Ian Surely everyone has heard of Shaw and Royton. Some years ago my Mum and I took someone to visit a relative in Oldham Hospital. What a wonderful sight as we sat outside in the car, a bunch of nurses with lanterns and capes which fastened across their fronts were setting off singing carols, yes, it was just before Christmas. It was so touching to see. Thought you might like this memory of Oldham. Granellis we can still get in the supermarket, in boxes now. Come on, someone must have something to say about Sabinis at Bolton and the Pastie Shop nearby. Used to go there for School dinner, Pastie and blackcurrant tart and some days ice cream too. Greedy soul I sound, don`t I? Olive

Maybe a few locals Olive, got used to blank looks and/or a moment's silence when I mentioned Shaw or Royton, where everyone knew Oldham and Rochdale. Blame the Army I suppose, I was the Rochdale Cowboy for ages in the 70s when Mike Harding popped up. Shame he stopped, I reckon! Which Oldham Hospital was it, Boundary Park - the one which is still there - or Oldham Royal Infirmary? I was actually born in the Oldham Royal, the old building, before they demolished it (Would have had a job afterwards of course!) Yes, I still love Oldham, though I have been in Bolton nearly twenty years now, Shaw and area still feel like home! Didn't know Granelli's were still going, even in boxes; all I seem to see is Carte d'Or and things - not that I don't like them! I don't know Sabini's; has anyone ever been to the Cafe Vienna in Deane, near the park? Best grub i' Bolton, I reckon, and not expensive either. Hope that doesn't count as advertising?! Their Cherry Vienna is great for ice cream fanciers! Ian

Ian, Rochdale Cowboy, that rings a bell and Mike Harding too. I am not sure which Hospital, but I shall never forget the sight which was kind of like a Christmas card scene. Sabinis was opposite the Theatre, is it Church Street, goodness it is so many years since I was there. To the right of Bradshawgate? Nearby was a shop where we got the School uniform from. I loved my school blazer, but can you imagine anyone wearing School hats today? Looks like there are not so many Bolton people on the list. I lived in Radcliffe and went to School in Bolton. Last time I was there I brought home some Pasties, but they were not the same after they had been frozen, they were much better as originally eaten, straight out of the oven. Olive