Sir,

I can remember 'New Year's watering'. My dad John Thomas (Torner) worked for the SWEB at The Salterns (now the civic amenity site and Celvac).

At 7 am on New Year's Day, I would go with my dad when he went to work. I would have a tin mug with water in and a sprig of privet. I would go round each workman sprinkling water on the back of their hand and wishing them happy new year. They would then put a few coppers into my mug; this was said to bring them good luck in the coming year.

I would then go back to my home in Newell Hill and do the same to our neighbours.

I did this every year and when my two brothers were older, they would come as well.

I don't know when this custom stopped, but Mary Rowell's letter reminded me of this.

Chris Gourlay (nee Thomas),

78 Heywood Court,