A CLASSIC 'small world' episode is related for us by Eric Guest, secretary of the Good Companions writers' group of St Helens.

And he also points to an amazing coincidence, springing from the group's campaign for the legendary Sister Duffy, of Providence Hospital fame, to become a Millenium Freeman of the Borough.

Here's how Eric spells it all out...

After publication, on this page, of a member's poem, entitled 'My Old Higher Grade', the group was contacted by an old boy of that late, lamented school, Steve Rotherham, now living in London, Ontario, Canada.

A copy of the group's anthology, containing an item about 'Duffy of the Prov', was then sent to him. It expressed support for Sister Duffy to be appropriately honoured by her adoptive town for 40-plus years of nursing devotion.

Weeks later, a Susan Getchell, also from London, Ontario, had a letter published in my column asking for information about the old Providence Hospital. She explained that she was writing a book about it.

The Good Companions responded and put Susan in touch with Steve Rotherham. And, lo and behold, they turned out to be father and daughter, living at differing addresses!

Now, reports Eric, "I have received a letter from Susan stating that, as the result of her letter in the Star, she has received numerous responses. Sister Duffy was mentioned in nearly all of them."

AS Susan and Eric readily agree: "What a woman!"

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