ALAN WHALLEY'S WORLD

IT seems that this old page is now a fixture on the Internet. And I've been heartened and impressed by the global response that has come in - from places as far apart as Australia and the USA.

Rather closer to home, David T. McLaughlin from Driffield, East Yorkshire, has also peeped into my column via the web.

Currently researching his family tree, he believes that one of his long-departed relatives played for a homespun St Helens rugby team known as the NIBS (standing for New Inn Boozing Society!).

His attention had been captured by my recent flashback photo featuring the NIBS. And he's been prompted to ask for any further details on that score; plus assistance with two other queries.

David would welcome any information regarding the St Helens Pals (11th South Lancs.) of the first world war - particularly regarding where they trained and where they fought during that 1914-18 conflict.

And he adds: "I believe that local newspaper match reports of Saints games during the 1920s were written under the pen-names of 'Scrum Half' and 'Spectator'.

"Could anyone throw any light on the identities and backgrounds of those two particular sports reporters?"

IF anyone can put David out of his agony, they could drop me a line (I'll then pass on the info); or he can be contacted direct at: 59 York Road, Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 7AY, tel. (01377) 255189.

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