IN 2003 a new Crompton Ward was formed in Bolton taking in various other areas within its boundaries.

Reader Norman Hindley, who was brought up in the Astley Bridge area, recalls a time when he and his pals would have “all sorts of adventures especially during the school holidays” in this district.

No doubt his story will bring back similar memories for other readers.

As he explains: “We would walk to Bank Top Village, turning right down Yew Tree Lane to Yew Tree Farm where the lane ended at the gates of the farm. At this point there was a footpath to the right.

“In the thirties, not far from the farm, just off the footpath standing in the middle of the field was Yew Tree Cafe where you could enjoy a rest and a drink.

“The cafe closed when the War started and never re-opened. It has since been demolished.”

Norman recalls just below Hall i’th’ Wood Hall where a row of cottages used to stand by the name of Pleasant View.

“If you were to go there now there is no trace of them as they were demolished after the last War.”

At the front of Hall i’th’ Wood, facing the Police Station in Crompton Way, is a large meadow, explains Norman which during World War Two was dug up and planted with potatoes.

“At this time I went to Castle Hill School and during the War pupil in their last year of school were asked if they would like to volunteer to go potato picking at Hall i’th’ Wood for up to two weeks.

“Needless to say there were many of the lads who offered their services because you not only got time off school but you got paid.

“We only worked school hours and reported for duty at 9am when we assembled at the field and we were met by three Land Army girls and a farmer on a tractor,” he explains.

See next week’s Looking Back for more of Norman’s memories.