Burnley, Padiham, Brierfield, Barrowford and Nelson are packed with heritage where pride in the past and faith in the future are combining to deliver a confident present. We meet some of the 83 area’s most interesting people and present our 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 guide.
Once known as the Cotton Workshop of the World, many East Lancashire towns – such as Burnley, Padiham, Brierfield, Barrowford and Nelson – remain hugely proud of their history and heritage. There are designated Conservation Areas within them and many grand buildings, built on the wealth of cotton, are maintained or sensitively re-purposed. Queen Street Textile Museum and The Weavers’ Triangle offer a glimpse into this industrial past. Several businesses – from solicitors to manufacturers – can trace their beginnings back to Victorian times and are still thriving.
There are also new industries: a 37 acre engineering and aerospace hub in Burnley, contributes billions to the economy and smaller businesses and creatives flourish too. Explore Barrowford and the newly re-furbished Padiham to find plenty of examples: stained glass workshops, designer florists and galleries sit next to bespoke cake studios, gift shops and doggy bakeries. For the fashion conscious, there are many boutiques: David Beckham has been said to enjoy browsing in Barrowford.
A growing number of families choose to make their home here and there is a range of housing from historic homes and older terraces to apartments and executive housing. Several schools are rated outstanding and Burnley College has more accolades than a mortar board could hold; including being named as England’s Top College in the National League Tables.
Green spaces abound, from hills to pretty villages such as Worsthorne. The Burnley Way covers 40 miles but it is, helpfully, split into six chunks. The Leeds Liverpool canal is pleasant to wander along too and Burnley’s Wayside Art Trail is worth completing. Guided themed walks take place from various starting points throughout the summer: including a Wildflower Walk in Padiham on July 31. There are heaps of designated cycle tracks for urban or rural cycling and The Mary Towneley Loop of the Pennine Bridleway skirts around Burnley. There are also several equestrian centres in the area.
Don’t overlook the historic parks. Towneley Hall has tremendous parklands although the Hall is undergoing renovations, so do check their website for details. Thompson Park in Burnley has an idyllic boating lake – perfect for summer – and music can be heard in the Queen’s Park bandstand.
Upcoming events include the Nelson Festival of Culture on June 29, with music, food, arts and funfair rides. In September, return for their Food Festival and, the same month, visit Burnley’s Vintage and Performance Car Show. Padiham hosts a 1940s themed weekend on June 29 and 30 with a food quarter, vintage stalls, military vehicles and, naturally, an Anderson shelter.
Home is where the horse is
HAPPA is celebrating its golden anniversary this year. Based on Shores Hey Farm at Briercliffe they provide a safe shelter for abused and neglected horses.
‘We can house 85 horses and aim to re-home all, give them a second chance-but they always remain a HAPPA horse. We take donkeys too,’ says Sarah Arthur, chief executive officer.
Sarah and her team can’t imagine doing anything else.
‘It can be harrowing but we have a 100 per cent success rate in getting horses back on their hooves. Bertie now competes at international shows but he was starving and dog bitten. We gave him 24-hour care until, one morning, we went in and he was waiting with his head over the stable door. There were tears.
‘Rose came in with a group who had been terribly neglected but they all thrived and Rose is now our sweetheart – she loves visitors,’ says Rachel Wallace, equine and re-homing manager.
20,000 visitors and their dogs visit annually to enjoy hands on experiences and to meet the horses. Throughout summer, there will be lots of activities including an Own a Pony for a Day. The newly re-furbished cafe opens on July 19 and September sees a Fun Day and the opening of a museum.
‘We rely on support: personal or corporate sponsorship, a gift in a will, or just simply buying a cup of coffee. We also sell second-hand equine equipment,’ says Sarah who also runs an education programme.
‘Long term, that’s the way to reduce neglect and cruelty but in the meantime, we’re here to stay.’
Wheelie good bags
David Chadwick is the current custodian of Nelson based Carradice bags, where a range of hand-crafted bicycle bags have been made since 1932.
‘As a child, I was given the job of sweeping up and, more embarrassingly, modelling the bags but, yes, I have forced my children to do it,’ says David.
All the bags are hand made from start to finish and David tests all the prototypes on test rides.
‘We don’t have a production line. Everyone is trained to make every aspect of the bag and, when finished, they proudly sign their name on it,’ says David who sometimes finds himself welcoming people who want to meet the person who made their bag.
‘The heritage aspect has become really important to people over the years: the fact that we are still in Nelson – a cotton town – making bags by hand and we’re never going to move,’ says David who sells about 30,000 bags annually throughout the UK, Europe, North America and Japan.
‘We have a fan club: customers send us pictures of their bags in places like the Sahara Desert. Lord Linley was pictured on a magazine cover with a Carradice and Chris Boardman has said you can’t go wrong with one,’ says David who has won a Queen’s Award for Industry and who is proud that sometimes bags that are older than him come in for repair.
‘They’re often handed down and the recipient would rather have a repair and keep a bit of family history than buy a new one.’
Art of the community
Founded in 2012, In-Situ, based in Brierfield runs art-based and community events in Brierfield and Nelson by working with artists and communities.
‘We want art to be part of everyday life, as well as contributing to society. We run two weekly youth groups but we are also very much out and about. A recent project involved going out and talking to young people about what they would like to do with their futures. We helped them to make a great film and many discovered sketching and animation skills that they didn’t know they had,’ says Zoya Bhatti, engagement and participation executive.
Women are also encouraged to engage. Hillo Hub organises group activities such as walking or cycling together, as well as artistic activities and a Gup Shup cinema event, screened every second Thursday of the month.
‘It’s a really good way of reaching out and, of course, it’s a lot of fun too,’ says Zoya.
Next time, you see a lit up table round table in the area, don’t run away – it’s not a space ship – it’s an initiative by artist collective, The People Speak, that encourages people to sit down and simply talk, share thoughts and listen to others, to come together in a safe space.
So successful has In-Situ been at they are now Arts Council Funded and have been honoured by being declared a National Portfolio Organisation.
THINGS TO DO
Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford
This lovely building tells the story of the surrounding area, including that of the Pendle Witches and George Fox whose Pendle Hill vision inspired the Quaker movement. There is a delightful tearoom, overlooking a pretty 18th century walled garden. From here, you can explore Bluebell Wood, taking in the restored Cruck Barn.
Burnley Mechanics Theatre, Burnley
The Grade II starred building is home to an impressive stage and state of the art technical facilities, The 1855 Bistro and Bar offers a good lunch and pre-theatre menu. There is always a varied programme: The UK Rockshow perform on July 5 and the following night, it’s The Lancashire Hotpots.
Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham
A National Trust Jacobean property, surrounded by formal gardens and 40 acres of woodland, including a natural outdoor play area. The Hall has a portrait collection and there are plenty of family-friendly activities. July 13 and 14 sees re-enactments of Jacobean life. The textile collection is being refurbished, so check the website for updates.
Prairie Sports Village, Burnley
A £2.5 million facility, offering a range of activities, including the region’s only purpose-built Top Tracer Range. It also has a professional golf academy, mini golf course, a short game practice area and two FA approved 3G football pitches. Relax afterwards in the 1955 Bistro and Bar, enjoying views over Pendle Hill.
PLACES TO STAY
Crow Wood Hotel & Spa
Set within 40 acres that feature an ornamental lake, beautiful gardens and super views, this luxury hotel has 76 rooms and suites, all designed to a high standard. There is also a multi award winning woodland spa and the sophisticated Wilfred’s restaurant, cocktail and wine bar is a delightful place to dine.
Lawrence Hotel, Padiham
A Grade II listed boutique hotel. The luxurious rooms, all with rainfall showers, include a suite, a cottage and family rooms. A house therapist provides in-room treatments and meals can be taken in The Courtyard restaurant. Dogs are welcome – it was voted Lancashire’s Most Dog Friendly Hotel.
Hurstwood Hall Guest House, Burnley
Situated in the lovely hamlet of Hurstwood, this award-winning establishment is housed in a glorious Grade Two star historic building. The rooms are spacious and unique, with king size beds and top of the range linen. Breakfast is served in the delightful drawing room.
