During the war, we young ones were instructed in the facts of life at an early age.

For example - everything nice was rationed. Then there was Father Christmas, and if you were a well-off family, the tooth fairy. Some were unpleasant - the galosha man of the night who waited to pounce on unwary children.

Then there was the very believable legend that the off-ration and edible yellow licorice root came from trees at Winwick Delph, and amazingly there was also Cromwell's cave, which ran from Winwick to the parish church (or the Old Academy). This had been used by escaping civil war soldiers.

Armed with this priceless information we set forth, laden with a spade, mandatory bottle of corporation pop and jam butty.

Well, we never did trace any licorice, but we did find the cave, just about 40 yards on the town side of Winwick Hospital, pointing back in the direction of town.

Unfortunately some risk assessment officer had deemed that it should be blocked off. We could only go about four yards inside and so a great adventure was thwarted, even then, by officialdom.

An older friend recalls entering deep into the cave, but turning back because it was pitch black. When he next returned, it had been sealed off as described.

So at this late stage, what is the truth about the cave? Does it still exist, possibly in part? What was its purpose?.

Hopefully some even older person: local historian or intrepid reporter can provide answers which will enlighten most of your readers. However it will not be accepted by we old fogies - that is of course, unless it REALLY was Cromwell,s cave."

ESCAPE ROOT (forgive the pun)