Haslingden Old and New...

Haslingden derives from Hazeldean or Valley of the Hazels. It lies 19 miles north of Manchester in the County of Lancashire. A area at one time noted in particular for its Stone, it also played a big part in the Woollen and then later Cotton Industries from the 18th and through the 19th and early to mid 20th Century... It is steeped in Local History and can also boast to have one of the most beautiful Natural Valleys around, where thousands come and visit annually

Friday, 24 December 2010

More Recollections from a Graner - Mrs. Ada Barlow (Nee Nuttall) 1906 - 2000....

Ada Barlow. Nee Nuttall 1906/2000. “A Graner”

My mother- in- law who died at 94 in 2000 wrote a little history of her Haslingden Grane family in 1971. Thought you might like an excerpt. There may be a copy of her “book” in Helmshore mill’s records. I feel Chris Aspin may have known something of it. I realize there is a lot of conjecture here but years do tend to fly by and my memory’s flying with them! EXCERPT. …”the traffic in those days was mostly horse-drawn. There were big drays drawn by carthorses, and carriages and traps and of course the funeral horses with their black lancer plumes, Dr. Stewart, our doctor, stuck to his horse and trap to the end of his days. Dr. Harrison (always known as Dr. John), was the first to have a car in Haslingden. We all used to turn out to see him pass. May Day was a great day; all the horses were dressed up with paper flowers and little straw bonnets on their heads. Manes and tails were plaited and they were plastered with shining rows of horse brasses. We had a variety of street criers. There was the Bellman who wore a long coat and rung a bell. People used to rush to their doors when they heard it. He relayed news items of the day. There was a fish seller. He carried a basket with his fish in and scales flung over his shoulders to weigh the fish. Also a muffin man with a basketful of muffins. He rang a tiny bell. There was an organ grinder who ground out his tunes from his barrel organ. He had a monkey on his shoulder. Then there was a man with a performing bear: children used to rush out with their halfpennies to these two, then there were German bands. At dusk the lamplighter appeared with his long pole turning on the gas- lit street lamps. I was in my teens before with got electric in the house. The gypsies used to come frequently. We had the Suffragettes delivering pamphlets and talking in the road, mostly on Saturday afternoons. All this I watched with great interest behind my little garden gate. Dad used to call me Mrs. Pankhurst.. Vine House ( Warburton’s) was then in its heyday. The gardens were lovely. They employed 2 full-time gardeners and a coachman. They were famous over a wider area for their grapes and orchids. About this time George V and Queen Mary (1911?) had heir coronation. I walked in the procession which assembled in Marsden Square. I carried an outstanding basket of flowers made for me by one of the gardeners. One little girl pinched one of my roses. I was very affronted…………. Regards, joan b.

And here are more excerts from Ada Barlow (sent in by Joan on 24th Dec 2010) FROM ADA BARLOW 'S (nee NUTTALL) More excerpts

The Barlow Brothers.(All born 1884-1880) "There was a dyed in the wool Tory in Helmshore called Owd Brandwood. He was standing for the council. In those days elections were really rip-roaring affairs. It seemed he kept pigs and on voting day one of the pigs was painted blue. It made headline news and is still talked about today. No-one knew who had done it. The first time I heard about it was when I was at school. We were being told how we "breathed" through our pores. The teacher said,"Remember how the Tory pig died at Helmshore just because they could not remove the paint?". Well you've guessed it. It was the work of the Barlow brothers. They were Liberals." "A rag and bone man used to come to the village and it was his custom to call in the pub and leave his donkey and cart a little higher up the road tethered to a gate. He had the shock of his life one day. His cart was on one side of the gate and his donkey on the other. Once again the Barlows had been at work. They had taken the donkey out of the shafts and stuck the cart on the other side of the gate and were in hiding watching the fun. They were still at it when they moved to Blackburn road, Haslingden. They had some white mice and let them run into the walls of the house. Very soon the neighbours were complaining of black and white mice.Just imagine what a handful they must have been for grandma." "Haslingden market was very well-known in those days.People came from far and near. The stalls ran all down Deardengate near where the Big Lamp stood. There used to be a big marquee where they sold black peas and hot pies. Saturday nights it was full of customers eating their pie and peas sitting on forms which ran along the sides of the tent. The bulging bottoms were just too much for the Barlow scamps, they ran along outside jabbing with a large hat-pin.Alas, the old market was scrapped to make way for a market hall which proved to be a white elephant. The allure was the old stalls which traded until very late, lit by napthaline flares. One Barlow brother,Frank used to organise family outings and holidays. One year they all went to Ireland and stayed in a farm near the Giants' Causeway. The farm must have been pretty primative. Some of the rooms were divided by thin curtains. Frank's sister,Ruth and her husband shared a "room" with a curate and his new wife. They guessed they were honeymooners and put health salts in their 'jerry'. Luckily they had a sense of humour and enjoyed the joke with them!" These lads were possibly born in Hollin Bank or Helmshore. Does that count them out as true Graners? Joan.

(The above excerpts from Ada Barlow's Recollections, was kindly sent in by Joan Barlow (Ada's daughter in law) (received 24th Dec 2010).. thanks Joan..

Thursday, 23 December 2010

Wednesday, 8 December 2010

Dr. Jonathan Atkinson Harrison & Family of Hazelwood

I have just received the above photograph along with the below communication with regards Dr. Harrison and the Harrison family and any further information would be warmly welcomed, especially by John Blake. Please contact me if you can provide any further information.

Hi Bryan

Have just stumbled across your site as I have been trying to research the background to my great grandfather and his sons. He was Jonathan Atkinson Harrison, and I believe he set up the first GP surgery in Haslingden, first in Regent Street, and then at Hazelwood, on Bury Road. He was the town Medical Officer. He was a farmer’s son, originally from Warcop in Westmorland. He married Margaret Whitaker, a mill owner’s daughter in Haslingden. He died in 1905. His eldest son, John Atkinson Harrison carried on the practice until he died in 1920. I attach a family photo, taken in the garden at Hazlewood, probably in the 1890’s

I have quite a lot more information if you are interested, and I would love to know if any of you readers have any recollections relating to the Harrisons.

Best wishes

John Harrison Blake

And below is a photograph of Dr John A. Harrison, the eldest son of Jonathan.

And here is another photograph showing Dr. Harrison with the St. Johns Ambulance

Could it be possible that Dr. John A. Harrison had the first motor car in Haslingden? Yes he did and here is a photo of the chassis of that car:

His younger brother was William Sandilands Harrison (John Harrison Blake's grandfather) who joined the Army. He was one of the team that developed typhoid vaccine before WW1. He became Medical Officer in Jamaica, but sadly caught one of the diseases he was researching, and came home to die in Haslingden in 1915. Another brother was Lawrence Whitaker Harrison, who was also in the RAMC and he was a pioneer of VD treatment for soldiers in WW1, and became a major expert on the subject. There is a wing of St. Thomas’ Hospital in London named after him.

Generally the family seems to move away from Haslingden after Dr John died, quite young, in 1920. His sister Beatrice had worked with him as a nurse. She moved to the Lake District, and his wife Etta (nee Worsley) moved to Scotland, I think.

(Notice of the death of Dr. Harrison, Taken from Haslingden Guardian Friday August 25th 1905)

The Late Dr. Harrison, J.P. A Zealous Public Officer

Dr Harrison being greatly respected by the people of Haslingden, where he had attained considerable popularity as a skilled medical practitioner, and as the medical officer for the borough for a lengthy period. Dr. Harrison who was sixty-two years of age at his death, was educated at Appleby Grammar School, while later, he served his apprenticeship with Dr. Blades at Kirkby Stephen. Proceeding to Glasgow he subsequently graduated and obtained the degrees of Licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries (1866), Bachelor of Medicine and Master in Surgery (1867), and Doctor of Medicine (1870). In 1866 or 1867 he commenced to practice in Hawes, North Yorkshire, but in 1872 he took over the Haslingden practice of the late Dr. Binns. Subsequently he married a daughter of the late Mr. John Whittaker of Waterfoot House, Haslingden, and since that happy event he devoted himself to the duties of a Haslingden citizen and displayed a keen and intelligent interest in local affairs. In the year 1873 Dr. Harrison received an appointment to the Rural Sanitary Authority under the Poor law Union regime. At the first meeting of the Local Board on September 9th, 1875, he was appointed medical officer pro tem, and in January 1876, he received the full appointment. In September 9th 1885, Dr. Macpherson was appointed medical officer, and on September 16th 1889, Dr. Harrison became a member of the Local Board. Following upon the subsequent death of Dr. Macpherson, Dr. Harrison was again appointed medical officer, on June 19th 1890, when he resigned his seat as a member of the Local Board in order to take the appointment. As medical officer for the borough, Dr. Harrison displayed commendable zeal, and he never hesitated to indulge in straight speaking when he conceived that the best interests of the people of the borough were endangered.. Although probably for economical reasons, some of his recommendations were disregarded by the Health Committee, he was so persistent in his advocacy of sanitary improvements that he gained the admiration and esteem of the members of the local authority and several of his suggestions were ultimately adopted, notably that referring to the discontinuance of the old smallpox hospital at Clod, which he denounced in and out of season as totally unfit for the accommodation of patients. In 1884 Dr. Harrison was deservedly honoured by being placed on the Commission of the Peace, and since that time he regularly and sealously attended to his duties as a magistrate. Another of his local offices was that of police surgeon. He was also a Past Master of Wolsey lodge of Freemasons, Manchester. Dr. Harrison was a staunch adherent of the Church of England and practically ever since the formation of Laneside Parish, he has held the honourable position of churchwarden, in which capacity he frequently elicited warm tributes from the vicar and parishioners of Laneside. As a total abstainer, Dr. Harrison evinced considerable interest in temperance work and he was a trustee of the Haslingden Blue Ribbon Club, upon which the flag was hoisted at half-mast on receipt of the news of his death. For some years, one of his sons, Dr. John Harrison, has been associated with him in his practice, while another son has attained recognition as an able member of the Army Medical Staff. Dr. Harrison is survived by his widow, five sons and three daughters. (Thanks to Jackie Ramsbottom for sending in this information)

(Photo: kindly sent in by Keith Burton showing the medical and nursing staff together with the wounded Belgians whilst at the Haslingden Public Hall)

The photo here clearly shows Dr. John Atkinson Harrison who is to the right of centre on the second row. Also Dr John's sister, Kate Evelyn Harrison is fourth along from the left on that same second row and next but one to Dr. John. Kate has a nurses cap on, but does not seem to have the same uniform as the other women. Kate later married Walter Hayhurst, a chemical engineer, and they lived at The Laund, Baxenden.

Hazelwood (41 Bury Road, Haslingden)

Was used as a Doctors Surgery ever since the establishment by Dr. Jonathan Atkinson Harrison in 1881 (at Hazelwood, although he personally had established his practice much earlier from Regent Street). Hazelwood continued as a Doctors Surgery right up until 1985 (a period of 104 years). Hazelwood in the mid to late 1900s was the home of Dr. Arthur Ramsden and Coun. Dorothy Ramsden, but was also a Doctors surgery for Dr. Ramsden. In the latter years (70s and 80s) it became a partnered practice which included: Dr Arthur Ramsden, Dr. Richard Pettigrew, Dr. Marsden and Dr. Rishton. The practice at Hazelwood closed its doors in 1985, when it moved to the current Haslingden Health Centre on Manchester Road. Since 1989, Hazelwood has been used for a Nursing Home for several years. After which it closed down and was empty for sometime and in more later years has been the Offices to a Contracts Company.

Kathleen Eva has kindly sent in the following information (6th Jan 2011) I have some information to add to the passage about the doctor's on Bury Rd.

During the early 1950's just after the N.H.S. was formed, there was a Dr Weir who had that practice, then he was joined by Dr Armistead. Dr Weir later retired (I think) and Dr Armistead was joined by Dr Ramsden. Dr Armistead left Haslingden about 1960/61, when Dr Ramsden took over the running of the practice. The surgery was in the celler of the house, you went in by the side door and turned left down the stairs, you all sat round the outside of the room till it was your turn. Somtimes we would move up as people went into the Dr.when it was your turn you were called through to the passage by Hilda the receptionist where you waited till Dr was ready for you. I remember it as always seeming to be dark.

I think these dates are about right , Dr's Armistead and Ramsden were my doctors when I lived in Haslingden. -Kathleen.

Below is a couple of photos of Hazelwood from back in 2003. When the photos were taken it had just closed down after having been a "nursing home". The old garden which lay to the South East side of the building enclosed within its own perimeter wall bordering both Park St and Bury Road, has all been dug out, and is now a car park for the Offices. Also a extension has been attached to the South West side of the building.

And also information about Doctor Carr who practiced at No.4 Helmshore Road.I kindly received a email today (12th Feb 2011) from Michael Carr (Doctor Carr's son):

"Good afternoon Bryan.

I grew up in Haslingden and lived there until 1966 when at the age of eight the family moved to the North East.

So why my discord to you? – well my father was a doctor and had his practice in Haslingden at No.4 Helmshore Road.

He may also be remembered for being the local Conservative Councillor and we have many press cuttings from his days; it seemed the local papers were plastered with his picture all the time or maybe we were just a big nepotistic! Lol!

My father, alas died some ten years ago at the age of 85 and now rests quietly on a hillside in Southern Eire. Mother was/is some twenty years younger than may Dad and still lives happily there.

Sunday, 5 December 2010

Added Further Hollands Pie Van/Wagon Photos

Added further Hollands Pie Van/Wagon Photos today, kindly sent in by Paul Anderson, and thanks also for permission from Peter Davison. To check out new photos CLICK HERE

Thursday, 25 November 2010

Haslingden Workingmen's Club, Spring Lane - And a few memories....

(Many thanks to Jackie Ramsbottom for sending in this photo of the "workers" just before it was demolished).

I suppose my first recollections of Haslingden Workingmen's Club, Spring Lane, was once a week, getting a nice suprise when my dad would go off there for his game of snooker, and it felt so special to get a treat which was a bag of crisp made by either firms of the name Rishy (XL Crisp), Bensons or even Smith's Crisp, and it would have had a little salt bag with twisted top, very much like the shape in miniature of what ladies used in their washing and called a "dolly blue", I would try and stop awake excitedly awaiting those crisp, but more often than not would drop off asleep and I would then get my treat the following morning. To think that those days little things (or where they big things?) seemed so much more exciting and worthwhile and yet today we just take things like that for granted. It really meant something special then.... and how values have changed... What was once one bag of crisp per week, could now be two bags per day. Also going to their Annual Christmas Parties which started for me when I was about 6 or 8 years of age. I can clearly remember being met at the door by Peggy Flynn the stewardess and then chatting with her husband Tommy who was behind the bar.....

My father at the time played snooker on a weekly basis for the "Workers", and very occasionally he would let me go with him to watch. Sometimes I also managed to go to some of the away games, at places where they did not sell alcohol. I remember going to St. Peters Church Hall, and also the Liberal Club at the bottom of Park Street, a beautiful old building with wide steps with timber polished balustrade from where you would go upstairs into the main room where there was two full size snooker tables. I must have gone with him many times because I can still remember some of their (Haslingden Liberal Club) players from that time (Mr Duxbury - the Auctioneer and later his son), Veril Riley, Josh Knowles, Ernie Taylor.... Another place I remember going to was Townsendfold Social Club which them days seemed a million miles away!!

Back in the 50s and possibly into the 60s top snooker/billiard players would visit the "workers" and do exhibitions. From memory my father used to tell me about the famous names such as Jackie Rae, and Fred Davis (top man in billiards those days), and John Spencer would also come to the Club.

When we first got married I remember us going on many a Saturday night, where we would play bingo, whilst sat on the well upholstered seating which bordered the full perimeter of the snooker room.....

There where also concerts at the Club and I can remember a great local performer "Willie Horan" a local popular drag act, who would from time to time pack the Club. Jimmy Hill was the pianist at the Club and he was also in the "workers" snooker team along with my dad, and also Jimmy Collinge, Dick Garnett and others.

Nearer to the latter days of the Club, I remember attending a Charity function which was organized by Jimmy Paton and can even remember him saying to several of us that were sitting with him at the same table, "we have all these variety acts coming and appearing here tonight, but we need a "name personality" to do the raffle etc.", no sooner had he mentioned it to us that he jumped up and proceeded to the phone and there and then rang Granada Studios in Manchester, and asked if "Tony Wilson" the newscaster would be able to appear at the event..... its was quite unbelievable when I think back, but sure enough Jim managed to persuade Tony who said he would come straight after presenting the evening news, which he did, a couple of hours later. What a fabulous chap he was, I remember him asking one of the variety acts if he did'nt mind if he could use his guitar for a number or two, and up Tony got to the stage, and what was to come was a real treat..... I don't think anyone was ready for Tony Wilson (the great local newscaster of the day) to play out some raunchy heavy blues, before us and it was really quite superb.... he brought the house down.

After witnessing that evening, that great mans kindness, and enjoying such insurmountable skills he provided that night, I couldn't help but then be attracted by various news reports over the years of Tony's career. I was never suprised that he later took time out from television to open and promote Factory Records with such involvement towards Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays, and the list goes on and on. In later years his energies furthered and he opened up the famous Manchester Hacienda.... It was such a tragedy that he died in August 2007, but what a legacy that man left us.

Going back in time! I can sort of remember sometimes when going home from the "Top Church School (St. Jame's) would go through the Churchyard, and then follow the pathway past a long row of cottages which overlooked Blackburn Road (been demolished years ago) and then would go past the "Workers" Club on the right, and then it was all waste ground at the side of the Club (long before the West View Estate was even thought of). And I remember somewhere around here there was some very large "air raid shelters", or at least that is what I was lead to believe they were.

Also just to the right hand side of the Club, was the "Spring Well", a natural Spring well which is fed from the side of Cribden, the well is still in the same place today. In the past I would often take refreshment here! (so pure a water!). This same waterway in the distant past would have been collected higher up, by the Baxters Brewery, before reaching this point. On the opposite side of Spring Lane and almost directly across from the Club was a couple of terraced properties (still there today) and one of them used to be the stewards house, and was owned by the Club. Spring Lane itself in those days was a steep cobbled road with well worn shiny "setts", and it was one of the last places in Haslingden to receive a tarmac covering (probably in the 80s).

Closeby to the Club was the Baxters Brewery (pre: Beverleys, Wilsons). I can remember the building well from my childhood days, but not has a brewery. I would pass the building regular and it would have wagons either delivering or picking up large bales of cotton waste...

It was so sad for some of us when that Club closed down.

Lots and lots of happy memories.....

Another photo here which shows the "workers" in situ and also the long row of houses which have long been demolished which overlooked Blackburn Road.

Haslingden Workmens Club at one time must have had a Library Section
Scan: thanks to Marie Ives and uploaded here on 26th February 2016.

This is a email I received from Chris Reid on 10th January 2012:

Hi Bryan, I have just finished reading your blog on the hwmc. we must have spoken or met that night tony wilson appeared as i was on the committee with jim patton who i had known all my life. we had just had the club refurbished. tony wilson actualy got up on stage to play a guitar, not succsessfully. however. i helped jim run the club for a good while before i left haslingden.
there were some great nights there. i was gutted when the club closed as i was in canada at the time. i used to take horses to drink at the well on spring lane, i often wonder if it is still there running. i think it is time i revisited haslingden with a new pair of eyes. i am sure we must be close to the same age 55. i can only thank you for the time and effort you have put in to the site.it has helped me no end to restore my memory. if i can recall anything more as i read through i will e-mail you. please feel free to post any info i send that you consider useful.I think there should be a list of town characters and some of their antics.
all the best
chris reid
Response: "Housey Housey" them days not "Bingo"

Hi Chris,
Like you say it was a really great Club and held special memories for me (like yourself), especially going to the Christmas parties as a child etc etc. I then became a member at the start of drinking age, and went regular on Sat nights when I got wed, it was a sort of bingo night (I think they called it housey them days - not bingo)
Yes the Spring is still there and running. Well it was a couple of years ago.
I am a little older than you at 64, and have for the past 3 years been living in Burton In Kendal in Cumbria, but I do get chance usually at least bi-monthly to visit the old place.
I am extra pleased this is helping you to get better with your memory illness, that makes it all the more worthwhile.
Keep remembering!
All the best,
Bryan.

Three of the final stalwarts to the Club
Jim Patton, Laddy Pilling and Ronnie Clough
Photo: Kindly shared to us by Peter Fisher

Haslingden & Dist Snooker League Fixture Handbook 1958-1959

It was a thriving snooker league back in the 1950s and 1960s and thankfully I was able to attend some of the Workers (Haslingden Workingmens Club) matches whilst supporting my dad's team.......

In email conversation only this week we have been privileged to receive several photo contributions from Geoffrey Heap who I personally can remember from when he was with the St. Peter's Scouts. But I also mentioned to him that I thought I could remember his dad playing for the St. Peters Church Snooker team, at times playing against my dad on the opposite team.

He confirmed back that this was the case and memories came flooding back for me and obviously for Geoff as well.

I am not sure how old I was but would have thought perhaps about 12 or 13 and although I wasn't allowed to go to the Clubs that sold alcohol, my dad did used to take me along to watch and support the Workers when they played at alcohol free clubs such as: The Liberal Club on Park Street, and St. Peter's in one of the schoolrooms at the back of the Church, and rarely we would catch the bus to Rawtenstall and then another bus over to Townsendfold Social Club (with this last one! was I supposed to be there or not!! - alcohol or non alcohol?)

They were cracking nights watching my dad (the team Captain), and his mate Jimmy Collinge, Bob Fisher, Jimmy Heald (who also played the piano at the Workers), Joe Clarkson and George Garnett amongst others. I think they were a pretty good team and always did well in the league as I remember.

At the Liberal Club I remember some of their players which included Josh Knowles (Brian's dad), Mr. Duxbury (the Auctioneer) and later his son (also Auctioneer), Veril Riley, and one guy who stood out to me, he seemed a great player and ever so young for that team and that was Ernie Taylor (carpets etc) at St. Peter's I can only just about remember Mr. Heap, but remember better a really tall chap with glasses who was another friend of my dad's in snooker and that was Frank Riley (lived on Townsend Street)

It was great to hear a couple of stories from Geoffrey about when he also used to go and watch his dad playing with the St. Peters Snooker team. I have printed the tales here for all to enjoy....

The following tales are submitted by Geoffrey Heap:

Yes my dad was captain of St. Peter's Church Institute snooker team and I also used to go with him to watch the team play, when aged 13 and 14. I then played for the team when I was 15 and 16 and yes a Frank Riley played for the team.

I have a couple of vivid memories of those days - I remember us playing an away match against The Irish Democratic League, a game the team needed to win to finish top. My dad and I arrived at the club early and the only other person there was the Steward, who happened to be playing the one armed bandit, which was one of the old tic tac toe machines. As usual dad wanted a drink and the steward had to leave the bandit in order to serve him. At most matches, my dad used to let me have a few tanners to 'lose' on the bandits and this night was no exception; as soon as the steward walked away from the machine, I began to feed it with tanners, three or four coins later the jackpot dropped, well ten bob in tanners did, the rest of the £5 had to be collected from the bar. I walked quickly towards the bar, with a broad grin on my face, to be met by a stony faced steward who very ungraciously paid me the £4.10s. I then asked my dad what I should do with the pocket full of tanners and he suggested that he would keep hold of them until our next away match. I agreed but asked to keep a few back as I had not had much of a play on the machine. By this time the IDL team had arrived and we could see the steward in deep conversation with them, no doubt expressing his annoyance at having to be pulled from the bandit to serve my dad and by rights the jackpot should have been his.

I walked back to the bandit and proceeded to try my luck again, fully expecting to quickly lose the lot, unbelievably I hit the jackpot again, this time I dispensed with the broad grin and sheepishly asked the steward for my winnings, if looks would kill I was lucky to leave the club alive, needless to say I remained at dad's side for the rest of the evening. To cap it all we won the match, thus denying the IDL the title. By the end of the evening the atmosphere felt quite tense and we thought about asking for a police escort when we left the Club!

A match against Loveclough Printworks is also etched in my memory. This club used an old set of snooker balls, the colours of which were very faded, green and blue looked the same colour, the reds all looked like pinks and so on. Dad was in the middle of a nice break when he nominated "blue" and potted it; to our amazement the referee called 'foul stroke five away', dad asked why and the ref, pointed out that the green ball had been potted. Dad lost his temper and eventually had to go outside to calm down and have a fag.

Haslingden and District Snooker League

(Click over scans to enlarge)

Notification from Brent Cleever on Jan 31st 2021

I came across your blog page and thought I might contribute to the discussion.

I know that up to 1980 whilst the working mens club was still open, the properties opposite were numbers 2 & 4 Spring Lane with Spring Cottage adjacent to the club.

Number two was in 1980 owned by Ida & Peter Riley who sold to a young couple from Manchester in the same year. Ida & Peter moved to wardened bungalows closer to town.Number 4 was the old club stewards house which had been empty for some years. In 1984 number 4 was bought by Mrs Anne Lees, who was determined to renovate the property with its far reaching views over the valley. Number 4 also owned the walled garden to the side of the house. Unfortunately due to ill health Mrs Lees did not complete the work on the house and sold to her neighbours in 1986.The following year both properties were renovated into the Pagg house as seen in your blog.

I believe the whole property was sold around 2000.

The Working Mens Club I think stopped trading mid 80's but stood empty for many years becoming derelict and was demolished in the 90's.Please find attached a photo of that sad day.Hope this is of interest.

Thursday, 18 November 2010

Haslingden Grammar School Oct 1969 Group Photos

With many thanks to Nicholas Daley of the Valley Cleaning Services whom has kindly sent in this 1969 group photo Haslingden Grammar School Pupils.
Because the photos are quite wide I have had to split each photo into 9 separate lots. - PLEASE CLICK OVER THE PHOTO ONCE TO ENLARGE AND THEN CLICK OVER IT AGAIN TO SUPERSIZE.

For the Haslingden Grammar School Blog Click Here

Haslingden Grammar School Sept 1962 Group Photos

With many thanks to Nicholas Daley of the Valley Cleaning Services whom has kindly sent in this September 1962 group photo of Haslingden Grammar School Pupils..
Because the photos are quite wide I have had to split each photo into 7 separate lots. PLEASE CLICK OVER THE PHOTO ONCE TO ENLARGE AND THEN CLICK OVER IT AGAIN TO SUPERSIZE.

For the Haslingden Grammar School Blog Click Here

Wednesday, 17 November 2010

Haslingden Grammar School Oct 1957 Group photos

With many thanks to Nicholas Daley of the Valley Cleaning Services whom has kindly sent in this group photos of Haslingden Grammar School Pupils from October 1957. Because the photos are quite wide I have had to split each photo into 7 separate lots.

Haslingden Grammar School Blog

Haslingden Grammar School Sept 1959 Group School Photo

With many thanks to Nicholas Daley of the Valley Cleaning Services whom has kindly sent in this lovely group photo from September 1959 of Haslingden Grammar School Pupils.
Because the photos are quite wide I have had to split the photo into 6 separate lots. - PLEASE CLICK OVER THE PHOTO ONCE TO ENLARGE AND THEN CLICK OVER IT AGAIN TO SUPERSIZE.

Click here to see the Haslingden Grammar School Blog

Monday, 15 November 2010

Some New HOLLANDS PIES Van Photos

Paul Anderson has kindly sent in the photos of Hollands Pies Vans above - which I will shortly add to my Hollands Pies blog, but for now please enjoy. And dont forget to check out Pauls site for other transport photos click here

Wednesday, 20 October 2010

Haslingden Secondary Modern School Photos

If you would like to read the VANGUARD which is the official

magazine of Haslingden County Secondary School

Issue 23 July 1962 - Then PLEASE CLICK HERE

If you would like to read the VANGUARD which is the official

magazine of Haslingden County Secondary School

Issue 24 July 1963 - Then PLEASE CLICK HERE

If you would like to read the VANGUARD which is the official

magazine of Haslingden County Secondary School

Issue 25 July 1964 - Then PLEASE CLICK HERE

SPEECH DAY July 1st 1965 Programme now added

Scroll through to bottom of pages (This programme kindly shared to us by the estate of the Late Alderman Joyce Thorne)

Pupil Photo above for January 1942 - Class 1A

(Alan Papworth has kindly sent this photo. Please click over to enlarge - It is Haslingden Senior School.

Back Row: Left to Right:

Leslie Wroe, Roy Buckley, Roland Whittaker, Alan Papworth, Joe Birtwistle, Arthur Westcott (evacuee from London), Kenneth Heys, Jim Ratcliffe, Tom Dearden, Derek Rigby, Robert Balderson, Willie Warburton, Alan Dunn, John Walmsley.

Middle Row: Left to Right:

Maureen Ahiss, Barbara Herring, Margaret Holden, Melba Kay, Jean Grimshaw, Violet Reynolds (Evacuee from Islington), Winnie Jones, Alfred Smith.

Front Row: Left to Right: Barbara Young, Edith Haworth, Betty Whittaker, Joyce Smith, Jean Camm, Barbara Page, Freda Kendal, Lucy Haworth, Dorothy Jackson.

1948 Pupil photo (Click over to enlarge)

Photo: kindly contributed by Andy Metcalfe

Haslingden Secondary Modern School A - 1948-1949 (Click over to enlarge)Photo: Kindly shared by Joan Lord and uploaded here on 14th September 2016

Rear: John Barnes, John Lord, Gerald Ainsworth, Colin Trippier, Bob Maden, Colin Maden, Terry Marsden, John Brockbank, Jim Haworth, Keith Halstead, George Tomlinson.
Centre: Brian Booth, Doreen Maunders, Janie Trickett, Prudence Whalley, Betty Barnes, Jean Tattersall, Florence Grey, Freda Smith, Sheila Hayhurst, Alice Barnes.
Front: Irene Maychell, Margaret Gibbons, Dorothy Bispham, Audrey Byeres, Dorothy Crompton, Joyce Cockerill, Phillys Bodycombe, Margaret Hodgkinson, Doreen Mason, Jean Lancaster.

(Pupil photo above for 1950/1951)

Photo above kindly sent in by Jack Pilling.

Back Row: ?,?, Jack Whittaker, Brian Whittaker, Geoffrey Bradshaw, Jack Pilling

Middle Row: Colin Grindrod, Alan Haworth, Jack Hartley, Geoffrey Heap, Gerald Green, George Ashworth.

Front Row: ?,Turner, ?,?,?.

Haslingden Secondary Modern School late 40's (Click over to enlarge)

Mr. C. Hill (Head), Mr. J. Dean (Maths and Dep Head), Mr. Smith (Music), Mr. Elton (Tech Draw and Woodwork), Mrs Worswick (English), Mrs. Heap (Secretary)

Photo: kindly contributed by Geoff Heap and uploaded here on 22nd November 2015

Haslingden Secondary Modern School c1960 form 2A (Click over to enlarge)

Back Row: Stuart Mason, Alan Hargreaves, Peter Fletcher, Ernest Gibbons, Kenneth Proctor, Derek Moorhouse, Anthony Tomlinson, Clifford Holden.

Third Row:Christine Ann Jeffrey, Edith Metcalfe, Kathleen Waller, Ann Westcott, Maureen Hodgkinson, Margaret Singleton, Lynne Hargreaves, Doreen Counsell, Beryl Eastwood, Patricial Rigg, Gwen Whalley, Jean Clegg.

Second Row: Barbara Watts, Jane Davidson, ?, Carol Robinson, Mr. Alan Cockerill, Susan Beharell, Christine Haslam, Jeanette Peddie, Carol Harmer.

Front Row: David Cole, James Heaton, Ronnie Trickett, Ian Rishton, David Emison, Alan Hartley, Peter Bargh, James Southworth.

Photo kindly shared by David Emison

Haslingden Secondary Modern School Class 2B dating from 1961/1962. Click over photo to enlarge.

(Pupil photo above for 1961/1962)

Bill King has kindly sent in this photo. It is a Haslingden Secondary Modern School class photograph. Class 2 B dating from 1961/1962.

Back: Paul Taylor, David Taylor, Alan Barnes, Roy Barnes, Bill King, Stuart Bickford, Ken Parkinson, ?, Ian Walkden

Next to Back: Brian Knowles, Pete Halstead (Samson), Stuart Jackson, ?, ?, Mary Harrison, ?, Maisie Booth, ?, Peter Haworth, ?.

Second Row: Catrina Pickup, Ann Barnes, Maureen Ashton, ?, Mr. Pearce, (Gwen Whaley ?), ?, Anne Schevchick, Irene Kidd,

Front Row: David Blackledge, Jim McCracken, Stephen Briscoe, Ken Tattersall, Kevin Ward, Dave Blomley, Jack Southworth, Bryan Yorke

Haslingden County Secondary School 1960 (Click over photo to enlarge)

Front Row: Tommy Barnes, John Simms, David Desforges, Stanley Ratcliffe, Harry Yeadon, David Siddall, Donald Hendry, Cameron Haddock.

2nd Row: Lesley Brennand, Jean Pickering, Jean Hargreaves, Kathleen Shanks, Miss Swires (teacher), Pauline Ashworth, Olwyn Catterall, Sandra Cockerill, Carol Lord.

3rd Row: Janet Kenyon, Wendy Haig, Marian Duckworth, Elizabeth Holmes, Margaret Bargh, Olwyn Barlow, Anne Meynall, Joan Miller, Ann Kershaw, Bernice Cronshaw, Sandra Higson.

4th or back Row: Bill Gardner, Frank McCracken, Brian Lees, Jimmy Barnes, Stephen Britten, Brian Till, John Cassidy, Derek Gillam, Gordon Eastwood, David Smith.

Thanks so much to Barbara and Donald Henry and Sandra Smith for this great photo and also for naming most of the students. (uploaded here on 17th Oct 2016.

Haslingden Modern School Football Team c1962 (above)

Back Row from L: David Blomley, Noel Grimshaw, Geoff Parkinson, Walter Gregson, Geoffrey Heaton, Stephen Kay, Geoff Higson

Front Row from L: Alan Cliffe, Derek Moorhouse, Richard Kay, B. Haworth, Ken Proctor, Bobby Wade, Malcolm Grindrod.

(Photo: kindly supplied by Jack Pilling 6th January 2015) Please click over the photo to enlarge

Haslingden Secondary Modern School Rugby Team 1963. (Rugby Team 1963 above)

John Taylor has kindly sent in this photo of the Haslingden Secondary Modern School Rugby Team from 1963.

Back Row: John Taylor, Peter Lake, Graham Joinson, Allan Bradshaw, David Killingbeck, Bill King, Ernest Gibbons.

Middle Row: (unknown) Geoff Heaton, Bobby Wade, Jack Southworth, Ian Rishton

Front:: Brian Knowles, Tony Tomlinson, Alan Hartley.

Bobby Wade who now lives in France filled in a couple of the missing names in the above photo and also mentioned the following: Peter Lake (moved to London area later with family. Tony Tomlinson (lived at Rising Bridge - his brother was at HGS and an all round sportsman. Tony ("Bean") and Dave Killingbeck played for Blackburn R.U.F.C. for about ten years having started to play there with Wade and Ernest Gibbons (who later went to Agricultural college, and I bet carried on playing rugby). - Notes by Bobby Wade 7th August 2015

Haslingden Secondary Modern School Rugby Team 1963/1964 season (Rugby Team 1964 above)

Bill King has kindly sent in this photo. It is a Haslingden Secondary Modern School Rugby Team for the 1963/1964 season.

Back: ?. James Heaton, Derek Gillam, Bill King, David Wise, Mark Barnes, ?

Front: Stuart Mason, Dave Dewhurst, John Lord, Jim Southworth, ?, John Burnett, ?

Thanks also to Sandra Smith for naming some of the missing rugby players.

Haslingden Secondary Modern School Basketball Team c1963. (Basketball Team 1963 above) (Photo kindly supplied by John Taylor -names kindly supplied by Allan Bradshaw.)

Back: Derek Moorhouse, Allan Bradshaw, Bobby Wade

Front: John Taylor, Ken Procter, Geoff Heaton, Jack Southworth, Graham Joinson

Arts Class with Mr. Hinckley around 1962/3 Arts Class 1962/3 (above) (Photo kindly supplied by John Taylor)

(Students Assembly: 1962 above)

Jim Nuttall has kindly sent in the above photo of students at the Haslingden Secondary Modern School, taken within the Main Hall during either 1962 or 1963...

School Party from Squires Gate Airport with Mr. Dean and Mr. Evans 1962 1962 Squires Gate Airport Blackpool (above) (Photo kindly supplied by John Taylor)

Haslingden Secondary Modern School around 1950/1952 - A student exchange with a school

in Sudbury, Suffolk (Photo: Harold Stott better known as Sam Stott

Haslingden Secondary Modern School around 1950/1952 - A student exchange with a school

in Sudbury, Suffolk (Photo: Harold Stott better known as Sam Stott

The cast and crew of a production of Fiddler On The Roof - 1950-1952 Haslingden Secondary

Modern School. (Photo: Harold Stott better known as Sam Stott)

Haslingden Secondary Modern School Classes 3a and 4a of 1950

(Photo: Harold Stott better known as Sam Stott) The above three photos have been kindly sent in by Harold Stott (Sam), and Sam is wondering if anyone has got any photos of the School Brass Band formed about 1950/1951, also the school orchestra from this era. The instruments paid for partly by huge collections of newspapers and jam jars which were stored for collection in the school celler. Sam's claims to fame were that he used to play the cows horn on occasions at the Astoria in his well spent youth. Also he was a apprentice gardener which was one of his Saturday morning jobs which included winding up the Memorial Clock in Jubilee Park.

A photo of the School Orchestra from the 1950s

This is also the school orchestra from 1950. Mr. Smith is the music teacher on the left side.

Haslingden Secondary Modern School Brass Band c1950 Email from David Greenwood dated Dec 29th 2014:

Hi Bryan

I have seen your blog regarding Haslingden Secondary Modern School brass band and would like to add some more points of interest for your readers.

In the late fifties until 1961 I was a member of the band eventually becoming solo euphoniumist, and I remember recording twice for the BBC Manchester for their schools programmes

The first time we recorded in the hall at school and afterwards we could buy a copy of the recording for 17and 6pence which was a lot of money then when most people were not on 20 pounds a week. I have still got this record which is a one sided 7 inch E P Possibly the only one left!

The second time we recorded was for a Christmas carol programme and we did this in the school playground between the hall and the gym,

Members of the band that I can remember were

DUNCAN BURGESS SOLO CORNET

ALAN BEECH TROMBONE

JOHN HANSON TENOR HORN

BARRY DANN Bb BASS

KENNETH MADEN TROMBONE

A lot of us were also in either Haslingden or Helmshore brass bands respectively before they merged together

I do not remember ever having our photos taken whilst at school

I hope this might be of interest to your bloggers

Regards

David

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Sketch Plan of School around c1960 with other memories

Haslingden Secondary Modern School c1960 teachers.

Back Row from L: Mr. Inkley (Art), Mr. Pilkington, Mr. Elton (woodwork), Mr. Cockerill (history), Jack Ayrton (Maths) ?,Mr Salt (geography), Mr. Hayhirst (Commercial studies), Fred Scar (French), Mr Jones (music).

Middle Row from L: Mr. Pearce (French), Mr Taylor (PT - lads), Mr. Smith (Music), Jasper Stirling (Scripture), Harry Dean (art), Peter Colbourne (science),Mr Phillipson?,?
Front Row from L: Miss Swires, Miss Wilson (Music), ?, Mr. Dean (deputy head), Mr Clem Hill (Headmaster), Miss Worswick (English), Miss Titherington (Domestic), Miss Heap and later Mrs Hayhurst PT teacher (girls), Mrs. Nelson

Thanks to Pauline Emmett Dagg for sending in this old newspaper cutting. Sadly its not the best quality but still I managed to recognise these. If you can add any names please let me know! Thanks also to: Pauline, Sandra Smith and Ian Stuart Walkden for help with the names on this photo.

Photo: kindly sent in by Pauline Emmett Dagg on 7th Feb 2015
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Haslingden Modern School - Dinner Time Club

This is a fabulous photo of the Haslingden Modern School, dinner time club which was held in

the main assembly room and commenced at about 1230hrs and would carry on until 1300hrs

with all the latest pop records. I can recognise one or two on this photo: Gwen Woods the blonde in the couple to the left hand side next to the back, also Elaine Astin on the right hand side front couple. There is probably more when I get the chance to look more closely.

Photo: kindly sent in by Pauline Emmett Dagg on 13th February 2015 - Click over to enlarge

Hi Bryan... I found the picture of the dinner time club.... Names from the top; ?? and Sheila White...Kathleen Leach and Vera Judson....Gwen Woods and Jenny Hodgkinson R.I.P.....Barbara Stott and Margaret Smith ?... Muriel Kane ?and Julie Hague... Pauline Emmett and

Carole Edwards... Christine Naylor and ??.... Elaine Astin and Margaret Hall R.I.P... .... I hope some people find it interesting.... Pauline...xx

Haslingden Secondary Modern School c1948 (Click over to enlarge)
Photo: Kindly contributed by Andy Metcalfe and uploaded here on 13th November 2015

Haslingden Secondary Modern School - 1948 - Llandudno (Click over to enlarge)
Photo: kindly contributed by Andy Metcalfe and uploaded here on 13th November 2015

Haslingden Secondary Modern School c1948 (Click over photo)
Photo: Kindly contributed by Andy Metcalfe and uploaded here on 13th November 2015

Haslingden Secondary Modern School c 1948 (Click over to enlarge)
Photo: Kindly contributed by Andy Metcalfe and uploaded here on 13th November 2015