Feed back.

IT was interesting to read Mr W. Harrison's account of there not being many seafarers left (Aug 25). My grandfather on my father's side was a tug engineer. His son, my father, and his sister were placed in the seaman's orphan institution in Newsham Park 1897-1906.

My father eventually went away to sea in two world wars. His last trip was for the Ulster Steamship Company. He was 2nd steward and the ship was the Inishowen Head, sailing to America and back. He died of cancer in 1947.

My grandfather on my mother's side was chief steward on the SS Inkula, belonging to the Leylands Shipping Co. When the First World War started he was in Hamburg at the time. He was repatriated in 1918 by the Dutch Red Cross.

My brother was also a seaman. He served his apprenticeship in C&H Crichtons on Great Howard Street. He went to sea as an engineer. He sailed for Reardons Smiths, Cardiff, sailing out of Barry. His ship was the Empire Kestrel and he was the 3rd engineer.

On the second voyage, his ship was bombed, on August 16,1943. My brother was drowned, aged 21.

David Carter, Garston

TOM Slemen's stories are always

thought-provoking and unusual, especially his tales about witchcraft.

I wonder if Tom knows anything about the so-called 'Witch of Edge Lane' case from the 1970s?

I remember it being reported in the ECHO at the time and used to walk past a certain house near Binns Road in terror because of all the stories about the witch who lived there.

Eddy Maguire, L17

MY family and I read Tom Slemen's stories religiously each week. Does Tom have any info on an extraordinary street magician named Wizardo who lived on Nicander Road near Penny Lane in Victorian times?

My gran used to tell me some astounding stories about him, but I can't remember any of them now.

I'd love Tom to look into this character.

Michael Sinnott, Liverpool 7

THANK you for printing my letter for old army mates.

Sadly one has passed away last year, but I was very pleased about Joe Coogan who rang me up. There are now a few of us in contact after 48 years.

Mr B. Pearson, St Helens