I AM amazed that some folk actually claim that the plot of land situated near Irwell Vale Methodist Chapel has not always been a village green.

Being a village resident for many years, I can state such information is far from the truth. Annual galas took place on the village green with numerous stalls to entertain people of all ages.

Any event interrupted by bad weather resulted in people heading for the nearby former mill canteen to continue the celebrations.

Other village events held in the works canteen included whist and beetle drives, film shows, Christmas parties, dance nights and not forgetting bring-and-buy sales.

The premises were also a meeting place for the village Cubs and Scouts and our weekly youth club.

The needs of youngsters in the village were well catered for, thanks to the directors of Thomas Aitken mill, situated nearby.

Two sets of goal posts were installed on the green.

Nobody ever need doubt about the land not always being a village recreational green.

DAVID McDowall, Milne Street, Irwell Vale, Edenfield.