MY story about a tombstone featuring a skull and snake design attracted readers' attention.

Mel Carter, from Billinge, told me: "The objects depicted on the memorial have been repeated throughout the country over the last couple of centuries. I include a close-up photograph.

"The coffin shape speaks for itself, as does the skull, which signify death. The curtain behind the carving signifies going beyond the veil or into the afterlife.

"The snake can be found in many memorials to the dead up to and including the Victorians, as it symbolises the circle of life by eating its own tail. It has nothing to do with the old myth about being bitten on Billinge hill.

"The wings, although they look like a bat, signify being carried away as by an angel or travelling to heaven in the spirit."

Very illuminating...

Another interesting gravestone set into the path of St Aidan's church is inscribed:

'Remember me as you pass by,

As you are now, so once was I,

As I am now, so you will be,

So be prepared to follow me.'

This is a well used epitaph seen throughout the British Isles and I've heard it said that some smart person once added this to it...

'To follow you I'm not content,

Until I know which way you went.'