WHEN Katy Quinn decided to rip out her old living room fireplace, she never imagined it would open up a window on the past conjuring up a stark vision of bombs raining down on Manchester during the dark days of the Second World War.

For Katy discovered a letter nestling behind the old fireplace recording a visit to the city centre at the height of the Blitz.

The letter had been posted in Stockport by “Mother” to “Maud and Billy” in Newton-le-Willows.

Katy (40) a corporate communications manager, who also runs her own bespoke cake company, has now offered her ‘buried treasure’ to the local library.

Katy had been renovating her home in Queens Drive, Newton, which she suspects was built in the 1920s, when she spied the letter, a little dusty but still nearly as crisp as the day it was delivered almost 80 years ago.

She said: “I was stunned and delighted to find a little piece of history right there behind the fireplace. I wonder how many families have lived in this house between then and now.

“I'm really happy that it was us that discovered the little secret belonging to our home and the people that used to live here.”

Now Katy is wondering if any relatives of the occupants from 1941 can shed any light on the contents of the letter. If you know who lived at the house, please contact:
news@sthelensstar.co.uk

The letter, sent from The Rockerys, Bramhall Lane, Davenport, Stockport on February 7, 1941, reads: “Dear Maud and Billy, got here safe on Tuesday at 6.30pm.

“I was travelling 2.5 hours and then walked to the cathedral.

“No cars or buses so I had to walk to Piccadilly and get a taxi.

“I was nearly dead beat and was sat quietly when those bombs went off it was awful here, but we could not help but laugh about it.

“I got £2-10 back from the agent I went straight to the bank and put £500 in certificates and savings bonds.

“I still have my bad cough and have got Quimsys now.

“My neck and throat are awful and this house is so cold towards the small one.

“I hope you are getting straight in your house.

“Tell Maisie I want to know if he is still doing what I told him and hope you have got Jill to school and she has made friends with the girl next door.

“I went for my ration book this morning so good night and god bless to you all.

“Love from Mother.”