REGARDING Ada Gibson's recollection of the coalman calling on washday (Letters, March 31).

Yes, I remember the coalman, but our washing line was in a small back yard, not across the street.

Mother had to empty the line when Crook and Thompson delivered -- two bags of large lumps and four of chippers nuts -- during war time. The large lumps were stored under the stairs!

I lived in the Randal Street area of Blackburn and who remembers a kiddies' roundabout coming there on a horse and cart? It was a penny or two empty jam jars to have a go.

About six of us climbed on and the man turned a wheel on the side and off we went -- great fun!

And what about playing statues across the street and skipping with long ropes? No cars to worry about, only the ice-cream cart on Sunday afternoon or the man selling crumpets calling at the houses -- he carried his basket on his head.

Happy days -- such a lot to remember.

MARJORIE LASSEY, Portland Road, Langho.

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