Clithcroe Advertiser 'and Times, Friday, April 28, 1967 C O UN T R Y D I A R Y


Wonderland in very heart of the town


THE older I get the more l only animals possessed with


become convinced that sheep and cattle arc not the the idea that the grass is always sweeter at the other


side of the fence. I3ul before temperatures rise and blood pressures


increase let nie hasten lo.add I do not exclude myself Irom any such category. On the contrary maturity has brought a critical degree of self analysis in my own life and, what follows. toolTplace at the week-end causing me to examine, pause and contemplate.


order to give a true picture and make my point clear I must mention some of the plans I have been making regarding a contemplated expedition to North West Scotland. The trip will, I hope, enable


First of all, however, in me to see and photograph some


of the delightful coastline and majestic mountain scenery in that particular part of the


world. Bird life and especially the


perhaps it would be more cor­ rect to say asked, by the Scot­ tish Ornithological Society to check on the status of the golden eagle in a lamiliar region of Argyll. Knowing luy interest the society wishes to have more details or the eyries with which I am familiar and suggest I check on a dozen nesting sites botb old and new to see if they have been recently occupied. The task as you will agree is tremendous but I do appreciate the confi­ dence entrusted to me in undertaking this exciting job.


I have also been given, or


with “the grass being greener on the other side of the fence.’' I will explain, because as I say. at the weekend when spending some time around Clitheroe Castle mv thoughts led me to think that maybe I was also guilty of seeking in far away places what is so easily over­ looked at home. It all began early in the morning when glance revealed Pendle in


Castle grounds But what lias all this to do


divers will take up much of the time and here again I hope to get a few candid shots of these most colour­ ful subjects.


thrilled and intoxicated with the breath-taking vista which, under such perfect conditions lav before me. And all, mark you. free of charge and in the very heart of the town. Indeed let me make a confession. After many many years concerned with* photography my enthusi­ asm was so re-kindled that before an hour was passed both colour and monochrome had been exposed. All in an clfort to capture what we are so prone to ignore and perhaps accept as commonplace. Of one thing I am convinced,


smooth contours and defiles.


Now she looked drab, particu­ larly in comparison to the surrounding scene. Moving to the south beyond Whalley to the distant horizon familiar details such as Mcllor were clearly risible to the naked eye, Then moving westward, Hurst Green and Stonyhurst were un­ mistakable until the eye came to rest on the dominating


FOLK CLUB


TO BE FORMED


-boom” in the popularity ol folk music at the present time, and no doubt there is still a lot more to be said.


A lot has been j>aid about the


reached Clithcroe. The second of two folk even­


But at last, the "boom' has


ings. sponsored by the Clithcroe Liberal Association, proved so popular that a , folk club will be formed in Clitheroe, with meetings every month, and possibly every two


weeks, More than 100 people, young


and old. attended tlie folk evening on Friday at the Dog


and Patridge Hotel, and were entertained by five groups from Burnley, Blackburn, and Pres­ ton. each singing a different style of folk music.


Brothers, from Burnley, the two groups who appeared at the last evening


Roger and Chris, and the


popular as ever. Roger Westbrook, an old boy


ns


of Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, and his wife Chris, have a talent for getting the audience to join in, which is really the whole spirit of folk


had I been (or anyone else for that matter) in Ireland, Wales the Hebrides or the Highlands the reaction would be to tell everyone of the beauty and delights of this wonderful place. Of course the conditions were perfect. A rather cold north wind, a deep almost cloudless blue skv and bird’s eve view from the Keep of all this mag­ nificent springtime splendour. It was all made possible and at the same time given that unique clarity by reason of the fresh wind and above all the early morning light. Morning, as I have always maintained, alone oners' that


freshness and clarity which all too soon passes to give way to haze and dullness. It can be experienced at all seasons and In all places when, just before the atmostpherc b e c om e s charged with dust, the general Scene has a sharp, vivid quality not to be witnessed as the sun rises high at noon.


Comparisons


canopy of white. The cold north wind ot the


morning the air was sharp, crystal clear giving excellent


is slow to admit defoat. Now, Oil this, the following


e v e n in g had brought this reminder that even if May is just on the doorstep winter


visibility. What better therefore than a walk to the Castle Keep just to have a look around this our very own home ground. Frankly, I was amazed. I was


ing at the west and north were at once thrown back to similar earlv morning scenes on Mull and* Iona and on that distant island of Tiree in the inner Hebrides. These were unforget­ table experiences which do not happen every day, but are worth capturing so that later, years later perhaps, you may enjoy again and again tire ex­ quisite beauty of a glorious morning. But I digress and return to the scene before me.


My thoughts as I stood look­


Pcndle's familiar hulk lay in deep shadow covered in snow and not by any means looking her best. For tins she must have the sun to emphasise the


slope of Kcmplc End. How fresh and warm a picture in the carpet of faded bracken. Tlic familiar landmark had escaped the snow’ and has cer­ tainly never looked better or more* captivating. The small hamlet-cottages and cafe, nest­ ling in the hollow on this gigan­ tic bluff, looked ever so cosy in the now’ brilliant sunshine. How well I know from experience that such a spot can indeed be bleak at a time when it is mild In the hollows. Kemple, the termination point of Longridge Fell has so many delights and it is somewhat saddening to realise that in a few more years the now so colourful russet formed by the bracken will dis­ appear. For having been plan­ ted with row upon row of coni­ fers we shall soon find they will engulf all other vegetation to give the overall dark green of the conifers. Further to the north lay the striking and dominating feature of this vast panorama, on which, after the first glance, compels the eye to return again and again to take in the overall beauty. Here, the vast range of


music. The Brothers, three young


lads also from Burnley, enter­ tained with a mixture of modern end. traditional tolk, English* Scottish. Irish, and


young men from Preston, 1 t|lcre w on|,, one 0£ me, and that I was not, thank Heaven, grass’''Smusic " T t


____


foot tapping with their talented rendering of “Grand-


father Clock.” re S J y retarned ^Wadding- appeal to me.


Games facilities at the Castle Grounds were opened to the public last weekend and will remain onen throughout the season. Despite the miserable weather on Saturday which pre­ vented nlav of any description, a fine Sunday afternoon tempted out the bowling enthu- H siasts as our picture, taken on the top green, illustrates.


LOOKING THROUGH A whalley WINDOW


American songs. The Arkinsaw Travellers, two


(although my mother never failed to express her relief that eveiT twins!) but the month of May has always had a particular


“Gome lasses and lads’ IT MAY be because I was bom under flic sign of Gemini,


j t ;s j consider, the most delightful of all the months of


ton sang some extremely rivers at their clearest and amusing English and Aus-| brightest. Now, our broad tralian folk songs.


eveihng v-'ereIh^two Pcimrians, pastures are lush, the flowers the sensation ox tne i


valley js at its very best, the J


- . « r,--------


Alex and Raphael. Over in this bloom in rich variety. country on an exchange My memory goes back to the •scheme thev are studying at pastimes and customs that pre- Blackburn College of Tech- vailed, and were popular m nology and Design, and have town and village, when ne been livening up the clubs in were very young;-.simple, un- Accriiwton, Blackburn and sophisticated festivities that


Bm‘nley ever since they like so much that is good and wholesome, seem to have little


Their wistful singing, and appeal to the youth of today, skilful bongo drumming was | and arc in danger of dj mg out. The first day of the month


vious to the cold north wind whistling in the newly opened


I stood admiring it all, obli


the Bowland hills, with Par lick to the left and Totridge at the other extreme lay beneath a glistening carpet of snow.


buds on tlie sycamore just above my head and then, as if all this were not enough for one glorious morning, I revelled in the lush emerald green fields much nearer by Waddington. Everywhere were wonderful greens as by. such familiar spots as New o’ Nook and Hodgsons and by Browsholme fell. Grindleton was also full of charm with the vivid green <>f Asker Hill contrasting effe/- tivelv with the brown massive slopes of Stmpshcy hill.


From CLITHEROE Cli 16 Wcllgatc


0840 . 1000


1200 . 1830 .


.


0850 0950 1210


CHATBURN Brown Cow


thcroi' Whaliuj- riiatburn 1840


1010 YORK an d HARROGATE — CHESTER ZOO ................... — RTBBLE VALLEY TOUR .


— GRANGE1 OVER-SANDS . SUNDAY. 30th APRIL Mr. Brookes Park Villas Whalley. Phone 2279


16 Wcllgatc. Clitheroe. Phone 7176. Or at Local Anency:


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DELIVERED ERECTED FREE TERMS PLANS


ShceLs, Greenhouses. Home Extensions. In te rwov en Fencing.


Branch Road. Lower Darwcn. Tel. 43525.


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Sundays, 21st and 28th May, 4th and ll(h June 15 DAYS’ DURATION


Departures every Sunday to end September


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Head Office: Queen’s Park, Burnley Phone 21761


or LOCAL OFFICES


12 Ainsworth St., Blackburn—Tel: 59237 26 Blackburn Rd., Accrington—Tel: 34308


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Coal Bun k ers . Open Dally 8.30 a.rn.-5.30 p.m.


Weekends to 4 p.m. Send for New Colour Brochure.


I3/G 14/311/6 4 /6


had brought about a pro­ nounced change particularly to the upper fells and an hour later the distant Bowland hills were almost clear of snow with only Totridge far on the hori­ zon. retaining a light sifting as if dusted by sugar. Descend­ ing the stone steps on niy way down from the dizzy height of the Keep I stood on the grassy slope still in the shadow. Snow and hail almost hid the grass yet a few paces below the sun


By this time the warm sun fiing .societaly gaYe a talk I rirrkod as auccn. 1967-68 programme,


Big change


lm entitled “Crowded Ways.” I decked as quo Plans were drawn up for thc


Trunk road lighting


Pendleton Parish Council, Clitheroe Rural Council are to


Following representations by


had' given a summer glow to the rhododendrons. Daffodils by the wayside bore no sign of


press thc Ministry or Transport 10 provide road lighting on tlie A59 trunk road between Clith­


the cold blast and presented a gladdening sight. In the tall sycamore a chaffinch gave out his rollicking song. And then a greenfinch added to the chorus: a delight to everyone and made more perfect by the blackbirds' mellow notes which brought forth a word ot praise from a passing gentleman who I found came from Co. Cork. He, too, agreed that when all is said and done this countryside of


eroe and Barrow. The Parish Council reported


28 accidents on tile stretch of road between May 1964 and


January of this year. The undulating nature of tlie


that there had been a total of


ours certainly takes some beat- N A TU R A L IS T .


road, and tlie number of bends reduced the effective visibility and because of the number of vehicles using tlie road, and tlie speed at which they travel, the Parish Council was concerned that road lighting be erected as soon as possible.


RURAL COUNCIL’S


VIEW ON THORNLEY FARM UPHELD


AN APPEAL against Clitheroe Rural Council’s refusal to urant planning permission for the erection of a house on land at Lancaster Farm. Thornley. near Chipping, which formed the subject of a public inquiry in March, has been dismissed by the Minister of Housing and Local Govern­


report of his Inspector. Mr. B. B. Whittaker, who conduc­ ted the inquiry, the Minister agreed with the inspector’s conclusions that the proposed development would be an •intrusion into a very open, rural area of considerable


ment. Af t e r considering the


Tribute to Education Officer


charm.Tlie submissions for appel- ants that the development would be comparatively incon­ spicuous from the ’nearest road and only a clear view of it would be obtained by pedestrians, pos­ sibly few in number, using a public footpath across nearby fields, were not, lie thought, in themselves' sufficient to justify permitting thc development. While sympathising and app­


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officer for the Skipton division of the West Riding County Council, retired this week after serving for 10 years.


Mr. D. Matthew, education


Education Committee, held on Mondav, the chairman. Coun­ cillor R. Williamson, paid tri­ bute to Mr. Matthew’s work.


At the meeting of. Bowland


case for the appellants was conducted by their son-in-law. well-known composer. Mr. Eric Tomlinson, of Pollyhaugh, Eyns- ford, Dartford, Kent, who said that he intended to take over the management of the farm, which had belonged to thc Lan- 1 caster family since 1772.


reciating that the appellants, with advancing years, were no longer able to run thc farm as they did in tlie past, thc ins­ pector considered that no long term need had been established for a second dwelling on thc farm which was of small acre­ age. mainly used for stock. At the public inquiry, the


had had a tremendous amount of responsibility. Tlie division, which includes Bowland, covers an area of 600 square miles, and includes one comprehensive school, two grammar schools, eight secondary modern schools, 82 primary schools, and two nursery schools.


He said that Mr. Matthew


John Riddougli, who is at pre­ sent administrative assistant for thc Hull Education Commit­ tee.


area with affection and thanked the committee for all their help and co-operation. He is to be succeeded by Mr.


Mr. Matthew said he would always remember the Bowland


been at Hull for the past two years. Previously he was a modern languages teacher- at


Bradford for eight years.


trict at a meeting held at thc White Bull Hotel, decided on the formation of an Associa­ tion. Mr. Thistlethwaite was in the chair. Mr T. Frcston-Holt. of Martin Top. was elected president: Mr. Thomas Hartley of Newby Hall, secretary, and Mr. J. Hanson, treasurer.


Farmers in Gisburn and dis­


Ernest Neville Parker, son ot thc Rev. E. Parker, vicar of Waddington had taken a resi­ dence in Canada.


It was recorded that Mi.


50 YEARS AGO April 29, 1917.


THE Rev Father James Pin* nington, s. J„ of Stonyhurst


Mr. Riddiough, who is 35, has College was that of Father


College, died on the 25th. A second death at Stonyhurst


Joseph Browne S.J., who. from 1910 to 1915 was provincial and head of the Order of Jesuits in England.


THIS WAS NEWS . . .


75 YEARS AGO April 22, 1892


MRS. Lancaster, wife of the Rev. George Lancaster, who had just resigned the living of Grindleton, vacated her post organist and choirniistress


25 YEARS AGO Apri!24. 1942. ‘


after 25 years’ service. It was stated that during the whole of that timc she had only been absent on seven Sundays.


H. Matthews (Nelson) a pro­ fessional for season 1892.


Barrow Cricket Club engaged


FOLLOWING the adoption of H.M.S. "Castleton” as a result of the Warship Week effort, Clitheroe and the surrounding rural area decided to maintain a link with the ship hy provid­


ing her crew with comforts. *


❖ $


Clitheroe Rural area during the forthcomong year was re­ duced by 3d. in the £. This decision was reached at the annual meeting of the Council, when Councillor James Green of Whalley was -unanimously re-elected chariman, and Coun­ cillor R. T. Varley, also of Whalley, vice-chairman.


Thc general flatc rate in the


gregational Church celebrated the church’s 125th anniversary, when thc Rev. John A. Sinclair


conducted the services. *


v. »


Bradford, was unanimously re­ elected chairman of.Bowland Rural Council at the annual meeting, and Councillor T. Walker, of Slaidburn. continued as vice-chairman. * * *


Councillor H- Hitchin. West


The congregations or Moor Lane Methodist Church and


Circuit learnt with regret of the passing of an old minister, the Rev. S. Edwyn Harper, of Budc, who died suddenly at the home of friends in Barn­ staple. He had been at Clith­


eroe from 1933 to 1937. «-•


* v


Road. Clitheroe was notified of a first class certificate in the anuua! exhibitions of the Royal Drawing Society (London). This was his third “first class’ achievement in four years.


Derek Hanson, of 18, Pimlico Members of 'clitheroe Con­


May 19, the organisers have engaged a professional group from Liverpool, the Lcesiders.


appreciated by everyone in the room. For the next folk evening, on


Bible Society The annual general meeting


British and Foreign Society was held in St. James’ i


Scliool


Rector of St. James- presided. P r°°™ “pM and ribbons, art!- It was reported that a total crepe papu


— - Re'-


town. Miss Ruth Taylor reported |


of sub-comnnttee. _ .............. °»


last week when rv d . onapmau,


of £266 had been sent to head- I f>cial 3?i-Sf-o disi)lay- * quarters during 1066, . as ..fU m'Co< result


North Western Area orgarns- «est


th enY m t0f Ule "'01,1{1' S n™ r a S The RevT E." J. Mitchell. the I ye"®’ (o?C


from mother’s Old lace RE-ENACTED


and dance for the neighbours and every passer-by and with­ out knowing it, re-enacted a pagan festival that had its origins far back in the mists ol time. Mums and dads came to the doors to watch; smiled proudly and felt warm and


Then, chattering and excited, off the little party went to sing


some of the bigger ones, tool), it was a wonderful opportunity


we youngsters tried to make into g repetition of April the first, but now it was no 'April Fool’ that we cried after the hapless victims of our pranks, but 'May Gosling’. For the little girls (and for


for ‘dressing up’. Big brothers, bribed by the offer of a share


I usually made from two hoops - apple barrel precari-


an m e ^ ^ l


handle. Decorated with creenerv, it


efforts held m the Itrievehfrora the trunk in the marine* & veil contrived


j(yJ,‘ul.' dresses were re­


the youngest and pret- pX |^ " th e ' one 'who ,, was be-


cur- f


___ .1 the year; the grass is so freshly green, the trees approach 1 full fd ia g^ th e birds are in clarion song, the streams and


meant we had no idea, and I an certainly no wiser today! We too, were re-enacting an


ancient custom, perhaps derived in some mysterious way from the Greeks or Romans, perhaps popular in pre-Christian Eng­ land, and a joyous tribute to the Gods and Goddesses of


spring. And we too, received our share of pennies.


SUPERSTITIONS


and old superstitions practised in the countryside. We were warned by parents not to bring Mayblossom into the house: to do so would be dreadfully un­ lucky, and a maiden walking in the dew on May Day would see the face of her true love if she gazed in the mirror of a still pond—the dreams and fancies were endless. The milkman wore a cockade


There were other old customs


Housing problems


explained to Women


Unionists About 50 members of


Clitheroe Women’s Unionist Association attended the last meeting of the current season, which took place at the Con­ servative Club yesterday week. They listened with close


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CONVENIENT HOURS W O R K lN G P IO P l f


PROVIDES ^ ’ ^ Is open M 0 N . J hOUTS F R I D A Y S f r o m


v „ from10a.m. t o 6 p -m - vYs f r o m 1 0 a .m .


I nterest in the in v e stm ent DEPARTMENT IS AT


W ITHDR AWALS UP TO £50 O N DEMAND


t o l P - m - I {


attention to an interesting talk on housing given by Coun. F. B. Buckingham and later also enjoyed an entertaining demonstration on hats and renovations given by Mrs, B. Smith. Coun. Buckingham, who Is


Clitheroe’s Housing Committee chairman, spoke on many aspects of housing and the various problems which had to be faced. One of these is the provision,


of suitable accommodation for the aged and another concerns the rehousing of key workers and other newcomers to the town. Mrs. Smith’s lively and


in his hat. the tail and mane of his horse were braided, the horse brasses polished ‘till they shone like gold’. Ho was emu­ lated by the coalman, and he was outshone by the brewery delivery men and their drays, for May Day was a festival throughout the land, and par­ ticularly in vallagc and hamlet. Here in Whalley, the day was celebrated as elsewhere,


amusing d em o n s t r a t io n imparted much practical infor­ mation on the art of turning old hats into up-to-date and becoming models. Both speakers were wel­


comed and thanked by Mi's. D. Satterthwaile.


Young farmers’ judging


and you may possibly have seen a colourful old picture of ‘May Day celebrations in Whalley’, depicting a gay crowd dancing on the green before the Abbey gates. Har­ rison Ainsworth has re-created (and embroidered!) the scene (or us in his ‘Lancashire


Witches'. As I have written, many of


these old customs are now almost forgotten, but if you do


perchance to meet a party of Maypolers’ this year (for per­


little sentimental ’inside, and needed little encouragement to hand over coppers and the


haps a bunch of local kiddies, inspired by Grandmother’s


occasional threepenny bit. We bovs, of course, regarded


all this as rather “cissy”, and had more vigorous pursuits. We blacked our faces, begged


stories may be stimulated to see what they can do to earn an honest copper!) do please stand to watch and listen, and give freely of your bounty. These children will be reviving a memory of a merrier England than the one we know today. Otherwise, all we shall have


of our party as a dancing hear, utilising an old flour or potato sack (with two holes for the arms and two more for the eves), for this purpose. “Addy on con cay”, we sang,


or borrowed an old ‘bowler’ or other he ad g e a r , and dresed one


competition


Farmers’ Club met at Harri­ son's Abattoir, Sawlevy by per­


Members of Clitheroe Young


mission of Mr. Harrison, on Wednesday week, to judge beef cattle and lamb carcases. The master judge was Mi-. Beech. The results were: Beef


cattle (without reasons): Geoffrey Newsam, Robert


Slingcr John Smithson and Paul Steiger (50 pts. each). Lamb carcases (with rea­


sons): Juniors: 1, W. Taylor (84 pts): 2, S. Thornber (82): 3, Keith Whitwell (81). Seniors: 1, Roger Green (92); 2, David Pawson (89); 3, Robert Atkinson (87). A vote of thanks to Mr.


“Addy on con cay, addy. addy, addy on con cay”, the ’bear danced and capered, and on the cry “Rollyover’,’ turned somer­ saults and cartwheels. What the strange words of our song


to remind us of the festival will be photographs ‘on the telly’ of guns, tanks, rockets, and space­ craft rolling sombrely across Moscow’s Red Square—a less attractive and somewhat un­ pleasant interlude. Oh! And before I forget. As you roll from your bed on the first of this magic month, before you utter another word, do please re­ member to say “White Rab­


bits”. It will ensure thirty-one very J-F.


happy days!


over the business meeting which followed.


FRUIT MACHINE


machine to be installed at the Coach and Horses, Bolton-by- Bowland was agreed by the Bowland Rural Councils’ Finance and General Purposes committee on Monday.


An application for a fruit


Trough road improvement urged


THE Trough of Bowland was I'amouslhroughout Eng- ,and and at limes, especially during the summer, the amount of traffic using ihc road


“phenomenal”. Coun. J. Spenslcy said this at


t h r o u g h it was


a meeting of Bowland Rural Council's Highways Committee, when he strongly supported Bowland Forest Parish Coun­ cil’s letter seeking improve­ ments to the Trough road. Tlie letter also requested a “give way” sign at Dunsop Bridge.


carriageway through there,” Conn. Spensley explained, “but there is a lot of precarious road which could be improved with­ out a great deal of effort and without much cost.”


"No one wants a first-class FIRST CLASS JOS


side, widening of the road in certain parts would make it


possible for vehicles to pass each other in greater safety.


had arisen about tile position­ ing of thc suggested “give-way” sign. Coun. Spensley said thc ministry of Transport would decide this point.


Adding that some controversy


ments is to be investigated by the Engineer and Surveyor, Mr R. Berry.


The need for road improve­


emphasised that immediately past the boundary stone, on the Lancashire side, “a first class job had been made of the road.” On the Dunsop Bridge


In support of his plea he


Harrison and Mr. Beech was proposed by Richard Wilkin­


son. Gordon Whitwell presided


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