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The Rag and Bone Man

I remember in the early 1970's when I lived in Millbrook, we used to have the Rag and Bone man come down our street (it was Stamford Street near the Cricket Club) which was an unadopted road - with his horse and cart shouting 'RagBone'. We had two big stone steps which led up to our front door and I was given the task of 'Donkey Stoning' these steps. 
Kids used to give old stuff to the 'RagBone' man and in exchange he gave us kids balloons or maybe sweets - but I got Donkey Stones! 
I had to dip these stones in water and scrub the front door steps with the stones, this turned the steps colour from a boring grey to a light yellow mustard colour - I never did understand why or what the point of doing this was, except for the fact that everyone else did it!

To re-live and discuss your memories please login to this facebook group run by a friend:


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'I GREW UP IN STALYBRIDGE' FACEBOOK GROUP
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Nowadays, the modern 'RagBone' man takes away scrap metal which in these times of austerity, is worth a lot of money. I believe you can still buy Donkey Stones in Ashton Market.

This section is where am uploading some of my memories  from around the planet Earth - 
I like to re-visit happy times and share. 
This is going be the my place to record them for posterity!
 I hope you enjoy :o) 

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