MEMORIES recently featured Madge’s cafe, a popular eatery in Barnsley. Afterwards, former Test umpire Dickie Bird contacted us to say that he still misses sitting down in the cosy cafe that was in Wellington Street.

“Wherever I was in the world, I always looked forward to coming back to Barnsley and popping into Madges.

“The place had a smashing atmosphere and the food was great. I used to enjoy a bacon buttie, the best in Yorkshire. Sometimes, I had pie and peas, washed down with a pot of tea, it was great.”

Now, we have received a letter from Barnsley Central MP Eric Illsley who endorsed his comments. He said: “I have fond memories of the cafe from a few years ago. In 1974 when I was working at Qualter Hall and Company in Stocks Lane doing what is now known as a gap year before going to university, I made two very good friends at the time, George Orton, now the company's managing director, and Roy Richardson, now retired after finishing his career in local government.

“The three of us would spend our lunchtimes together, often wandering into town where we would regularly eat at Madges. On one particular lunchtime we went to Madges and the three of us ordered our pie and chips and we tucked in.

“All of a sudden there was a huge clatter as Madge dropped a tray of pies she was lifting from the oven. My pal looked round in horror and then, turning back to George and I, he said: ‘I'm glad we have already been served, I wouldn't fancy one of those.’. At which Madge said to her colleague: “Ee, that's the second time today I've done that.”

Madge is now retired and still lives in Barnsley.