____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Bridge over the River Sett - Revisited

     The first time I walked over the old bridge at the bottom of New Mills was on the 25th June 1908 - it was my birthday.  I was 6.

      Like many more families who had come to make their livelihood in the town, and especially in Birch Vale, was because a serious fire had destroyed the Love Clough Printworks in the Rossendale Valley, Lancashire.  Work was found for the unfortunate families and most of these were drafted to the Birch Vale Printworks.  They were given the name of `Cloughers`, which name still clings to them.

     Many of them made their spiritual home at Zion Methodist Church, bringing with them a love of music; from which choirs and choral societies evolved - Harry Heap`s choir at Providence, Birch Vale Male Voice Choir, New Mills Choral Society.  These together with the choirs from local churches produced many fine concerts, and, be it said, several fine soloists.  One of the highlights was the annual rendering of Handel`s Messiah, with such well-known voices as Hamilton Harris, Bella Bailey and many others who have won a place in the hearts of music lovers.

     There were crowds of children living along the banks of the river, Stony Brow, High Street, Meal Street and the surrounding district.  At first taunts such as `he comes from rotten stall (Rawtenstall)` were hard to bear. But soon friendships were formed and I became one of the boys.

     The scene has changed a lot since those days - no houses in High Street, Meal Street, Stone Brow, or by the river, - no Methodist Church in High street. (Although the Sunday School still stands).  Incidentally, the school, now a building of historical interest, was visited many times by John Wesley, and other well-known Methodist preachers including Thomas Oliver who wrote that fine hymn `The God of Abraham. Praise.`

     The Sunday School was, for many of us, the centre of our lives. Indeed Sunday was a full time attendance at school and chapel.  Starting at 9.30 a.m. school lasted till 10.50, then chapel continued until noon, and then home for dinner, afterwards to re-assemble at 2. 0 p.m. for an hour.  Following a stroll in the afternoon, we attended the evening service from 6. 0 to 7.30 followed in the summer by another stroll, and in the winter, hymn singing round the piano at a friend`s house.  Many fine men and women devoted their time to teaching in the Sunday School.  One, Danny Warren, together with his son managed a nursery in Moseley Bottom, and a boy in our class after visiting the nursery early on Sunday always arrived in class with a beautiful button hole.

     New Year`s day was a red letter day - an annual treat. Over 100 would sit down to tea at 4. 0 p.m. and how we tucked into bread and butter, buttered tea cakes, slab and seed cake, and untold cups of tea.  Tables cleared and forms arranged, the annual concert took place with productions of "The Old Woman in the Shoe", "The Enchanted Glen", and one of Heywood`s dialogues, solos, recitations, and actions songs.   Then to close the evening, prizes were presented to complete another happy day.  The Anniversary was the highlight of the year, touring the town, singing hymns, led by the band it was a full day with two services in the Old Ship.  On the 100th anniversary, the President of the conference, the Rev. Henry Bett was the preacher, Isabelle Bailey the soloist, with hymns, solos and anthems contributed by the choir and children.  Field days were held in Mouseley Bottom or High Lea Hall (Now the Park) when prizes were given for races and sports.  Another day to remember ended with buns and mugs of milk.

     In those days we had no television or radio, and most of our leisure time was taken up with reading and playing.  Going to the library in those days, we had to choose our book from a catalogue number, then look if our choice was available.  On each side of a large counter was an indicator with all the book numbers, if available it was underlined by a white card.  A grill spanned the two indicators and you gave the librarian the number you wanted and she would hand you the book with the reminder `wash your hands`.  The first day of each month was eagerly awaited as it was the day of the `Boys Own Paper` which adorned the reading table, and I was soon engrossed in its pages, reading those thrilling tales where the hero often had a gun in one and a bible in the other, then to read `to be continued` in our next issue - always a looking forward.  Oh for a book and a shady nook with authors whose names became household names - G.M. Henty, R.M. Ballantyne, R.L. Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, Jules Verne, Alexandre Dumas, whose thrilling story `Monte Cristo` is one of the great novels of the 19th century.  Two of the best school stories are `Tom Brown`s Schooldays` and `The Fifth Form of St. Dominie`s`.  The great detective stories of Sherlock Holmes, and the sea yarns of Captain Marryat all brought happy hours of reading.  Then we had the penny weeklies - Union Jack with the exploits of Sexton Blake, - two publications of Frank Richards, the Gem and the Magnet telling of Greyfriars School, Tom Merry & Co., and of course the laughable antics of Billy Bunter, Reginald D`Arcy and many other school chums.  Stories of animals gave great delight, the classic `Black Beauty` being the great favourite.  Many books were called `tear jerkers`, - ah, how many tears have fallen upon the pages of `Her Benny, A Peep Behind the Scenes, Alone in London, Oliver Twist, Christmas Carol and the stories Dickens told.

     There were also three comic papers, Chips featuring the lovable tramps Weary Willie and Tired Tim plus a full page of life in Casey`s Court, - Comic Cuts with Hector the lost dog and Sunbeam the little Imp, - and Puck.  When war broke out in 1914, Puck featured regiments of the army, cut-outs for pasting on cardboard and colouring with crayon or paint; and with lead soldiers at one penny each, a large army was soon assembled.  Toy theatres were on sale at one penny for plain types, and two pence for coloured.  There was also the birth of a new newspaper called "The Childrens` Newspaper" published by Arthur Mee.

     Recreation grounds and playing fields were unknown and our only play-ground was behind the pasteboards, near the bridge and adjoining Salem Mill which was then a chemical works.  Behind those 30 feet high boards young warriors fought their battles over football, cricket and peggy.  Peggy was our favourite game.  Two sides were chosen, the peggy 2" to 3" diameter about 6" long was laid on a flat piece of wood raised in the middle like a see-saw; the raised portion was then struck lifting the peggy in the air to be itself driven as far as possible with a stout club.  You then challenged the other side to step out the distance the peggy had been struck in a given number of strides - success was if they met the challenge, if not then the points were yours.  The game was 101 up, and often by one strike the game was won for the peggy sailed well over 100 yards.  U.T.P. shouted the team cheering their win.  Sometimes we had the misfortune to hit a chemical bottle with the peggy, and that meant a whip-round for cash to pay for the damage, depleting what little spending money we had.  Spending money was raised by carrying dinners to the printworks and mills for 3d or 6d per week, collecting manure 1d per load, running errands, helping shop keepers, newspaper rounds, lather boys, (we had six hairdressers in the town) doing anything to earn a penny or two.

     For cricket we fashioned a bat out of a paling, and for football used a rag ball, or begged a pig`s bladder from Sid Livesley`s butcher`s shop.  Trust and Weight was another game - two sides being chosen, then one side bent down arms round the boy in front with a belly-bumper to take the weight, - it often got a bit hectic holding the heavier weights.  Six bricks was another interesting game, the bricks put on top of each other and placed in an open space where the one who was `on` counted to 100, the rest scattered trying by stealth to knock down the pile - but if caught they were `on`.  Making pigeon lofts out of shoe boxes into which were placed the fluffiest feathers we could find, and then one windy day, having races with them.  All the traditional games were played, - marbles, hop-scotch, skipping-ropes, whip & top, running with hoops, enjoying a visit to the blacksmith to see a horse shoed or a rim put on a cart-wheel. the flying sparks and the hissing water as the red-hot iron was plunged in it - all added to the interest of the visit. A new game made it appearance called `Diabolo` soon to be forgotten like many others that became a craze and then died.  Cigarette cards were eagerly collected and exchanged to make up series in sets of fifty.  One brand called `Clips`, five for a penny, gave a series of footballers - many sets were pleasing and educational.

     May Day was a favourite day for then the horses were decked in ribbons, shining brasses, tinkling bells, making a pleasing sight. How proud were Whistling Dick, Fred Boyle and other horse lovers on May and Carnival days to see their well-groomed horses taking prizes.  Before the motor car, horses were the means of transport.  Jim Beard made journeys to Manchester twice a week with his lorry leaving at 4 am.  J Woodward had charge of chain horses bringing heavy loads up the  hills from Grove Mill and Mouseley Bottom to the Goods Yard of Hyde Bank and Newtown Station.  Doctor Chapman visited his patients in a horse-drawn trap.  Mrs Mackie was often seen in the town in her carriage and pair with coachman and footman.  She was a generous and good lady doing many charitable works - endowing the almshouses, and contributing generously to the well-being of the town.

     Having no swimming-baths, the bathing spot chosen was either the canal or the dirty river Sett - a dangerous place to bathe as it contained the waste dyes from the print-works higher up the river.  Another pleasing place to bathe was Golden Springs near Briar Grove.  You paid the farmer one penny to bathe and then two pence for a glass of milk with bread and cheese.  Beyond the Salem Mill on the other side of the river stood Windsor Castle (Shades of London), a tramp`s lodging house, this was called Picker Wood.  Through the wood flowed a little brook into the Sett.  It also gave its name to the famous Jazz-band, Pickerwood Band, who swept the board at every carnival.  Sad to relate, its big drummer, Mr. Brannon, lost his life in the Pingot pit disaster.  Leading to Windsor Castle, was a path at the bottom of Dyehouse Lane, opposite to the shop of Mr. Bevan.  Here tramps, scissor grinders, barrel organists, and many of the navvies from Kinder Water-works bought their pennyworth of sugar, one egg, two ounces of tea, a slice of bacon and half a loaf; many of them having been refreshed at the Bull`s Head and the Pineapple Inn.  Sometimes it was a riotous place - fights broke out, and scores settled.

     It was a great day when the circus came to town.  Lord John Sanger`s circus., the biggest in the country, visited New Mills in 1911, and pitched in the field now occupied by the football club.  The main feature of the show was Dick Turpin`s ride to York (Now a (sic) were horse-drawn, and along with elephants and camels, many other animals in horse-drawn cages featured in the parade the length of Church Road.  One felt sorry that their freedom was thus restricted.  Following Sanger`s came Broncho Bill`s Two Ringed Circus.  After the clowns, acrobats, wire walkers, and the typical circus acts, came the second half of the programme.  Broncho Bill rode into the ring announcing the rodeo sports, and pastimes of cowboys in the wild west, sharp shooting, [Montario Frank added] stock-whip cracking, [Riding Bronchos featuring Powder River Thompson on Ataboy added], lassoo and rope spinning, ending with a realistic attack on the Deadwood Stage Coach, three times round the circus track (hurrah).  Creighton`s visited the fairground on several occasions, featuring a giant organ playing to crowds outside the large tent, and showing a film entitled "From Manger to Cross",  Where the Art Theatre now stands came the famous Blood Tub, a travelling theatre, housed in a tent.  The company played Marie Marten, Murder in the Red Barn, Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Face at the Window, and other blood-curdling productions.  On one occasion, a western play was being given, creeping behind the Sheriff was an Indian brave with tomahawk raised to deliver the fatal blow, a woman`s voice shouted from the pit,"Hie up, mon, he`s behind thee".  The audience collapsed in laughter.  Matinees featured Weary Willie and Tired Tim and similar characters, and the show ended with musical chairs, the winner receiving a cricket set.

     With the birth of the films began the building of cinemas all over the country, and in New Mills the first cinema was opened by Ansom Harrop in Union Road.  His parents had a wool shop opposite the cinema, and the wall was removed from between two living rooms to provide seating for forty or fifty people.  The only film I can remember seeing was "Life on an Ostrich Farm".  Incidentally, the cinema in Union Road was opened in 1922 with the film "Little Lord Fauntleroy" featuring the tom-boy of films and the world`s sweetheart, Mary Pickford.  The Empire, now the Art Theatre, was erected with David Taylor as manager, his son Ray pianist, and Frank Gregory violinist.  In addition to films, the Empire featured plays, music hall turns, musical comedies, and `go as you please` competitions.  Many budding stars were given their first chance to stage fame at the Empire.  Many foreign acts, unknown to agents were engaged by David Taylor, and on the opening Monday night,    were soon booked by the agents looking for stage talent.  One outstanding production was "Uncle Tom`s Cabin".  Many competitions were held for the children, the drawing competition being very popular.  All the drawings were displayed and prizes given to the winners.  The commissionaire, resplendent in braided coat shouted in a loud voice, "Seats to all parts, 3d, 6d, 9d, and a bob".  Then came the erection of a wooden building behind the Market Hall called "The Picturedrome", built and managed by Stratton Wells; bringing with him Mr. Derbyshire as projectionist and Mrs. Morton as pianist.  A special song was written and often sung at the opening of each performance:-

Meet me at the Picturedrome,

Meet me at the Picturedrome,

You can do a lot of things at the Picturedrome,

That you can`t do at home sweet home.

Besides films, there were the usual music-hall turns and competitions, such as eating raw onions in a given time.

     Comedians, escapists, boxers and wrestlers threw out challenges.  One particular night, little Hackenschmidt was challenged by a local worthy who was very round-shouldered.  He won the challenge among hilarious applause, because Hackenschmidt couldn`t put two shoulders on the canvas.

     Many films were featured, - The Keystone Cops, where Charlie Chaplin made his debut, - comedies with John Bunny and Flora Finch - Stewart Rome, Alma Taylor, Henry Edwards, Chrissie White dramas.  There was always a serial to conclude.  Pearl White was the favourite of cinema goers, - tied to a railway line with an express train rushing down on her, the film ended "to be continued next week" - chained to a wall with a large spiked door slowly closing to crush her, again as we held our breath, the caption appeared "to be continued next week", - Pearl always survived.  Other serials were Peg O` the Ring, a circus drama featuring Eddie Polo and Lucille Love, - The Black Box, and many others.  The Gish sisters in "Orphans of the Storm", and a very early movie of the "Hunchback of Notre Dame", brought many tears.  A series of slides of the sinking of the Titanic was shown.  Stratton like David, held competitions each Saturday, - spot light, wild flowers, solos, recitations, and comedy acts etc..  May Day saw the crowning of the May Queen, who was chosen by the loudest applause at a previous matinee.  Everyone who attended the Saturday matinee received a free ticket for a show on Monday at 4.30 p.m., a good pennyworth.

     How fortunate in these days, that we have a splendid ambulance and fire service.  I mention this because there were no such facilities before the First World War.  In the summer of 1910, I had a serious illness, necessitating an operation at Manchester Royal, and the only transport obtainable was a two-horse carriage (closed) which came from Marple.  I would like to pay a tribute to Dan Holland for his sterling and unselfish work as our first ambulance driver.  Many a time he was called from the cinema and the Art Theatre to minister to the needs of a sick person, sacrificing his evening`s relaxation and enjoyment.  He seemed to be always on call.

     There were several disastrous fires due to the lack of fire-fighting equipment, - the Fustian Works, the Empire Trading Stamp Shop in Union Road were all gutted.  Then in due course, the town had a fire engine christened Susan (after a wife of one of the councillors) - and how proud we were as the station in Hague Bar became operative.

     Wakes Wednesday was the day of the annual outing to Belle Vue, Manchester, when a special train carried us to the zoo and amusements, finishing with a fireworks display.

     A few lucky ones just managed a week`s holiday at Blackpool or Southport, and there were no paid holidays in those days.  A working week was from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays.  On Wakes Saturday, a few of the lads took their annual trip to Manchester using the cheap workman`s fare of one shilling and a half-penny.  The day consisted of a visit to Ardwick Green Empire for the matinee, and in the evening to the Manchester Hippodrome.  The following week a vivid account of their adventures in the big city was given by Tommy Dawson, as we stood and listened on the bridge over the river Sett.  A special train was run to Blackpool for the poor children by the kindly contributions of shop keepers and traders on Wakes Monday.  The train left at 6 a.m. and after a happy day at the seaside, the children returned home at midnight.  It makes you think of our holidays to-day travelling to all parts of the world.

     A brief look at schooldays where the "3r"s were the basis of our learning at Spring Bank School.  Our Headmaster, Mr Crawford, was a disciplinarian, stern but just; and the cane was much in evidence, - often we deserved it.  Four teachers stand out for special mention.  Miss Ruth Swindells, dedicated to teaching, always at school by 8 a.m. never leaving much before 5.30 p.m. and always carrying a pile of books to mark at home.  Miss Swindells took the Drawing class, the last lesson for the day on Friday, in an upper room with a view of the road.  We knew this week`s work was nearly over when we saw the Royal Mail pass at 3.50 p.m.  Then as always we closed with a hymn telling us to "Fight the good Fight" or "Now the Day is Over".  Each day opened with a hymn, a prayer, and a Bible reading and religious teaching.  The three other teachers were Mr. Harper, Mr. Shepherd, and Mr Ffoulkes.  Mr Shepherd, strong built and broad shouldered - you knew about it when he wielded the cane - took us for English and Poetry giving us a love for reading.  Joining the army in 1914, he lost a leg in France.  Mr Harper taught Maths. and Geography, and deputised for head, when Mr Crawford joined up.  He was disappointed at being rejected for military service owing to defective eyesight.  Mr Ffoulkes was also a comedian giving concerts for charity at the Liberal and Conservative clubs.  Taking painting, history, and singing we learned many songs and were often complimented by the head-master.  A box of corks lay on the table, and anyone failing to open their mouth had a cork pushed between his or her teeth. (Repertoire Hush Thee, Shades of Night, ... My Caller, Minstrel Boy added).  Mr. Ffoulkes had a love for animals, and kept a monkey which was chained to the iron railings leading up to the Woodwork room.  We also caught mice and had a cage to keep them in.  Mr Ffoulkes would let them run on the desks over the exercise books, causing some consternation amongst the girls.  Someone decided to buy four tame mice from Tib Street, Manchester, and put them in the cage with the wild ones.  Next morning, we were surprised to find thtat the tame mice had killed the others.  Mr. Ffoulkes had a black cane, and anyone deserving punishment had to come to the front and receive two strokes of black spanish.  Having volunteered for the Signalling Corps, two parties made their way, one to the Castle and the other to Thornsett, to give Mr. Ffoulkes some practice in semaphore signalling.

     A basket-ball team was formed, but we had to buy the ball out of our own money.  To-day, the sporting facilities and equipment in the schools is almost unlimited, encouraging children to take an interest in sport and make a name for themselves.  Gilbert Pollard, a pupil teacher taught us before he was called up at 18 years of age.  He was killed in Flanders (seven days after signing of the armistice deleted).  His name is found on the family grave in Church Road, "In memory of Gilbert Pollard killed at Beaumont Hamel, 12 November 1916, 20 years of age" (year amended from 1918)

     How many fine lads paid the supreme sacrifice, although the home fires were kept burning, they never returned.  One named Billy Sidebottom, who lived in Stoney Brow, had a fine singing voice, and always carried a penny song book in his pocket.  I am sure he would have made his living in the Music Hall Stage.  Another who died early in the war and buried in the Parish Church Cemetery was Charlie Cooper, assistant Scout-master, in charge of the drum and bugle band of the New Mills Boy Scouts.  Along with James Cochrane, they had one of the finest Scout bands in the country.  There was in the band a brilliant big drummer, John Dean - how he could swing those drumsticks.  In camp at Blackpool, the scouts paraded on the promenade, the Mayor of Blackpool was so thrilled with the band, he gave a pressing invitation for their return.

     Having three brothers serving in France, I knew the anxiety and fear in many homes, the suspense, rationing, the terrible black bread, the scarcity of potatoes and sweets.  People put on a cheerful courage, did their work unflinchingly, old and young helping the war effort.  Then came the joy of peace in November 1918, and a welcome home to those who had survived the horrors of trench warfare.  Old Bill who said "If you know of a better `ole, go to it," must have expressed their feelings when they arrived at that better `ole - Home sweet home.

     A word about our cricket and football teams.  The cricket team, led by Tom Urmston, played many great games especially against their mighty rivals, Hayfield, - what a crowd assembled on Derby Day.  On Whit Monday, our M.P., Sir Samuel Hill Wood always brought a team to play New Mills, starting at 11. 0 a.m.  A notable stone-waller, Bert Thornley, later the groundsman at New Mills, played many fine innings.  In September the annual Sports and Athletic meeting was held on the cricket-field, and attracted competitors from Disley and Salford Harriers, Manchester and Salford Police tug-of-war teams.  We had in those days a local team called St. Georges playing in the mill-fields, whose H.Q. and dressing rooms were in the Bull`s Head.  After the game, players had to pass through a crowd of spectators on the bridge, often running the gauntlet of the occasional umbrella.  Many good players left New Mills to make their name elsewhere, - Percy (Williams crossed through) Ellison 8 years captain of Atherton colliery - Billy Youd - Alf Arnfield - Fred Marshall - some to return playing after the war.  Following the war, those who returned, resplendent in demob. suits, seemed to have a restlessness to get things done, and every Sunday School started a football and cricket team.  New Mills team resumed playing in the Manchester league in 1919, our first team to take the field included one [from] the old St. Georges team, Fred Hewitt, a useful cricketer with bat and ball.  The Following team opened the season on the Mill-fields, and comprised 9 local lads as follows:-

Fred Southern

Ned Marsh                Bill Ingham

Fred Hewitt            Bill Youd (Capt.)            Harry Youd

Joe Taylor        G. Bennett        Jack Thompson        H. Johnson        Alf Arnfield

Later B. Youd moved to full-back and N. Marsh filled the centre-half position - it`s notable that three of those players were born in Stoney Brow.  Thompson from Stockport scored hats-full of goals and joined Stockport County, - another player worthy of mention, a ball player who made openings for others was Dickie Lingard.  Goal-keepers followed in quick succession  Ackerley, Harry Hardy who joined Stockport County and later was transferred to Everton, Stevens to Aston Villa, and Brown, Jelly Allen and Frank Lomas played two games when Thompson and Brown were injured.  Drawn against a strong Macclesfield team in the F.A. Cup, which included Joe Butler in goal late Sunderland first division team, his speciality was his goal kicks the length of the field.  A red-haired youth played inside left for Macclesfield, named Phoenix, later to join New Mills, then was transferred to Aston Villa then Racing-Club-de-Paris, playing at Highbury against Arsenal, he suffered a broken leg, incidentally we lost the game 2-1.  Moving to Church Lane in 1922, we fielded the best team New Mills had in the post-war era, viz:-

Galganic

  Ike Yates            Ernie Jones

George Sanders        Senior        Biddy Moore (Capt.)

Walter Taylor     Frank Eaton        Jack Jepson        Phoenix        Horobin George

(forenames added later)

Taylor joined Manchester United, Eaton Barnsley, Jepson Accrington, Phoenix Aston Villa, and Horobin Sheffield United.  I would vote Kennedy as our best goal-keeper.  A book could be filled with the names of those who have served New Mills Football Club over the years.  A chapter could be written about New Mills cricket team, - one of the best teams we fielded took the championship three times in succession when the league became the Derbyshire and Cheshire League.  Under the captaincy of Gerald Gale it could bat well to number eleven.

     In Meal Street was the home of New Mills Prize Band, reputed to be the oldest in the country, giving concerts and appearing in Sunday School Whit walks in Manchester; also leading carnival parades under the able baton of Colin Beard, the band volunteered to a man in the first world war, marching to Buxton with many more volunteers to join the colours.  Next to the Band Room was the Salvation Army Hall.  Besides services in the hall, Salvationists witnessed in the streets, and a service was held every Saturday night on the Market Square.  On Sunday their band paraded through the streets with the big drum much in evidence played by Mr. Graham. whose family were loyal members of the Army Corps.  It was a great day in the history of the Salvation Army. when its leader General Booth, now old in its service, visited the town holding an open air service in front of the Town Hall ......... (a few words missing at bottom of page) tribute to the General whose work and army did such a wonderful service to mankind throughout the world.

     Market Street and Union Road were crowded on Saturday nights, - The Empire and Picturedrome ran two houses, - the shops stayed open till after 10 p.m. - newsboys ran through the streets shouting and selling Football Edition Echos.  Many made their way to Platt`s chip-shop in High Street for a four-penny mixed and a bottle of pop.  On the Open ground beside the Railway Hotel, (Peal... added) traders would sell their wares, keeping the crown entertained by patter and jokes.  They offered patent medicines to cure every ill, glorious health for only sixpence a bottle, double quilled backed oil-cloth so strong and durable meals could be served from it in cafes, one character with a talking parrot sold canaries and budgies and rewarded  purchasers with a kiss and `thank you`` from Polly.  Catch-pennies sold doubtful jewellery, another with embrocation he said he had used on Captain Webb prior to swimming the Channel, and selling Indian black root for cleaning teeth, and a well-dressed gentleman with cleansing salts.  He wouldn`t give an elephant a dose of the well-known brands, but his, worth five shillings a packet could be had for the give-away price of sixpence.  So we were entertained and conned with useless trinkets, medicines, and salts for a few pence.

     The fair visited the town several times a year.  Mr. Hibbert who owned the roundabouts and stall-holders, Mark Walker, Frank Wood, J. Sullivan came to have all their repairs done in the various workshops, adjacent to the fair-ground in Union Road.  There were also, a joy wheel and roundabouts on the Market Place, and behind the Market Hall, stalls selling snap-candy and sweets erected in the main streets.

     I asked Mr. Hibbert his impression of New Mills, and his reply was, "The finest little town in the North of England".  Could we keep it that way to-day?

     Part of my tale is told.  It would take a biography to tell it all, of the wonderful characters I met, of the kindnesses received, the humourous episodes, the interesting events, the many friends made, some gone to rest leaving a lasting impression and a loving remembrance of all they contributed to the life and well-being of our little community.

_________________________________________________

The Bridge over the River Sett Revisited

I stand upon the bridge

at the bottom of New Mills

Look into the waters of the Sett

and dream and take my pen and write,

of boyhood days, of games we played

and friends we made,

Of books we read and played at.

Heroes of the Spanish Main, on board with Drake,

Crossing deserts in the blazing sun,

Or in the frozen wastes of North or Southern Pole

And guide the dog teams to our goal.

To track the lion and the bear

And beasts that roam in Africa`s sunny clime,

Roaming on Crusoe`s isle.

Ah, those long dreams and thoughts of boyhood

And in advancing years

to tramp the hills and valleys round,

And think again of days long past

And with thankful heart have reverence for life.

   _________________________________________________   

(top)