Boyd's photo diary. |
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Mon 31 Jul 2017
Cycled to Pleasington Crematorium to look at the Memorial Book
which is open at the 31st Aug. Mum's name is there as she died 7
years ago today |
Pleasington Crematoruim |
Evening walked to Mum's Memorial Bench at Withnell Fold |
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Sun 30 Jul 2017
Evening view from Denham Hill looking west to the Ribble Estuary |
Evening cycle ride to Denahm Hill then a steep push up
though the undergrowth. |
Denham Hill trig post and my bike |
The Memorial Arch at
Astley Park |
The Memorial Arch in 1924 |
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Sat 29 Jul 2017
This year is the 3rd Chorley Flower Show in Astley Park and Hall
and is the biggest and best so far. I’ve never seen so many
display, lecture and events tents. The floating green bridge
across the pond is back and gives a very interesting walk to the
Hall entrance as it sways from side to side. I think the
entrance charge of £9/adult is worth it because there is a full
day’s entertainment.
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Astley Hall |
The temporary floating bridge across the lake |
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Toffee Vodka. Not sure about that! |
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In Astley Hall |
Chorley’s M.P. Lindsay Hoyle has just had some chain saw
training. He may have a Parliamentary reorganisation in mind. |
Dani Boyd gets 2nd & 3rd in her arrangement category |
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Software dirivative from the image on the left |
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Thanks to the organisers who arranged for the mobile 6m climbing
wall to be erected on the Polo Park by the Millstone Monument,
Whittle-le-Woods. It was great for the young and not so young to
test their climbing skills and strength. The youngsters really
enjoyed themselves and some showed excellent climbing
techniques. Congratulations to Wendy for trying several times
then completing an epic climb and summiting the south face of
the wall. |
Wendy McDonnald |
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Kennet this evening |
Kennet 16th July 2016 |
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On my evening walk I saw the Kennet Barge moored on the Leeds
and Liverpool Canal at Whittle Springs. The last times I saw her
she was moored at the Top Lock one year ago in July 2016. Kennet
is owned by the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society who acquired
ownership in March 2011. She is a river class, cargo carrying
Leeds & Liverpool Canal Short Boat built for Canal Transport
Limited in 1947 by Yarwoods of Northwich. She is now 70 years
old. Her engine is a Lister 3JPM water cooled diesel engine. She
carried cargo on the canal until 1960 and then used for canal
maintenance. The Society's aim is to conserve, restore and
maintain KENNET enabling her to continue as an Interactive
Museum travelling the 127 miles of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal
taking heritage and learning to local communities. |
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Thu 27 Jul 2017
Out for a cycle ride via Wigan & Ashurst's Beacon. The beacon
tower was built in 1798 by Sir William Ashurst. It was built as
a watch tower to warn of a French invasion in the lead up to the
Napoleonic War.
Ashurst Hill takes its name from a 17th
century family who owned the site, one of whom became High
Sheriff of Lancashire. It was the site of an ancient beacon. |
Ashurst's Beacon |
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The land including the beacon was acquired by Thomas Meadows,
editor of the Wigan Observer, during the 1920s. He restored the
structure twice at his own expense. The beacon and the
surrounding 17 acres were donated to Wigan Corporation in
December 1962 by his widow Florence. Mr Meadows had, she said,
always intended to hand over the land on condition that it
remained a public park and was not built upon. At the time of
the donation the Corporation promised not to use the site for
slum clearance or as part of the proposed new town of
Skelmersdale. A plaque commemorating the donation was added in
1966, shortly after the death of Mrs Meadows. |
Plaque: Presented to the Corporation of Wigan on 12
December, 1962, by Mrs. Sophia Florence Meadows, in memory of
her husband, Thomas Meadows, journalist (1877-1956), whose
desire it was that this land should remain for ever a beauty
spot for the enjoyment of the people of Wigan. |
The plaque |
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Wed 26 Jul 2017
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Son Steve came round for his tea. This is what we had. |
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Tue 25 Jul 2017
Crummock Water, Cumbria |
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Sun 23 Jul 2017
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I love meeting interesting people when out on my walks and this
evening’s walk through Whittle-le-Woods was a special treat.
Walking along the canal at Johnson’s Hillock locks I stopped to
talk to two walkers who had camped on their way to Leeds. They
asked me if they were on the right track as the old Lancaster
canal was nearby and they wanted to check if they were walking
the right way. I told them they were and they told me they had
been walking for many weeks though Wales and into Lancashire on
the way to Yorkshire & Leeds. Thanks to Karen and Tom for a
lovely chat. |
Karen & Tom |
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Afternoon out for bike ride via Hoghton to Potter Lane where I
wanted to check on the footbridge over the River Darwen AS I
haven’t been for years. Cycled down Potter Lane OK then to where
footpath starts.
Construction works ahead and found the
footbridge had been replaced but not finished and path closed.
Managed to lift bike over the barriers and continue up Carver
brow and Coupe Green. |
New bridge over the River Darwen |
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Sat 22 Jul 2017
Nearly gone but not forgotten.
The former St James’s Church
Institute, Eaves Ln., Chorley is being demolished but I thought
some of its history may be of interest. A trawl through the
newspaper archives has revealed the following information.
Lancashire Evening Post 11 Dec 1901.
A Church Bazaar was held
to raise funds towards the cost of building an institute for the
young men and women of St James's parish Chorley. It was held in
St James's Old School Eaves Lane. Arrangements were being made
to secure a 999 year lease of land at an annual rent of £14 from
the owner who was Miss Crosse.
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The building went ahead
and was completed in 1904.
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The Preston Herald reported
on 20th Aug 1904.
St James's Church Institute. On Saturday
afternoon two memorial stones were laid in connection with the
erection of the new Institute of St James's parish.
A
procession of scholars, with the vicar, the Rev F.J. Owen, and
curate, the Boys' brigade, led by the Artillery band, paraded
the parish, afterwards assembling at the site in Eaves Lane.
The ceremony was preceded by a religious service conducted by
the vicar.
Miss Crosse of Shaw Hill, was presented with a
silver trowel by Miss Meakin, on behalf of the Young Women's
Friendly Society, and she duly laid the stone.
Mr J.H.
Gillett, J.P., was then presented with a silver trowel and
mallet by Mr J.W. Pollard, with which he laid the stone of the
young men's section. A vote of thanks was also accorded him.
Afterwards tea was provided in a tent, and a pleasant evening
was spent in dancing.
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The bowling green followed.
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Lancashire Evening Post Mon 10 July 1905
Contracts.
St
James's Church Institute, Chorley.
Tenders are invited for
the Formation and Laying of Bowling Green at the above Institute
- Plan may be seen and specification of work obtained on
application to Mr W M Sandham 210, Eaves lane, Chorley. |
St James's Club today |
St James's Club Mar 2015 |
St James's Club today |
St James's Club Mar 2015 |
One year ago this was over the front door. Now its gone. |
On the floor and broken this afternoon |
Memorial stone laid by J.H.Gillett August 13th 1904, a local
millowner |
Memorial stone laid by Miss Crosse of Shaw Hill August 13th 1904 |
Very heavy rain storm in Whittle-le-Woods early evening. |
Chorley Old Rd., Whittle-le-Woods |
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Fri 21 Jul 2017
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At 11am met 18 members of the Formby U3A Local History group on
the Withnell Fold square to take them on a guided history walk
around Withnell Fold Village and the site of the Paper Mill that
closed in 1967. |
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Thu 20 Jul 2017
 The
completed retaining wall by the tennis courts was re-built in
May 2016 |
The far end of the wall in May 2016
Withnell Fold |
 Withnell Fold tennis court being re-surfaced today |
The tennis court in May 2016 |
This afternoons view of St
St
James's Church Institute, Eaves Ln., Chorley being demolished |
St James's Church Institute one year ago in July 2016 |
One year ago this was over the front door. Now its gone. |
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Tue 18 Jul 2017
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With plenty of midges around I had to use my hat and net while
setting off to walk around and over Schiehallion, Scotland. |
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Mon 17 Jul 2017
I visited Dunalastair House, Perth & Kinross. It was built in
1852 and has a date stone of 1858. It was vacated in 1952 after
being used to house Polish refugees. The house in now roofless
and ruinous but the external stonework is in excellent
condition. I spoke to a local man who was tending beehives
nearby and he told me of playing inside when as a young boy.
One of the front rooms had the remains of a grand piano
crumbling away on the floor.
It must have been amazing when
the roof was on. |
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Sun 16 Jul 2017
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This weekend the ‘Bare Bones’ exhibition started in the Astley
Hall Art Gallery, Chorley. It has been developed by natural
history exhibition specialists Blue Tokay and Bare Bones
features a variety of skeletons ranging from animals like
meerkats, dogs and lizards. It was nice to see so many children
visiting and all were fascinated by the exhibits and various
activities associated with them. It is on until Sep 2017 and
definitely worth a visit especially for children. |
Astley Hall |
Astley Hall |
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Ray |
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Preston Rd A6 & St John's Church |
Lion Skull |
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Gorilla Skull |
Lizard |
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The Ironman UK triathlon returns and
the athletes have already completed a 2.4mile swim. Shortly
after 7am they started their 112mile bike ride which covers a 2
lap circuit which passes through Whittle-le-Woods twice. After
that they will run a marathon of 26.2 miles.
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The first rider through on Birchin Ln
just after 8am |
Birchin Lane, Whittle-le-Woods |
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The first lady cyclist throgh was Diana Riesler she finished
2nd. |
Preston Rd A6 & St John's Church |
Preston Rd A6 and The Bay Horse |
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Sat 15 Jul 2017
Drove to Goodshaw Chapel, Rossendale to meet Chorley Historical
& Archaeological Society members for tour of chapel. CHAS member
John organised it and local guide Harry told us about the
history of the Chapel.
After lunch we had a walk around the
old settlement of Gambleside. |
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Goodshaw Chapel, Rossendale |
Goodshaw Chapel interior |
Goodshaw Chapel interior |
Goodshaw Chapel pews |
Goodshaw Chapel1880 |
Chorley Historical & Archaeological Society members
at the
open air Baptistry |
From the ruins of Gambeside to Clowbridge Reservoir |
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Thomas Hawksley (1807 - 1897) was the Clowbridge Reservoir
Engineer. He also worked on the Rivington / Anglezarke
Reservoirs for Liverpool Corporation. |
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Fri 14 Jul 2017
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Family and friends gathered at Withnell Fold Chapel to say
goodbye to Margery Searby (1st May 1926 – 23 Jun 2017). Margery
lived in Withnell Fold village and remained in the village when
her husband Jack died. Jack’s funeral was also at the chapel on
17 Nov 2008. Daughter Pamela read from Corinthians and son John
presented the Eulogy. We then went to Pleasington for the
cremation. |
Margery Searby c1950 |
Margery leaves Withnell Fold for the last time |
Withnell Fold Chapel |
Pleasington Crematorium |
Family and friends gather at Withnell Fold Chapel |
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Morning visit to Slaidburn.
The Hark to Bounty Inn |
The Hark to Bounty c1910 from a glass lanternslide |
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Thu 13 Jul 2017
Remembering
Tom Simpson (1937 - 13
July 1967)
Who died 50 years ago today. Britain’s first World
Champion Cyclist died in the Tour de France while climbing Mont
Ventoux, the thirteenth stage on 13 July 1967.
On Fri 15 Feb
2013 I cycled through Tom Simpson's home town of Harworth. I
called at the cemetery to visit his grave and pay my respects. |
Tom Simpson
(1937 -
13 July 1967) |
The grave of Tom Simpson |
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Tue 11 Jul 2017
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A day trip the
Community Archives &
Heritage Group Annual Conference at UCL (University College
London) in London. On-line check before I left to drive to
Manchester Piccadilly Rail Station showed parts of M60 & M602
closed due to Police incident. Good job it was early as I had to
drive through Manchester centre to reach the car park. |
From the train |
The 7am train left on time but there
was a hold up at Milton Keynes area due to another incident
which turned out to be a suicide.
Although arriving in London
20mins late I was in plenty of time for the conference. The
morning sessions were excellent but the afternoon less so. The
16:00 train home was on time but the traffic out of Manchester
took almost one and a half hours to get home. It should have
taken 30mins. |
Euston Railway Station |
UCL Lecture theatre |
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Sun 09 Jul 2017
Enjoyed an afternoon
walk to Withnell Fold to watch the Withnell Fold Cricket Club
International XI - vs - North West Allstars, T-20 Challenge
Cricket Match.
As a young lad I used to watch the cricket on
a Saturday afternoon but never understood the game. However, I
was given pocket money to buy a bottle of pop and packet of
crisps so that was my incentive. I still don’t understand the
game but everyone else seemed to. The facilities have moved on
considerably with a barbeque, ice cream van, teas, sandwiches
and an excellent bar. I didn’t understand the need for a loud
sound system blasting clips of music out whenever the play
stopped. I suppose that’s me being a grumpy old sod. |
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Barbeque |
Sounds |
The old Bowling Green is now a car park. |
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Sat 08 Jul 2017
When King James Ist of England visited
Hoghton Tower in 1617 it was a hot and sunny weekend. This
weekend 8/9th July 2017 he returned to commemorate the 400th
anniversary of his first visit and brought the sunshine back
with him. The King and his attendants were welcomed by many in
period costumes making the whole event feel like time travel
back 400 years.
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The actual 1617 visit dates were:
Fri 15 Aug 1617 to Preston & Civic Banquet then "and soe away to
Houghton: there a speche made."
Sat 16 Aug 1617 at Hoghton
doing a lot of hunting.
Sun 17 Aug 1617 at Hoghton with a lot
of dining, noblemen, knights, speeches & dancing.
This was
also the day of the huge banquet. The details of the menu
survive.
Mon 18 Aug 1617 around 12 noon the King left for
Lathome.
So Hoghton is celebrating a month early.
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James was the only son of Mary Queen of Scots
and came to the English throne in 1603 after the death of
Elizabeth I. He was also James VI of Scotland.
He survived
the gunpowder plot of Nov 1605 and ruled until his death in
1625. |
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The King returns to Hoghton Tower after 400 years |
The reception |
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The King returns to Hoghton Tower with attendants |
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Painting of the visit of King James I to Hoghton Tower
in
1617 by George Cattermole |
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After visiting Hoghton Tower I called at the Hoghton
Book Fair in the Village Hall |
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I was blessed with sunshine for the Stones and Roses open garden
day at White Coppice. Thanks to Raymond and Linda for opening
their garden and organising the event. |
Raymond Smith,
owner of Stones & Roses Garden Design |
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White Coppice |
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Linda's vegetable garden was built using the last
remaining cobbles from the White Coppice Cotton Mill. Raymond’s
Grandmother would have walked on them as she worked there. 3000
were used to build the garden. |
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Thu 06 Jul 2017
A morning visit to
Haworth for a look at the Parsonage which was built between 1778
and 1779 and home of the Bronte family. It is now the
Brontë Parsonage Museum.
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The Haworth Parsonage |
Parish Church of St Michael |
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Then a look in the Parish Church
of St Michael which was re-built between 1879 and 1881. Below
the floor are buried Emily Jane Bronte who died 19 Dec 1848 and
Charlotte Bronte who died 1855. |
Parish
Church of St Michael, Haworth. |
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Wed 05 Jul 2017
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This evening at Wigan Archaeological Society for a fascinating
talk by Caroline Heaven about pewter made in Wigan. |
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Tue 04 Jul 2017
Seen in Asda.
Beatles for Sale in vinyl |
The gatehouse to Astley off Southport Rd |
Chorley Market has moved to the streets while the Flat Iron is
being developed |
The Chorley Preston Road edible garden is coming on nicely |
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Mon 03 Jul 2017
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Morning caught 09:36 bus to Chorley then train to Manchester
(£6.10 return) to have a look round Piccadilly area for parking
options. |
Rochdale Canal in Manchester City centre |
Artist finishing off her painting near Manchester Piccadilly
Rail Station |
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An evening walk to Astley Park for the
Chorley Photographic Society model shoot.
Two others models
were supposed to come but didn't turn up.
Many thanks
to our lovely model
Janette Cheng. |
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Janette Cheng |
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Sun 02 Jul 2017
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A lovely sunny Sunday evening walk along the old canal by the
car park off Town Lane, Whittle-le-Woods. |
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Sat 01 Jul 2017
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Had a short morning walk to the
Whittle & Clayton-le-Woods War Memorial to spend a few minutes
at 07:30am remembering those who fought and died at the WW1
Battle of the Somme which started at 07:30am 1916, 101 years
ago. |
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Fantastic stage 1 of the Tour de France.
The fastest time in
the individual time trail was Geraint Thomas.
The first
Welshman to wear the Yellow Jersey. |
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The official opening of the Masons Arms Chorley was 4pm this
afternoon. I walked there for 7pm and enjoyed a few pints of
good beer at the right price. My drinks were £3.90/pint. Nick is
the new Landlord & Dean was serving behind the bar. It was good
to see so many people there for the first night. |
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Masons Arms |
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