SIR – Having recently read a marvellous book about the suburb of Manningham, it reminded me of my time in the textile trade in Bradford.

I spent 11 years at Listers Mill (1966 to 1977) in the pattern weaving department with some wonderful people.

I then decided to go to Drummonds Mill in Lumb Lane to continue working as a pattern weaver and again met some great people.

I had 21 happy years at Drummonds until I retired in 1999.

The decline in textiles wiped out Listers and Drummonds.

But at least I can look back and say I thoroughly enjoyed my time at both mills and I still keep in touch with a lot of colleagues.

Joe McHugh, Fairfax Flats, Otley