YOUR correspondence has been pouring in over the piece about the two Swift shops in Westfield Street and Church Street.

Ronald detailed an extensive history of the stores that were located at 86 Westfield Street.

He said: "I am related to the Swift family via an uncle of mine and can place your picture of the grocers shop. Even though the Swift business was established in 1871 I suspect that the photo was taken later than that. Lionel took over the running of the business from his mother-in-law Jane Dannatt (born Hull, Yorkshire, 1814).

"Jane Dannett ran a boarding house in Paradise Row, Sutton in 1851 and was listed as a widow with a 12-year-old daughter named Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth married Lionel Swift at St Anne's Church in Sutton on October 4, 1860 and by 1861 she and Lionel are shown living next door to Jane His occupation was listed and an engine fitter.

"By 1871 with Jane still listed as a grocer and head of the family Lionel is also listed as a grocer. It now seems it's run by Lionel and Elizabeth.

"They come into their own by 1881 when they run a much bigger store at Coll;ge Street.

Albert Scott confirms the College Street connection: "Lionel Swift's shop sold great pies. He was a local councillor and patron of St Helens Amateur Operatic Society."

Henry Pennington rang to say no one had mentioned his shop on Duke Street. It was double fronted and near the Rifleman's pub. He used to go in as a lad to buy pies and and remembers Mr Swift as a smartly dressed man with a bow tie.

Phil Hughes, who was at West Park Grammar School the same time as me, wrote: "Since replying to your Star poser my mind has gone into local history overdrive. Going back to the original Swift puzzler across the road from Frank Waring's cycle shop via a zebra crossing was the Saddle pub next to which was a large entry leading to Liverpool Road. The area behind the pub opened up into a huge triangle and on the right next to Beecham's was waste land behind which was Sammy Hindley's rag and bone yard (St Helens very own Steptoe). These would be opposite the Citadel.

"These former local facilities fascinate me and I would appreciate any further info."

Jim Tither added: "Almost sure Lionel Swift was a pie and pork butcher. I'm not sure but think his shop was in the Liverpool Road, Westfield Street area."

Valerie Johnson responded: "I remember Lionel Swift's shop very well. The one in your photo was on Liverpool Road a bit further up from the old Tyrers. I also remember the bakery in College Street. They made really tasty pies, My Mam sent me daily from our house on Alfred Street for their bread which was warm and crusty

"The most important thing that I will always remember was that they had a bread slicing machine, which I think to my knowledge was the very first one in St Helens. My Mam was made up” .