Sir, – The awe-inspiring photo of Bargate, Richmond, (D&S Sept 26) brought back fond memories for me. According to my late 100 year old mother (Gladys), I was born on August 10, 1936 at No 53 Bargate, Richmond, next to the old Primitive Wesleyan Chapel (now the Richmond Operatic Hall). My late grandmother (Amy Bramham), resided at 24 Bargate.

Anyway after the years passed, my own family moved to 39 Newbiggin during 1947, when I was 11 years old, it was good to see and know that many Bargate families were still living there, the Bramhams, Bob Tate, the Cherrys, the Nelsons, Frank Rodber (owner of the Richmond shop), the late Charlie Guile and so on.

It was a real experience shopping for my grandma at Maggie Brittain's general grocers etc shop the shop smell was just great. As I grew older, it was a joy going into the Board Inn and the Old Oak Inn in later years, because even as time passed friendship remained and people remembered each other

ROLAND BRAMHAM

Willow Crescent, Richmond.