Salem Methodist (Click over to enlarge)
Kindly shared to us by Sue Ashton
Shows the party of four lads at the front with Jeffrey Blackledge (glasses), with David Emison behind him, then Peter Marsden (wearing Grammar School Blazer and flower) and behind him is Alan Ratcliffe
Salem Methodist (Click over to enlarge)
Photo: kindly shared to us by Sue Ashton
This was 11 Bury Road and No.7 Bank Street. Haslingden's first Post Office was ran from this gable end, it was also known
as Summer House.
Shows students of Haslingden Modern School
Photo: Kindly shared by Harry Maden
Jackie has now uploaded a further 9 Newspaper Cuttings to the new blog which can be accessed by CLICKING HERE
| Jimmy Heyworth and my dad Eric Newton, proudly holding the Melody Maker Cup after winning the "All Britain contest in the 1950s (Photo: Kindly shared by Joyce Newton Whelan) Click over photo to enlarge |
(Saturday 25th November 2017)
Over the past week or two we have completely revamped "THE 60's WAS SOMETHING ELSE BLOG and have now included lots more information and photographs of the Astoria Ballroom in Rawtenstall. We have now managed to include ALL of the names of the groups and supports for each week the venue held "beat nights" between 1963 and 1966 - PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE "REVAMPED" BLOG A lot of this has been possible thanks to Jeremy Barnfield for supplying the adverts from newspapers and also to my friend Steve Riley local rock historian who has kindly filled in all the missing names etc.
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Sammy Southwood kindly shared (19th Nov 2017) some old family diary notes from the 1930s:
Here are some excerpts from family letters to an ill wife/mother we have found from the 1930s which give a nice feel of Haslingden at the time.
From the son: 'On Sunday night, I went up Clifford and Aunty Alwin's and won 9d at cards. On Monday to a picture at Haslingden, 'Kalina'. On Saturday night after we left we went the football match at Blackburn, it was a draw Blackburn Blackpool. Saturday night to a picture, Laurel and Hardy in 'Jailbirds'."
From the father: 'I have just had some chips for my tea which was rotten, then I am getting stuck into the cleaning (oh how I miss you!) Your Bob came down last night and said Ada was going to take you to the Gay 90s at the Con Club tonight, but chin up, you will soon be home and you can have your job back willingly, and the cash accounts! I will now close as I want to catch the post, good night darling."
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Fantastic! a photo of the great man himself - Bert Marsden (Blacksmith) - Click over to enlarge)Never thought we would get one and here it is thanks to Stephen and Joan Nuttall. Joan and
her family (nee Watson) were good friends with their neighbours Bert and Beattie and it
the photo shows from L to R . Mr. Watson with his daughter Dot and Bert in the deckchair.
To Joan and her sisters he was known as Uncle Bert and was a friend of Joan's mum and dad (Arthur and Letitia Watson). Joan's family and Bert and his wife Beattie (Aunty Beattie lived next door to each other for many years (25 and 27 Park Street).
It wasn't unheard of for Joan to go out in to the back yard only to find a horse in the yard next door which Bert was dealing with. The back yards were quite small so not much room for a big horse and a big man.
If you want to check out our Blog on BERT MARSDEN and his smithy please click here and scroll down.
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| Another great photo which shows Bert and Beattie Marsden on the right hand side (Click over to enlarge) With friends on the promenade Photo: Kindly shared with us by Stephen and Joan Nuttall |
the 1919 Peace Celebrations (Click over to enlarge)Photo: Kindly shared to us by Stephen and Joan Nuttall
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| another photo of the 1919 Peace Celebrations (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared to us by Stephen and Joan Nuttall |
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| August 1972 visitation to St. Veronicas by Bishop Geoff Burke with Father Iggy Knowles (Click over to enlarge) Pete Gregory, Kev Kearney, Peter? Hardman, Owen Judge, think Vincent Judge & Mick Murphy Thanks to Lawrence Gregory for kindly sharing this photo |
(November 17th 2017) We have now started a "new blog" called Newspaper Cuttings on Haslingden and Helmshore. The cuttings are taken from a long time collection belonging to Jackie which she has compiled over the years. The first contributions are taken from the 1950s when newspapers where just something very special!! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE NEW BLOG
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| Aerial Photo of Haslingden Central (Click over to enlarge) Kindly shared with us by Mark Barrett - Haslingden Tyres on Regent Street ************** |
And now yet another verse to "Knock it Daaern"
And now another bites the dust,
Which once a brewer’s dream abode,
And later a place where prayers were said,
And now all but memories are read,
Knock it daaern, knock it daaern.
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| St. Veronicas which previously was the home of Cpt Tom Baxter (Baxters Brewery) (Photo: Bryan Yorke 2003) |
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The following photos have been kindly shared to the Blog by Sammy Southwood
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| Haslingden Bowling Club late 1980s or early 1990s (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared by Sammy Southwood Front: Dick Rowe Front Row: Kneeling Bob Bond, Eddie Bowery, Seated: Mr. Fred Haworth, George Heys, ? Back and Middle Standing from L to R: Frank Nuttall, Dick Garnett, Gilbert Eastwood?, Arthur Lamb, ?,?,?,?,?,?,? |
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| My Grandad is the child (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared to us by Sammy Southwood |
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| St. James's Walking Day 1970 (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared by Sammy Southwood |
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| St. James's Panto late 1970 (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared by Sammy Southwood |
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| St. James's Walking Day - Regent Street - Date unknown (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared by Sammy Southwood |
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| St. Johns's Baxenden - date unknown (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared by Sammy Southwood |
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| Date or function unknown, but Great Grand Uncle Robert Rawstron is the child at the front (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared by Sammy Southwood |
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| Photo kindly shared to us by Sammy Southwood (Click over to enlarge) ******************************************************************************************* |
“Spion Kop”
These lines are dedicated to those Brave Comrades who nobly and gave their lives in the ever memorable Battle of Spion Kop which took place on January 24th 1900.
written by a Haslingden soldier in the Boer War - we are indebted to Jane Siddall for kindly allowing these poems to be shared.
1) Will you kindly pay attention,
To my story, sad but true;
A few words I will mention,
That concerns both me and you.
2) It was on the 23rd of January.
As we rested behind Three Tree Hill,
That the order came along the line,
Which caused many a heart to thrill.
3) Spion Kop had to be taken,
By the lads of the Lancashire Brigade,
With the Twentieth in front to hear the brunt,
The assault had to be made.
4) The Kings Own and the Fortieth,
Who never yet knew fear,
With the T.M.J’s and the Sapper Boys,
Gave their aid the hill to clear.
5) Along the uneven ground we marched,
In silence deep as death;
And when we got to the hill,
We halted to take our breath.
6) With bayonets fixed, we crept along,
And pressed on with a will,
For to uphold Old England’s honour,
And to avenge Majuba Hill.
7) When the summit we had gained,
Many a heart was beating fast.
And in the damp cold morning air,
The challenge came at last.
8) Halt! Who goes there? A voice rang out,
In a tongue both strange and queer;
A rifle shot, a bayonet charge,
And a gallant “British Cheer”.
9) On, on we charged; the enemy fled,
The hill was ours at last;
All hopes rose high as the morn drew nigh,
For the danger that was past.
10) Alas our hopes were soon dispelled
As we soon found to our cost,
For the Boers again tried to retake,
The position they had lost.
11) As through the clouds the sun appears,
Driving the mist away,
All hearts beat fast, for low at last,
We hold the Boers at bay.
12) The Lancashire’s and Engineers,
And T.M.J’s as well,
Line the trenches all around,
Their lives to dearly sell.
13) The battle raged both fierce and fast,
Throughout the livelong day;
And ere the sun set in the west,
Many a soul had passed away.
14) Their’s many a mother in dear old England,
Who will often shed a tear.
When she thinks of her boy – her hope and joy,
But from whom she no more will hear.
15) Far, far away, over the hill,
In Natal a resting place they’ve got,
And these they lie, side by side,
On the heights of Spion Kop.
Composed by M. Walsh, 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers
Another beautiful poem written by a Haslingden soldier serving in South Africa in the late 1890s. The original is done in pencil on writing paper and penned in script. We are indebted to Jane Siddall for kindly sharing these rare “soldiers poems”.
Spartan Mother
“One more embrace; then o’er the main
And nobly play the soldiers part,”
Thus speaks, amid the martial strain,
The Spartan mother’s aching heart,
She hides her woe,
She bids him go,
And tread the path his father’s trod,
“Who fights for England, fights for God”.
Helpless to help, she waits, she weeps,
And listens for the far-off fray,
He scours the gorge, he scales the steeps,
Scatters the foe-away; away!
Feigned, as their flight,
Smite! Again smite!
How fleet their steeds! Now nimbly shod,
She kneels, she prays; “Protect him God”,
The sisters sigh, the maiden’s tear,
The wife’s the widow’s stifled wail,
These nerve the hand, these brace the spear,
And speed them over veld and vale.
What is to him,
Or life or limb,
Who sends the chain, and breaks the rod,
Who falls for freedom, falls for God.
And should it be his happy fate,
Hale to return to home and rest,
She will be standing at the gate,
To fold him to her trembling breast,
Or should he fall,
By ridge or wall,
And lie neath some green southern sod.
“Who dies for country, sleeps with God.
No 3714 Private John Thomas Lambert, E Company,
2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers,
Convalescent Camp, Mosi River, South Africa.
(Undated but from the 1890s)
"A Poem written by a HASLINGDEN soldier called Jonathan Lambert on February 5th 1894, who was in the Lancashire Fusiliers and fighting the wars in South Africa. (kindly contributed to the blog by Jane Siddall) The original is on paper and penned out in beautiful script (a sample shown below)
1) The cottage was a thatch'd one,
the outside old and mean,
yet everything within that cottage,
was wondrous neat and clean
2) The night was dark and stormy,
the wind was howling wild,
A patient mother knelt beside,
the death bed of her child
3) A little worn out creature,
His once bright eyes grown dim,
It was a colliers only child,
they called him little Jim
4) And oh to see the briny tears,
fast hurrying down her cheek,
As she offer'ed up a prayer in thought,
she was afraid to speak
5) Least she might waken one she loved,
far better than her life,
for there was all a mothers love,
In that poor colliers wife
6) With hands uplifted see she knelt,
beside the sufferers bed,
And prays that he will spare her boy,
And take herself instead
7) She gets her answer from the child,
Soft fell these words from him,
Mother the angels do so smile,
And beckon little Jim.
8) I have no pain dear Mother now,
But oh I am so dry,
Just moisten poor Jim's lips again,
And Mother don't you cry
9) With gentle trembling haste she held,
the tea cup to his lips,
he smil'd to thank her as he took,
three little tiny sips.
10) Tell father when he comes from work,
I said good-night to him,
and mother now I'll go to sleep,
Alas poor little Jim.
11) She saw that he was dying,
the child she loved so dear,
had uttered that last words that she,
might ever hope to hear.
12) The cottage door was opened,
the colliers step was heard,
the Mother and the father met
yet neither spoke a word.
13) He knew that all was over,
He knew his child was dead
He took the candle in his hand,
And walked towards the bed.
14) His quivering lips gave token,
Of grief he'd fain conceal,
And to see his wife has joined him,
the stricken couple kneel
15) With hearts bowed down with sadness,
they humbly ask of him,
In heaven once more to meet again,
their own poor little Jim
At the end of the poem is a little note:
Dear Hannah I got little Jim,
because you ask me for it
write back and let me know,
how you are getting at home
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Above are members of the Ebenezer Baptist Church WW1 Soldiers
Dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in that War (Please click over to enlarge photos)
Above are members of the St. James Church or its schools who gave their lives for their country in the Great European War 1914-1919 "Their name liveth for evermore"
Above are members of the St. Stephens Church WW1 Soldiers
Dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in that War (Please click over to enlarge photos)
Above are members of the Haslingden Workingmens Club WW1 Soldiers
Dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in that War (Please click over to enlarge photos)
Above are members of the Irish Democratic League Club WW1 Soldiers.
Dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in that War (Please click over to enlarge photos)
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| Haslingden War Memorial (Click over to enlarge) Kindly shared to us by Jennifer Shillady |
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| Armistice 1977 - Greenfield Gardens |
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| Unveiling of the Memorial at Greenfield Gardens |
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| Armistice - The reading of the declaration in 1919 at the Municipal Offices on Bury Road (Click over to enlarge) |
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We have been kindly given fifteen lovely aerial photos showing the By-Pass during construction in the 1980s, besides the by-pass on historic record you will note some really interesting views of the nearby areas, some of which have changed quite a bit. Our thanks go to Alan Gardner who has kindly allowed these rare aerial photographs to be shown on the Haslingden Old and New Site.
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| Bentgate/Sykeside/Broadway (Click over to enlarge) Aerial Photo: Kindly shared by Alan Gardner Shows also part of the Cricket Club, Auction Mart, Woolpack, Old Syke Side Mill before the Garden Centre or pre Tescos |
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| A closer view of the Bentgate roundabout under construction in the 1980s (Click over to enlarge) Aerial Photo: Kindly shared to us by Alan Gardner |
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| Construction of Bridges and Roundabout at Bentgate, also shows Auction Mart and Sykeside Mill (Click over to enlarge) Aerial photo: Kindly shared to us by Alan Gardner |
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| Construction of Bridge etc against Victoria Park and Helmshore Road (Click over to enlarge) Aerial Photo: kindly shared by Alan Gardner |
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| Closer photo of construction on Helmshore Road (Click over to enlarge) Aerial photo kindly shared by Alan Gardner |
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| Showing the construction at the bottom of Grane Road with Grane Road Mill and Flash Mill (Click over to enlarge) Also it is just prior to where they joined up with the original railway track which you can see here to the mid right of the photo. Photo: Aerial photo kindly shared by Alan Gardner |
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| Shows the point where the bypass intercepts with the old railway track and the continues to use the old railway track for the distance until you get half way along Rising Bridge Road road where it then branches off and another new section of road was made up to the roundabout at Rising Bridge and then onward. Aerial photo: thanks to Alan Gardner |
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| This has to be one of the highlight photos which shows the construction coming along from Grane Road and following the railway track past Lambers Mill at Carrs and to the point which was North Hag having been removed for the by pass and comes to the point where the Old railway station was. It also shows the bottom of Station Road with the Station Pub and the houses of Booth Street. Aerial photo thanks to Alan Gardner for sharing. |
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| The area of Nags Head having been taken out for the by pass (Click over to enlarge) Aerial photo kindly shared with us by Alan Gardner. |
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| This is the area of the original railway and sidings from Haslingden Station and shows Martin Croft Farm on the left and the old CWS Brittania Mill on the right. (Click over to enlarge) Aerial photo thanks to Alan Gardner for sharing with us |
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| This one shows the construction which followed the old railway track and you can see the bridge being built with the temporary ring road. Its right at the point where our House was at 110 Hud Hey Road and they also besides removing two more houses adjoined to ours, they demolished the full row of houses on the opposite site. Also lots of temporary caravan places on Tom Barnes's old fields, thankfully the old Oak is still there! Aerial photo kindly shared to us by Alan Gardner |
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| A closer photo of the area shown earlier (Click over to enlarge) Aerial photo thanks to Alan Gardner for sharing with us |
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A closer photo of the area shown earlier (Click over to enlarge)
Aerial photo thanks to Alan Gardner for sharing with us
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| This shows the area of construction that follows Rising Bridge Road using the foundations of the old railway track which you can see the bypass branching away roughly at the point of where the last house on Rising Bridge Road is and then shortly before it joins the main roundabout at Winfields. Aerial Photo kindly shared to us by Alan Gardner |
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| This is the last photo in the collection and we go back to the Bentgate area showing construction before the roundabout is made (Click over to enlarge) |
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| "The small packets of snuff mentioned in the poem" |
"Dad and Charlie Snuffy liked a pinch"
Mi father would seh,
Tek some snuff lad,
It’ll clear thi tubes,
With finger and thumb
Thad grab a pinch,
Owd it up to nostril
And sniff up til eyes wattered,
And nuuze smarted
He luvved his snuff did mi Dad,
Bowt little square packets,
And for his birthdays,
We bowt him “Hedges”
In a special silver rah’und tin,
And that always brought a smile.
And his heyes would lite up,
Cum on then let’s have a pinch!
He’d seh as soon as hi si tin!
Remember going to Billy Walsh’s shop
At top of Carr Mill Brow to buy the stuff,
It was a big thing then in 50s and 60s,
Lots ur fuuk like to tek the stuff!
He had a mate called “Charlie Snuffie”,
he met up at Parkys when putting his bet on,
And Charlie always cadged a sniff of the snuff
And every now and then Charlie would shayt!
Jon Ed, come here a getten a present for thi,
And sure enough out came a packet.
He’d grip his hand and on back,
place two little piles of snuff,
He had it measured to a fine art,
Then sniffed up like a good un!
And then there was a quick shek to head
That towd thi he were a happy chappie,
A miss dad lots but dount miss his snuff!!
Written by Bryan Yorke on 5th November 2017
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Hollands Pies - The Confectionery Department 1930s (Click over to enlarge)
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| Hollands Pies - Pie Manufacturing Department 1930s (Click over to enlarge) The firm employed over 200 workers at that time and were making 8000 pies per hour as well as confectionery. (Photo: Kindly shared by Jack Pilling) |
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| Hollands Pies Vans - photo taken in the 1930s (Click over to enlarge) It is thought that some of the vans pictured were probably Chevrolets made by the American firm before they became Vauxhall and therein produced the Bedford Van. (Photo: Kindly shared to us by Jack Pilling) |
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| St. Mary's School 1948 or later (Click over to enlarge) |
INFORMATION REQUEST FROM EDWIN AND JANE (SMITHSON) DUCKWORTH (USA) dated 25th Oct 2017
Hello Bryan,
As the grandson of a Chorley native for whom I was named and as the husband of a geneology buff extraordinaire, I have two questions for you.
One, for whom was Duckworth Clough named?
Two, what do you know about the history of the Duckworth Memorial fountain?
Your blog is impressive, as are the many photos it contains.
But nowhere could I find much of this "ancient" history. I and my wife would be most appreciative if you can fill the void.
Yours truly,
Edwin and Jane (Smithson) Duckworth
Elkton, Florida USA (Email supplied) Any information please let me know and I will pass it on to him or alternatively please put info on the facebook page.
INFORMATION REQUEST FROM: RUSLAN PASHAYEV (USA) dated 24th Oct 2017
My name is Mr Ruslan Pashayev and I am wrestling fan from Delaware, Ohio of USA.
My inquiry is about wrestling contests which were part of Annual Fair at Stonefold, Haslingden Rossendale Valley, Lancashire few decades ago.
According the info provided by my friend who attended those contests it was advertised as "Cumberland Wrestling Competition". Location was most likely - "Winfields, Acre, Rossendale", which is on the A680 near Haslingden. A few farms are behind Winfields. I am not quite familiar with local geography and I am a little confused with Cumberland wrestling in South Lancashire, I always thought that style was practiced in the Northern Counties Lake District.I would highly appreciate any info on that subject. Thanks.Kind regards, Ruslan Pashayev (Ruslan has kindly given his telephone number on file) Any information please let me know and I will pass it on to him.
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| Haslingden A.F.S (Click over to enlarge)
The above Photo is Haslingden A,F,S, and I think taken in 1940 it was taken by Mr Arthur Constantine who had a studio on Bury Rd next door to Mr A Weston Headmaster of the Grammar School.
Photo Back Row: Joe O Leary msgr boy,Tom Green,Jim Pickup,Bob Anderson,Hebert McMahon,John Peel.
Front Row: George Fitton, Irving Mason,George Haworth. and one I don't know
(Photo and information: Kindly shared by Kevin Wissett)
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| Haslingden Station Workers with friends |
INFORMATION REQUEST PLEASE! - Could any of your readers help in naming any of the employees on the photo which can be seen on your Haslingden Station blog? (NOW SHOWN ABOVE) The employees pose in front of the footbridge at Haslingden Station. I've been told that the boy at the front is Richard Holden and that the date is c1906.
I believe my great-grandfather is on the photo but have no proof unless I can eliminate other names.
Thanks.
Best wishes
Jean Tomlinson
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| Helmshore United Football Club Raffle Ticket Kindly shared to us by Lena Warburton and also archived under Memorabilia (Click over to enlarge) |
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| Annual Walking Day (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared by Maureen Kelly - LAST IN THIS COLLECTION |
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| New Jerusalem group party (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared by Maureen Kelly |
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| Musbury Church procession (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared with us by Maureen Kelly |
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| Haslingden Band - Charlie Mansfield (Click over to enlarge) (Photo: Kindly shared with us by Maureen Kelly) |
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| Harry Lambert and Peggy (Please click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared to us by Maureen Kelly |
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| Harry Lambert and Friends (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared to us by Maureen Kelly |
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| Netball - February 1958 (Click over to enlarge) Showing Maureen Mansfield to front right hand (Photo: Kindly shared to us by Maureen Kelly) |
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| Old Newspaper Cutting referencing the book "Helmshore" by Chris Aspin and John Simpson (Click over to enlarge) NB - Please note the costings of the book mentioned in the article are not relevant to today Cutting: Kindly shared to us by Maureen Kelly |
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| The Rhymatics with Roy Mason, Charlie Mansfield and Jack Taylor (Click over to enlarge) (Photo: Kindly shared to us by Maureen Kelly) |
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| Haslingden Youth Club (Click over to enlarge) (Photo: Kindly shared with us by Maureen Kelly) |
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| Sunday School Photo - New Jerusalem Church (Click over to enlarge) (Photo: Kindly shared to us by Maureen Kelly) |
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| School Photo (St.Mary's?) (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared to us by Maureen Kelly |
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| Haslingden St. Mary's procession going past the Memorial Gardens (Photo: Kindly shared with us by Maureen Kelly) |
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| Photo and text kindly shared by Jan Kozyl |
Regards Jan Kosyl.
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| Haslingden Cubs (St. Peter's ?) (Photo: Kindly shared by Maureen Kelly) |
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| Haslingden Weaving Shed (Click over photo to enlarge) (Photo: Kindly shared to us by Maureen Kelly) |
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| Haslingden County Primary School Photo (Click over to enlarge) (Photo: Kindly shared to us by Maureen Kelly) |
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| Crowning of Labour Party Peace Queen by Dr. Edith Summerskill c 1937. (Photo: Kindly shared to us by Neil Stevenson from the Mary Davison Collection ******************************* |
INTERESTING PIECE KINDLY CONTRIBUTED BY: MARJORIE ROBBINS (Jorie Robb) 9th October 2017:
I came across your very interesting Haslingden blog by chance but I don't see any reference to a little bit of history that concerns World War 2, namely the influx of Londoners who were sent to Haslingden under Ernest Bevin's Essential Work Order, which became law in March 1941. My father and his co-workers from the Robert Legg engineering firm in Shoreditch, who met the criteria defined by the Government as being in a "reserved occupation", found themselves working double shifts making munitions at the Wavell Works in Helmshore, which I think was a former textile mill. While it was obviously preferable to being sent to the front or bombed out of your home in London, Haslingden was a very different world from central London and apparently relations between the Cockneys and the locals were sometimes strained. Some of the Londoners described Haslingden, not very flatteringly, as a "cemetery with traffic lights". Food, of course, was rationed, and there were stories about "under the counter" supplies being reserved for the locals. The two groups also spoke very differently. People described me as a "whick 'un", a dialect word my parents had never heard before.
My parents had married on 7 September 1940, the day on which London experienced its first heavy bombing of the blitz. I'm not sure exactly when in 1941 they were sent to Haslingden, but it's possible that my mother was pregnant with me at the time, as I was born at the Moorlands Maternity Home (in the old workhouse building that had become a hospital) in Rawtenstall in May 1942. According to my mother, there was snow on the ground at the time. The return to London wasn't authorized until June 1945, by which time a second daughter had been born in February 1945.
When I was born my parents were living in lodgings at 38 Warwick St. Apparently the landlord wasn't too happy about the arrival of a baby, so we moved to a former shop at 112 Blackburn Rd. I left Haslingden when I was just three years' old, but I remember the shop window, the iron balcony at the back of the building and courtyard below, as well as the toilet being at the end of the row. I also remember St James's church, high up, opposite. I'm pretty sure it must have been Whittaker Terrace, the back of which is shown in the photo on your site, but which no longer exists. I have a vague memory of hearing people going by in the street wearing clogs and I definitely remember seeing some kind of army vehicles (tanks?) rumbling along Blackburn Rd. When my sister was born in February 1945, my 81-yr-old grandmother came up from London to take care of me and I was told that she used to push me up Grane (Grane Rd?) in my pram. My parents were cyclists and liked to get out into the countryside on their tandem, with me in a sidecar. My father made me a doll's house with the plywood from an old notice board, so I had a souvenir of Haslingden/Helmshore in my bedroom in London until the late 1970s, when I left to work abroad, and over 50 years after our return to London we still had a working secondhand pendulum clock that had been acquired during the "exile" in Lancashire.
Maybe someone still alive remembers the Londoners coming to Haslingden?
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| Maypole in Smithies Street, Carrs around c1940 Properties demolished 1970s Holding the maypole is Susan Entwistle, Ribbons are Irene Barnes, Irene Handley and Doreen Bell, Standing are Mary Davison and Doreen Rushton (Photo kindly shared by Neil Stevenson from the late Mary Davison Collection) |
This is Nuttall Street near to Prinny Hill which was to the left
of Mrs. Kings bric a brac shop and Danny Rudges Chip Shop
(from Joan Nuttall on 1st October 2017)
On the photos posted recently the name of the street to the left of Ridges Chippy was Nuttall Street. My gran (Elizabeth Beech) and Aunty (Clara Beech) lived at number 3, the one behind the street light, for many years. As children me and my sisters spent a lot of time there. This was very poor housing with shallow stone sink and stone stairs and no hot water. Of course there was no indoor toilet . The tippler toilet had to be accessed by crossing the street and going down the back of houses on Blackburn Road and turning right at the bottom to another small row of houses and a row of shared toilets. The photograph actually shows the back of the houses but this is the entrance everybody used. As you walked through past the houses there was a yard which housed an open lime pit.this is where the kids played (no health and safety then). I don't know who owned it but there were no gates on it and I don't remember ever seeing anybody there.
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       The above photos have been offered for sale on Ebay Auctions this week. ********************** Here we have a video of the St. Stephen's Choir Fete which was held on September 22nd 1962 It was opened by Violet Carson (Ena Sharples) with Anthony Greenwood M.P. for Rossendale. **************************************** Please note
“It’s almost nine years since I started the Haslingden Old and New Blog
and it’s been a project which is still dear to my heart and for sometime now
I have been hoping that someone else would join me at the helm of the blog
And so help to steer the blog going into the future with continuity and protection
of its valued reference source.
It’s been a great pleasure for me to invite Jackie Ramsbottom (Haslingden Roots)
to join me on this project and she has kindly accepted my invitation and so as from
today the blog is now under joint administration of both Jackie and myself.
We do not anticipate any drastic changes and hope you will continue to support the blog just has you have over the past nine years. Thank you” *****************************
A request for information from Michael Mullaney (13th Sept 2017)
Hi Bryan,
I'm struggling with a problem which I wondered if you could assist me with.
The council flats on left side of Church Street above where Frank Heaps chemist shop used to be and opposite the old Bird in Hand were built around 1958-60.
They were I believe originally built with porches although some say not, but at sometime the porches were rebuilt for whatever reason.
Are there any photographs of the block of 12 flats, 6 at ground level and 6 at first floor level as originally built?
Is there anyone among your bloggers who recall the porches being rebuilt by Rossendale Borough Council? Possibly about 25 years ago.
Any help most gratefully appreciated.
Michael.
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Thanks to Jenni Coates for bringing this one to my attention and also thanks to Robert Wade (Wadey) who has been kind enough to photograph. Now included in the Ginnel/Alleyways and Snicket Blog
PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW BLOG BELOW WHICH IS THE DEREK WOODALL PHOTO COLLECTION OR YOU CAN SIMPLY CLICK HERE
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 This photo/postcard is currently being offered for sale on E. Bay Auctions INFORMATION REQUEST
Hello Bryan
We have a clock that was presented to Henry Ashworth Smith by the chairman of Holden Wood Bleaching Co. (David Halstead) on behalf of the shareholders in 1915. See attached pictures.
 
Are you able to shed any light on who Henry was and what he did in the Co.?
Regards
Nick McShane (Aus)
(Please let me know if you have any information for Nick at bryan.yorke@sky.com
or go to our facebook page and include your comments, thank you.
UPDATE 7th Aug 2017 We have now been kindly offered information on Mr. Henry Ashworth Smith together with obituaries etc. which have been forwarded to Nick McShane (Aus) Thank you John.
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INFORMATION REQUEST:
Hi Bryan,
Apologies for my approach however I came across your pages on the web as I have been searching for information on my Mum who passed away aged 42 when I was 16. I am now 46.
Her name was Catherine Callaghan (maiden name) and she was born in Accrington in 1945 and when I search it keeps coming up with St Marys RC school however I am struggling to see a picture of her or locate the picture with her name against it.
This may be a long shot so forgive me for my random approach however I am desperate to find some information and indeed photographs.
Kindest regards
Lucy Flanagan
(If you can help Lucy will you kindly let me know (bryan.yorke@sky.com) and I will then forward details on to her. thanks.
UPDATE: 5th Aug 2017 - Already had two offers of help! *************************************************************************   Photo: Kindly shared to us by Tim Kirby  Jim would have been about 17 in this photo (1927) and he retired from the business in 1977 Kindly shared to us by Brian Pickup.  The Haslingden members shown here include: Ald Tom Waller, Coun Geoffrey Ormerod, Coun Jack Stafford, Coun Geoffrey Hallam, Ald Hubert Sanderson and on the front centre Coun David Tennant Photo: Kindly shared to us by Geoffrey Hallam.  Kindly shared to us by Geoffrey Hallam  Kindly shared to us by Geoffrey Hallam  Sketch kindly shared to us by Geoffrey Hallam  Tor Mile Race was held going up this track Painting kindly shared to us by Geoffrey Hallam  Kindly shared to us by Geoffrey Hallam - also now archived in the Haslingden In Art  2nd from LH on front is Nana Catherine Hindle - She had the grocers shop "Up Shoot" 2nd Row from the back and far RH side is Lillian Lord (Greenwood) Photo: Kindly shared by Joanne Beetham on 30th July 2017  | |||||||||||||||||
| Click over to enlarge Thanks to Peter Fisher for sharing with us Click here to access the Michael Davitt Museum website |
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| Haslingden St. Mary's c1975 (Mr. Cartmells class) click over to enlarge Top: Joanne Brennan, Helen Dakin, Carol Irwin, Lynette Bodycombe, Carol Glover, Gerry Geesci, Russell Kenyon, Andrew Teoli, Mr. Cartmell. Middle: Paul Higson, Anthony Flanagan, Ned Delaney, Ann McMahon, Lesley McDermott, Jackie Kennedy, Catherine Young, Joe Grcar. Bottom: Michael Hardman, Paul Gott, Martin Sowerbutts, John Kelly, Belinda Fenton, Clare Zebrowski, Erika Labanz, Sharon Thompson. Photo: Kindly shared by Lynn Morley-Cropper on 26th July 2017 |
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| Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Geoff Whitehead, John Bluey Navan, Bernard O'Connell, David Lloyd (guest speaker), Tony Gallagher, Mick McKenna and Billy Jobson - St. Mary's Football Club. Photo: Kindly shared by Haslingden Roots Group |
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| St. Peters Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Haslingden County Primary Anniversary photo (Click over to enlarge) Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Shows Tom Fisher in the background Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Haslingden High School - shows Mr. Marshall to the right Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Billy Batt Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Haslingden Street Fayre Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Presenting cheque to John of the Friends of the Rossendale General Hospital Photo: Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Albert Wood presenting award Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Photo: Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Haslingden Choir performing at Manchester Road Methodist (Click over to enlarge) Choir members include: Jean and Carl Sudworth, Lorna Riley, Kathleen Heap, Kathleen Shirt, Mr. Kirby, Joe Belshaw, Agnes Howarth, Elsie Warburton, Stephen Eccles, Joan Waddington. Photo: Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| A working party at Calf Hey Reservoir (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Armistice procession through Rawtenstall with Haslingden people amongst the march Shows Fred Horridge with medals on front after flag bearers, also shows Percy Till to the right of Fred on the next row. Also shows Dr and Dorothy Ramsden on 5th Row back. Also shows Bill Jennings the large bass drummer for the CLB (Haslingden). It looks like this is the Haslingden Contingent or at least in part. Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Helmshore United Football Club (Click over to enlarge) Shows Derek Barnes, Derek Whittaker (Digger), Guest Speaker, David Entwistle and Jim Hickson. Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Photo kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| I recognize Brian Grimshaw (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared by Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Haslingden Armistice Procession Photo: Kindly shared by Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Council contingent includes Haslingden Councillors Geoff Atkinson and also Mr. Holden |
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| Coun Dorothy and Dr. Ramsden having a kick a round at a local charity event Photo: Kindly shared by Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| "Talking Radio" with Arthur Foster plus others (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Friends of the Rossendale General Hospital Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Manchester Road Methodist with the Rev Lindsay McQuoid Photo: Kindly shared with us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Haslingden Cricket Club Members handing over a cheque to the Cristie Hospital Shows Rod Taylor, Tony Holden, Ernie Taylor and ? Photo: Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Shiela Oldham and Mrs. Ingham at a NSPCC event Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Dr and Mrs. Ramsden at a local event Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Haslingden Bowling Club Members Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Haslingden High School students handing over a cheque to Oxfam Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Mr. John Quinlan in the centre and Jill Horton on the right Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Shows Victor the Librarian pouring tea for the vicar of Manchester Rd Methodist Rev Lindsay McQuoid |
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| Mr. John Haworth receiving Office Photo: kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Haslingden County Primary School photo Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Auctioneer Big Jack Taylor and the manager of Winfield carpet section Photo: Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Donald Valentine in the centre Photo: Kindly shared by Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Loved by many Haslingden and Helmshore residents our baby African elephant in the Whittaker Park Museum Photo: kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Haslingden Bowling Club Members - Mr. Clifford Shutt in the centre and George Heys on the right Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Arthur Foster Haslingden's Hospital DJ and other hospital radio workers Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| A Computer Class being held at the St. Peter's Church, Laneside. The photo shows Mrs. Joyce Smithson, Mrs. (Jessie Ann) Jane Gotts, Mr John Binks and Mrs. Phyllis Ellis Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Coun. Dorothy Ramsden receiving cheque on behalf of the Cancer Research also shows Mr. Bernard Black handing over the cheque and in the middle is Sydney Cockcroft Photo: Kindly shared by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Dr and Mrs. Dorothy Ramsden and hospital Staff. Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Stephen Kay and his lovely family enjoying a evening excursion on the East Lancs Railway Photo: Kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Mrs. Maddocks centre and Mrs. Bolton right Photo: kindly shared to us by the Haslingden Roots Group |
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| "Winker" and his friend Photo: Kindly shared to us by Haslingden Roots Group |
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| Probably Congregational Walking Day from Bury Road and into Hope Street 1950s (Click over to enlarge) Does anyone recognize anybody. Photo: Kindly shared to us by Neil Jackson and John Bedford. |
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| Possibly the Metronomes Dance Band (Click over to enlarge) It shows George Gillam on the piano and Frank Jackson on the drums Photo: Kindly shared with us by Neil Jackson and John Bedford |
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| Probably Haslingden Congregational Cricket Team on Laund Hey (Click over to enlarge) The two umpires are to the left Mickey Flanagan and to the right is John Taylor. Frank Jackson is 2nd from the left on the back. George Gillam is second from the left on the second row. Photo: Kindly shared to us by Neil Jackson and John Bedford |
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| Blue Echo Band (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Shows Clarence Entwistle on Trumpet and Frank Jackson on drums. Photo: Kindly shared to us by Neil Jackson and John Bedford. |
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| This was presented to Mr. Frederick Jackson (Frank's dad) for services in the first World War (Click over to enlarge) Kindly shared to us by Neil Jackson and John Bedford |
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| Haslingden Congregational Church Walking Day in 1931. Photo shows them walking up Regent Street and the young lad in the middle with the cap on is Frank Jackson according to Neil his son. Photo kindly shared to us by Neil Jackson and John Bedford |
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| Haslingden Congregational Walking Day down Helmshore Road (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared to us by Neil Jackson and John Bedford. Frank Jackson at the front on the left, a young Brian Muldowny further back and then back to the front with Jasper Stirling (the vicar and our scripture teacher) in the middle with the glasses on and Mr. Brown on the right hand side. Also on the second row back the gentleman with the glasses on and the trilby I think is Mr. Sam Good and next to him and central behind Mr. Sterling is Mr. Turner. Also further back on the right hand side holding the pole is Alan Hitchen. Also I think the lad on the right holding the rope might be Peter Haworth |
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| Haslingden Congreational Ladies outing (Click over to enlarge) Photo: Kindly shared to us by Neil Jackson and John Bedford |
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PHOTO ALBUM and SNIPPETS NO.3 (year 2015) which you can access by clicking here
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