Latest News
Betty Ainsworth & Carol Walker's Memorial Bench
On Saturday 13th June Horwich Heritage had a lovely occasion when members and friends gathered in Old Station Park to unveil the bench in memory of 2 much-loved, long-standing Committee members, Betty Ainsworth & Carol Walker.
The ribbon was cut by Betty's daughter, Nancy and Carol's sister, Kay.
Rivington Reservoirs Memorial Trail
The Horwich Heritage summer walk programme began on Wednesday 20th May when Derek Cartwright led a group of 30 members and friends around the Rivington Reservoirs Memorial Trail.
This will be followed on Wednesday 17th June when Derek will again take the lead looking at the the history and features of Lever Park.
Everyone welcome (see poster below for details).
'Chaser' Jenny Ryan Visits The Horwich Heritage Centre
Bolton Museum Egyptology Exhibition Visit
PAUPERS GRAVES
On Saturday 7th March over 50 people gathered at the Paupers Graves in Ridgmont Cemetery to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the restoration of the grave site.
All the religious denominations in Horwich were represented for a short service led by Rev Nicola Butterworth during which wreaths were laid to remember the 185 babies, children and adults who were buried there between 1928-1977.
'FAMOUS HORWICHERS' EXHIBITION
Sat. 21st February saw the opening of our latest exhibition about 'Famous Horwichers' by the Mayor of Horwich, Cllr Victoria Rigby.
It has already generated a lot of interest and some further suggestions about who else should be included.
WINTER HILL AIR CRASH MEMORIAL
On Friday 27th February, Horwich Heritage representatives gathered with members of Horwich Rotary and Horwich Town Council at the Winter Hill TV mast.
This gathering took place to remember the victims of the tragic air crash which happened 68 years ago on this day in 1958.
'LOCOMOTIV8RS' AT HORWICH HERITAGE 2026
We have just completed another enjoyable set of 5 ‘Locomotiv8ors’ sessions with a group of Year 6 children aged 10 and 11 years old from Horwich Parish CE Primary School.
Here are some of their comments:
"I enjoyed learning about war time, evacuees and how food was rationed. I tasted some of the war time food and enjoyed it, especially the spam."
"I liked being in the Victorian school room with the very strict teacher and the dunce’s cap."
"The Victorian kitchen had no electricity, an outsie toilet and we had to sleep in one bed with my three brothers."
"I loved playing with toys from the past and also toys like 'Twister' which we still play today. The only toy I didn't like was the scary old pot doll."
"I enjoyed talking about health and wellbeing as its good to think about things that make me happy."
"I enjoyed making a building for the future which was environmentally friendly and had a solar- powered rocket which could travel on land, sea and air."
Celebrating the life of Betty Ainsworth
Family & friends gathered at Curley's Restaurant on Saturday 31st January to celebrate the life of Betty Ainsworth and in particular to recognise her important contribution to the development of Horwich Heritage.
Betty joined the HH Committee at the beginning in 1985 and stayed with us for another 30 years until 2015. During that time she was Membership Secretary and one of the ladies who organised the Gift Fairs (which ran for a remarkable 30 years!). Betty was also an enthusiastic member of our group who dressed up every year for 14 years (1985 - 99) in Horwich Carnival - we won the best 'walking group category so often we got to keep the shield!
In the early years (middle front)
Betty (front) helping to organise the Gift Fairs
In the Carnival (second from right)
Still on the Committee in 2015 (front row second from right)
So thank you Betty for your dedicated efforts over so many years. Without you and other dear-departed members like Geoff Waine, Ken & Jean Webster, Norman Pendlebury & Carol Walker, we wouldn't have been able to do the things we do. And it is good to know that those efforts have inspired the current Committee & Volunteers to follow in your footsteps.
Stuart Whittle (Chairman)
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all our members and followers. We hope you enjoy our programme of speakers and events for 2026 as we embark on our 41st year!
Below are a couple of photos from one of the very popular Christmas talks: David Kaye speaking about 'Propellers & Projectiles.'
Stuart Whittle (Chairman)
Christmas Message
Dear Members, I hope you have all enjoyed the events which have helped to celebrate our 40th Anniversary this year, and may we look forward to many more years shared together with the family of friends we have all made at Horwich Heritage
We should all be delighted that our membership numbers continue to increase and have almost reached 400. This means the work that we do and the range of events and activities we organise are becoming increasingly appreciated within the local community (and further afield). The numbers of people who attend our meetings, walks and talks is certainly proof of this! So thank you so much for your support and thanks to all those who have entertained us and organised our various activities. Long may we continue to serve the community of Horwich.
As is now customary, we are finishing 2025 with a flourish. On Tuesday 9th Dec., we were treated to a wonderful ‘Winter Serenade’ by the 'Horwich Community Choir’ and our ever-popular Christmas Talks are already sold out. The talks are: 27th - The Rivington Reservoirs (Derek Cartwright), 28th – Rameses the Great in the North of England (Ian Trumble), 29th – Drone Pilots (Greater Manchester Police), 30th – Propellers & Projectiles (David Kaye). There is a waiting list so please sign up in case someone drops out. And don’t forget to visit our current exhibition, Horwich Then & Now, which runs until 20th February 2026.
PICTURED: The Horwich Heritage Volunteers
A big thank you to all our Volunteers who help to run our Heritage Centre every week of the year.
Through facebook (Derek), the web site (myself and Neil at Bolton Web Design), articles in the local press and our schools and family history programme, we have continued to maintain a strong profile in the town and are grateful to Horwich Town Council for once more giving us a generous grant towards the running of our Society. Our community project for this year has seen the installation of 5 Information Boards in Old Station Park (2), next to the former Loco Works, alongside the Crown Hotel and in Winter Hey Lane (designed & constructed by Roy & Derek). These have been well-received and we hope to install more in the new year.
Having kept our subscription fee at £10 for so long, we have reluctantly increased it to £15 for 2026 (because of ever-increasing costs) but are sure this remains good value when compared to other societies. To help with our finances, please pay your subscriptions promptly at the start of January 2026 (if not before). To do so, contact our Membership Secretary, Liz Whitehead, via her e-mail: lizwhitehead57@icloud.com as soon as possible. Payment can be by cash, cheque or bank transfer/standing order.
PICTURED: The Excellent Horwich Community Choir
Performing at our sell-out Christmas concert on 9th Dec.
As always, we have a full programme of speakers, exhibitions and trips planned for 2026, so please come and join us.
I look forward to seeing you at our events in the New Year.
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and please spare a thought for the members we have lost during the year and those who are struggling with health issues.
Stuart Whittle (Chairman)
Horwich Then & Now
Saturday 22nd November saw the opening of yet another successful Horwich Heritage exhibition. This time illustrating the dramatic changes that have taken place over the past 250 years by the use of maps and photographs.
From the arrival of the Ridgways and their bleachworks and village in the late 1700s to the incredible expansion brought about with the arrival of the Loco Works in the 1880s.
The Works might have been the 'backbone' of the town, but there was so much more taking place.
Come and marvel at how the main streets, shop, pubs and churches have transformed.
Imagine what it was like to be a child at a Victorian school or what it was like in the war years when women were drafted in to work on tanks and munitions. Re-live the thrill of being in a Rose Queen or Church procession or taking part in Horwich Carnival.
These are some of the aspects of life that have come and gone in recent years and which you can study in this exhibition.
You may even be on some of the photographs! It runs until 22nd February 2026.
Trip To The Houses of Parliament
A group of 11 Horwich Heritage members recently enjoyed a wonderful visit to the Houses of Parliament hosted by our local MP, Phil Brickell.
The trip was superbly organised by Gary Penman and ran 'like clockwork' and Phil devoted over 2 hours of his time to give a fascinating insight into the way Parliament operates.
Carol Walker - Rest In Peace
Sadly, we lost our dear friend, Carol Walker last week.
It is impossible to list the amount of time and effort Carol put into so many Horwich causes over the years. She was a long time Committee Member of HH serving as Treasurer and looking after all our Catering (including at our monthly meetings until 2020) and was involved in so many other things like the Gift Fairs.
She also ran so many events for the wider Horwich community in the Community Centre, including the Luncheon Club & RSPCA, and not surprisingly Carol was awarded the Horwich Civic Medal for her services to the town. And it was a fitting tribute when the 1000 poppies she knitted whilst she was convalescing were put on display at St John’s Methodist Church over Remembrance Weekend.
We will miss you Carol – thanks for all you have done. Rest in Peace & may you now be re-united with Norman.
History On Your Doorstep
As you look around your local streets, have you ever wondered about the history of a particular building or site or landmark?
Well in Horwich, Horwich Heritage, with the assistance of Bolton Council (Highways Department) and Horwich Town Council, has decided to erect a series of Information Boards in key locations around the town to help its residents to understand various aspects of their local history, which they might otherwise not have been aware of. So far, these impressive Information Boards have appeared in Old Station Park, Winter Hey Lane, outside the Crown Hotel and outside the former Loco Works, with others to follow.
As Chairman, Stuart Whittle, explained “We have developed quite a track record over recent years for restoring local heritage features including cleaning the walls and restoring the stocks on Church Street, upgrading the pillars at the entrance to Lever Park, renovating the Scotsman’s Stump on Winter Hill and assisting in the repair of the road sign outside the Crown Hotel, the restoration of tower from the former Chorley New Road Primary School and the rebuilding of the wall at the former goods entrance to Horwich Station on Lee Lane."
"To keep this type of initiative going, we have now turned our attention to more directly informing the people of Horwich about the important history that lies on virtually every street. And what better way to do that than by putting up these illustrated Information Boards. We are very pleased with the reaction so far which has been both positive and enthusiastic for more.”
The design and construction of the Information Boards has been undertaken by Horwich Heritage Secretary, Derek Cartwright and Vice–Chairman, Roy Davies, using their formidable engineering skills, with the valuable assistance of Neil Rickaby (Bolton Web Design) and, Craftprint Ltd (Horwich). The Society is also indebted to James Dickinson & Sons Ltd, Livesey’s Funeral Service Ltd and Woodley Equipment Company Ltd. for their financial support for this project.
LOCOMOTIV8ORS 2025
As in previous years, we are able to report on another successful year of our ‘Locomotiv8ors’ schools project supported by a grant of £20,000 from the National Lottery Awards For All programme.
This year we have hosted 4 local Primary Schools and over 80 pupils, who have interacted with older members of the community, with more to follow in 2026. This is in addition to visits from the other Primary Schools in the town.
We cover subjects as varied as a Victorian Childhood, The Industrial Revolution, Evacuees & WWII, Climate Change & Sustainability and Health & Wellbeing. So if you wish your school or group to be involved please contact: whittlestuart@aol.com
Our 40th Anniversary event at Ridgmont House
We are pleased that so many people enjoyed our 40th Anniversary event at Ridgmont House.
Thanks to everyone who helped to make it happen.
Halifax Piece Hall & Shibden Hall
2 photos of our visit to Halifax Piece Hall & Shibden Hall on Sat 20th Sept.
A soggy but enjoyable day out!
THE HORWICH HERITAGE PROGRAMME CONTINUES
We continued our extensive programme of 40 Year activities with the opening of our latest exhibition about 'The 1980s' last Saturday, 23rd August.
What a dramatic decade that was - and it is perfectly captured in all the artefacts and images we have put on display. It is definitely worth a visit, particularly as it was only 40 years ago and therefore well within living memory!
It runs until 20th November.
The Deputy Mayor of Horwich, Kevin McKeon with L_R Neil Maher, Stuart Whittle, Derek Cartwright and Ray Breen.
Left to Right: 1) John & Sue Fletcher studying the displays. 2) You can go also go 'Back to Future' or 'Call Home.' 3) Madonna & Freddie Mercury are amongst our 'guests'
Saturday 2nd August: 2 Exhibitions
This coming Saturday 2nd August we are opening not one but 2 exhibitions and quite contrasting ones at that. They are:
HORWICH SCHOOLS ART EXHIBITION
&
HORWICH IN 1945 (INC. VJ DAY)
The 'Schools Art' project was undertaken by every Primary School in Horwich (+ Blackrod Primary) as part of Bolton's Year of Culture 2024-2025 and as you will see there has been some impressive work produced on a wide range of subjects.
The 'Horwich in 1945' exhibition is there to remind everyone 80 years on of the sacrifices made by local people as part of the terrible conflict which was WWII. In particular, it is salutary to read of those killed in action or returning from POW camps.
Tickets are now on sale for the 40 Year Celebration event at Ridgmont House on the RE-ARRANGED date of Saturday 11th October.
We are also taking bookings for our annual trip to Halifax Piece Hall & Shibden Hall on 20th Sept.
Click here for the booking form >
Halifax Piece Hall & Shibden Hall Trip
Halifax Piece Hall
Shibden Hall
We are now taking bookings for our annual trip to Halifax Piece Hall & Shibden Hall on 20th Sept.
Click here for the booking form >
Fortalice Event
We were represented at the Fortalice event at the RMI on 23rd July (Gary Penman, organiser Donna Powell with the Mayor Horwich Victoria Rigby).
40th Anniversary Filming - Granada Reports
The Horwich Heritage Team with Granada Reports reporter Rachel Pritchard.
Rivington Reservoir Walk 2025
The Rivington Reservoirs Memorial walk was also a success with over 50 people attending.
Ordsall Hall Visit on 3rd June
"A hidden gem and definitely one of our area's best kept secrets - well worth the visit"
You might spot Gary Penman in his chain mail!
40th Anniversary Exhibition
The opening of our 40th Anniversary exhibition was a great success!
50 people came along to listen to the speeches by the 2 Mayors and myself and to look at the exhibition and we all enjoyed some birthday cake.
I wanted to make sure that we paid tribute to everyone who has contributed to our success over the years, Committee members, volunteers and of course our members (now more than 300!), and it was particularly pleasing to see pupils from Horwich Parish school sharing our celebrations as well as older members who have been with us for many years.
Cllr Victoria Rigby Mayor of Horwich & Cllr David Chadwick, Mayor of Bolton.
HH Committee Members Chris Foley, Derek Cartwright, Judith Whittle, Stuart Whittle & Gary Penman around the birthday cake.
Trip To Worsley Delph
The trip to Worsley Delph on a beautiful Spring day (6th May) (see photos below) marked the beginning of an exciting month of activities as we begin our celebrations of 40 years of Horwich Heritage.
Winter Hill Air Crash Service - 27th February 2025
Wreaths presented by Horwich Rotary, Horwich Town Council & Horwich Heritage
The gathering of members of Horwich Rotary, Horwich Heritage, Horwich Town Council and local residents.
Rev. David Griffiths conducting a short service
'Our Ancient Past' exhibition Opening - Saturday 22nd February 2025
The event was a great success with over 50 people attending and lots of interesting discussions about pre-historic sites, artefacts and recent discoveries. Thanks to Derek Cartwright, Sean Sale, Peter Revald, Martin Harrison,Ian Trumble (Bolton Museum) and Wigan Archaeological Society for their contributions.
Horwich At War Exhibition
On Saturday 23rd November the Mayor of Horwich, Cllr Ian Aldcroft, opened our latest Horwich Heritage exhibition entitled 'HORWICH AT WAR'.
This year it is 110 years since the end of WWI, 80 years since D-Day and next year it will be 80 years since the end of WWII.
So we thought it especially important in this month of Remembrance to remind ourselves of the sacrifice made by our local armed forces and the people on the 'Home Front' during WWI & WWII to ensure we have the freedom we enjoy today. We hope as many people as possible will come along to learn of the terrible suffering and loss but also the heroism and resilience of those wartime generations to whom we owe so much. The exhibition runs until 20th February 2025.
Best wishes Stuart Whittle (Chairman, Horwich Heritage)
NB the group photo shows L-R Derek Cartwright, the Mayoress and Mayor of Horwich & Stuart Whittle.
It's Been A Busy Month...
Mayor of Bolton (Cllr Andy Morgan)'s visit to our Heritage Centre on Wed. 25th Sept:
He spent quite some time looking at all the exhibits and displays and was genuinely impressed - so much so that he paid his subscription to join our Society and also made generous donation.
Braving the elements at the HH stall at the Horwich Festival on 8th Sept
Much better weather for our trip to Chester on 14th Sept
Another lovely day for our Town Centre Walk on 19th Sept
Bob's Brew Walk on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th August
It was our best ever attended walk led by Derek Cartwright with 70 people turning up to hear about the delights of this hidden corner of Horwich.
120 Years Of Lever Park
The opening by the Mayor of Horwich, Cllr Ian Aldcroft, of our latest exhibition '120 Years Of Lever Park' on Sat 17th August.
Horwich Town Centre Walk
40 people turned out for our Town Centre Walk on 7th August led by Derek Cartwright.
Ladybridge Hall
A Visit to Ladybridge Hall organised by Derek Cartwright.
Blackrod Walk Around Haigh Country Park - 4th July
An enjoyable day out hosted by Paul Stanley.
Opening Of "A Horwich Timeline" Exhibition
Present at the opening was this year's Mayor, Cllr Ian Aldcroft, photographed with Stuart Whittle and members of the HH Committee.
From stone age to space age, come down and visit our "Horwich Timeline" exhibition from 25th May to 15th August and see how Horwich has developed over 4500 years.
Unveiling of the Navvies Memorial
On Friday 22th March, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP unveiled a memorial dedicated to all the navvies and many others who worked on the construction of the Rivington Reservoirs between 1847-75.
It is located on the Knowsley Embankment between the Upper Rivington and Anglezarke Reservoirs.
This project was the result of a collaboration between United Utilities and Horwich Heritage with Derek Cartwright and Roy Davies of HH being responsible for its design and fabrication.
Centenary of Horwich Harriers Opening Evening
What an excellent opening event we had on 17th February and what a wonderful exhibition the Harriers have produced.
Even if you are not a 'runner' it is well worth a visit.
It runs until 16th May.
A few photos of the new exhibition are below: Best Regards, Stuart.
40 Years Since the Closure of Horwich Loco Works
On Saturday 28th October, the Mayor of Horwich opened our latest exhibition, '40 Years Since the Closure of Horwich Loco Works'.
For many who attended it was a poignant occasion and there were many re-unions of former employees who hadn't seen each other for many years. The exhibition focusses on the wonderful legacy of the Works, which was in production for 97 years, and in particular the later years of the 1960s - 1980s. Such is the passage of time, that those in their 20s when the Works closed are in their 60s now, and many recall the trauma of that time and the impact it had on their families and local businesses.
A number of those who left the Works on December 23rd 1983 had fathers and grandfathers who had worked there, the latter having come from all over the country when the Loco Works first opened in 1885. A special moment at the exhibition's opening ceremony was the rendition of the 'Song for Horwich' written about the sadness of closure in 1983 and sung beautifully by Pauline Barton.
Do come and visit our exhibition. Whether you are an ex-Loco Works employee or not, there will be something of interest for you. It continues until the end of January 2024.
Visit To Bolton Town Hall & 150th Anniversary Exhibition
Photo of HH visit to Bolton Town Hall & 150th Anniversary Exhibition 13th Sept - a very interesting guided tour of parts of our magnificent Town Hall you would not usually be able to see.
Thanks to the Mayor and his attendant.
Trip to York - 16th Sept
Photo of our trip to York 16th Sept - such a wonderful place to visit and, of course, we had to pay homage to Horwich Loco 1008 at the Railway Museum.
Opening Of The 1970's Exhibition
The 1970's Exhibition was opened by the Mayor of Horwich, Cllr David Grant on Saturday 29th July and runs until Thursday 26th October.
Admission is free.
Thomas Hawksley Commemorative Stone Unveiling
On Friday 7th July, the Chairman of Anderton Parish Council unveiled a commemorative stone to honour the contribution of Thomas Hawksley, the designer of the Rivington Reservoirs system, which was constructed between 1847-1875.
Thanks to all who attended including representatives from United Utilities, Rivington Heritage Trust and Horwich Heritage.
Blackrod Walk
Photos: On 5th July, 30 members and friends enjoyed a wonderful (rain free) walk around the far side of Blackrod expertly guided by Paul Stanley. There was so much of interest (including the Leeds-Liverpool canal, River Douglas, disused railway lines, Arley woods and historic hall) in an area that most of us were entirely unfamiliar with. We are already looking forward to Part 3 of the delights of Blackrod next year.
Unveiling of the Buffers in Old Station Park
Photos: Unveiling of the Buffers in Old Station Park on Saturday 1st July by the Mayor of Horwich, Cllr David Grant.
Visit to Smithills Hall
Photos: Visit to Smithills Hall on 24th June 2023. lt was a lovely day and we fully enjoyed our conducted tours of the Hall and the Grounds.
Successful Opening of the 'Burning Down the Bungalow' Exhibition
Photos feature: the Mayor of Horwich, Cllr Steve Chadwick, Deputy Mayor, Sue Denton and Judith Whittle as Edith Rigby.
150 Year Commemoration Trees
Here is a photograph of the unveiling of the signs relating to the 3 oak trees planted to commemorate 150 years of Local Government in Horwich, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and the succession of King Charles III.
The unveiling took place on Saturday 29th April in Ridgmont Park and was undertaken by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mrs Diane Hawkins and the Mayor of Horwich, Cllr Steven Chadwick.
Cricket In Horwich Exhibition Opens
David Jack Plaque to be unveiled
Having just featured the 100th Anniversary of the first Cup Final at Wembley in 1923 in both our latest 'Heroes & Heirlooms' Exhibition and in our Spring Magazine, and highlighted the career of one of Bolton and England's most famous players of the time, David Jack, we are delighted to report that Bolton Family History Society are going to erect a blue plaque at his birthplace.
He was born at 119 Chorley Old Road, Bolton in 1898 and the unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday 29th April at 12 noon outside the premises, which are now a convenience store.
David Jack scored the first ever goal at Wembley and, after winning the FA Cup twice with Bolton Wanderers, he as transferred to Arsenal for a then record fee of £10,000(twice the previous highest fee). He played for England 9 times (4 times as captain) and achieved great success at Arsenal, winning 3 First Division League titles and another FA Cup Winners Medal in 1930. He is one of only 3 players to have scored over 100 goals for 2 top flight clubs (Bolton & Arsenal) - the others are Jimmy Greaves and Alan Shearer.
Horwich Heritage together with Horwich Town Council will be marking the 65th anniversary of the Winter Hill Air Crash with a short ceremony and wreath laying close to the crash site on Winter Hill on Monday 27th February at 11am. A ceremony is also being held on the morning in the Isle of Man.
The flight from the Isle of Man to Manchester Airport came down on the morning of the 27th February 1958, a day of heavy snow. 35 passengers lost their lives that morning with only seven survivors. The people of Horwich and the surrounding area rallied to help with many digging their way to the crash site through the deep snow.
All are welcome to come along but please be aware that car access to the area is very restricted so please car share if possible of better still walk.
Best regards, Stuart Whittle (Chairman)
A wonderful day out - the sun shone and there was so much to see and do
Some lovely photos from our Liverpool Waterfront trip on Saturday 17th September 2022
A few words from the Chairman
The past month has been particularly busy and enjoyable with the opening of the '175th Anniversary of Rivington Reservoirs' exhibition, 2 very good talks on the 'Top Storey Club Fire' and the 'Celts', walks around Blackrod and Bob's Brew (over 40 people came along), a visit to Wardley Hall and, to top it off, the unveiling of the newly-renovated 'stocks'. We now look forward to our trip to the Liverpool Waterfront on Saturday 17th September. There are just a few places left if you wish to join us.
We are so pleased that so many people are supporting our various activities with our membership now standing at more than 200. Many thanks to all concerned. If you would like to become a volunteer at the Heritage Centre please get in touch.
Best wishes, Stuart Whittle (Chairman)
JACK HARRISON
All at Horwich Heritage would like to pay our respects to Jack Harrison who sadly passed away on January 7th. A genuine born and bred Horwich man and proud of it.
As a Rotarian and local florist for so many years, he became a pillar of the community and everyone knew and respected Jack. He was the sort of person who helped to build the Horwich community we know today. Jack was a strong supporter of Horwich Heritage and appeared in our Town Centre Trail DVD, contributed to various articles and was even interviewed by the BBC as recent as August 2021.
Jack at work in the florists and with Roy Davies being interviewed by Paul O'Gorman of the BBC, August 2021.
Thanks for everything Jack and RIP. Our thoughts are with Jack's family and friends of which there will be many.
Pictured: Lee Lane at Christmas 1967
Chairman's Christmas Message
Despite the latest Covid outbreak and public concern about what we can and can't do, it is important that we remain optimistic about our prospects for 2022. We are in a much stronger position to tackle this problem than we were this time last year.
During the latter half of 2021, we have managed to keep the Heritage Centre open, put on the 'Football in Horwich' exhibition' and and have monthly speaker meetings (including the Christmas special with Sid Calderbank) - and we have a full programme set out for next year. We are so pleased that our members and visitors have stuck with us and strongly supported all our events and activities and hope you will continue to do so. Membership numbers have remained over 150 and please remember to renew in January. It is still only £10 a year for which you get free entry to our meetings and a Spring and Autumn magazine.
We hope you all stay safe and well over Christmas and enjoy your celebrations.
Best wishes, Stuart Whittle (Chairman)
With grateful thanks to the men and women who gave their
lives to keep us free.
Click on a Roll of Honour below to view a larger size >
FOOTBALL EXHIBITION
We successfully opened the 'Football in Horwich' exhibition last Saturday and look forward to as many people as possible visiting it over the next few months.
Above are a couple of photos of the opening by the Mayor of Horwich, Cllr Sue Denton.
NORMAN PENDLEBURY
It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that Norman Pendlebury has died. After a brave battle, he slipped away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday 17th August.
We offer our condolences to Carol who has done a wonderful job looking after Norman whilst he was poorly over the last year. She couldn't have done more and he was so fortunate to have her support. We also offer our condolences to Norman's wider family.
Norman was involved in so many of Horwich Heritage's activities right from the start in 1985 and also contributed to many other organisations in the town.
We will remember him for his incredible dedication to our cause over 35 years, being at the heart of our exhibition, speaker and schools programmes and organising our trips.
He was a real 'character' and will be greatly missed by so many people in Horwich. As a Committee, we will be looking at how best we can recognise his contribution.
We await details of the funeral and will update everyone as soon as we know more.
RIP Norman, Best wishes to you all at this sad time
Stuart Whittle (Chairman)
BURNT EDGE & WINTER HILL WALK PART 2 & AGM INFORMATION
Due to the continuing restrictions, this year's AGM has once again been conducted on line. Apologies for being a week behind, but I have been waiting (like everyone else) for the Government's latest advice on relaxing the 'lockdown'.
Unfortunately, the extension to the 19th July means further disruption to our speaker programme and the cancellation of Elaine Taylor's talk on 'Rivington Gardens' on 13th July. However, our Leverhulme's Legacy' exhibition is still running at the Heritage Centre which is open every weekday from 2-4pm. What will be taking place is Part 2 of our walk over Burnt Edge starting at 1.00pm on Wednesday 21st July (further details to follow) and we sincerely hope that Mark Olly's talk on 10th August can go ahead as planned.
Many thanks for your continued patience and support and to Neil and Derek for keeping us all up to date on our web site and facebook. I hope you are enjoying 'Looking Back' and 'Flashback Friday'.
Please note that there are 3 new publications now available at the Centre our 'Publications' page >: 'Horwich Loco Works Remembered' by MD Smith: £20 'Moorlands, Memories And Reflections by Paul Salveson: £20 'Stumped' by Roy Davies: £2.50
From The Bolton News
Click the image below for a larger size.
HORWICH HERITAGE CENTRE FULLY RE-OPENS 17TH MAY
As I'm sure you will be aware, it is the 76th Anniversary of VE day this weekend so please have a look back at the extensive coverage we put on the web site last year. We will also be covering it on our facebook page which continues to attract thousands of followers to 'Flashback Friday'. Shop sales have been surprisingly good on our Wednesday openings and we look forward to fully opening the Heritage Centre on 17th May - I hope to see you all later this month! - Stuart Whittle (Chairman)
Great news! The Horwich Heritage Centre Shop will be open each Wednesday 2 - 4pm, starting from the 14th April. You can now call in to get all the local interest and history books you've been waiting patiently to buy.
We now have in stock the newly-published 'Horwich Loco Works Re-Visited' by MD Smith (£20), the follow up to the author's best seller 'Horwich Loco Works'. We also have Paul Salveson's 'Moorland Memories and Reflections' (£20) and 'The Works' (£12) in stock as well as the 'Winter Hill and Anglezarke Scrapbook' (£13), a wide range of DVD's, the Ken Fields' walking guides (£1.50) and much, much more. All the current Government guidelines should be followed when visiting the shop, including the wearing of a mask. Please note we can only deal with cash sales.
Under the current Covid Regulations the Museum Section of the Heritage Centre cannot open until 17th May, but we will try to help with enquiries where we can.
HORWICH HERITAGE CENTRE FULLY RE-OPENS 17TH MAY
As I'm sure you will be aware, it is the 76th Anniversary of VE day this weekend so please have a look back at the extensive coverage we put on the web site last year. We will also be covering it on our facebook page which continues to attract thousands of followers to 'Flashback Friday'. Shop sales have been surprisingly good on our Wednesday openings and we look forward to fully opening the Heritage Centre on 17th May - I hope to see you all later this month! - Stuart Whittle (Chairman)
Great news! The Horwich Heritage Centre Shop will be open each Wednesday 2 - 4pm, starting from the 14th April. You can now call in to get all the local interest and history books you've been waiting patiently to buy.
We now have in stock the newly-published 'Horwich Loco Works Re-Visited' by MD Smith (£20), the follow up to the author's best seller 'Horwich Loco Works'. We also have Paul Salveson's 'Moorland Memories and Reflections' (£20) and 'The Works' (£12) in stock as well as the 'Winter Hill and Anglezarke Scrapbook' (£13), a wide range of DVD's, the Ken Fields' walking guides (£1.50) and much, much more. All the current Government guidelines should be followed when visiting the shop, including the wearing of a mask. Please note we can only deal with cash sales.
Under the current Covid Regulations the Museum Section of the Heritage Centre cannot open until 17th May, but we will try to help with enquiries where we can.
Chairman's Message
After many long months of 'lockdown', the Government has now issued a 'road map' which should finally see an end to the current restrictions.
As things stand, this will mean that we will be able to re-open our Heritage Centre on Monday 17th May and we look forward to welcoming our visitors back.
Unfortunately, it may be Tuesday 13th July before we can re-commence our speaker programme (unless the Government revises its end of lockdown date of 21st June), but at least a 'return to normal' is in sight.
We look forward to seeing you all soon. Best wishes, Stuart Whittle (Chairman)
A big thank you for supporting Horwich Heritage during this most difficult year. We have done our best to keep things going and, although we haven't been able to meet, we have been able to open the Heritage Centre for part of the year, produce a 'Horwich in 1945 exhibition' and an Autumn Magazine. Through Facebook, the web site and articles in the local press, we have also been able to maintain a strong profile in the town and are grateful to Horwich Town Council for once more giving us a generous grant towards the running of our Society.
Unlike some organisations, we are still in a relatively healthy financial position and that has been helped in no small measure by the response of you, the membership, to our appeal for you to pay your subscription for 2021 as soon as possible. Many thanks. If you still need to pay your subs, which remain at £10 per year then please contact Cynthia Pearcy on Cynthia.pearcy@yahoo.co.uk payment can be by cheque or bank transfer/standing order.
We may not be able to hold our meetings/exhibitions for a few months yet (until the vaccine programme has been extensively rolled out) but, rest assured, we will be ready to go as soon as we get the 'green light'.
In the meantime, we would appreciate your support in trying to stop the developers building houses instead of a public square and community facilities in the 'heritage core' of the former Loco Works (now known as Rivington Chase). This is a 'watershed' moment as the 'heritage core' lies at the very heart of the new development. To object please e-mail: planning.control@bolton.gov.uk quoting reference 09862/20. If you require further details just let me know.
I look forward to the time when we can all meet together again in 2021.
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a better, brighter New Year Stuart Whittle (Chairman)
HORWICH LOCO WORKS - 'VISION OR NIGHTMARE'
Right from the start of the redevelopment scheme for the former Horwich Loco Works (now known as Rivington Chase) some 10 years ago, we have been promised a 'heritage core' that would preserve and re-use some of the original Works buildings and contain a central public square and community hub which would provide much-needed health, welfare, educational and retail facilities for the new population of 5000 people.
This commitment is at the very heart of this development and is what will provide its identity and distinctiveness.
All this is now under threat with the submission of a planning application for 118 houses and apartments on the site of this square and community hub. The Horwich community has had set backs already with the demolition of the iconic Erecting Shop, but this is a 'watershed' moment for the whole development as the loss of these facilities would lead to a soul-less housing estate of some 1700 homes without any heart and with residents having to leave the area to obtain even the most basic services.
This cannot be allowed to happen and we will be urging Bolton Council to refuse this application and require a revised plan to be submitted which conforms to the original Master Plan commitments. I would urge Horwich residents who care about their heritage to e-mail their comments to Bolton Council at planning.control@bolton.gov.uk quoting application no. 09862/20.
Click on a photo above for a larger size
Winter Update
I hope you are all well and managing to survive the seemingly endless 'lockdowns'. Let's hope the new vaccine will enable us all to meet again early in the New Year.
In the meantime, those of you who are members will have received the Autumn Magazine, which I hope you have enjoyed. We continue to do work behind the scenes at the Heritage Centre ready for re-opening as soon as we can and if you are following us on facebook you will see that our Secretary, Derek Cartwright, has started a section called 'Flashback Friday' which contains some interesting items from the Horwich & Westhoughton Journal published in the 1960s/70s as well as articles from previous HH magazines. Judging from the feedback, these are proving very popular. So much so, that we are opening a new section on the web site called 'Looking Back' which will reproduce some of these articles.
You will see that we have now published our speaker programme for 2021. This is of course provisional and as things stand is more likely to start in April than January - we will keep you posted.The Exhibition Programme will follow once we have a little more certainty about how we can meet safely. I hope your families will be able to meet up for Christmas and the New Year.
Best Wishes, Stuart
Loco Wheels Back In Place at Old Station Park
It is good to be able to report that the Loco Wheels in Old Station Park, Horwich, which were vandalised in July this year, have now been repaired, re-painted and re-instated.
It is fitting that their restoration should take place at this time as it is almost exactly 40 years since the wheels were put in place as part of the creation of Old Station Park which was officially opened by the Mayor of Horwich Council, Cllr Stanley Dawson, on 27th September 1980.
Thanks are due to the Daryl Derricott and Kelvin Holgate from Bolton Council's Highways Section for their fine craftsmanship.
Derek Cartwright, Secretary of Horwich Heritage, commented that:
"In the 40 years that the wheels have been in place, they have served as a reminder to everyone in the area of Horwich's rich railway heritage. This includes not only the town's first Railway Station, which closed in 1965, but the famous Horwich Locomotive Works which closed down in 1983 after almost one hundred years of continues operation."
"The wheels symbolise the contribution Horwich made to railway engineering worldwide and we should be proud of this heritage and the way it shaped the town we know today. It is great to see them back and hopefully they will be there as a fitting reminder for the next 40 years."
75th VJ Day Commemorations
To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day, we have put together a small exhibition covering all the notable announcements and events that took place in Horwich in 1945. This is now available to view in the Heritage Centre.
I attach a short summary of what took place in Horwich and a photo of the VE Day & VJ Day panels from the exhibition - the latter reminding us of the horrors of 'forgotten war' in the Far East. Unfortunately we don't have any photos of celebrations in Horwich or Bolton but in the exhibition we do have some quite extensive coverage of local activities that took place during 1945 courtesy of the Horwich & Westhoughton Journal.
- 1945 was a momentous year for Horwich and the rest of the country. The War ended resulting in wild celebrations for VE Day (8th May) and VJ Day (15th August).
- As the town struggled to get back to 'normal' peacetime activities, the war still cast a long shadow with the joy of the release of Japanese Prisoners of war being mixed with revulsion at their treatment in POW camps.
- The various Civil Defence organisations began to step down, the blackout was lifted, women were released from work on munitions at the Loco Works and local mills like W T Taylor's (the biggest towel manufacturer in Britain at the time) began to recruit workers for the post-war surge in demand.
- Both temporary & permanent houses were to be built with priority given to returning sevicemen & their families. However, rationing was still in place with shortages of coal and long waiting lists for most domestic appliances.
- There was a big rush to get way to the Lancashire coast in July for the first post-war Bank Holiday.
- Despite the regard the nation had for Churchill's wartime efforts, there was a 'landslide' victory for Labour in the General Election.
- 'Thanksgiving Week' at the end of September raised £96,740 (£4.2 million today).
- The public of Horwich voted for a 'war memorial' in the form of a swimming baths and 'leisure centre' (it would take until the 1970s for these to be built!)
- Christmas & New Year were still 'muted' affairs with festive food & drink in short supply. Nevertheless, the town looked forward to a lasting peace and greater prosperity.
35 YEARS OF HORWICH HERITAGE
I hope you are all well and bearing up under the 'lockdown'. If things had been going normally, we would have had our AGM on 9th June and be celebrating 35 years of Horwich Heritage with an exhibition on 13th.
As it stands, we have been able to conduct the AGM on line but the exhibition will have to wait until we can mingle more freely at the Heritage Centre. In the meantime, we have plenty of material in the archives to put on the web site and remind ourselves of how far we have come in those 35 years. Most of you will be aware that we were formed to re-establish a sense of pride in the local community following the closure of the Loco works at the end of 1983.
We quickly gathered a strong membership of c.150 and embarked on a programme of speakers and events that have continued to the present day. Our first big 'breakthrough' came with the opening of Horwich Resource Centre in 1991 which provided a venue for our meetings and gift fairs and also offered us a small room to put on our displays. Having developed our exhibition skills over the following 15 years, we were able to persuade Horwich Town Council to let us have occupation of the refurbished 'phase 2' area (the former rifle range) and turn it into a Heritage Centre - which opened in March 2006.
To have a Heritage Centre to celebrate all that is great about the history of Horwich was always our dream, and I am pleased to say we are still living it 14 years later - thanks to the dedication of the Committee, Volunteers and Members and continued support of HTC. Over the years we have had hundreds of speakers, put on over a hundred exhibitions, run lots of trips and events and produced a number of our own films and publications - and it is always worth reminding ourselves how much has been achieved. So next month I will highlight some of the exhibitions we have put on, but this month I thought I would look back to the special time in the late 1980s - early 1990s when we took part in the Horwich Carnival and regularly won a prize for our outfits! See if you can recognise anyone from the accompanying photos.
50TH ANNIVERSAY BONFIRES: LOOKING BACK
As far as I can recall, there was a national request to build bonfires on local landmarks to mark the 50th Anniversary of VE Day on 8th May 1995 - just as there had been for centuries before whenever there was the threat of invasion.
Rivington Pike was such a landmark, having been used on a number of occasions over the centuries for such a purpose including to warn of the Spanish Armada in 1588. I don't know whether we sought permission or just did it but it required putting out a call locally in Horwich for surplus wood supplies. These were then deposited at the end of Georges Lane below the Pike from where a few of the Horwich Heritage members including Norman Pendlebury and myself hauled it up to the top (you can see us both on the photo).
It was a windy evening (as always) but the weather was fine and the fire burned successfully as you can see on the other photo. Somehow I don't think you would get permission to do that today and we (now over 70s) probably wouldn't be able to do lug all that wood up there now!
A memorable occasion - not likely to be repeated! Happy Days - Stuart Whittle
VE DAY 2020: WE'LL MEET AGAIN!
Despite the 'lockdown', I hope you are finding suitable ways to celebrate/commemorate VE Day - attached is my attempt! Here's to when "Well Meet Again" in the not-too-distant future. Best Wishes - Stuart
VE DAY 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 2020
As I'm sure you are all aware, the 75th Anniversary of VE Day cannot be celebrated either nationally or locally in the ways that the Government had planned but that does not mean that this momentous event should not be recognised and commemorated.
As I write, plans have been announced for 2 minutes silence at 11am on 8th May followed by Winston Churchill's famous "This is your Victory" speech at 3pm. The Queen will then address the nation at 9pm and this will be followed by a 'sing-along'of wartime favourites.
Thanks to the internet and YouTube, we can all read and watch Churchill's speech and witness the wild celebrations that took place outside Buckingham Palace on 8th May 1945 and, during the coming week, the main TV channels will be showing recently-discovered VE Day footage which will definitely be worth watching. This was a day of national rejoicing after almost 6 long years of war but also a day to reflect on the hardship and loss that had been endured. Across the country communities celebrated in their own ways and, thanks to the Horwich & Westhoughton Journal, we have a record of some of the activities that took place in Horwich. The paper reported that "The victory announcement was greeted in Horwich with rejoicing and thanksgiving.
The Union Jack was hoisted on public buildings and works, mills and all the streets were gaily decorated with flags and bunting. The Public Hall was illuminated and, following the broadcast by the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, the Parish Church bells rang merrily. The streets were thronged with people on holiday and in the afternoon and evening the celebration was enlivened by Horwich Old Band who paraded the main thoroughfares halting to play patriotic and other tunes outside the Public Hall, at the Crown Square, the Labour Club, British Legion Club and Loco Works cenotaph. Horwich Boy Scouts drum & bugle band (see photo) also paraded throughout the town. Children in various parts of the town enjoyed street tea-parties, lit bonfires, burned effigies of Hitler and exploded fireworks.
At midnight the noise of fireworks was heard again and crowds of young people linked hands and sang and tripped merrily through the streets on their way home." Services of thanksgiving were held on the evening of VE Day at Horwich Parish Church and St Catherine's and there was a Civic Service attendee by the chairman & members of Horwich Council and members of the various organisations who had contributed to the war effort on Sunday 13th May.
With all this going on, it is disappointing to read the generally low key coverage of these events in the H&WJ of 11th May 1945 (see front page headline & article attached) with only one photo of the town's celebration's, near the Greenwood, included (copy attached). Maybe this was reflection of austerity (few reporters or photographers available?) or a combination of relief/exhaustion that it was all over. The attached page from that edition perhaps sums up the mixed emotions of the time with the wedding photo of George Smart and Joan Tomlinson at St Catherine's Church sitting alongside the summary of the Victory celebrations and the report of the death of Staff Sgt. John Ellison of Lee Lane killed in the airborne landings near the Rhine. The paper did find the space to (quite rightly) thank all the people who had organised the town's war effort but then quickly moved on the talk about other issues of the day like the burgeoning cost of running Fall Birch Hospital. This has left us with little visual coverage of the 1945 VE Day celebrations other than the 3 photos from our archives of the Scout Band in Winter Street and the St Anne's Road Street Party and children dressed up in Chapel Street. It would be great if more photos and stories could be unearthed by our members and the people of Horwich.
In the absence of a fuller celebration/ commemoration of VE Day over the weekend of 8th-10th May 2020, I hope this short article and attachments paints a picture for you of Horwich 75 years ago - a town suddenly realising that the long years of privation and loss were at an end and that the long road to recovery could begin. Perhaps we can take heart from their fortitude as we face our current crisis. Although the war with Germany was over, the war in the Far East still raged on until the Japanese surrendered in August. The current Government intention is to hold a combined celebration/ commemoration of VE & VJ Day on 15th August. Let's hope there is 'some light at the end of the tunnel by then'.
Best wishes Stuart Whittle.
'Lock Down' Update
We were fortunate to get the Spring magazine out before the 'lock down' and I hope all our members have received a copy. Amongst the wide rage of contributions, I am sure we were all taken with the story of the 'Dolphins at Horwich Pool', something that took place during December 1977. We would be interested to hear from anyone who remembers it and if you don't believe it happened, here are a couple of photos:
Before we know it, it will be time for the Autumn magazine so please send in any articles/stories you would like to see published.
It is unfortunate that we are unable to hold our speaker meetings, open our new exhibitions or organise any walks or trips for the foreseeable future. However, there are still things we can do so that we are ready to go when we get the 'all clear'. For example, the national and local celebrations/commemorations of VE Day have now been put back to VJ Day (15th August) which is no bad thing as it puts the 2 events on an equal footing and it gives us all more time to investigate and write down those important family memories of those momentous days. So please send your contributions to the website e-mail address.
To help to get you thinking, here are a couple of photos of Horwich celebrating VE Day in May 1945:
Keep safe, best regards. Stuart Whittle (Chairman)
Photos From Our Rivington Gardens Exhibition
DEMOLITION OF ERECTING SHOP
Whilst it was a sad day, the 'farewell' event at the former Horwich Loco Works on Sat 4th January, to say goodbye to the Erecting Shop, was also a special one with over 200 visitors able to marvel at this impressive structure for the last time.
Some had never been inside before, others reminisced about what it was like to work there. And what they all wanted to know was what will be left to remind the Horwichers of the future of their railway heritage. There was some good news on this front with the Leader of Bolton Council pledging to bring '1008' and 'Wren', 2 of the Horwich-built locos now at York Railway Museum, back to the site. Exactly where they might go and what will surround them is still to be determined and I'm sure it won't be cheap! However, we at Horwich Heritage will be fully supporting this project and doing our best to ensure it happens - so watch this space!
MODEL EXHIBITION
Saturday 18th January saw the opening of our latest exhibition with an impressive array of never-before-seen items from our own collection and from 3 visiting exhibitors.
The exhibition runs until 12th March and is well worth a visit.
Chairman's Message - January 2020
A Happy New Year to you all! Let's hope its another good one for Horwich Heritage and its members and supporters as we embark on our 35th year.
If you look at the programme, you'll see that we have lots of things planned and, as you'll see below, we'll be embarking on a number of projects which require your help - so we very much look forward to hearing from you! Best wishes, Stuart Whittle.
• We start our 2020 Open Day/Exhibition programme earlier than usual with a Models Exhibition on Sat. 18th January (10am - 1.00pm). We will be displaying a range of our own and visiting models, many never seen before - so please join us.
• We have also begun researching this year's major project, '75 Years Since VE & VJ Day', and would welcome any contributions of photo- graphs, items or memories in time for our Open Day/Exhibition on 9th May.
• We have all been impressed with the restoration work that has been taking place at the Rivington Terraced Gardens and are pleased to be able to present an Open Day/Exhibition showcasing the original designs and recent renovations on Sat. 14th March.
• This year's Family History Open Day on Sat. 28th March will once again offer an invitation to other Local History Societies and members of the public to come along and explore their local family connections.
• Since we are celebrating our 35th Anniversary this year, we thought it appropriate to look back on all we have achieved with a presentation at our AGM on Tuesday 9th June and an Open Day/Exhibition on Sat. 13th June.
• And for our final Open Day/Exhibition of the year on Sat. 12th Sept. we intend to display the achievements of the many and varied Sporting Clubs of Horwich and will be inviting as many as possible to take part.
In order to keep our marvellous Heritage Centre going and run our extensive exhibition programme, we are always looking for more Volunteers to join our rota. So if you can spare just a couple of hours a month and are interested in local history, please contact Les Duckworth on 696799 or e-mail: lesduck@btinternet.com.
LAST CHANCE TO VISIT THE LOCO WORKS ERECTING SHOP
Arrangements have now been confirmed with the owners, Bluemantle, for local politicians, residents and former employees to visit the Erecting Shop on Saturday 4th January between 10am & 1pm. Anyone who has not registered to visit already should do so by contacting Derek Cartwright of Horwich Heritage on derek.cartwright@outlook.com before Monday 30th December.
Visitors should assemble at Rivington House (the former Works Offices) and will be able to look inside and have a tour of the Erecting Shop and the wider site ( including the new Bellway housing development). For those unable to come on the Saturday there are a limited number of places available for visits on Friday afternoon, 3rd January, between 3-5pm.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year For 2020
Stuart Whittle, Pauline Barton, The Mayor & Mayoress Of Horwich
Burnt Edge & Winter Hill Walk
Here are 3 photos of the Burnt Edge Walk on 11th Sept. - an epic 4 hour historical tour of the desolate (and windswept!) moorland above Bolton & Horwich. The walk took in 'Two Lads' also.
Two New Books Available
Horwich In WWII
£8.00 (£5 to members)
Only Three Pence A Brick
£9.00
80 Years since the Start of WWII
We had a very successful and enjoyable day last Saturday for our full programme of 80 Years since the Start of WWII events. For those who missed it, the exhibition will continue until March 2020 and the book is on sale at the Centre price £8.
THE BATTLE TO SAVE HISTORIC HORWICH
Ever since the plans for the redevelopment of the Loco Works site have been announced, Horwich Heritage has been fighting to save some of the historic buildings. Despite being a 'Conservation Area', most of the workshops have been demolished but we were promised that 4 would remain in the 'historic core.' Now even they are under threat.
The most iconic of them all, the Erecting Shop, is now scheduled for demolition as a result of a proposals presented by the developers who say that the proposed £12m link road will affect the building and that it has no viable use anyway and will be too costly to restore. In my professional opinion (as a former Planning Consultant) both of these reasons for demolition are 'contrived' and carefully designed to persuade Bolton Planners & Historic England that there is no alternative to demolition. In reality, this is not the case.
The road line can easily be moved a few metres to miss the building (as I have demonstrated) and the viability of the building should not be judged now, when there is no one living there, but in a few years time when it could become the 'community hub' for c. 5000 who will require a new Primary School, commercial, health, welfare and community facilities. Matters have now come to a head and the planning application goes before Bolton Council this week on Thursday (22nd August 2019). All I can do now is make a 'last ditch' plea to the Planning Committee to get the developers to amend their plans and spare this 'cathedral of railway engineering'. To demolish it now would be a crime and something that people will come increasingly to regret in years to come. It is our heritage that is being destroyed and, sadly, it is out of our hands!
Stuart Whittle (Chairman)
ON OUR DOORSTEP: THE WEST PENNINE MOORS
On Saturday 20th July, Horwich Heritage opened its latest exhibition entitled: 'On Your Doorstep: The West Pennine Moors' which offers a fascinating insight into the history of this large and often bleak and desolate area covering some 90 square miles and stretching from Bolton in the south to Blackburn in the north and from Chorley in the west to Darwen in the east.
Today it is a major recreation resource for the people of this region and beyond but in times gone by it has been many things to many people. The aim of this exhibition is to explore the main themes of its history from pre-historic times, through the period when it was a hive of industry and habitation to recent military history and modern leisure pursuits.
There are some well known Neolithic sites such as Noon Hill and the Pike Stones but last year's moorland fires exposed a number of hitherto undiscovered sites and artefacts which will be discussed by our visiting experts including Ian Trumble, Senior Archeologist from Bolton Museum. Maybe you have discovered something on the moors that you would like identifying - if so please bring it along.
It is difficult to imagine today people living and working on those bleak moors but no so long ago there were lots of 'hardy souls'making a living in the many mines and farms that were dotted across the landscape. There is still plenty of evidence of these activities if you know where to look and again we will have experts from the Smithills Woodland Trust and West Pennine Moors Rangers on hand to tell you what is out there.
During living memory, in WWII, Rivington and the surrounding moorland was a 'militarised zone' where public access was prohibited. Army units were stationed there and training activities including the use of live ammunition took place. For many years after the war, munitions that were left behind (some live) were continually being been discovered and removed and even today you may come across something 'unusual'. Again, if you have collected anything that needs to be identified please bring it along.
Today, millions of visitors enjoy the delights of the Rivington Reservoirs, Rivington Barns (Saxon origin), Lever Park , Lord Leverhulme's Terraced Gardens, Rivington Pike, Anglezarke and the wilder moors beyond - and they are right on our doorstep! How fortunate we are - and each one of these areas has its own story to tell. If you come along to our exhibition (which will run until 5th September) you will be able to find out so much more about them.
Photos: The Changing Face Of Horwich Shopping
Happy 130th Birthday 1008
We had an excellent opening day for our 'Happy 130th Birthday 1008'exhibition last Saturday at the Heritage Centre
100 people turned up on an awful day weather -wise to enjoy our display of photos and artefacts including a model of 1008 itself, a splendid large scale model 2-4-2 tank engine (originally built by Norman Lowe) brought along by current owner Richard Prideaux and the Leyland Model Railway Society, film of old Horwich locos, the 1008 song performed by Horwich Folk and of course birthday cake!
Our special guest was 76 year old Jim Unsworth who actually worked on the restoration of 1008 at Horwich Works 60 years ago. If you missed the opening, you can still see the exhibition at the Heritage Centre which runs until May.
Murder On The Moor
It is 180 years this year since the infamous 'Murder on the Moor' took place and Horwich Heritage are commemorating this event with a meal and re-enactment of the trial of the alleged perpetrator, James Whittle, at the Blundell Arms on Wednesday 17th April 2019.
The circumstances surrounding this crime have always remained a mystery but the fact remains that a 20 year old packman, George Henderson, was murdered on his way across the moors above Horwich on 9th November 1838. He had been shot and was found dying in a ditch but he had not been robbed. James Whittle was the prime suspect, since he was spotted with a loaded gun in the vicinity and, following an Inquest at the Moorgate Inn (now the Blundell Arms) on 13th November, he was sent for trial in Liverpool.
At the end of the trial in April 1839, Whittle was acquitted due to the unreliability of the witnesses, who may well have been influenced by the £100 reward on offer (a substantial amount in those days). No one else was ever charged with the murder and the event was commemorated for posterity by the placing of a cast iron column at the site.
That column is still there today and is a well-known local landmark known as the Scotsman's Stump. To mark this year's anniversary, Horwich Heritage has carefully restored the stump so that it can remain as a lasting reminder of this tragic event for many years to come.
Chairman's Message - January 2019
A Happy New Year to you all! Let's hope its another good one for Horwich Heritage and its members and supporters. If you look at the programme, you'll see that we have lots of things planned and, as you'll see below, we have embarked on a number of projects which require your help - so we very much look forward to hearing from you! Best wishes, Stuart Whittle.
• We start our 2019 Open Day/Exhibition programme with a celebration of the 130th birthday of Horwich's first steam locomotive on Sat. 16th March (10am - 1.00pm) - please join us for a piece of birthday cake!• We have also begun researching our first major project of the year 'The Changing Face of Shopping in Horwich' and would welcome any contributions of photographs, items or memories in time for our Open Day/Exhibition on 11th May.
• This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the opening of the Loco Works Training School (now Alliance Learning) and in April we are planning a re-union of former apprentices/trainees. If you are interested in coming along please ring 847797or contact us via Facebook.
• Our 2nd major research project this year involves the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the start of WWII in September and we would love to hear from anyone who was a child in the war or had relatives who served or fought (or maybe served/fought themselves!). We are currently compiling a Roll of Honour for those who died.
• The meal & re-enactment of the infamous 'Murder on the Moor' (180th Anniversary) at the Blundell Arms in November was greatly enjoyed by those who attended - so much so that we are doing it again on Wed. 17th April (the anniversary of the trial). Please book early as there are only 36 tickets available (price £16)
As part of our service to the public of Horwich, we are looking to expand our rota of Volunteers who look after the Horwich Heritage Centre, so if you can spare just a couple of hours a month and are interested in local history, please contact Les Duckworth on 696799.
School's Heritage Saved
"Clock tower from top of old Horwich primary school is preserved."
Originally written by Rosalyn Roden, c/o Bolton News.
DURING the demolition of an old school, a piece of Horwich's heritage has been preserved for future generations to come, in what has been described as 'a remarkable feat'.The clock tower which sat atop the former Chorley New Road Primary School has been crane-lifted off the old building as part of a meticulous six-hour process which cost contractors more than £15,000.
Willmott Dixon, with the help of Horwich Heritage, has saved the structure and intend to relocate it in the playground area of the new school.
Roy Davies, a member and volunteer of Horwich Heritage Centre, said: "The finial is an historic part of Horwich. You do not see many finials these days - architecturally, they are few and far between. So to have one in such good condition, with the lead preserved, it is quite a remarkable feat to have it saved."
He added: "Saving the finial was a planning requirement after the original application went in for the new school.
"Horwich Heritage have been involved from the start and with excellent cooperation from the builders, managed to remove it successfully with two huge cranes over a six-hour period on September 11.
"In most cases, these important piece of our history are not saved. I doubt there are many builders who would have gone to these lengths. The contractors footed the entire bill."
Willmott Dixon brought Ainscough Crane Hire on board to manoeuvre the historic piece down from atop the roof of the old school building.
The clock tower is currently being stored at the back of the old school and is due to be incorporated into the new site before construction is completed in March 2019.
It is understood the tower will become a feature in the new playground, placed on a new timber base with the clock face reinstated, and a new fence around it.
Mr Davies said: "The finial's original purpose was that of a bell tower. It is made out of timber and lead coating. There are perforations around it for letting sound out. It was converted in about 1989 when the clock was put in it."
A planning document of an heritage assessment reads: "The school is a Renaissance-style building, locally distinctive because of its triple-gabled facade and clock tower.
"The clock tower is attractive and its appearance is curiously reminiscent in miniature of that at Bolton Town Hall of 1866-1873."
Josh Heavens, Willmott Dixon's senior building manager on the project, said: "We are delighted to have been able to help preserve the clock tower for the local community to enjoy and would like to thank Horwich Heritage and our supply chain partners for all their help with the project.
"Leaving a positive legacy in the communities we work in is very important to Willmott Dixon; we believe strongly we have a purpose beyond profit and we will always endeavour to help where we can."
Bolton News Coverage
WATCH: Bolton's 'Munitionettes'
As the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War approaches, we're looking back at the role of those back home.
The conflict wasn't just fought in the trenches on the Western Front, but on the home front too.
Almost a million women worked in munitions factories all over the country, including Horwich near Bolton.
The local heritage centre is paying tribute to the so-called Munitionettes.
Paul Crone reports.
Horwich Heritage Summer Walk: 4th July 2018
Our group of 20 spent an excellent 2 hours climbing steadily from the Jolly Crofters up to Wilderswood and as far as Ormston's Farm (shown on the 1620 map of Horwich) before descending down through Wallsuches and back for a welcome pint!
The old farmers and miners would hardly recognise the area now and there are some very historic and desirable properties with splendid views out across the Lancashire Plain as far as North Wales.
We were blessed with a lovely temperature after the heat of the day and there were no signs or smells of the fire that had been raging over the other side of the hill - an altogether memorable event enjoyed by all who came along.
Horwich: Past, Present & Future
Photo of our latest Open Day/Exhibition on 21st July entitled 'Horwich: Past, Present & Future' which not only showcased Horwich's fascinating past but gave our visitors the chance to comment on its future by talking to the Horwich Neighbourhood Plan representatives.The exhibition runs until November during which time comments will still be welcome.
Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Society Visit
Horwich Heritage was pleased to host a visit of 50 members from the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Society on Sat. 30th June.
The visit comprised a full day's itinarary (10am - 5pm) starting at the Heritage Centre then followed by a walking tour of Old Station Park and the former Loco Works site, lunch at the Bowling Green PH, a 'vintage' bus ride (Bolton Corporation Atlantian) to and from the '50 years since the end of steam celebrations' at Bolton Interchange and concluding with a look at our railway exhibition & films at the Heritage Centre.
The sun shone (of course), a good day was had by all, and we were able to 'unveil' for our visitors the newly-restored (by Roy Davies & Horwich Heritage) RMI Inscription Stone outside the old Training School (now Alliance Learning).
The L&YR members particularly appreciated this visit as it may well be the last time they are able to see the remaining Loco Works buildings before they are demolished!
PHOTOS > (1) Outside the former Works offices (Rivington House) and (2) with the Leyland Atlantean outside the Bowling Green PH on Lee Lane.
MESSAGES FROM OUR CHAIRMAN
Happy New Year to all our members & friends - I hope it is a good one for us all!
The New Year kicks off in style with our first meeting on 10th January. Unfortunately Jonathan Ali is unwell so he can't give his WWI talk but we are pleased to welcome a more than adequate substitute in Roy Davies who will be talking about 'On the Bench' - with lots of interesting tales about his time as a Magistrate.
Our event planning starts right away with meetings of the Craft & Gift Fair & 'Lost Businesses of Horwich' Sub Committees this week and we hope to have the long-awaited Ted Brownlow book out in time for our February meeting. We are already looking for articles for the Spring magazine and are planning new ventures to do with further heritage walks and plaques around Horwich as well as presenting our new programme of speakers & Open Days/Exhibitions (see elsewhere on the web site).
So please join us as we embark on another exciting year at Horwich Heritage.
Best wishes, Stuart Whittle (Chairman)
Dear Members, I was just finishing my report on what has been another busy & successful 6 months of speakers, Open Days/Exhibitions & events when I received the sad news that our dear friend and founder member, Geoff Waine, had died.
Suddenly the images of what we have achieved as a Society over the past 34 years with Geoff as our 'elder stateman' flashed before me - and I felt so very proud to have shared all that with Geoff along the way. No doubt there will be many tributes from other organisations in the town who have benefitted from Geoff's guidance & expertise, but we at Horwich Heritage will always remember his special contribution to our Society. His dream was always to have our own Heritage Centre and thankfully he saw that happen.
Thanks Geoff. Rest in Peace. - Stuart Whittle
'The Founding Fathers of Horwich Heritage' - taken at one of our many appearances in 'period dress' at Horwich Carnival.
At the 30th Anniversary celebrations of Horwich Heritage
80 Years Of Aerospace At Lostock
The 80 Years of Aerospace at Lostock exhibition launch on 19th May was very well attended as you might imagine with lots of 'memory lane' discussions and a healthy sale of the 2 dvds and commemorative (MBDA) book.
We were also very pleased that Bernard Waldron the MD of MBDA was able to 'drop in'. Many thanks must go to David Kaye for all his efforts at organising the exhibition material and producing his own dvd of the History of the Lostock site - with the splendid assistance of cameraman and producer Wisedale and MBDA archivist, Mick Crossley.The exhibition continues until 20th July and I'm sure it will have a steady stream of visitors.
Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Society Visit
Horwich Heritage was pleased to host a visit of 50 members from the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Society on Sat. 30th June.
The visit comprised a full day's itinarary (10am - 5pm) starting at the Heritage Centre then followed by a walking tour of Old Station Park and the former Loco Works site, lunch at the Bowling Green PH, a 'vintage' bus ride (Bolton Corporation Atlantian) to and from the '50 years since the end of steam celebrations' at Bolton Interchange and concluding with a look at our railway exhibition & films at the Heritage Centre.
The sun shone (of course), a good day was had by all, and we were able to 'unveil' for our visitors the newly-restored (by Roy Davies & Horwich Heritage) RMI Inscription Stone outside the old Training School (now Alliance Learning).
The L&YR members particularly appreciated this visit as it may well be the last time they are able to see the remaining Loco Works buildings before they are demolished!
PHOTOS > (1) Outside the former Works offices (Rivington House) and (2) with the Leyland Atlantean outside the Bowling Green PH on Lee Lane.
80 Years Of Aerospace At Lostock
The 80 Years of Aerospace at Lostock exhibition launch on 19th May was very well attended as you might imagine with lots of 'memory lane' discussions and a healthy sale of the 2 dvds and commemorative (MBDA) book.
We were also very pleased that Bernard Waldron the MD of MBDA was able to 'drop in'. Many thanks must go to David Kaye for all his efforts at organising the exhibition material and producing his own dvd of the History of the Lostock site - with the splendid assistance of cameraman and producer Wisedale and MBDA archivist, Mick Crossley.The exhibition continues until 20th July and I'm sure it will have a steady stream of visitors.
HORWICH HERITAGE COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Having recently received several thousand pounds in donations from individuals & organisations, we have embarked on a programme of upgrading local heritage features which are in need of some TLC.
Thanks to the splendid efforts of our member, Roy Davies, we have now completed the first 2 projects: the refurbishment of the Scotsman's stump and the Church Street stocks (see BN photos) and have several others in the pipeline. The restoration of the pillars at the entrance to Lever Park in honour of its benefactor, Lord Leverhulme, is on our list but this will cost £4,500 because of the necessity for road closures and detailed stone restoration work. This is beyond our current budget and we are therefore appealing to local individuals & businesses to assist us in bringing these important local landmarks back to their original condition.
If you feel you can help with a donation, however small, please contact Stuart Whittle on 01204 847797 or e-mail whittlestuart@aol.com
Pauline Barton's I'd Die for a Cases Pie - Video By Peter Ravald
60 YEARS SINCE THE WINTER HILL AIR CRASH
It was on Thursday 27th February 1958 when one of the worst air disasters in the region's history happened. Many lost loved ones when the Bristol 170 Wayfarer, which was ferrying passengers on a visit to Manchester from the Isle of Man, careered into Winter Hill in atrocious weather conditions. Seven people survived.
The tragedy claimed the lives of 35 representatives from the Manx motor trade, mechanics, engineers and motor traders, who were on their way to visit the Exide Battery factory in Greater Manchester. 39 members of the Island's Motor Trade had set off from Ronaldsway on a charter flight to Manchester Ringway due to arrive at 10am. The Pilot was Captain Michael Cairns, the First Officer was William Howarth with Jennifer Curtis as Stewardess.
People of Horwich still remember 9.45am on that terrible snowy and foggy day when the aircraft struck the side of Winter Hill. The badly cut first officer was able to free himself and crawl through thick mist and deep snow to the television mast to raise the alarm. It has become part of our local history. One of those involved was John Sanderson, a licensee of the Jolly Crofters, and a member of Horwich Rotary Club. With Jack Speight, sub-postmaster, and John Shawcross, he drove up George's Lane to join a party of men from the quarry to dig through the snowdrifts to enable rescue vehicles to get to the site.
When they reached the wreckage, it presented a scene of devastation and there was little that could be done for many of the passengers. Those still alive were given morphine injections and carried down the hillside on stretchers to waiting ambulances to be taken to the Royal Bolton Infirmary. The Wesleyan Methodist Chapel on Victoria Road, now replaced with houses, became a mortuary.
Captain Cairns and First Officer Howarth both survived as did Stewardess Curtis who was found still strapped into her seat.
Fortunately something good did come out of the disaster, the bringing together in friendship of the Rotary Club of Horwich and the Rotary Club of Douglas with the motto of 'service above self as a basis of worthy enterprise' and the four-way test of truth, fairness, goodwill and friendship, benefit for all concerned. Members of the Rotary Clubs have made exchange visits over the years. This year on the 60th anniversary, Tuesday 27th February 2018, people will come from the Isle of Man to share in a short Remembrance Service at the mast including Howard Callow, an active Rotarian, who said:
"I was only four when I lost my father. This date will forever be important to so many in the Isle of Man."
Members of Rotary from Douglas and Horwich and some guests will then gather at the Horwich Heritage Centre to see the plaque and other exhibits and to watch the films that were made to cover the events of that fateful day and the 50th anniversary Memorial Services in Douglas and Horwich in 2008.
Stuart Whittle and Ted Wisedale were responsible for putting together the Horwich Heritage film commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the crash. Their film also included footage and interviews conducted by ITV at around the same time. Stuart and Ted were able to contact and interview quite a few people who remembered the events of 27th February 1958 and helped with the rescue. These included Ken Whittaker, Neil Weaver and Jim Stutchbury, some of the quarrymen who helped to dig a way through to the crash site, Gordon Burton, who as a young police officer was one of the first on the scene, Peter Tonge, a Bolton Evening News journalist who had to immediately report back on the devastation that he witnessed first hand, Dr Sheila McKinley, who attended to the injured and Kath Pyle, who helped out at the Jolly Crofters pub, which became the press HQ.
Ten years on, these interviews and the footage taken have become even more poignant as some of those involved are no longer with us. Fortunately their memories will continue to live on for the benefit of future generations and the Horwich Heritage exhibition '60 Years since the Winter Hill Air Crash' will continue to run until the beginning of May.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the circumstances of the crash and the heroic rescue attempts by the people of Horwich and the emergency services should read 'The Devil Casts His Net' by Steve Morrin.
100YRS SINCE WW1 COMMEMORATIONS
As part of our Commemoration of 100 years since the End of World War I in November 1918, we are looking to collect and record as many family memories of Horwich men & women who served in the Great War as we can, and to find out what happened to those who survived.
If you can help, please contact:
Stuart Whittle on 01204 847797
e-mail: whittlestuart@aol.com
CRAFT & GIFT FAIR 2017
On Saturday 4th November we enjoyed another successful Craft & Gift Fair at the Horwich Community Centre (10am - 2pm). This year's theme (not surprisingly) was 'Bonfire Night.'
We were pleased to see a number of younger visitors getting involved in the face painting, dressing up, quizzes and 'Penny for the Guy'.
There was also a Bonfire Art display by Horwich Art Society, lots of interesting craft stalls as well as tombola and a raffle and not forgetting Carr's pasties & peas!
This excellent event was enjoyed by over 100 visitors and will be a welcome addition to our funds.
60 YEARS SINCE THE LAST LOCO BUILT AT HORWICH WORKS - AUGUST 12th 2017
Our next Horwich Heritage Open Day/Exhibition takes place on Saturday 12th August, 10am - 1.00pm at the Horwich Heritage Centre. It is entitled '60 years since the last Steam Loco' and pays tribute to the 'golden age' of steam locomotive production at Horwich Loco Works between 20th February 1899 (when the first loco, Sir John Aspinall's 1008, rolled out of the erecting shop) and 27th November 1957 (when the last steam loco BR Standard Class 4, No.76099, left the Works). During those 68 years some 1,830 steam locos were constructed and 45,000 repaired.
It might have been the end of an era but it wasn't the end of steam at Horwich or of loco production. For the next 7 years, until 1964, a further 5,000 steam locos were repaired and 169 diesel locomotives were produced. After that, however, it was largely a matter of repairing diesel & electric locos, carriages & wagons before the Works closed on 23rd December 1983 after 97 years of operation. This was a devastating blow to a town which had been so dependant on the Works but fortunately new sources of employment came along shortly afterwards with the Middlebrook development and Horwich is thriving again. Unfortunately, it is about to say goodbye to most of the Railway Works premises, which have been an industrial estate for the past 30 years, as they are gradually being demolished to make way for 1700 new homes on 'Rivington Chase'. We hope sufficient 'heritage' will be retained in the new development to remind future generations of Horwich's wonderful contribution as one of Britains 6 major railway towns.
Time passes... the Works closed 34 years ago, so if you were 30 years old or more when it closed you would be retired by now. If you were an apprentice at the Works during the steam era you would be in your mid 70s. So, as there are fewer and fewer men and women left to remember the age of steam at Horwich, it is all the more important to remember & celebrate it while we can. If you worked on steam locos at Horwich please get in touch and do come along on 12th August to share your memories. Fortunately, Horwich Heritage has a good archive of Works memories, memorabilia & photos for everyone to look at whether you worked at the Loco Works or not, including no less than 10 dvds (all for sale) many of which we will be showing on the day. So young or not so young, please come along. Horwich has a remarkable railway legacy which needs to be preserved and passed on down the generations.
The last steam loco to be built leaves the Works 27th Nov. 1957
The last steam loco to be repaired leaves the Works 6th May 1964
Workers say goodbye to the last steam loco 6th May 1964
The first intake of apprentices at the new Training School 1958
End of an era - steam gives way to diesel 1958
Retirement presentation by Works manager AT Garnett to William Bowen 1963
The Loco Works site from the air 2012
LOCAL WALKS AND BEAUTY SPOTS & THE GEOFF WAINE MEMORIAL WALK - JULY 15th 2017
The next Horwich Heritage Open Day & Exhibition is on Saturday 15th July at the Horwich Heritage Centre, Longworth Road, Horwich from 10.00am - 1.00pm (admission free, everyone welcome).
It is entitled 'Local Walks & Beauty Spots' and celebrates the many wonderful locations and points of interest that are so easily accessible in the area around Horwich. There will photographs and information on everywhere from Rivington Pike to Red Moss and from Wilderswood to Bottom o'th Moor and the Groundwork Trust and Volunteers will be updating us on progress at the Rivington Terraced Gardens.
As part of this Open Day/Exhibition, Horwich Heritage will be celebrating the considerable contribution of its co-founder, Geoff Waine, to the development of our Society over a period of 34 years. Following his death in September 2017, we wondered how best to commemorate Geoff's contribution and, after some deliberation, we felt the most appropriate way was to create a Memorial Walk around his 'adopted' town of Horwich taking in all the locations he was fond of. A Booklet detailing this walk will be launched at the 15th July event and will be on sale on the day price £1.50. Shortly after the Open Day finishes members and visitors are invited to join with us to undertake a section of this walk from 2.00 - 4.00pm.
Although not originally from Horwich, Geoff had a love of the town like nowhere else. He called it "His beloved Horwich". Railways and railway research were Geoff's main interests - in fact any aspect or even the sniff of a railway would get him excited. But Geoff was also a font of local knowledge and he had the ability to answer most questions he was asked about the town and its surrounding area without having to think twice - a remarkable man who we shall miss greatly.
Geoff had a great love of walking, especially around the Horwich area. He loved the hills above the town, but his favourite places were the dozens of well-known paths that made up the area, between the old town and the higher, bleaker moors - that's why this walk takes in many of Geoff's old haunts as a walker and historian.
< Pictured: Geoff with his Horwich Civic Medal.
Appropriately, the walk starts and ends at the Horwich Heritage Centre. Overall, it covers over four miles and could take more than 2 hours if you allow sufficient time to stop and read the descriptions provided, take in the rich history of the area and enjoy the magnificent scenery and panoramic views. Why not take a picnic with you and make a day of it or add in a visit to the Heritage Centre? We hope you have a great day out, combining a highly interesting walk with a detailed insight into local industrial history. And to give you a true flavour of that history in the booklet we have overlain the route on the 1908 Map of Horwich to highlight the historic features, many of which are now lost.
Ridgmont House
Top o'th Such cottages
Harper's Farm
Wildersmoor Mine Tramway
Rockhaven Castle
Crowther Fold Water Mill
LOST BUSINESSES IN HORWICH - JUNE 17th 2017
The next Horwich Heritage Open Day/Exhibition will be on Saturday 17th June, 10am - 1pm, and will be about the 'Lost Businesses of Horwich'.
6 months ago we embarked on a research project to try to find out more about the industries, shops, farms and other enterprises that have operated in the town over the past 240 years of its existence and we will be unveiling our findings at this event.
Many readers will be aware that Horwich as a place hardly existed 240 years ago - it was just a small collection of farmsteads scattered across the moors - but over the years 3 major events have transformed the area into the busy town of 20,000 people it is today:
- 1. In 1777 John & Thomas Ridgway arrived from Bolton to set up their bleachworks at Wallsuches and in doing so laid the foundations of present day Horwich in the old village next to the Parish Church.
- 2. Just over 100 years later in 1884 the arrival of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Works transformed a 'sleepy village' of 3000 people into a bustling industrial town of 12,000 in just 10 years.
- 3. Moving on another 100 years and a major chapter in the town's history ended with the closure of the Loco Works. But within 10 years another one had opened with the building of the Middlebrook office & retail park and the Bolton Wanderers stadium - and Horwich was on the map again.
As a Society we have covered the histories of Wallsuches & the Loco Works quite extensively over the years, so we decided to focus on the stories of other businesses that have come and gone and left their mark on the town. It is difficult to imagine today that Horwich was predominantly an agricultural area until relatively recently with dozens of farms stretching from the slopes of Rivington to the Middlebrook valley all supplying meat and dairy products to a rapidly-growing population in the late C19th/early C20th. Many of these farms, like Ormston's and Hodgkinson Fold have origins going back to Elizabethan times whilst Sefton Fold Farm (demolished to make way for the Middlebrook development) was once a moated settlement dating from the C13th. And it was these humble abodes that gave birth to the early cotton spinning, weaving & bleaching activities particulary in the Wilderswood area in the C17th & C18th. Crowther Fold and Gorton Fold are credited as being the earliest of the area's water-powered textile 'mills' and these in turn gave way to bigger steam-driven mills at Wilderswood & Foxholes and then to the better known textile mills in Horwich itself: Albert Mill, Lee Mill, Telford Mill, Bee Hive Mill and the last to close in 2007, Victoria Mill.
Because of the plentiful water supply from the moorland streams, bleaching was always a popular local activity originally carried out to supplement the meagre farm incomes, but eventually the Ridgways, Longworths & Jolley & Jackson's turned it into a major industry in the town which lasted until the 1960s. And up on the moors, it was the discovery of coal & clay deposits that produced a thriving brick, pipe and sanitary ware industry run by companies like Andrew Peak, Mason's, Crankshaw's, & Pickup's alongside a substantial quarrying business that still continues today. Even on Red Moss, which is today a site of special scientific interest, companies laboured until quite recently to cut peat and dig coal.
The arrival of the Railway Works gave a massive boost to the local economy and hundreds of small shops and businesses sprang up almost overnight - but they were so very different to the ones we see on Lee Lane, Winter Hey Lane and Chorley Old & Chorley New Road today. Did you know that there used to be 17 butchers in Horwich and now there is only one (Greeley's) and most of them slaughtered their animals on the premises! In addition there were several smithies, wheelwrights, clog, boot & shoe makers and a whole variety of grocery, confectionary, clothing and fancy goods shops - the biggest of which was the mighty Horwich Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd. Today, it is difficult to imagine how powerful and all-embracing the Co-op was with its large multi-functional premises on Lee Lane and over a dozen branches around the town. Until its sharp decline in 1960s-70s, the Co-op was able to offer every facility 'from cradle to grave'.
Horwich Town Centre still retains much of the identity created when the Loco Works arrived over 130 years ago and we are all pleased to see so many shops, offices, restaurant & cafes continuing to operate in the town despite difficult modern trading conditions. All the town's present day businesses are standing on some remarkable shoulders when it comes to Horwich's rich & varied commercial past and long may they continue to uphold that tradition.
If you'd like to know more about any lost businesses in Horwich or share some of the stories of businesses where you worked, please come along to our Open Day/Exhibition at Horwich Heritage Centre on Sat. 7th June (10am - 1pm). Admission is free and the exhibition will continue for a month.
Horwich Co-op Central Premises, Lee Lane c.1930
Ferretti's ice cream cart in 1930s
Workers at Victoria Mill c.1960
Rose's Pork Butchers, Winter Hey Lane
Inside Cooke & Nuttall's Paper Mill
Wildersmoor miners 1960s
Open Day
Don't miss our first open day of the year on Saturday 11th March 10am - 1pm.
We will be celebrating a very special occasion: 10 years since we opened Horwich Heritage Centre. Admission is free, everyone welcome!
Christmas Entertainment
The entertainment for this year's Christmas 'special' on Tuesday 13th Dec. at Horwich Community Centre will be provided by 'Young Once' a comedy & music group who will have you 'rolling in the aisles'.
The event starts at 7.30pm, tickets (in advance) are £3 which also includes refreshments. There is a 100 limit so get your tickets as soon as possible from the Heritage Centre.Download Our 2017 Events Programme
Our 2017 programme has now been finalised, featuring our popular Open Days, Monthly Meetings and Joining Information.
You can download your own PDF copy by clicking here:
Horwich Heritage - Events Programme 2017
Horwich Heritage Annual Craft & Gift Fair
The Horwich Heritage Annual Craft & Gift Fair is on Sat. 5th Nov. 10am - 2pm at Horwich Community Centre, admission 50p.
Now in its 34th year, this is always a good event with lots of stalls with a difference, a raffle, tombola, pasty & peas and our themed exhibition which this year is 'Royal Occasions'.
Are you old enough to remember King George VI coming to Horwich in 1940 or Princess Anne opening Horwich Leisure Centre in 1975?
Did you manage to see the Queen on one of her 5 visits to Bolton?
Many people had street parties for her Silver, Golden & Diamond Jubilees and for her 90th birthday - have you any photos you could lend us for our exhibition?
Do come along to visit the Fair and help us to celebrate these Royal Occasions.
HORWICH HERITAGE ANNUAL TRIP
Saturday 17 September 2016 - South Lakes And Beautiful Leven Valley
The trip includes a return steam train journey from Haverthwaite Station with time to visit the Railway Museum before travelling to Lakeside, visit the pier and see the steamer arriving.
Travel by coach to Old Hall Edwardian Working Farm at Bouth for a themed event including a working steam crane and steam saw mill to view old style farming activities, horse-drawn vehicles and butter & ice cream making.
There is an excellent cafe at the station and a lovely tea room at the farm.
The coach will leave Horwich Resource Centre Beaumont Road at 8.45am with pickups on route. Arrive 10.30am at the station for the 11.50am steam train and return 12.30pm.
Leave for Bouth at 2.30pm, return home at 4.45pm, arriving back around 6.30pm. The cost of the Trip, Train and Farm is £23.00 per person.
Download our trip form:
- PDF Version: click here
- MS Word Version: click here
Horwich Locomotiv8ors Project
Horwich Heritage is pleased to have a close association with all the Primary & Secondary Schools in Horwich.
In particular it has for the past 4 years run a successful Schools Programme called 'Locomotiv8ors' in partnership with Bolton Playing for Success (Bpfs) which is supported by the Big Lottery Fund.
This enables every Primary School in Horwich & the surrounding area to bring pupils to our Heritage Centre to learn about the Locomotive history of the town in an imaginative & fun way.
HAVE YOU SEEN OUR LATEST EXHIBITION YET? - THE HISTORY OF EVERY CHURCH & SCHOOL IN HORWICH
Our latest exhibition entitled 'The History of Horwich Churches & Schools' opened on Sat. 13th August - the culmination of a year-long research project delving into the history of every church & school in the town.
If you haven't seen it yet please come along - it will be on display until the end of the year. This should be a must for anyone who attends a church or went to school in Horwich.
THE HISTORY OF CHURCHES & SCHOOLS IN HORWICH
On 9th March 2016, 'Looking Back' published an article by Horwich Heritage explaining how the Society had embarked on a major project to chronicle the history of every Church & School in Horwich.
Lots of interesting material has been collected during the past 6 months and the project is now moving towards its conclusion with an Open Day & Exhibition launch on Saturday 13th August 10am - 1pm at the Horwich Heritage Centre. The exhibition will then run for the next 3 months with opening hours 2 - 4pm on weekdays and 10am - 12.30pm on Saturdays.
WHY NOT CALL AT OUR SHOP FOR A GIFT WITH A DIFFERENCE?
Our new books "Horwich in the Great War" (£3), "The History of Horwich in 20 Objects" (£10), "A Horwich Boyhood in the 1940s & 50s" (£4), "Schoolboy Memories of WWII" (£2.50) will make an ideal gift. Or why not try our latest 30 years of Horwich Heritage (£3), Lord Leverhulme & WWI dvds (£5)?
A MEMBERSHIP FEE of just £10 gives free entry to the Society's monthly meetings (renewable in June). Non-members pay £2.00. Contact Betty Ainsworth on 694864. Entry to the Heritage Centre (open weekdays 2-4pm & Saturdays 10-12.30pm) is FREE.
SPEAKERS & EVENTS
All Talks Take Place At Horwich Community Centre
Tuesday 7.30pm
14th July
M. Watson / S. Westhead - Our Legendary Local Running Clubs
11th August
Frank Pleszak - Manchester Aviation Heritage
8th September
Diane Duffy - Elizabeth Gaskell & Manchester Poor
13th October
Steve Drinkwater - The Western Front Way Challenge
10th November
Norman Nuttall - Bolton Cinemas & Music Halls
8th December
Christmas Event - Horwich Community Choir
EXHIBITIONS
June – Aug 2026
Rivington Pike
Sept – Nov 2026
20 Years of Horwich Heritage Centre
Nov 2026 - Feb 2027
The Mechanics Institute
All Open Days Are
ADMISSION FREE
MEMBERSHIPS
Membership: £15 per annum
Non-Members/Visitors: £2 per meeting
CONTACTS
General Enquiries: 01204 847797
Membership: 07789 367677
Family History: 07784 737660
WHY NOT JOIN US IN OUR 41st YEAR?
This year's programme is turning out to be another good one and the leaflet with the list of speakers & Open Days for the first half of 2025 is now available from the Heritage Centre. Please renew your membership now. If you are not a member why not join? Only £15 for 11 talks.
HORWICH HERITAGE CENTRE is open every weekday 2- 4pm & Saturdays 10 - 12.30pm. It has a shop, shows and sells films about Horwich and has a range of professional exhibitions and displays to delight all the family. Help is also available for family history and other research. ADMISSION IS FREE!
The monthly OPEN DAYS provide additional exhibitions on topics of local interest. SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS currently running include: Horwich Loco Works, A Victorian Kitchen, The Way We Were, World War II, Winter Hill Mines & the Turnpike Roads. School Parties and other groups welcome.
