HERE is a wonderfully atmospheric image that is believed to have been taken at a St Helens munitions factory during the First World War.

It was sent to Coffey Time by Star reader Ruth French and, like her, we are keen to hear any stories behind the picture which appears to show women workers.

In her note, Ruth wrote: "My Aunt, Alice French, is on the back row, third from the right, wearing a cowboy hat.

"She was born in 1898 so, depending on the date of the photograph, she would have been between 15 and 19 years of age.

"Alice lived in Merton Street with her mother, also called Alice. Her father passed away the month before the war started."

Meanwhile, as mentioned last week, heritage celebrations are taking place in St Helens on Saturday and I shall be leading a trail around our town centre, at a stroll rate suitable for wheelchair users and slow walkers. Meet us in the Friends Meeting House at 11am.

Vicky and Joanne at Eccleston Smithy dropped me about the Kiln Lane centre's plans.

They wrote: "It's your last chance to visit the Smithy until 2015. As ever, there is lots to see and do for all the family and admission is free.

"Join in the community fun and enter the Great Eccleston Bake-off. Play the old-fashioned games, try your hand at printing (this year's family-friendly drop-in craft activity, only 50p), have a sit down with a cuppa and a tasty treat in the Village Hall, or enjoy the exhibitions."

Angela Wilkinson informs me she is doing a photo walk around St Helens Parish Church on Saturday at 1pm. She wrote: "This is a Heart of Glass micro commission and is a free event, and I am asking members of the public to bring mobile phone cameras or any camera and join me in a photo walk."

The Prescotian Website, which aims to conserve the heritage of Prescot Grammar School, Prescot Girls Grammar School and Prescot School, has just added a new section. It highlights the theatrical productions of the school from 1931 to 1975.

The photographic archive has been put together by former pupil and teacher, Des Roberts, together with former pupil Brain Cook.

Des still lives in the area while Brian lives in Scotland but is a regular attendee at the Prescot Grammar School Old Boys Luncheon club. Previous articles on the website have been linked to the Archive index. The archive can be accessed on www.prescotian.org.uk/dramatics.htm

Sadly, there are gaps in the archive and the "curators" would welcome any material to support the archive. They can be contacted via the Prescotian website.

To get in touch email chrispcoffey@gmail.com,ring 01744 817130 or write to 37 Holbrook Close, St. Helens, WA9 3XH.