AN unusual plaque on a little side-street house roused the curiosity of reader John Anthony who says he came upon its historic, rather mysterious, inscription after taking a nostalgic stroll across Thatto Heath Park.

It read: 'Thomas Melling is donated this house by the Egyptian Government for his services in delivering mail during the Great Plague of 1875.' Appropriately enough, the house stands in Cairo Street, off Crossley Road - that street doubtlessly having been so named in connection with the gift house.

Now, John, of Blenheim Way, Haresfinch, is keen to know more about the particular 19th-century episode leading to the bricks-and-mortar award, and about Thomas Melling in particular.

It would appear that John's sentimental return to the park left him a bit disappointed. Gone were the see-saw, swings and other features of fond childhood memory.

Sadly, this is perhaps typical of the sad decline of many of our local parks which once boasted slick bowling greens, colourful flowerbeds, paddling ponds and neatly-manicured play areas.

Mind you, that was during the era of eagle-eyed park-keepers, and when kids enjoyed and respected the facilities, rather than trashing them.