•THE article about the rent strike of 1960 and the evictions of Edie and Don Cook from Kennistoun and Arthur Rowe from Silverdale, brought back memories for me (In memory of battles past, John Gulliver, March 2).

At 16 years of age I was posted on the roof of Don Cook’s flat along with my friend Tom Gibson to watch for any attempt to break in. In the courtyard and on the steps people were posted to keep out any strangers. Arm-bands were worn and only known people allowed in the estate.

From the roof we were fed with fish and chips from the local shop hoisted up by a basket.

Later on I played football with Edie and Don’s son Ray and got to know the family very well.

P MacGOWAN, NW1