F IFTY years ago this week Frank Davies fulfilled a housing dream.

Ex- farmer Frank moved his wife, Hannah, and two-years-old daughter Joan into the bungalow he built by torchlight.

Villagers hailed the remarkable achievement and the house that Frank built at 14, South Lane, Blackmoor featured in the Journal.

And half a century on at the age of 92, Frank, still keeps in touch with local news from Anglesey where he moved with his second wife, Anne,

Prompted by stories on the recent demolition of Cropper's Hall at Leigh , daughter Joan, now Shawhyde, contacted the Journal from her American home.

She said: "The article about Jesse 'the Cropper' Graham was of interest because my own father had watched the progress of Mr Graham's house with interest.

"My father was born at The Birches Farm, Marsland Green, and shortly before I was born, he and my mother, Norah, found themselves in need of a new home.

"Although he was not a builder he believed the best way to achieve a dream home was to do it yourself.

"He bought a piece of land with two condemned cottages on it and the building and demolition work went on simultaneously.

"It took exactly 20 months and two days to finish including three months of a winter that was so severe no progress could be made.

"He would often work into the small hours by the light of two electric bulbs strung up on a wire, and a torch that he used to illuminate a spirit level.

"The result of his courage, determination, perseverance and perfectionism was a wonderful modern home.

"His achievement was famous in Astley, and for many years afterwards letters addressed just to 'The Bungalow, Astley' would reach us without delay.

"Attention was then turned to the garden. He transformed the huge, rough site and won countless trophies and prizes for exhibits at shows."

F

rank was also an accomplished musician. He was famous for his rich voice and for many years sang with Astley St. Stephen's choir, often performing solos on important occasions, such as the dedication of the new organ in 1951.

He also played violin and saxophone, and led a small band The Melodians which played at dances and socials.

Joan, who met her husband Fenny when they were studying for PhDs at London University, said: "We went to Toronto in 1981 and to date have built two houses. It's a family joke that we need father to come over and build us another one.

"He would if he could. Unfortunately, at the age of 92, it appears that time might just be beginning to slow him down but his spirit remains undaunted

"He has nine loving grandchildren who would like very

much to see him receive some recognition for his achievements."