WE can add yet another exotic place to the list of countries providing response to this homespun column. Latest member of the Whalley's World international 'family' is Maureen Williams-Garnes, now living and working in Barbados for a holiday company.

The inclusion of this weekly page on the Internet has attracted a procession of e-mails over the months from places such as Australia, America, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe and many parts of the UK. It's always a delight to receive them.

And Maureen (nee Cross) kindly writes: "Having been born and lived in Haydock I love your column. It's a great way to keep in touch with local news.

"I worked at Pilkington's Cowley Hill works and love all those stories - lots of reminders of home - so keep up the fabulous column". (You'll have me blushing in a moment, Maureen).

She also mentions her late father, Harry, who also worked at Pilks as a plumber and was a well-known plant grower. "When there was a horticultural society in Haydock he was top trophy winner for many years".

SURE that will stir a memory or two among the green-fingered veterans of dear old Yick.