I was a train bearer for the May Queen at St Marys Church. I think that the year would have been around 1944. I can still remember the names of the other children who were in attendance, these were as follows.

Dad being in the army at Dunkirk in 1940 but as I was only two then, this time is very vague, but I do remember Dad coming home on leave with his rough wiskery chin and his rough uniform and leaving his rifle propped up in a corner of the kitchen.

Tameside Memories

labelled Band Shed. Not sure if this was for band practice as Beulah Hall was next door in Beula Street. Maybe some one else has further information if deemed useful. Drawing headed Openshaw Brewery Co ltd. Last info was that it was now a Tanning Salon. Condition good.

Walking to Hartshead pike from the Coalpit Hills on Lees Road/Smallshaw Lane up to the Knott Hill reservoir. The Ridings family (Steve Petty will remember) lived in Vincent St, then on the ‘Village’. The father, Jim, passed away in the early 2000s’. The mum, Norma, passed away seven years past. The children, Lenny, Jimmy, David and Christine are mostly local.The Ashton dialect with its broad ‘brogue’, although only 3-4 miles distant from where I grew up, was a great sense of amusement to local Openshaw kids. It is amazing how different it is from the inner city ‘Manc’ accent. Even today I listen with a sense of amusement, but with respect also, as many came to be friends of mine in later years and reversed it to make us sound ‘common’. Funny old world. John Longsden has done much for Openshaw and Bradford as the local councillor for many, many years. He is currently battling cancer and winning for a second time. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his lovely family.