RECENT recollections on this page about the blind coal carver who sculpted little portraits of people and pets have prompted fond memories of another, even more remarkable, handicapped personality.

Harry Bradbury of Loughrigg Avenue, Clinkham Wood, was fascinated by the ongoing theme concerning the 1930s sculptor, known only as Blind Bob, who lost his sight in first world war action.

"However," says Harry, "there was another blind person of more recent times who was equally famous in St Helens."

Joe Hatton was not only blind, but also deaf, and yet he rose courageously over his black and silent world.

Harry explains that Joe, who used to be a familiar sight on the streets of St Helens in post-war times - hopping on and off public transport with skill and confidence - had mastered his own method of communication. This entailed sign language when making his contribution to 'conversation'; and then placing his thumb on the lips of companions to sound out their words from the tiny vibrations issued.

"He was so skilled at this," recalls Harry, "that he could actually recognise anyone who had previously communicated with him, even before they had identified themselves to him."

Harry adds: "I'm sure some among your readers could supply a full acount of of how he mastered this unique form of communication and of his amazing achievements." These included being a first-class chess player, relying on his super-sentive touch to recognise exactly where pieces were on the board.

"Joe's story," says Harry, "is as fascinating as that of an American girl, also born blind and deaf, about whom a famous Hollywood film, 'The Helen Keller Story', was made."

Harry recalls that Joe was closely acquainted with the late Reverend Owen Laird White, who died some years ago in his native Scotland. He was in charge of the Institute for the Deaf in Dentons Green Lane and worked tirelessly for its members.

"He personally raised thousands of pounds towards the erecting of the present building," adds Harry. And he boosted funds by playing a barrel organ outside the old St Helens market in Bridge Street.

"The good man came to St Helens with a mission to promote his church and institute and he certainly succeeded," says Harry who has a lasting admiration for the Rev Laird White and believes he should have been made a Freeman of the Borough for his efforts.

ANYONE else able to add to this most intriguing theme? If so, please write to me at: Whalley's World, St Helens Star, YMCA Buildings, Duke Street, St Helens WA10 2HZ.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.