THE power of the BEN has astounded a former Bolton man who appealed through its pages for long lost friends and family to get in touch.

Fred Coucill, who emigrated to South Australia from Bolton, contacted the BEN in March to help him in his quest.

As a result of his appeal Fred, 59, who now lives in Burra, was reunited with some of the friends and family he left behind to start a new life more than 30 years ago.

In a letter to the BEN, Fred, formerly of Mars Avenue, Morris Green, said: "I have had a wonderful response from my letter that you kindly ran in the BEN.

"You must have a very big circulation because the letters I have since received range from Horwich to Ontario in Canada!

"I have received perhaps a dozen with many to follow from friends who have been contacted by family and friends who have already written to me."

And because of the astounding response, Fred says it will take him a little time to reply to everyone.

He added: "I promise to answer every one of the letters I have received!"

If you also know Fred Coucill and would like to contact him, he can be reached at: 10 Thames Street, Burra 5417, South Australia.

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