RAMSBOTTOM has gone through many changes in the seven years since Reg Hinchliffe left for a new life in South Africa.

Mr Hinchliffe lived in the town for four years in the late 1980s, working at Robinson Textiles - now known as Morada Linings - before moving to Durban in South Africa in 1990.

There he continues to ply his textile knowledge, helping in the manufacture of paragliding and ballooning materials.

Born in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, Mr Hinchliffe was in Ramsbottom to visit his old pals.

"When I worked in Ramsbottom one of the highlights was being a member of the Peel Lions," said Mr Hinchliffe. "Their work was fun and rewarding and made charity work a joy. I left the organisation when I emigrated to South Africa and this was my first real chance to come back and visit my old friends.

"I always remember Ramsbottom as being a quaint, community village. Now it has changed and become a busy industrialised town and its once glorious green, open spaces have been lost to housing," said Mr Hinchliffe

However, the community's geniality has remained, encouraging Mr Hinchliffe to consider returning to the area when he retires.

"Ramsbottom people are still very friendly and I am pleased that has remained the same," he commented.

Working with the Peel Lions for nearly four years, Mr Hinchliffe (48) was a member when the organisation first mooted the idea of creating a specially-designed railway carriage for the disabled, allowing wheelchair bound people the opportunity to enjoy the East Lancashire Railway's steam railway line.

He said: "I was present when the Lions bought the carriage shell and over the years I have been kept informed of its progress and I am delighted to see people are now taking advantage of the unique facility.

Mr Hinchliffe, who has an 18-year-old son, is one of only three people in South Africa experienced in the specialised manufacture of lightweight ballooning material.

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