I WAS nearly in tears when I read of Lesley Richards' trip down memory lane to Westleigh Park, where she spent hundreds of happy days more than 40 years ago.

I too have a lot of happy memories of that park, but more than 80 years ago.

I remember taking a younger brother of mine who got his knee cap ripped open on the whirler roundabout. I also remember the shaky bridge, the old Catholic club where I used to go dancing and I had to be home by 10pm.

I also remember more than 80 years ago the putting greens, the flower beds, the bowling greens and all free. I also remember the park keeper, his name was Mr Dixon.

It is nice to live only for the lovely memories of those by-gone days when everyone helped each other.

I remember what was named the Phisic, the junction of Nel Pan Lane and Westleigh Lane and an old pub on the opposite corner to the Red Lion.

It was named the Unicorn, where the miners from the Sovereign Pit would call for a pint and a game of cards after toiling with pick and spade.

I also remember the other Westleigh Park, a natural park in those days named the "Dingle". The entrance near St Paul's Vicarage and another entrance in Smallbrook Lane. I remember my elder sister falling in the brook when bathing and was up to the neck in slurry.

She was rescued by a lady who was sitting knitting on the slopes. The old Dingle was packed with children in those days.

Happy days when everyone helped each other, unlike today.

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