest Smith, who has a footwear repairs business on Dukes Brow, Blackburn, tells me that the only clogmaker he knows of is J Peters, of Walmsley Street, Rishton.

He also recommends a book by Bob Dobson called "Concerning Clogs" and published some time ago by Dalesman. Mrs D Baldwin, of Every Street, Nelson, writes to tell me that she still has a pair of clogs which she wore as a baby 72 years ago.

Mrs Vera Clarke, of Keighley Road, Colne, wrote as follows:

I ALWAYS enjoy reading your column in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, and I found your article on clogs very interesting as I have just inherited a pair of clogs.

These clogs are what I believe are known as "Lancashire clogs" because of their narrow toe shape. They are men's clogs and are always 13 inches long which shows they were worn by quite a tall man. The clogs do not have the metal clasps usually found on clogs but fasten with leather laces threaded through three pairs of eyelet holes. The clogs originally had brass toe plates but these have been partially covered with metal toe plates to make them more hard-wearing. Surprisingly the clogs do not have "irons" on but have what we always called "rubbers."

I'm sure these clogs were worn many times to go to work in the mill and I would think they are 50 or 60 years old and still in good condition although the leather is a little stiff.

I hope you find these few lines of interest.

Did your family sail off to a new life Down Under?

IN the same post bag came several letters concerning the connection between East Lancashire and New Zealand.

Obviously there was some emigration during the 1850s but many local people went to New Zealand via the New Zealand government's immigration scheme. The TSS "Captain Cook" was specially fitted out for this purpose in the 1950s. The scheme was managed by Donaldson Brothers and Black Limited, of Glasgow.

I was sent postcards of this vessel and I wonder if any readers are still in touch with relatives who took advantage of this scheme.

Next week I'm going to reply to a letter by Mr J King, of Blackburn, who tells me more about clogs but in turn he wants to know more about the Hest Bank Camp School and the area surrounding it.

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