Description: A Veteran of the Road, 74 and Fit. In the Dear Old Days of Tolls. 'Ay, I can still do a good days work, and I can do it more willingly than some of the younger generation.' It was Mr Walker speaking. He is 74 and as fit as a fiddle. He lives at Elvaston near Derby in a pretty little cottage surrounded by an old-world garden beautiful with flowers and a grotto. Near the middle of the garden is an old apple tree, and beneath it, a strong rustic seat invited one to sit and listen willingly while Mr Walker ruminates on the past and the changing times. He can recollect the old pile bridge over the River Derwent at Borrowash, when the road went through the mill yard and the Toll-Gate there. As he works on the road from Borrowash to Elvaston (he is employed by the District Council), he can point out the old road through the trees, which was just a cart track until the new stone bridge was built. When a load of coal was brought over the bridge to the village 6d was put on the bill, being toll. The buyer, whether rich or poor having to pay the toll, but as Mr Walker pointed out, a load of coal could be bought for 9s - a big difference from the price at the time? This old roadman can remember too, queuing to pay toll at the Toll-House on the London Road, just outside Derby. Mr Walker is a well-known figure to all who pass along the Borrowash - Elvaston road and he has always got a cheery word for all who speak to him. The winding road in the photograph was made some years ago, when a stone bridge was built over the River Derwent at Borrowash in place of the old pile toll bridge. The old cart track went through the trees, starting at the gate on the left of the picture. The fir tree being on one side and the bushes and trees on the other. Long Eaton Public Library F2251 (stamped on notes).