JUST a few lines to thank Margo for her brief mention of Freddie Maddox in her column.

I was brought up in his locality, Oswaldtwistle (Golden Cross area) and knew him and his family well. He was known by his stetson hat, his cheek and charm, a real character.

As you say he got together his "whitewash" crews with stirrup-pumps "decorating" the mill sheds after the war.

I have fond memories of Margo's "Jubilee days," a group of us came from Ossy to enjoy Saturday nights on the Barbary.

Wine Lodge, Legs of Man, New Inn, Golden Lion, Farmers Arms, "Dun", Old Bank, Swan and Sun.

I remember a one-eyed waitress at the Dun Horse and "Nora", another waitress, she was a match for anyone giving trouble.

My best mate met his "life partner" in the Jubilee piano room so you formed romances as well as "pulling the pints".

Thank you for the memories Margo and long may you continue with your column.

RICHARD MAUDSLEY, Melbourne Street, Clayton-le-Moors.