If you drive into Leek today on the A523 from the Macclesfield direction, with the odd exception it all seems pretty unremarkable until you get to the top of the hill by St Edwards Church where the 'real Leek' begins. But had you done so 60 or more years ago, the impression you got, would have been completely different. The Mill Street of the past was a self-contained community, complete with its own shops, pubs, churches, schools and high-density housing. Someone arriving from overseas in 1949 described it as a village, completely separate from the town of Leek. And as long ago as 1665 a charity had been set up to be doled out to the poor of Leek and Mill Street separately each Christmas Eve.

This intriguing past led local historian Neil Collingwood to research Mill Street for his latest book. And now he also gives talks on the subject so we're welcoming him to the Swythamley Historical Society. Neil will tell us how important and indeed independent from Leek it used to be with its more than 200 houses and in excess of 700 inhabitants. Using just part of the vast number of photographs he has been able to collect, he will tell us what life used to be like in the days gone by, and he will hopefully also reveal a few secrets about some places still there today, which scarcely attract any attention. Neil will also have a few copies of his book for sale.

Do come along and join us at the Swythamley Centre (http://www.swythamleycentre.org.uk/whereweare.html) on Tuesday 22 October at 7.30pm. Entry will be £4 (cash only). For more information, ring 01260 227683 or 227678.