MY mother got married in 1949 and was given an identical Hoover to Mr Bayley's as a wedding present. She was also given her mother's model the following year in 1950.

Needless to say both Hoovers are still going strong at home in Bolton.

My mother had a washing machine still working in the home that was in better condition than one on show in the Castle Museum.

She bought that in 1960 and it was still working in 1980.

Alison Taylor

Moorcroft Road,

Woodthorpe, York.

Updated: 11:03 Thursday, June 21, 2001