Burnley's Visitor Magazine 2013

BURNLEY VISITOR MAGAZINE

ISSUE 13

FLOATING

ALONG

EXPERIENCE LIFE ON THE CANAL

SECRET GARDEN www.visitburnley.com

NATURE’S WONDERLAND PERFECT LOCATION FOR YOUR

WEDDING

26

42

22 70 80

13

Content News 4 What’s On Secret Garden

8 13

A walled paradise full of mystery and yurts

The Downton Effect

22

Victorian Christmas

24

Perfect Day - Perfect Location

26

Make your wedding day memorable at Towneley Hall

Fabric of Life British style made here in Burnley

40

Floating Along

42

Travel in style along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Love your outdoors Surf’s Up The Brontë’s Pennines Cache me if you can Travels round Towneley

54 56 59 60

Relax, escape, unwind

62

Treat yourself at the Woodland Spa

Food News

64

Bellissimo 66 Burnley’s newest restaurant, lounge and bar - Nino’s

66

Cover Image

Claudia Maybury, shot by John Cubillan Stylist Carrie-Ann Kay Make-up by Abbie Glover

40

Jacqueline Whitaker Editor & senior copy writer

MJ Hindman Art director, senior designer

Copy Joanne Etherington Blackburn Copy writer - Paul Barlow Copy writer - Claire Smyth Copy writer - Richard Greenwood Copy writer -

Copy writer - Amy

Photography Lead Photographer - John

Cubillan www.johncubillan.com

Additional Photography - Nick

Harrison, Andy Ford, Karen Wright Photography, Gary Smales, Paul Barlow, Claire Smyth and Graham Gavaghan

Fashion Stylist - Carrie-Ann Kay Stylist - Claudie Duckworth Stylist -

54 Kids

Nature’s Wonderland

Ava Rose Hamilton - Bridal Couture Make-up Artist - Abbie Glover Make-up Artist - Huma MUA Hair Stylist - Holly Trickett

Models Claudia Maybury, Katy Ramsey, Sophie Condliffe, Rebecca Cordell, Jordan Kay, Erin Scott, Caroline Nutter, Amy Dixon, Sidrah Ali, Joshua James Appleby, Anike Ditchfield

Thanks to:

70

Offshoots Permaculture Project, Gawthorpe Hall, Towneley Hall, Ava Rose Hamilton - Bridal Couture, Precious Metals, Going Dutch, Dream Cakes by Kathy, Hapton Valley Canal Cruises, Rossendale Valley Sailing Club, Crow Wood and Woodland Spa, Nino’s, Its My Party, Outdoor Elements, ARTisan Vintage Boutique, British Velvet, John Spencer Textiles, For Goodness Cake

Burnley is perfect for childhood imagination

News 76 It’s my party

78

The perfect party venue for princesses and pirates

EPIC - Outdoor Elements

80

Graphics and Communications © Burnley Council 2013.

01282 477197. Jb_7337. creative-council.net

Editor We can all say that 2012 was a truly memorable year for Britain with the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics providing an amazing feel good factor. In Burnley we were thrilled to receive a visit from Her Majesty The Queen and to have the Olympic Torch Relay journey through the town on its way to the Olympic Stadium, the crowds hit the streets in their thousands for both occasions to cheer and celebrate these great events.

To keep the feel good factor going in 2013 we have pulled together some great ideas to encourage you to look at Burnley in a new light, enjoy its attractions, get out and about in the countryside and challenge yourself to do something new and exciting. We know this year will be just as good as 2012.

People are passionate about their gardens, working on an allotment or even guerrilla gardening, it can provide you with the food you eat, scent your home or just make the area more attractive. For this edition we visited Offshoots an amazing organic garden in the grounds of Towneley Park, the brilliant team who work there have not only developed the site using permaculture techniques but are involved in various programmes to make our world a better place, whether it’s cultivating and planting cotton grass on the moors, growing saplings for the Forest of Burnley or helping our indigenous bees to thrive.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and you want it to be perfect, well, there are some places where perfection is easier to come by. Take a look at our wedding article on Towneley Hall and see for yourself how this stunning historic house provides the quintessential venue for your marriage. Whether you want an intimate affair with the marriage ceremony and wedding breakfast in the Regency Rooms or a more lavish event with a marquee on the lawn this glorious place is just perfect.

Her Majesty comes to town Burnley’s past, present and future were revealed to its Royal visitors as Her Majesty The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales toured the town as part of the nationwide Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

From their arrival at Manchester Road railway station to their departure from Turf Moor, home of Burnley Football Club, they saw a series of projects at the heart of the town’s multi-million pound regeneration that will help change the face of the town.

Hundreds of people lined the streets of the town centre to greet the Royals as they travelled between locations, on a day that will go down in the town’s history.

We all need to take some time to relax, to slow down and take a break and what better way to do this than by hiring a boat and floating along the canal enjoying the views and chilling out. We did just this over the summer and explored our stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, it was fascinating, there is so much to do and see all along the towpath, take a look at the article on page 42 we hope it will encourage you to discover and use this amazing waterway through the heart of the town.

We haven’t forgotten the kids either, during the holidays we took some lucky children out and about to see for themselves how much there is to do in Burnley. Whether it’s adventures in the parks and countryside where their imagination will take them to magical places or having a go on the real life adventure playground at Outdoor Elements.

Their enthusiasm was exhilarating, it made you long to be a child again and they all enjoyed their experiences which you can read about in Burnley Kids from page 70.

Please keep feeding back your views on the guide, we love to hear from you, so log on to www.visitburnley.com.

Jacqueline

Olympic Torch The Olympic Torch Relay passed through Burnley on its way to opening London 2012.

This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for residents of Burnley and the surrounding area to see the Olympic Torch being carried through the town by inspirational torchbearers.

The action-packed day involved many members of the community who all welcomed the Torch along the way.

4

Urban River Enhancement Burnley’s two rivers, the River Calder and the River Brun meet in the centre of the town where they are funnelled through cobbled channels built during the 19th century. The Urban River Enhancement Scheme run by the Ribble Rivers Trust is aiming to redesign the channels to improve the river so that pools and resting places for fish can be constructed. This will help the uniform and fast flowing cobbled river beds to become more naturalised and provide increased habitat for wildlife such as kingfishers and otters.

Work has already been carried out to install the double fish and eel pass at the confluence of the rivers and now Salmon can, theoretically, reach the source of the River Calder to spawn. They have also installed a fish easement on the weir at Thompson Park which is used to control the levels of water in the boating lake. A series of smaller weirs or steps in front of the main weir itself help to reduce the energy fish expend on passing through this barrier, leaving them with more vigour to spawn in suitable gravel beds upstream where the conditions are right for their eggs and young fry to survive and grow.

The NEXT Big Thing National fashion retailer NEXT has committed to Burnley Town Centre for the next 15 years by moving into a much bigger and better store on Curzon Street by the side of Marks and Spencer.

The new 20,000 square foot store now offers customers a wider range of quality fashion with women’s and children’s clothing down stairs plus men’s and a new NEXT HOME on the top floor.

Rediscover Padiham Regenerate, Reanimate, Re-educate Work on the new 800-student University Technical College in the Weavers’ Triangle is progressing rapidly, with the first intake of students due to be on campus by Autumn 2013. The transformation of the Grade ll listed Victoria Mill, the adjacent weaving shed and engine house into a state of the art educational complex will have a real impact on the whole of the area with improvements to the public spaces, the canal towpath, the canal itself and to Sandygate Square.

Whenever possible the existing fabric of the Weavers’ Triangle conservation area will be utilised into the scheme with the only new construction being a multi-functional sports complex that cannot be accommodated within the original buildings. This new space will be built with materials that blend in with the existing buildings while creating a simple box like structure which will act as the hub of the college. The new glazed walkways and improved pedestrian flows around the area will encourage not only students but visitors to enjoy the campus, the Weavers’ Triangle and the canalside.

With work continuing in other parts of the Weavers’ Triangle over the next few years to turn the area into an amazing place to live, work, relax and play this is quickly becoming the beating heart of the town once more.

5

Why not take the time to rediscover Padiham? This picturesque market town is beginning to get a reputation for independent local stores offering the personal touch whether you want a flower arrangement to brighten up your home or a nice piece of meat from the local butcher. With more new businesses opening up in the coming year the town centre is going from strength to strength.

To discover more about Padiham you could take a walk around the town centre conservation area with its forgotten alleyways and hidden corners which reveal Padiham’s past as a market town for the whole of Pendleside. Catch a guided walk led by a local expert to find out more about Padiham’s history and heritage or call in at the Padiham Archive Rooms in the town hall to see the fascinating history of this proud town. Then don’t forget to pop into one of the cafes dotted along the high street to finish off your walk with a tasty treat.

Miss Rachel’s Library Previously only open by special arrangement, this year there will be a rare chance to enjoy the Victorian Library at Gawthorpe Hall which houses Miss Rachel Kay Shuttleworth’s textile book collection. The library will be open to visitors one day each month during the season when special textile demonstrations will also be taking place and guides will be on hand to explain its significance. www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums

Lancashire Day On the 27 November the whole county will be commemorating Lancashire Day, the day when the Red Rose will be worn with pride. Where better to join in the fun than at Queen Street Mill Textile Museum where all things Lancashire will be celebrated at this traditional Lancashire cotton mill.

From help and advice on researching your family’s history to uncovering local heritage facts about Burnley and Briercliffe there will be experts on hand to tell you all you need to know. Tasty, traditional Lancashire meals and treats will be on offer in the cafe including Hot Pot, delicious Lancashire Cheese and biscuits and sweet and sticky Parkin. In the gift shop their steam woven Lancashire made textile range, Simply Textiles, will be on sale together with Stockley’s Sweets and Fitzpatrick’s cordials. The engine will also be in full steam and weaving demonstrations will take place throughout the afternoon. www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums th

Feast of Flowers A highlight of 2013 will undoubtedly be a visit by the North West area of NAFAS who will be hosting their spring flower show at Towneley Hall on the 11th & 12th May. This prestigious event will showcase the best flower arrangers from across the North West, so look out for a real treat when the Great Hall and Regency rooms will be decked out in beautiful arrangements of spring flowers – the smell alone will be amazing!

Treasures at Towneley - a Royal Connection Starting on the 19th October 2013 a very special exhibition is coming to Towneley Hall. The Treasures of Towneley will be showcasing four watercolour paintings

by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Burnley is thrilled to be able to bring visitors the chance to see Prince Charles’ artwork which will be on show in the galleries together with some of the finest pieces in the collections of Towneley Hall, the Haworth Gallery and Blackburn Museum.

Antiques Roadshow at Towneley

Camera Obscura Flicker is a new art installation by British artist Catherine Bertola which can be seen throughout the 2013 season at Gawthorpe Hall. Inspired by the hall’s 400 year history the artwork will provide visitors with an alternative way of looking at the historic rooms. Based on the camera obscura, which were all the rage in Victorian England, visitors will be able to look into the lens to see the hall as it used to look but with a contemporary twist – the black and white Edwardian photographs of the rooms at Gawthorpe will be enlivened by figures from today.

Intrigued? Well come along and see for yourself, it could very well change your views about historic rooms and get you thinking about different ways of seeing things. A programme of events will be running alongside the exhibition for visitors to get involved in. Flicker is the final part of the Contemporary Heritage Project run by Mid Pennine Arts across Pennine Lancashire. www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums and www.gawthorpetextiles.org.uk 6

For the first time in its history the Antiques Roadshow will be coming to Burnley when the BBC bring their outside broadcast unit to film at Towneley Hall on Thursday 27th June 2013. So if you have always wondered if grandma’s vase on the mantelpiece is worth a few pounds or if uncle Henry’s painting is really a Turner then bring your treasures along and join the queues to get a valuation from the experts. Please be prepared to wait, bring an umbrella and comfortable shoes and plan in advance if you want to bring a large item of furniture with you for valuation. For more details see www.bbc.co.uk/programmes.

Adventure on your doorstep

‘A broadening wedge of green space that opens up from the centre of Burnley right out onto the Pennine moors’ – this is the Brun Valley Forest Park.

By linking up open land, woodland and canal paths, there will be a direct route from the centre of town to open countryside. The new park adds to Burnley’s countryside offer, meaning that we now have some of the best terrain for family activities and outdoor pursuits in the North West.

Over £100,000 of funding has been secured to develop an ambitious outdoor sports centre in the park, which when complete will create outstanding sporting opportunities for visitors.

With plans to be up and running as early as June 2013, this fantastic project will see groups such as British Orienteering and UK Athletics working with the Council’s Sports Development team to develop activities within the park.

Equine Education Improving the facilities at HAPPA to give the horses, ponies and donkeys the best life they can have has taken a step forward with the opening of the fantastic new indoor arena. This along with the equine solarium and shower facility in the Alexander Reid building is giving the rescued animals additional help with their recovery and aiding their chances of being rehomed. The indoor area allows the staff to school the equines that are most suited for going out on loan in a safe and dry environment out of the worst of the Pennine weather.

Look out for details of events in the arena aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of all horse owners.

These and other events at HAPPA can be found on www.happa.org.uk.

Art in the Park Pedal Power Take advantage of the longer days and join Active Spaces on their guided cycle rides around Burnley, you can bring your own bike or hire one for the duration of the ride. The rides all start and finish at Offshoots in Towneley Park and take advantage of both the safe and secure routes around the park and the easy access provided from there to other routes including the Mary Towneley Loop and the Brun Valley Greenway. You can choose from early morning rides or triking on Wednesdays throughout the year or evening rides which take place from April to September. So if you haven’t been on a bike for a while, if you want to gain some confidence or if you just want to cycle with other people then give Active Spaces a call on 01282 265163.

Burnley 10K race

Burnley is the next route to be added to the popular Jane Tomlinson Pennine Lancashire 10K race series.

The run, taking place on Sunday June 2nd 2013, is expected to sell out in record time, and follows a beautifully scenic route through some of Burnley’s Green Flag parks, and the newly created Brun Valley forest park.

Show your support and sign up, or come along and cheer on our runners.

Burnley is the fourth in the 10K series, which includes York, Leeds and Hull.

It is hoped that Burnley will be an annual event for the Jane Tomlinson – and what better way to show off our fabulous countryside. www.forallevents.co.uk/runfor-all/events/pennine-10k/ 7

The Padiham Greenway was a former railway line which once divided the community, it has recently been transformed into the area’s newest linear park and multi-user path. Mid-Pennine Arts working with local schools and volunteers commissioned artists to work on projects which can be seen as you walk or cycle through the park. White Lightning by John Merrill, situated close to where the old power station used to be is a striking sculpture which refers to the power station and the coal that was hauled along the railway to supply it.

The Miner’s Bench by Tim Norris made from locally sourced wood and stone from the old collapsed railway banking wall where it nestles giving wonderful views over the moors, was built to commemorate the mining industry in the area including the Hapton Valley Pit disaster in 1962, it provides a place to sit and think as you wander through the park. www.midpenninearts.org.uk

Doc Redeye Events Ltd & Burnley Council present

WHAT’S

3rd - 5th May 2013

ON

2013 sees the 25th Anniversary of the Burnley International Rock & Blues Festival, taking place from 3rd - 5th May. This special anniversary festival includes top acts from America as well as British Blues Artists from across the country. Headline performers include Southside Johnny, Paul Jones, Wishbone Ash, The Zombies and Mike Sanchez who featured in the first festival in 1988.

2013

TH

25

Concerts and crafts, exhibitions and events, festivals and fireworks, re-enactors and running, plays and paintings, sculptures and singing, walking and wildlife. Phew!

ry

sa er

www.visitburnley.com

iv n an

There is so much to do all year round, to find out more about events in Burnley during 2013 visit

The annual season of Brass Band Concerts takes place in our award winning parks every weekend in June.

For more details www.burnleyrockandblues.com

Sandygate Square, Weavers’ Triangle

Attracting both local and nationally known bands, This year’s Championship Brass concert features the Besses o’ th’ Barn Band.

So pull up a deck chair and join the brass band fans to enjoy an afternoon of traditional northern brass band music.

Centred around the Weavers’ Triangle the Burnley Canal Festival brings a riot of colourful boats to moor along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

With lots of fun for all ages including boat trips and guided tours, stalls and games, not forgetting live music and a fabulous boat glow this fun family event is a great end to the summer season.

13th - 15th September 2013 For more info contact Emma Bartlet on 07917 068 325 or email emma.bartlet@thewaterwaystrust.co.uk /burnleycanal

@burnleycanal

Burnley Sunday 2nd June 2013

4th-12th May The fifth Burnley Walking Festival takes place from the 4th -12th May with over 20 free, expert led guided walks from gentle rambles to the Burnley Way Challenge taking place over the nine day festival. Come along and explore this beautiful part of the South Pennines and discover rugged moorland, ancient woodland, history and heritage.

Get ready to pull on your running shoes - the popular Jane Tomlinson Pennine Lancashire 10K is back, and this time, it’s coming to Burnley.

Returning after a two year break, this new route will start and finish in the town centre, right in front of the Burnley Mechanics Theatre.

The course takes in Thompson Park, the stunning grounds of Towneley Hall and goes past Burnley FC’s Turf Moor stadium.

www.runforall.com

Towneley Heritage & Woodland Day

Over four days in September, Burnley takes part in the biggest free celebration of England’s history, heritage and architecture.

With over 35 different openings, guided tours and events taking place over this long weekend there is sure to be something new to discover.

Could it be a tour of Moorhouses Brewery, a chance to go to the top of the bell tower in St. Peter’s Church or a walk with the goblins in Briercliffe?

12th - 15th September 2013

Sunday 15th September 2013

History and heritage, wildlife and nature come together on a very special day. Enjoy the Sealed Knot at skirmish and guided tours of Towneley Hall with characters from the past, watch woodcarvers and willow weavers in action, see the beautiful owls and hawks and learn how to make bird boxes, then join in the ghost walk or take in the craft fair or farmers market.

WHAT’S

ON

2013 NAFAS

Flower Show 11th & 13th May

Towneley Hall

29th & 31st March & 1st April Queen Street Mill

Great Easter Treasure Hunt

MAY DAY FEST IVAL 6th May - Towneley Park

26th May

Victorian Magic Lantern Show 16th May Gawthorpe Hall

HAPPA Open Day

Ightenhill Festival Ightenhill Park

Agatha Christie and

Art Deco 18th June - Gawthorpe Hall

2nd June - HAPPA, Shores Hey Farm

16th June - Towneley Park

10th- 15th July

Classic Car Show 30th June - Towneley Park

Rock Concert 6th July - Scott Park 10

Burnley Wakes Weeks Fun Fair

Fulledge Recreation Ground

3rd August

13th & 14th July

Towneley Park

Concert

Weavers’ Triangle Edwardian Wakes Day Guided Walk Queen Street Mill

9th September

Last of the

17

th

Century Weekend

British Alabaster GawthorpeHall

Towneley Hall 5th November

Community Bonfire k ar P y nele

Tow

9th & 11th December

25th August

Goulish Goblins & Other Tales 25th October

20th – 21st September HAPPA, Shores Hey Farm 24th November

Christmas Craft Fair Towneley Hall

1st December

Blessing of the Animals HAPPA, Shores Hey Farm

14th – 15th December Concerts and crafts, exhibitions and events, festivals and fireworks, re-enactors and running, plays and paintings, sculptures and singing, walking and wildlife. Phew!

Carols at Towneley Hall

There is so much to do all year round, to find out more about these and other events in Burnley during 2013 visit

Victorian Christmas Gawthorpe Hall 11

www.visitburnley.com

Pennine Lancashire Museums are packed full of weird and wonderful collections and stories.

See a tiger and a python fighting at Rossendale Museum, find the Boggart and Bill the Bear at Towneley Hall and experience life as a mill worker at Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, the last surviving steam powered mill in the world.

Beautiful, shocking, mysterious, bizarre and heart-warming tales and artefacts create a colourful backdrop to a great day out with friends and family (including lots to keep your own cheeky monkeys happy!).

Discover the wonders of Pennine Lancashire Museums

wonderful-things.org.uk Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery • Gawthorpe Textiles Collection Haworth Art Gallery • Helmshore Mills Textile Museum Queen Street Mill Textile Museum Rossendale Museum • Towneley Hall

17th Century Japanese ivory monkey at Towneley Hall

MONKEY BUSINESS

Outfit: ARTisan Vintage Boutique Stylist: Claudie Duckworth Photography: John Cubillan Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Erin Scott

T E R SEC N E D R GA J

ust like the Secret Garden in Frances Hodgson Burnett’s charming children’s book, Offshoots is hidden behind a high wall, in this case in the old kitchen garden of Towneley Hall. But once you discover this secret place you will find a fabulous organic garden full of herbs, fruit, vegetables and flowers.

13

At Offshoots a self-sustaining garden has been created using examples of permaculture techniques.

As you wander around you will see how the neglected garden has been reclaimed to grow crops which are sold in the local area, discover how waste water is filtered through the reed beds to flow into the pond which attracts rare species of insects and find out about the eco buildings on site which are installed with wind and solar power.

You will have the chance to see some of the quirky sculptures carved from fallen trees and to take a look inside a Mongolian Yurt, you may even be there on a day when the cob oven is being used to bake bread or pizza. And on a walk through the sensory garden not only can you smell the plants but you are encouraged to touch them and to listen to the different sounds they make as you pass by or as the wind blows through them.

Tree Nursery

Since 1998 Offshoots has been growing trees both on site at Towneley and off site on land nearby where the maturing trees can develop. Over the years these locally grown, organic native and exotic trees have been used in landscape projects across the region and will soon be available to buy online for your own projects. Many of the first trees grown here are now part of over one million trees that have been planted as part of the Forest of Burnley. On a walk through the woods in Towneley Park you are bound to find many new trees that started out in a plant pot at Offshoots and are now ensuring our woodlands continue to thrive.

Outfit: ARTisan Vintage Boutique Stylist: Claudie Duckworth Photography: John Cubillan Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Sophie Conliffe 14

Watershed Landscape

The Watershed Landscape Project is a 3-year programme to enhance and conserve the South Pennine Landscape and its heritage whilst improving access for all.

Worsthorne Moor, to the east of Burnley is one of the largest water gathering areas in the South Pennines. As part of the Watershed Landscape Project, a programme of moorland management and restoration, work is taking place with Offshoots to propagate cotton grass plugs which can then be planted at specific sites on the moors.

Cotton grass can be seen blowing in the wind all across our moors, it is one of the key species of the South Pennine uplands as, once established, it stabilises the peat-land surface therefore helping to prevent further erosion.

Working on behalf of United Utilities who own the moor, Offshoots are collecting the cotton grass seeds from specific sites and then germinating them in the poly tunnels, the plugs will then be taken care of by volunteers before being planted across the moorland the following season with the help of school and community groups.

Other moorland plants such as bilberry and crowberry, though more complicated to propagate, present an exciting challenge for Offshoots who are also aiming to help to re-establish these plants on the South Pennine uplands as well.

The Yurt Factory

Burnley might not be known for nomadic yak farming but if you have a desire to sleep under canvas then Offshoots has developed an unusual line in tented accommodation. The Mongolian Yurt – a portable bentwood framed dwelling used by nomads in the Steppes of Central Asia. Glen Roberts, Offshoots resident bodger has used his skills to produce Yurts made from Lancashire timber and top quality locally sourced Cordura - just the thing for camping holidays or festivals.

Wild Things Let your kids get back to nature and discover all about digging and planting, creepy crawlies and fascinating fungi. Fun activities and games allow children to absorb lots of information while having a great time; they could be making bird nesting stations, pond dipping, exploring the woodlands, scarecrow making or making a mini-beast hotel. The Wild Things Kids Club is open to all children from 4 – 14 (under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult), it takes place whatever the weather, so kit them out in their wellies and bring them along to learn all about the wild things in life.

15

Outfit: ARTisan Vintage Boutique Stylist: Claudie Duckworth Photography: John Cubillan Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Sophie Condliffe and Rebecca Cordell

Bach Flower Remedy Garden Bach Flower Remedies were developed by Dr Edward Bach, an English bacteriologist, pathologist and homeopath in the 1930s. He believed that a plant’s healing properties could be found in the dew on their petals, the remedies contain very small amounts of flower material which is diluted in a 50:50 solution of brandy and water.

The Bach Flower Remedy garden at Offshoots grows all 38 of the natural remedies, which are made from trees, wildflowers and a few cultivated plants. It is believed to be the world’s first garden to grow all the remedies on one site.

If you want to know more then look out for the workshops where you can make your own Bach Flower Remedies and discover which remedies are said to help with specific problems from anxiety and anger to stress and insomnia.

16

Outfit: ARTisan Vintage Boutique Stylist: Claudie Duckworth Photography: John Cubillan Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Sophie Condliffe, Rebecca Cordell and Erin Scott

Get Involved

If you are inspired to embrace the permaculture ethos and want to know more, then Offshoots runs lots of training courses and workshops throughout the year including courses on beekeeping, bodging, dry stone walling, willow weaving and woodcarving. You can attend as an individual or come as a group, either way you will leave having learnt a new skill to transfer to your everyday life.

Opening Times

10am - 4pm Mon – Fri and first Sat of the month. Entry is free.

Guided tours of the site can be organised (subject to availability) for a small charge and should be booked through the office in advance. The tours can be arranged to include an activity such as propagation, container gardening or eco construction.

For more information contact Offshoots on 01282 450270 or visit www.offshoots.org.uk 17

BEE HERE NOW

Y

ou can’t have failed to hear about the problems faced by the bee population, the dire warnings that they are dying out and how bad the consequences would be for all of us if that happened - no bees, no humans. Well Burnley’s Offshoots Permaculture Centre has come out fighting for the future of the bee, in particular the indigenous black honey bee.

The bee is an emblem of hard work and tenacity and it is used as a symbol across Burnley, on the coat of arms, engraved onto buildings and as the logo of the local radio station. It is even the mascot for the Clarets with Bertie Bee attracting huge cheers from the terraces.

The Bees in the Borough project aims to increase the number of native black bees in Burnley and the surrounding area. The black honey bee (Apis Mellifera Mellifera) is more at home in our damp climate than some bees and because Burnley sits in a hollow surrounded by hills and high moorland the native bee population is isolated and is less likely to be infiltrated by other bee species.

From the hives in the walled garden the project aims to raise awareness of the plight of bees in general, establish a thriving population of native honey bees, train people in the art of beekeeping, create nucleus colonies of honey bees for local people and establish a nursery production of bee forage plants.

The beekeeping courses and workshops are so popular there is a waiting list, but if you are at all interested put your name down they are fascinating. Experts teach you all aspects of beekeeping including the history of the bee, how to get started, swarm control and queen rearing. The hands on practical sessions allow you to work with the bees under supervision to give you the confidence to deal with these amazing creatures.

Over the last few years wildlife meadows have been planted across Burnley to attract bees and other insects and many of the hedgerows have been allowed to grow as they used to rather than being trimmed into shape. The buzz of the bees as they fly around these meadows bring them to life, they pollinate the flowers and return to the hives with the life giving nectar providing food for the colony and honey for tea.

18

Outfit: ARTisan Vintage Boutique Stylist: Claudie Duckworth Photography: John Cubillan Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Sophie Condliffe, Rebecca Cordell and Erin Scott 19

Downton Effect the

20

by Joanne Etherington

T

he fascination and popularity of period dramas like “Downton Abbey”, “Cranford” and “The Paradise” means more people than ever are visiting places like Burnley’s imposing Gawthorpe Hall to experience and admire the fantastic interiors, furniture and portraits, and overall to get a real feel of what life was like living in these grand houses.

Due in part to the Downton effect, the National Trust-owned Gawthorpe Hall’s vistors figures have increased from 17,500 visitors to 26,000 a year.

With fans of the smash hit television drama flocking to Burnley to see the town’s very own mini Downton.

The historic Gawthorpe Hall can stake a real life claim to the title as it was re-designed by Sir Charles Barry, the renowned architect who also helped to design the real life Downton Abbey which is Highclere Castle, Berkshire.

Hall Manager, Rachel Pollitt said: “There’s no doubt people are more interested than ever in what life was like in these grand houses.

Whenever we hold a costumed event our visitor numbers increase greatly.

We hear visitors say Gawthorpe is like a mini Downton, which it is.

“There is a strong connection between Gawthorpe and Highclere.

The Hall was built in 1605 but Sir Charles Barry restyled all the interiors in the 1850s. He also redesigned Highclere Castle, which

is where Downton is filmed.”

Gawthorpe’s very own version of Downton’s Mr Carson, the burly butler and doughty housekeeper Mrs Hughes, reveal the secrets of life “below stairs” on ‘Meet the Butler and Housekeeper’ costume open days, which portray who really wielded the power in such homes.

The costume open days give a great insight into the workings of Gawthorpe in the capable hands of the butler and the housekeeper.

Gawthorpe’s butler, Mr Winfield, gets busy in the dining room preparing for dinner, polishing the glasses, laying out the gleaming silver cutlery while Mrs Fairfax, the housekeeper, is busy in the kitchen.

You really can imagine yourself as the lord or lady, when you get to meet the butler and housekeeper - these people were highly-paid professionals who knew how to keep a secret just as butlers still do to this day.

To experience Downton life and for more information on Gawthorpe Hall and costume open days visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gawthorpe-hall

21

Victorian Christmas Gawthorpe Hall 22

I

t’s a busy time below stairs in the run up to Christmas what with the Christmas cake to be iced, the plum pudding to be stirred and the mince pies to be made, no wonder the housekeeper feels like there should be more staff to help her. Well if you are lucky and come along to the Victorian Christmas celebrations at Gawthorpe Hall then you might just get the chance to help her in her preparations – you will have to be on your best behaviour though just in case the mistress comes downstairs.

Gawthorpe is truly magical at Christmas you will meet the butler as he goes about his duties and see the dining table set for the Christmas meal, and on the sideboard the feast is all laid out just waiting for the family to arrive. In the long gallery the Christmas entertainment is underway with singers, dancers and musicians enjoying the Christmas season. While in a quiet spot you can sit and listen to Dicken’s traditional Christmas ghost story ‘A Christmas Carol’ and be enthralled once more with the tale of Scrooge’s transformation from mean old miser to benevolent friend and employer.

The hall is decked with holly berries, the huge Christmas Tree is up in the parlour covered in hand-made decorations and candles and of course some, but not all of the presents are under the tree - there is still space for Father Christmas to add to the pile. The Father Christmas at Gawthorpe is very special, he doesn’t wear a red suit; he is a very traditional gentleman and is dressed all in green with a wreath of holly around his hat. So come along and meet him as he tells the story of the night before Christmas when ‘not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse’ .

Children can have a go at traditional Christmas crafts; it could be making Christmas cards for friends and family, writing with a quill pen or making puppets.

You can explore the hall and textile collections, buy a few extra presents from the craft stalls and if the day is cold and crisp then a walk around the grounds will be a perfect way to round off your visit.

For more information on Christmas at Gawthorpe Hall visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gawthorpe-hall 23

Tweeting Twite H

igh on the uplands of the South Pennine Moors you will find one of our rarest birds, the Pennine Twite. This small sociable bird now only breeds in the South Pennines, nesting under rocky crags or in patches of bracken, heather or bilberry. If conditions are right it can have two broods a year, in May / June and in late July / early August, and lays 4-6 eggs in its nest. But with only about 100 breeding pairs left help is needed to ensure the survival of the species so the Twite Recovery Project has been set up to do just that.

The Twite is an unusual bird as it only eats seeds and without a good supply of seed sources close to its moorland nest it will not survive. The Twite searches for seeds on roadside verges, patches of waste ground and particularly in hay meadows within 2½ kilometres of its nesting 24

site. However, it is very fussy about the seeds it eats, in the springtime it chooses dandelion seeds, in the summer the seeds of the common sorrel and in the autumn it will eat autumn hawkbit and thistle seeds.

In October the twite flies to the east coast of England where it lives and feeds on the salt marshes, returning to the South Pennines in the spring.

The Twite Recovery Project works with farmers and landowners to help restore hay meadows located on the moorland fringes as these are perfect feeding grounds for Twite and to make sure the meadows are not cut while the Twite are still feeding chicks in the nest.

By restoring the hay meadows for the Twite other species are also benefitting, including the bilberry bumblebee (Bombus Monticol), this rare species is in decline because they need nectar between the spring bilberry flowers and the autumn heather. Flower rich hay meadows provide this source of nectar during the lean season.

So what is good for the Twite is also good for the bumblebees.

Follow the tweetingtwite on twitter.com/tweetingtwite

Rosehill House Hotel Rosehill House Hotel B BUURR N L E Y N L E Y

Dress and Styling: Ava Rose Hamilton - Bridal Couture Photography: John Cubillan Hair: Holly Trickett Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Katy Ramsey 26

TOWNELEY HALL because your perfect day needs the perfect location

Set in 247 acres of parkland with; ancient woodland, picturesque gardens and fabulous countryside views, Towneley Hall has become one of the region’s top wedding and civil ceremony venues.

The hall has a magnificent art gallery & museum and has long been a tourist destination. With exhibitions, woodland walks, sculpture trails, an organic community garden, play areas, golf courses, ornamental gardens, its no surprise that Towneley Hall has been welcoming visitors for many years.

27

The grandeur of the historic house, it’s ambience and atmosphere, the fabulous paintings and sculptures in its period rooms, provide a beautiful and unique historic setting for weddings.

The approach to the majestic Hall through the tree lined avenues, could be straight out of a scene from ‘Pride and Prejudice’.

The hall was home to the Towneley family for over 500 years, including Charles Towneley (1737 - 1805) one of the century’s best known collectors of sculptures and paintings, some of which still take pride of place in the Hall.

The picture perfect venue and setting can host from 80 to 400 guests, set within historic rooms within the Hall or a glittering marquee on the lawn.

Dress: ARTisan Vintage Boutique Photography: John Cubillan Hair: Holly Trickett Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Katy Ramsey.

28

The Great Hall, which is decorated in the baroque style heavily influenced by Italian architecture of the early 18th Century, is used to greet the wedding guests. With light flooding in through the huge windows, the great fireplaces, the busts, the faux pillars, decadent plaster work adorning the walls and high ceilings as well as the central chandelier, guests are given an magnificent welcome.

Two glorious reception rooms on the ground floor of the South Wing, the earliest part of the house, were designed for entertaining in 1800s. The Regency Rooms offer a fairy tale backdrop for wedding receptions.

The Red Regency Room is adorned by wonderful paintings, has a large marble fireplace and is overseen, at the head of the room, by the beautiful sculpture of ‘Venus’ styled after Canova – a wonderfully magic piece. This is where the bride and groom come together for the wedding ceremony, where up to 100 guests line the red carpeted aisle and share in another special day in history.

29

The Green Regency Room was originally the main dining room in the house with large arched windows filling the room with natural light, a beautiful green marble fireplace, historic paintings and a polished wooden floor. The room is perfect for post ceremony drinks, or for a full sit down wedding breakfast for up to 70 guest.

The exquisite oak panelled chapel with intricatly carved alterpiece is perfect for unique and exclusive wedding photos.

Dress and Styling: Ava Rose Hamilton - Bridal Couture Photography: John Cubillan Hair: Holly Trickett Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Katy Ramsey Flowers: Going Dutch 30

Picture a warm summer evening, the historic setting of the Hall, red carpets, and a glittering marquee set in beautiful gardens.

Marquees have a unique atmosphere, providing a romantic classical setting, and can be themed to taste, offering the opportunity to create a unique style.

The large lawn behind the hall can accommodate varying sizes of marquees which can hold from 150 to 400 guests – a real enchanted garden.

Dress and Styling: Ava Rose Hamilton - Bridal Couture Photography: John Cubillan Hair: Holly Trickett Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Katy Ramsey and Joshua James Appleby Flowers: Going Dutch 31

At Towneley Hall, they believe your wedding should be as individual as you are.

The experienced wedding team will ensure your day is perfect, helping you through every stage of planning your wedding, including pointing you in the direction of renowned local suppliers for wedding gowns, towering cakes, beautiful food, champagne, music, pianists, harpist, Master of Ceremonies and singers.

It’s your day and they’ll help tailor it to your dreams. Giving you the perfect wedding, set in one of the most beautiful and romantic settings in the North West.

Contact: 01282 477130

Dress and Styling: Ava Rose Hamilton - Bridal Couture Photography: John Cubillan Hair: Holly Trickett Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Amy Dixon and Josh Appleby Cake: Dream Cakes by Kathy 32

Outfit: Stylist Own Photography: John Cubillan Make-up, Hair and Henna: Huma MUA Model: Sidrah Ali

SHADI MUBARAK { happy wedding }

because your perfect day needs the perfect location 33

Outfit: Stylist Own Photography: John Cubillan Make-up, Hair and Henna: Huma MUA Model: Sidrah Ali

Towneley welcomes and accommodate all Asian wedding customs including Hindus, Sikhs, and muslims and has hosted many colourful Shadi ceremonies. Most Asian couples opt for the marquee so they can dress it in their own traditional style. Marquees of different sizes are available accommodating wedding parties from 100 up to 400 guests.

Many Asian couples have a registrar led wedding which can be accommodated at Towneley. Some spectacular entrances have been made to weddings at the hall with Asian brides and grooms, arriving by helicopter, horse carriages and limousines.

Variations in celebrations and styles are expected, honoured and accommodated at Towneley, which recognises the differences in cultural expressions and wedding traditions and the diversity of the Asian world.

Asian Weddings are steeped in history, with rituals, ceremonies and traditions which have a long and deep rooted meaning and religious significance.

34

Outfit: Stylist Own Photography: John Cubillan Make-up, Hair and Henna: Huma MUA Model: Sidrah Ali

The Asian wedding journey consists of many rituals: Mehndi - The first part of the wedding journey is the ‘Mehndi’ – which takes place a couple of days before the wedding ceremony. It is, in essence, the preparation of the bride for her wedding day, where the bride is decorated in Henna.

Henna artists decorate the bride in beautiful and unique red amber designs – no Asian bride is complete without the bridal mehndi.

The bride normally wears a green or yellows/orange dress for the Henna celebration and uses only light, or mostly, no make-up.

The groom will typically wear a casual Shalwar Kameez.

35

Shadi - The Wedding Celebration. Weddings are joyous occasions, celebrated by the entire community. Since the actual ceremony is usually done privately, the public celebration is similar to a wedding reception. This celebration, called a ‘walima’, is often observed as a wedding dinner, with food, singing, and congratulations all around.

Outfit: Stylist Own Photography: John Cubillan Model: Sidrah Ali Make-up, Hair and Henna: Huma MUA

Lengha - The Bridal Gown. The bridal grown is traditionally red and are elaborately adorned with crystals and jewels and it is traditional for the bride’s mother and mother-in-law to give the gift of gold jewellery for the bride to wear.

36

A traditional muslim wedding includes: Nikha - The Nikha is the formal part of the wedding meaning the signing of the marriage contracts and marriage certificate. This is the legal contract between a bride and groom.

Rukhsati - This is the saddest and most emotional part of a wedding. This is the only send off they will get as the bride will be rushed off on the Walima day.

Walima – The Walima usually comes 2 to 3 days after the marriage ceremony. It is an additional gathering to celebrate the marriage of a couple hosted by the groom’s parents. It is a ceremony to welcome the bride into the groom’s family.

Outfit: Stylist Own Photography: John Cubillan Make-up, Hair and Henna: Huma MUA Model: Sidrah Ali 37

Ormerod B&B

123 Ormerod Road, Burnley, BB11 3QW Tel: 01282 423255 www.theormerod.co.uk

Queen Street Mill

a trip back in time to steam powered weaving, open from March to November 2013 Burnley, BB10 2HX 01282 412555 queenstreetmill@lancashire.gov.uk

Gawthorpe Hall

The Ormerod offers superior guesthouse accommodation in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, all rooms are en-suite with tea & coffee making facilities.

a dazzling Elizabethan historic house, open Weds to Sun 12pm – 5pm, 23 Mar to 3 Nov 2013 Padiham, BB12 8UA 01282 771004

Prices from: £30 (Single) £48 (Double or Twin)

gawthorpehall@lancashire.gov.uk Admission charge, kids go free

Directions: Approx 250 metres from Church Street (A628)- Ormerod Rd Junction. The hotel is on the right hand side just past the park.

www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums

Burnley Jct. 10 M65 • Modern contemporary bedrooms, including accessible bedrooms • Family friendly • Fully licensed restaurant and bar • Free Wi-Fi throughout • Free parking • This is the ideal base for visiting Ribble Valley, Pendle, Manchester, Blackpool and the Lake District

Rooms available from £59.95 (incl of breakfast) Holiday Inn Express Burnley 55 Pendle Way, Burnley, BB12 0TJ Tel 01282 855955 - Fax 01282 855959 reservations@hiexburnley.com www.hiexburnley.com

Happy endings start here... visitburnley.com/weddings

distinctive, unique wedding venues in Burnley

Ava Rose Hamilton Bridal Couture

Ava Rose Hamilton has three luxury bridal boutiques in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Durham City. With over 20 years of experience in bridal couture, award winning Ava Rose Hamilton are renowned for their selection of stunning gowns and excellent service.

Bridal designers include Ian Stuart, Jenny Packham, Lyn Ashworth, Enzoani, Hollywood Dreams, Lusan Mandongus, Pronovias, Justin Alexander, Essense of Australia, Ellis and many more.

9-13 Kirkgate, Silsden, West Yorkshire, BD20 0AJ - 01535 653331 18 Gisburn Road, Barrowford, Lancashire, BB9 8NB - 01282 447759 23 Elvet Bridge, Durham City, DH1 3AA - 01913 831188

avarosehamilton.co.uk

Fabric of Life

by Joanne Etherington

the t velve lab . com

A hundred years ago, Burnley dominated the global textile industry, producing billions of yards of cotton cloth. At the start of the 20th century Burnley’s textile industry was at the height of its prosperity with approximately 99,000 power looms in the town, but with the rise of foreign competition the decline set in.

But there are two successful Burnley firms who have been weaving in their mills for generations and have stood the test of time. Through clever diversification, John Spencer Textiles Ltd (JST) and British Velvets Ltd have created niche markets in a time when the ’UK brand’ is respected globally, with both flying the flag for Burnley and the UK, weaving luxurious fabrics and furnishings for stylish homes worldwide.

Designer velvet pouffes, low loungers, cushions, lampshades and designer bags by British Velvets Ltd

TheVelvetLab® showcases products which combine the sumptuous feel of this classic fabric with modern design sensibilities. Their exclusive velvets can fit in any home, boutique hotel, nightclub, restaurant or space where people choose to relax and celebrate life. So incredibly soft and smooth that you will not be able to stop touching!

40

British Velvets The ‘Velvet’ Touch Burnley based, British Velvets Ltd, are the sole remaining weaver of the luxurious velvet fabric in the UK, and are seeing a huge revival in the demand for velvet fabrics and products.

Founded in 1932, the company put their survival and continued success down to their wealth of experience in specialised textile weaving and

personal customer service.

The company produce all types of furnishing pile fabrics, concentrating on curtain and upholstery materials, and have recently diversified into custom made products manufactured using luxurious velvet and launched their new The Velvet Lab website.

Customers can mix and match soft furnishings and choose from 80 different fabrics and 8 designs.

Star of stage and screen British Velvet fabrics are used in palaces and theatres all around the world as well as dressing film and TV sets across the globe.

Their velvet has dressed scenes in award winning stage and film productions including Harry Potter, Phantom of the Opera, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Sweeney Todd.

Fabrics, soft furnishings and wallcovering by John Spenscer Textiles Ltd

John Spencer Textiles Ltd British Design, British Style John Spencer Textiles specialise in fabrics for soft furnishings and niche technical textile products, and own the highly successful fabrics and furnishing brand ‘Ian Mankin’ - designing and manufacturing the sought after fabrics and furnishings. Their beautiful range of soft furnishings, wallcoverings, lighting and accessories are made by local craftsmen in their Burnley mill, which has been in the family for over 150 years.

The Ian Mankin range is sold from their trendy central London store, through 300 stockists across the UK,

via their website and through interior designers and interior decorators.

The Prince of Wales takes a passionate interest in John Spencer textiles, as it ticks all his interests, being an organic and traditional crafts manufacturer.

John Spencer are committed to producing fabrics and furnishings of the highest possible quality, from natural and organic fibres, in timeless elegant designs and are proud to create and weave their fabrics in their own Lancashire mill here in Burnley. www.ianmankin.co.uk 41

Whilst John Spencer Textiles and British Velvets have invested in modern weaving technology, Burnley has preserved one of its original steam powered weaving mills as an historical monument, where visitors can take a unique look at the workings of a mill from the Industrial Revolution.

Queen Street Mill is the last surviving, operational, steam powered mill in the world and is still weaving clothing for its Simply Textiles Range. Take a step back in time and experience living and working in the 19th century mills, you’ll also be stepping into a famous film set, as the mill was used for scenes in the Hollywood blockbuster The King’s Speech, with Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter.

Floating What could be more relaxing on a warm sunny day than cruising along on a canal boat at a leisurely 4-miles an hour, just watching the world go by? Well, you can do exactly that in Burnley by hiring a canal boat for the day or longer.

Hapton Valley Canal Boats based at Reedley Marina will not only rent you the boat but teach you how to operate it and provide you with all the information you may need for a trip along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

They will even provide you with a skipper for the day if you don’t want to take the helm.

The stretch of canal through Burnley takes in fascinating industrial heritage, parkland, country views and one of the seven wonders of the canal network ‘The Straight Mile’.

Along

Outfits: ARTisan Vintage Boutique Mens Jacket and Shorts: Asobi Fashion Stylist: Carrie Anne Kay Photography: John Cubillan Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Sophie Condliffe, Claudia Maybury, Jordan Kay and Anike Ditchfield 42

43

The Journey Begins Setting off on you own may be a bit scary at first but after a safety briefing and lesson you’ll soon get the hang of it and it will be worth it. From Reedley Marina with its beautiful views over to Pendle Hill you will first of all pass Barden Mill - a great place to call in for a bargain - before turning past the old Barden Colliery works towards Burnley.

Carry on for about 25 minutes and you will arrive at KarLen Antiques Centre, moor your boat at the landing stage and take the chance to have a browse around this Aladdin’s Cave of antiques and collectables, go for a stroll along the bird walk or have a coffee in the Gavel n’ Grub Café.

Culvert you will see the canal stretching out in front of you for nearly a mile giving the impression that you are floating right over the town. From here there are great views of the town centre and the surrounding countryside; you can moor up and explore or carry on into one of the most fascinating parts of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Historic Heartland The Weavers’ Triangle is one of the best preserved Victorian industrial areas in the country. Once it seemed doomed to decay, but now a new lease of life has overtaken the area with the former mills and foundries being transformed into places for education, business, homes and leisure. Find out about the history and heritage of the area at the Weavers’ Triangle Visitor Centre at Burnley Wharf, this small, charming museum is fascinating, telling visitors all about the cotton industry, the history of the canal and the Weavers’ Triangle itself. See the long johns hanging over the range in the kitchen, enjoy a cup of tea in the Victorian parlour as you relax in front of the roaring fire or get your knuckles rapped in the Victorian Schoolroom if you are not paying attention.

Parklife Once back on board you‘ll find yourself sailing through Burnley’s parkland, so bring a picnic and take some time out to explore the beautiful parks edging the canal. Discover Thompson Park with its Italian Garden and lake, here you can take out a rowing boat, have a ride on the miniature railway, play a game of pitch and putt or take a walk around the orchards. If you ‘re feeling a little more energetic then Queen’s Park across the road has a skate park, tennis courts and basketball courts as well as an urban arboretum, sculptures and bandstand – you might even catch a concert in the park if you are lucky.

Back on the boat you will head towards the beginning of the Straight Mile. Crossing over the Yorkshire Street

44

Outfits: ARTisan Vintage Boutique Stylist: Carrie Anne Kay Photography: John Cubillan Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Sophie Condliffe, Caroline Nutter, Claudia Maybury and Anike Ditchfield 45

Tunnelling Through Heading out of the Weaver’s Triangle towards the Gannow Tunnel you can see three ages of transportation merging in one area. Here the canal goes under the railway bridge then over the M65 motorway before you enter the tunnel. At 559 yards the Gannow Tunnel is not one of the longest tunnels nor is it one of the highest or most architecturally pleasing, but at the time it was one of the most difficult to build. At the height of the Canal Age barges had to be legged through the tunnel while the horse went around to meet the barge at the other side, you will be glad to know that you don’t need to do that today, you can just sit back and let the engine do all the hard work.

When you come out of the other side of the tunnel you will begin to see the landscape change. Past Rosegrove Wharf you will have new views of Pendle Hill as you travel on towards Hapton. Look out for Hapton Boat Yard where they build new canal boats and refit barges to a very high standard and Shuttleworth Hall, a Grade 1 listed 17th Century manor house.

You will now have reached the parish of Altham, here you can moor up and enjoy the views before turning around to make your way back to Reedley Marina just in time for dinner.

Outside on the banks of the canal next to the museums home in the Wharfmaster’s House and Canal Toll office, the wharf buildings have been sympathetically transformed into a pub and offices while still retaining their original features.

If you can join in one of the guided walks around the area you will be fascinated by the stories of the mill workers, the buildings and the history of this very special place.

Less than a mile from the visitor centre is Sandygate Square where events take place throughout the year including the Burnley Canal Festival in September. On your way look out for the unique Slater’s Terrace, a row of houses above a canal side warehouse where the cotton weavers lived and worked, their produce going directly onto the barges before being transported to Liverpool for export around the world.

Just a few yards from Sandygate Square are Oak Mount Mill Engine House and Oak Mount Mill Shop. The mill shop is a paradise if you are looking for fabrics, cotton thread, buttons and trimmings; perfect if you want to create a new look for your home or an exclusive outfit just for you.

46

Reedley Marina Located on the border of Burnley and Pendle, Reedley Marina has stunning views over the surrounding countryside to Pendle Hill. Visitors can take a boat trip on the Pendle Explorer, visit nearby Barden Mill, go for a walk along the banks of the canal or just take it easy and relax in the Kingfisher Café overlooking the marina.

All aboard Hapton Valley Canal Boats - www.canal-cruises.co.uk Just imagine peace and quiet and being rocked to sleep by the gentle lapping of the water before waking from a blissful night’s sleep to the sound of the local wildlife looking for their breakfast. If this sounds like your type of holiday or if you just fancy captaining your own boat for a short while then hiring a canal boat could be perfect for you. Hapton Valley Canal Boats who very kindly lent us the canal boat Ruby (and its wonderful navigator Steve) for our photo shoot have been operating out of Reedley Marina for just over two years. They offer canal boats for day hire, weekends, short breaks or longer holidays. The four star narrow and wide beamed canal boats have all the latest facilities for a comfortable holiday and you will be fully briefed before you set off so the locks and bridges will be no problem, you’ll feel as if you were born to the job.

Lady Teal Hotel Boat - www.ladyteal.co.uk If you fancy being pampered, having cocktails before dinner, eating the finest cuisine before having a relaxing night’s sleep in a cosy cabin and waking up in a new place every day then you really should try a hotel boat holiday. The Lady Teal offers 5-star luxury accommodation on a wide beamed canal boat, the cabins have all the facilities of a hotel room and are all en-suite with power showers. On sunny days cocktails on deck at sunset add a special something to the evening and are followed by dinner in the light and airy lounge. Many of the cruises start or finish at Reedley Marina and they book up fast so don’t leave it too late to treat yourself.

Pendle Explorer - www.reedleymarina.co.uk Enjoy a relaxing afternoon floating along this historic area, with lovely views and wildlife, as you sip a nice cup of tea and watch the world go by. Boat trips from Barden Mill on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays are available from May until the end of September on board the 50 seat Pendle Explorer canal boat.

The public trips run at 12.30pm and 2pm and last for 75 minutes. If you want to bring a party then the boat can also be booked for group visits.

Outfits: ARTisan Vintage Boutique Stylist: Carrie Anne Kay Photography: John Cubillan Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Sophie Condliffe 47

Mens Jacket and Shorts: Asobi Fashion Stylist: Carrie Anne Kay Photography: John Cubillan Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Jordan Kay

Canal and Rivers Trust

Burnley Canal Communities

Launched in July 2012 the Canal and River Trust is responsible for maintaining 2,000 miles of historic inland waterways in England and Wales.

Their work includes looking after bridges and embankments, aqueducts and docks, reservoirs and historic buildings, as well as improving towpaths for cyclists and walkers and encouraging biodiversity.

With almost 50% of the population living within five miles of our extraordinary network of canals, rivers and towpaths, the trust has set a list of priorities to ensure their future as well as preserving their past.

They believe that our canals and rivers are a national treasure and a local haven for people and wildlife, and that it is their job to care for this wonderful legacy – holding it in trust for the nation in perpetuity.

For more info visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

The Burnley Canal Communities Project aims to make our stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal cleaner, safer and better for people and wildlife. Active volunteers go out every month in all weathers to help improve the canal; they pick up litter, repair the towpath and cut back vegetation all because they want the canal to be seen as an amazing heritage asset for the town.

The project runs arts and crafts sessions, organises free boat trips for Burnley schools and has acted as the inspiration behind the Burnley Canal Festival.

If you want to get involved or know more contact Emma Bartlet on 07917068325.

48

Straight Mile Built between 1796 and 1801 the Burnley Embankment was one of the costliest sections of the canal to construct but it was an innovative solution to the problem of how the valley could be traversed without the need for two systems of locks. Known as the ‘Straight Mile’ this feat of engineering, which carries the Leeds and Liverpool Canal 60ft above the town centre, is one of the seven wonders of the British canal system and is still an impressive construction even today.

Canal Festival In early September come to Burnley to see over 50 canal boats lining the banks of the canal between the Weavers’ Triangle Visitor Centre and Sandygate Square, they are here to take part in the Burnley Canal Festival, a joyous weekend of canal crafts and demonstrations, boat trips and guided walks, music and film shows and lots of fun and games. The spectacular boat glow and fireworks display is a fitting finale to this great family fiesta.

Walking Walking is good for the heart, good for the soul and good for your peace of mind. One of the best places to walk is by the side of the canal, where you can enjoy the waterways at your own pace. The towpath provides fairly flat and easy walking so you should be able to walk from Reedley Marina to the Weavers’ Triangle and back again in an afternoon, just don’t forget to stop off on the way, there is so much to see and do along this artery through the town.

Join local historian Brian Hall on a guided walk through the Weavers’ Triangle to Oak Mount Mill Engine House, hear the fascinating stories of the cotton industry, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the Weavers’ Triangle itself.

Learn about life in Victorian times, about the characters who made Burnley the biggest cotton weaving town in the world and see how the area is being transformed in the 21st Century. The walks take place on 6th May and 25th August If you are looking to explore further or if you are a serious walker, the towpath also forms part of both the Brun Valley Greenway and the Burnley Way long distance walk.

Outfits: ARTisan Vintage Boutique Stylist: Carrie Anne Kay Photography: John Cubillan Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Anike Ditchfield 49

Boating Lake

“There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” Kenneth Grahame, Wind in the Willows.

And there’s nowhere better than the boating lake in Thompson Park to enjoy that most English of pastimes.

The main feature of the award-winning canal-side park covers around three acres and includes a picturesque stone bridge - a perfect prop for letting young imaginations run wild with thoughts of adventures on the high seas or as a backdrop to a relaxing float in the summer sun.

The River Brun, which runs through the park, feeds the lake and attracts various water birds as well as the park’s resident inquisitive squirrels. Two ornamental bridges cross the river, both well-preserved original features.

Canoeing

Explore the canal from a different perspective, a canoe trip allows you can get so much closer to nature especially when you are at eye level with a duck. Canoeing is fun, it keeps you fit and healthy and you never know what you will see. The quiet stretches of water through Burnley’s parks give you time to think as you paddle along, you could test yourself and see how speedily you can tackle the Straight Mile or you could just enjoy the heritage of Burnley’s waterways on your journey through the Weavers’ Triangle.

Fishing ‘Gone Fishin’ – the words just conjure up the image of tranquil afternoons sat by the water, rod in hand enjoying a bit of peace and quiet trying to catch a nice fat trout. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is well stocked with fish including carp, roach, barbell, tench, pike and eels and you will always find anglers enjoying the challenge all along the towpath.

Before you go fishing remember to pick up your rod licence from the Environment Agency which you can get online.

50

Wildlife

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal provides an important wildlife corridor through Burnley with fine views from the ‘Straight Mile’ of the surrounding moorland and fringes of Forest of Burnley woodland. Brown hawker dragonflies and damselflies make their home in the sheltered corners along the canal, while native birds like coot, moorhen, heron and kingfisher can be seen together with strange coloured crossbred ducks. Arrowhead and water crowfoot are water plants that shelter fish like pike, carp and roach – occasionally glimpsed by the sharp eyed.

Cycling Cycling is a fabulous way of enjoying the canal and you can get fit at the same time. By its very nature the towpath is a fairly level and easy route perfect for family bike rides through the heart of the town where you can take the opportunity to enjoy the diverse wildlife and local heritage at your own pace. This green corridor through Burnley attracts a range of cyclists from commuters to boaters running errands and you don’t need a permit to ride along the towpath, so come along, bring your bike and enjoy the ride.

Outfits: ARTisan Vintage Boutique Stylist: Carrie Anne Kay Photography: John Cubillan Make-up: Abbie Glover Model: Jordan Kay and Claudia Maybury 51

Hapton Valley Professional, affordable boating holidays on the canals of Lancashire and Yorkshire...

Foulridge Canal Cruises Ltd The Marton Emperor operates public trips on the following Sundays ONLY • March 31st • July 14th, 28th On these dates, a trip through • April 14th, 28th • August 11th, 25th Foulridge Tunnel runs at 11am.

• May 12th, 26th • September 8th, 29th A trip through open countryside runs at 2.30pm.

• June 9th, 30th

For full details of private charters and to book tel: 01282 844033 or visit www.boattrips.info

Hapton Valley Boats, narrowboat and wide beam, canal boat holiday hire, the start of your 4 star waterways holiday in the heart of Pennine Lancashire and through to the Yorkshire Dales via the summit of the Leeds Liverpool Canal.

01282 771371 - 07777 658732 www.canal-crusies.co.uk

The Wharf, Foulridge.

Nr Colne BB8 7PP

KarLen Antiques & Interiors Bank Hall Works, off Colne Rd, Burnley BB10 3AT Tel: 01282 431 953 email: admin@antiquesshipper.co.uk Over 100 stalls supplying a large selection of smalls and collectables as well as Victorian, Edwardian and 20th Century furniture.

Something for everyone, You name it! We’ve got it!

KarLen Tea Room serving good hot & cold food

Very good parking facilities that can take coaches and approx 50 cars

Open 7 days per week, 10am - 4pm

Herd House Farm Holiday Cottages

Quality Home from Home 4 Star Self Catering Accommodation for Friends and Family

Set in the beautiful rural area of Briercliffe, these old farm buildings at Herd House Farm have been converted into three 4 star luxury self catering holiday cottages with superb views over the surrounding countryside. The spacious accommodation units include two, three and four bedroomed properties, each with kitchen/ dining room and cosy lounge with a log burning stove in 2 of the units.

Delph cottage sleeps up to 6+2 people. High Gate sleeps up to12 people. Threshings cottage sleeps up to 6+1 people. All three units can be booked together for larger groups of up to 26.

Lets available: Daily/short breaks, weekly, monthly.

Briercliffe, Burnley, BB10 3QZ Tel/Fax: 01282 436091 Mobile: 07885 571220 cath@herdhouse.co.uk www.herdhouse.co.uk

G.T.&L Heys AWARD WINNING FAmILy BuTcHERs

We are committed to providing top quality meats with outstanding flavour and tenderness and sourced from livestock raised in stress free conditions on local farms.

New products are introduced all the time and our championship sausages are famous across the region for their great flavours.

Open: mon – Fri 8am – 5.30pm sat 6.30am - 1.30pm

70a, Lyndhurst Road. BB10 4ED Tel. 01282 458936 www.facebook.com/heysfamilybutchers

Nestling close to Burnley is a true Lancashire gem – the area of Pendle • Some of the best walking and cycling routes in the north • Unwind in our stunning scenery • Come and spot our witches on our new Sculpture Trail • Enjoy family cycle routes that link to Burnley • Be amazed on our Pendle Witches tours and trails • Go on great boat trips from Burnley into Pendle • Experience award-winning events all year round • Music, walking & cycling festivals

For more information and copies of our trails and brochures please go to www.visitpendle.com or call 01282 661981.

Please quote Burnley Guide.

SURF’S UP!

by Richard Greenwood

54

I’m feeling pretty confident. I’m standing upright on the board and I’m balanced perfectly, everything is good.

Of course, at this point in the lesson, the board is still on dry land. And has no sail. It’s about to get a lot harder.

I pull on the sail and any illusion of balance is gone. The practice board is mounted on a mechanism that approximates being on the water. Suddenly I’m approximating falling overboard.

My instructor is Martin AshbySmith, a Royal Yachting Association Senior Instructor with over 28 years’ experience.

Martin started windsurfing in 1976, buying the 10th board that came into this country. During the eighties he raced at national level, winning a freestyle national event and the 12- hour marathon.

Martin gives me some tips on improving my posture. Mostly I have to stop sticking my bum out.

It’s a sunny summer afternoon on Clowbridge Reservoir, but the water looks black and not particularly inviting.

There’s a good breeze, which is essential for this sport. Martin explains that at Rossendale Valley Sailing Club you can sail in most conditions, as long

as there’s enough wind. The club has a wonderful clubhouse overlooking the water.

There’s tea and pie and wifi in there, as well as warm showers and towels.

Ok. Now we’re going on the water. I’m a little nervous. But I’m also buzzing with anticipation. I’ve always wanted to do this. I was born to do this. Martin’s board is sleek and stylish; my beginner’s board seems massive, like a 1970’s dining room table. It’s also attached to a rope so, if I float away, Martin can haul me back in.

This is the worst bit. On the water, wobbling on a dining table and feeling very unsteady. This is the bit that you have to do, that you have to endure, if you are going to get anywhere at all. Everything feels wrong and awkward, even standing still seems impossible. This is the bit where you repeatedly fall in the water.

Martin is zen-like. He is an ocean of calm, while I’m floundering like a fish

out of water. He keeps me going and gives me the confidence, the underlying certainty, that I can do this. I haul myself up onto the board, follow Martin’s instructions and before I know it something’s clicked. I’m doing it, I’m stable and the wind is carrying me across the water.

Shaboom!

There’s nothing like it. It’s fast, but peaceful. Exhilarating, but calm. I’m the king of the reservoir. After a while I can stop concentrating on exactly where my feet should be, or how my hands should be positioned on the boom, and I start to look around.

This is a beautiful place. Surrounded by gentle moorland, Clowbridge feels like the top of the world. The swallows are skimming and gliding over the surface of the water, the sun’s come out and the whole experience is just perfect.

Back on dry land and I feel like I’ve had a trip to the gym; legs are a bit wobbly, hair’s a bit of a mess... But that was amazing. I’m a windsurfer, dude, and I am totally coming back for more!

Rossendale Sailing Club is an RYA Teaching Centre for Sailing and Windsurfing, providing all the wetsuits, boards and equipment you need to get started. Richard’s two hour lesson was £30.

The club holds regular windsurfing and dinghy races. Full membership is just £119 a year.

Rossendale Sailing Club, Manchester Road, Clowbridge, Burnley, BB11 5PF Tel: 01282 421674

www.rvsc.co.uk 55

Opening Times: Please ring for details

The Brontë’s Pennines

By Amy Blackburn

G

awthorpe Hall, a country house hidden amongst the terraces of Padiham, is the majestic end point of one of the North’s less trodden long walks.

The Brontë Way is a 43 mile journey across Yorkshire and Lancashire’s moorland, passing places of historical interest for those interested in the Brontë family and beautiful scenery for those who aren’t.

Typically spread over four days, the walk crosses some of the North’s most varied and stunning scenery, following

some of the same trails as the Pennine Way, Pendle Way and the 40 mile circular Burnley Way. Starting at Oakwell Hall, Birtsall (near Bradford), the walk meanders over the South Pennines, through the home of the Brontë family, Haworth, and crosses into Burnley on the final day to visit a favourite haunt of Charlotte Brontës’.

Nestled at the foot of the gloomy Boulsworth Hill, Wycoller Country Park is the picturesque start point for the final day of this walk, spanning 13.5 miles.

This stretch has something for every walker; moorland, woodland, views over to Pendle Hill and the Yorkshire Dales, the industrial heritage of the area remembered along the Leeds & Liverpool canal and in former pit sites, the River Calder, and an abundance

For any long distance walk map reading skills are essential, especially when on the moorland sections. The Brontë Way way-markers are yellow and purple, but some are not easily identifiable.

Take OS Map OL21 South Pennines and a compass.

56

of wildlife for nature lovers.

So on a typically cloudy Northern day myself and a friend set off to spend some time with the Brontës.

Heading out past the ruins of Wycoller Hall. In no time we were in what I’d always considered classic Brontë country. We walked the first few miles of our journey in low cloud over the brooding moors, Kate Bush unashamedly playing in our heads.

After crossing fields of sheep, cows and other curious animals, the path became a well trodden paved track, which used to be a pack horse trail.

We shared this part of our journey with cyclists who were exerting far more energy than us. The path up to Boulsworth was clearly visible to our left, for the adventurous, the detour up to Lad Law at 517m is well worth the hike for the views alone.

As Burnley, Nelson and beyond became visible the landscape became more touched by the human hand, with new plantations joining the existing coniferous forests, a small nature reserve with detailed information boards about the geology of the area has been created, and limestone hushings are visible up the hills to the left of the track.

As we veered left to leave the Pendle Way and drop down into the borough of Burnley, the landscape completely changed. Coldwell reservoirs and Pendle Hill open up the views to the right, and lush greenery and woodlands are visible down in the bottom of the Thursden valley. As we crossed over the road that leads into Calderdale, we passed the kind of houses that you’d buy if you won the lottery, logs already stacked in the big gardens for the winter.

After a short walk along Thursden Brook we headed up into Park Wood, before coming to a junction with another road.

We discovered that it leads down to Sweet Well Kennels and Farm. A wrong turn into the wrong field and into a trail bike circuit offered us splendid views of Extwistle and Hambeldon moors, but luckily highlighted our lunch destination

– in the other direction. Thanks to the friendly farmer back at Sweet Well we were quickly back on the correct path around the side of the farm fields.

We skirted round the side of Swinden reservoir with some young cows and a lively horse for company, and were thrilled to realise we’d reached our lunch stop, the Roggerham Gate Inn. Located on Todmorden Road, the pub serves high quality bar snacks and local ale courtesy of the fantastic Moorhouses brewery.

The afternoon’s walking was less remote, and provided quite a stark contrast to the solitary moors we had spent the morning on. After crossing the road from the pub and past Lee Green reservoir, we turned left and spent a good hour walking through woodlands along Swinden Water. We were both getting tired by this point and this section was a pleasant amble on paths that also form part of the Burnley Way. Before entering one of Burnley’s six Green Flag parks, we passed

through the site of the former Bank Hall Colliery, once the biggest mine in the town, now grassed over with outdoor fitness equipment and seating areas.

A long stretch up the canal followed which allowed us the chance to get a circular view of the area, looking back to the windfarms on the moors behind and over to Pendle on our left. The 100 berth Reedley Marina was a sight in itself before we headed off the canal and through fields up to Wood End.

Facts about the Brontë Family • The sisters Charlotte, Emily & Anne Brontë were first published as Currer, Ellis & Acton Bell • None of the three sisters lived to see 40, all of them dying of tuberculosis at a young age • Anne Brontë’s ‘The Tenant of Wildfell Hall’ was considered the first feminist novel

Points of interest • Oakwell Hall – the inspiration for ‘Shirley’, Charlotte Brontë’s second novel • Top Withens, Haworth – the inspiration for Emily Brontë’s only novel ‘Wuthering Heights’ • The ruins of Wycoller Hall – believed to be the inspiration for Ferndean Manor in Charlotte’s ‘Jane Eyre’ • Gawthorpe Hall – home of the Kay-Shuttleworth family, visited by Charlotte Brontë 57

We had started to feel like we were homeward bound now, we could see Ightenhill in the distance, and according to the map it was a simple wander through fields before arriving at Gawthorpe. Our faith in farmers was further confirmed when the incredibly friendly man at Wood End told us that the animals between us and the next waymarker were highland cattle, not bulls, and gave us step by step directions for the rest of our journey. The only problem was that by now everything was aching, and we’d not spoken in some time!

Luckily for us, the cloudy morning had given way to a beautiful evening, and as the sun was dipping in the sky we wearily made our way along the wide open banks of the River Calder and up into Ightenhill, and the seemingly never ending road to Gawthorpe Hall.

As early evening fell, we arrived, wearier than expected but delighted that our questionable navigation skills had served us well enough to find Gawthorpe. It was the kind of walk I’ve done when visiting a new area, but never in my hometown, and I was taken aback by the wealth of scenery that one walk can provide you with, especially when it’s on your doorstep. It certainly made me realise that I can see scenery to rival the Dales without using my car.

For those who arrive at Gawthorpe Hall after 4 days of hiking (by the way, Charlotte Brontë got the train there), well done!

Now you can treat yourselves to another pint of Moorhouses.

It’s not all about the distance…

Walks in Burnley vary from short and gentle strolls, to hiking in the steeper, wider terrain of the hills surrounding the town. Here are some other trails you may be interested in walking in Burnley.

Burnley Way

Brun Valley Walk

The Wayside Arts Trail

The walk is split into 6 sections. All sections starting / ending at a bus stop. This route weaves its way for 40 miles over Burnley’s stunning countryside, through moorland, canalside, and gentle fields.

Circular walk from Burnley bus station.

Passing ‘The Straight Mile’, one of the seven wonders of Britain’s waterways, Rowley Lake, Bell Pit Wood and two of Burnley’s Green Flag parks.

3 miles

Start and finish at Towneley Hall.

See Towneley Hall, The Singing Ringing Tree panoptican (8, or 11 mile walk only), Burnley golf course, woodlands, stunning views over to Pendle Hill and the surrounding area.

The longest version of this walk passes the Waggoners pub.

Climbs part of the spectacular Cliviger Gorge, passing through new plantings, an old lead and silver mine with dramatic views of Thieveley Scout (the remains of a glacial lake), Pendle and out to Yorkshire.

All these leaflets can be downloaded from visitburnley.com.

40 miles - 6 sections

Gawthorpe Circular 4 miles

A circular walk from Padiham Town Centre, across the scenic Calder Valley through the ancient Hagg Wood to Gawthorpe Hall, an Elizabethan manor house set on the banks of the river.

7.5 miles

Thieveley walk

58

3, 8 or 11 miles

CACHE

me if you can

by Richard Greenwood

If you like tech and the great outdoors then this might be just the thing you’re looking for.

Geocaching is a treasure hunt played in real locations and with the GPS capabilities that you may already have on your smart phone.

Go to www.geocaching.com to find a geocache near you. There are quite a few around Burnley. If you’re a die hard tech head then you may have a dedicated GPS device. If you don’t, download the app, pack yourself some sandwiches and follow the clues to find the hidden treasure.

The treasure that you find will most likely be a lightly camouflaged Tupperware box housing a pencil and paper. Add your name to the paper.

59

That’s your reward, the knowledge that you’ve achieved your goal and added to a shared experience. You may find a little something - a curio, you can keep it, but you must leave something of equal value in its place.

Don’t rely on your mobile phone for navigation. Poor reception or a flat battery could leave you stranded.

Like any walk you should have a real map, a compass and the knowledge of how to use them. Make sure you walk within your ability, let somebody know where you are going and wear appropriate gear for the weather and conditions underfoot.

Travels round

TOWNELEY

by Amy Blackburn

What does Burnley’s most loved park have to offer visitors?

Local nature lover Graham Gavaghan has been walking and working amongst Burnley’s wildlife since the late 70s. A natural history enthusiast from a young age, Graham joined the Towneley Junior Naturalists club at age 9, and then began his professional career as an apprentice gardener on leaving school. Since then he has not stepped too far out of his beloved Towneley Park, where he has been a park ranger for the last 18 years. The 180 hectare park, which Graham describes as ‘a truly wonderful place for wildlife’, is home to a plethora of different birds, bees, butterflies, deer, and much more.

Can you tell us some of your favourite things about working at Towneley?

“Some of the best days I’ve had in the park were when I’ve found something new. We’ve found two new species of birds in the park just this year. I love sharing this knowledge with people, showing them things that have always been there, they’ve just never seen them. When they do see something, it’s a great buzz, to know you’ve amazed them with nature, because I’ve not seen anything that people couldn’t see themselves if they spent the time looking. I can honestly say that I’ve enjoyed every minute I’ve worked up here, I’ve seen some wonderful things.”

What wildlife can a visitor expect to see on a typical visit to Towneley?

“Towneley has something for everyone, it really does. The park has every kind of habitat, woodland, moorland, wetland and open-field, and it is because of this variety that we have the large and diverse amount of species that we do. I couldn’t begin to list everything you could see, but there are at least 20 different species of butterflies, bumblebees, deer, lapwings, grey partridges, peregrine falcons, sandpipers… at last count I’d personally recorded 101 different species in the park. The park has always been very well used, but it’s not had an adverse effect on what you can see here.”

60

Are there any particular trails round the park that are good for viewing wildlife and nature?

“The small holdings woodland that we started planting in 1999 has a fantastic nature trail through it. It’s less than a mile long, but has been designed in a way that makes it accessible to all, and the paths are suitable for trampers, which are available up at the hall. The flowers, fauna and flora that can be seen on this short walk are staggering. In the last ten years the amount of wildlife that has found its home there has almost matched the rest of the park. I’d recommend visitors to keep their eyes peeled for the Towneley orchids too, we have 4 species now in the park, and they’re beautiful.”

Is there a best time to visit Towneley Park?

“The park changes dramatically over the seasons, and I couldn’t pick a favourite! The spring flower display is beautiful, and the fabulous bluebell woodlands near Barwise are well worth visiting during this time. By autumn the colours in the park are superb, and winter really shows off our dramatic scenery. The views over the open moorlands are spectacular, and there is a higher chance of seeing a lot of our common woodland species during this time too.

To see thousands of Graham’s fantastic photos search for ‘naturalhistoryman’ on Flickr.

61

relax,

escape,

by Joanne Etherington

unwind

The Woodland Spa at Crow Wood… introducing one of Europe’s largest hydrotherapy pools Set within 100 acres of stunning Pennine Lancashire countryside with its undulating landscape, ancient woodland and lush pasture, there is a true sense of intimacy and calm surrounding the beautiful Woodland Spa at Crow Wood.

Enjoy peace and quiet whilst you unwind and begin to relax away from life’s pressures and time constraints.

The new £4 million Woodland Spa set in landscaped gardens offers visitors a sanctuary where they can indulge in luxury spa treatments to make every day worries seem far away. On offer are wet spa facilities that include three specialist pools, two hot tub spas, an extensive thermal experience suite, serenity pool, an indoor / outdoor infinity edge pool, two outdoor hot tubs and outdoor saunarium, plus a therapy suite

including one double and ten single treatment rooms, a relaxation room with ambient lighting and a lounge.

Experience the luxury treatments including the use of Europe’s largest hydrotherapy pool, salt steam rooms, experience showers, roman foot baths and an ice fountain. Enjoy a Spa Day and give in to pure luxury with the undivided attention of highly trained therapists in the most beautifully appointed treatment rooms, or enjoy the Thermal Experience, a heat and ice journey to send you away a new person.

Complete your sensory journey with a unique dining experience in the Spa Restaurant – where the food you will eat actually tastes as good as it is good for you.

62

Dining at Bertram’s Restaurant Betram’s Restaurant has a passion for exquisite freshly prepared food, beautifully presented and served in the most unique of surroundings.

First and foremost a Spa Restaurant, Bertram’s Restaurant does morph into a fabulous destination restaurant once the sun sets and the evening is upon us, you can be certain that your sensory journey is totally completed with a unique dining experience.

It’s difficult to decide which is the most impressive – the sumptuous restaurant interior, the panoramic views courtesy of the floor to ceiling glass windows or the simply delicious food.

Open to All - The Woodland Spa and Bertram’s Restaurant welcome members and non-members alike.

Pure luxury • • • • • •

Indoor to Outdoor Infinity Pool Thermal Experience • Steam Hydrotherapy Pool • Salt Steam Serenity Pool • Roman Foot Baths Sauna • Experience Showers Saunarium • Rasul Mud Chambers

For complete relaxation: 01282 471913

www.thewoodlandspa.com

Fresh from the Farm

Fresh local produce including home grown seasonal fruit and vegetables, tasty Lancashire cheese and home made scones helped to make our picnic a fabulous feast. At Shuttleworth Hall Farm Shop near Padiham and Roaming Roosters at Higham you will find a great choice of fresh and tasty local produce to tempt you away from the weekly supermarket shop, so why not have a change and give them a try.

Brewery Tours You’ve tasted the beer now find out how it is made! Moorhouses offer group tours of their brewery where you can touch, smell and taste the raw ingredients that go into their famous beers, follow the process from beginning to end and enjoy a pint or two to finish off your visit.

01282 422864

Talking Bees As well as producing the delicious jams and chutneys we took on our picnic Carole Johnson of Farmer’s Wife Homemade Preserves now goes out to groups to give factual but humorous talks about her experience at setting up her business and about her new love of beekeeping.

If you want to know more call 01282 420701

64

The Great British Banger

Top Award for Curry King Local curry chef Ibrahim Ali owner of the Usha Restaurant recently took part in the Curry Life Chef Awards at the World Curry Expo and came away with an award as one of the UK’s 20 best curry chefs.

The competition involved a series of curry cook-offs where Mr Ali successfully beat off competition from across the UK. The Curry Life Awards are a chance to recognise not only the talent , creativity and hard work of the nation’s top curry chefs but also their huge economic contribution to British Life. Mr Ali dedicated his award to all the staff at the Usha and thanked his customers for nominating him.

A Million Crumpets Warburtons are the largest bakers in the UK. This family business started in Bolton over 135 years ago and now has several bakeries across the country including in Burnley. The Burnley bakery was the first to produce crumpets and now produces over one million crumpets every week.

It is also still the only Warburtons bakery that produces potato cakes and pancakes. Perfect any time of the day!

Worsthorne Brewing Established in February 2011, the Worsthorne Brewing Company is one of the newest breweries in Lancashire.

Located in Briercliffe on the edge of the moors, the brewery is run by local brewer Michael Whittaker and is quickly gaining a reputation for the quality of their ales. A member of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), they aim to create beers that are new and exciting using the finest malt and hops to attract real ale drinkers from across the country.

Baker’s Dozen The chances are you will have eaten some of the delicious cakes produced

by Cherry Tree Bakery, this Burnley company supplies famous cafes, premier coffee shops and supermarkets across the country. Their delicious products include: sticky toffee muffins, banana loaves and parkin and they are famous for their Chorley Cakes an enduring regional favourite and the product that started their business.

To say pork sausages are popular is a bit of an understatement!

According to the latest figures, nearly 6,000,000 Brits tuck into a juicy pork sausage every day. Pork sausages are incredibly versatile too, with myriad flavours and regional variations - from exotic chilli and coriander to the herby Lincolnshire and the peppery Cumberland ring. G.T. & L Heys family butchers sell over 30 varieties of award-winning sausages to keep your taste buds ticking over.

From the Worsthorne Nibbler to the Claret Clouter and designer sausages to celebrate special occasions your bangers and mash will never be the same again.

Moorhouses - Hallowe’en Beer Festival

Following on from the success of their first charity Hallowe’en Beer Festival, Moorhouses Brewery will be repeating the event in 2013. Offering visitors a choice of some twenty haunting ales including core brews such as Black Cat and Blond Witch, a special October Brew, Hallowe’en blended ales and an array of ghostly guest beers, festival goers will not go away disappointed. So set your wild side free and dress in your best scary costume - witches, werewolves, vampires and their mummies are all welcome.

Condiments, Pardon for the Cordials, Conserves and Pendle Witches Confectionery Moorhouses Brewery are continuing their campaign to pardon the Pendle Witches who were condemned to death in 1612 for witchcraft. Moorhouse’s has built a successful brewing business with beers themed on the fascinating legend, but have become increasingly convinced that back in the 1600s there was a gross miscarriage of justice, that the accused were made an example of because of the harsh social climate and a “show trial” that hinged on the evidence of a young girl. If you feel the same visit www.moorhouses.co.uk.

65

Located in the Brewhouse next to Towneley Hall, the Towneley Food Producers Market takes place on the 2nd Sunday of every month throughout the year. Offering a range of locally produced jams and preserves, cakes and breads as well as pies, ice cream and local cheeses, this small market is gaining a reputation for its excellent produce. The event is organised by Cosima Towneley who invites any local producers who want to join to contact her on 07817 725976.

Insalata di Mare Seafood salad – cold selection of seafood mixed with fresh lemon & parsley

Filetto Alla Nino Fillet of Beef glazed with dolcelatte cheese, parma ham and red wine sauce

Chocolate Brownies Chocolate sauce and home- made ice cream

66

‘Bellissimo’ Nino’s at Cliviger

By Joanne Etherington 67

W

ith stunning views from the huge picture windows across the Pennine Lancashire countryside to the famous Pendle Hill, roaring log fires, a classic contemporary interior, grand piano, and delicious Italian food – there’s one word to conjure up Burnley’s newest restaurant, lounge and bar -‘Bellissimo’ beautiful.

No expense has been spared in lovingly restoring the former stone built country pub in its glorious countryside setting. Interior lighting and furniture was sourced and shipped from Italy to create the authentic 5 star interior and ambience. Since the opening of the new Nino’s Cliviger in May 2012, it has joined East Lancashire’s premier names in restaurants, and is packed

to the rafters at the weekends, when their programme of live entertainment comes to life in the piano bar.

You can watch the chefs at work at the open wood burning pizza oven and the preparation of your dish in the open kitchen which creates a real buzz about the place.

The owner of Nino’s Cliviger, Ignazio Pilliteri, who has also owned Nino’s Rawtenstall for 25 years said: “I spotted the building whilst out cycling in the countryside. I instantly liked the building and the location, but it was the view that really blew me away. In 2013 we will be expanding our outside patio area with tables, chairs and parasols for customers to enjoy over the summer months.”

Find Nino’s at Cliviger on Facebook.

68

Signature Dish

The Nino’s Cliviger signature dish (and my favourite dish!) is the Nino’s Lasagne which is the owner’s own recipe from his family home in Sicily. Lasagne seems a standard dish to be sited as their ‘Signature’ but it’s not your standard style Lasagne, it’s more a nouveau cuisine translation – unfortunately the family recipe is closely guarded, but Nino’s have kindly given us the recipes for their delicious traditional Italian minestrone soup (my partner’s favourite), and pasta with a kick from their Penne Puttanesca.

Minestrone Soup Equal Quantities of • Garlic to personal taste • Car rot • Tinned tomatoes • Celery • Sea salt • Onion • Black pepper e bag cab ite • Hard wh • Butter • Courgettes • Vegetable stock • Peas (frozen garden) • Potatoes les 1. Peel and wash all vegetab cubes x.) pro (ap mm 2. Cut into 2.5 until slightly softened ter but in les etab veg all 3. Sweat (don’t brown) atoes and vegetable stock in 4. Add blended tinned tom boil equal quantities and bring to allow to simmer until and per pep and salt h wit 5. Season vegetables are nearly cooked bring back to boil 6. Add potatoes and peas and ked. coo 7. Simmer until potatoes are ad bre sty cru m war h wit 8. Serve

Penne Puttanesca

• 500g Penne Pasta • 1 x friesa chilli • 100g pitted olives • 2 or 3 cloves garlic • 100g Sliced calabrese sau sage • 100g Italian sausage (ch orizo can be used) • 150g tinned peeled plu m tomato

1. Blend tinned tomatoes and place in the pan with crushed garlic and chopped de-seeded chilli (leave seeds in if you prefer a hot sauce) 2. Add salt, pepper and a little sugar (reducing the acidity of the tomatoes) 3. Bring to boil and simme r for 5 mins 4. Thicken with a little cor nflour mixed with water 5. In a separate pan, hea t the Italian sausage, calabr ese sausage and olives until the 6. Add cooked tomato sau natural oils start to appear ce to sasuage and olives 7. Pour over cooked pen ne pasta, stir and serve.

Eating out in Burnley

Nino’s is Burnley’s newest eatery, but whatever your taste you can choose from a range of restaurants and country pubs.

Burnley’s wide selection of restaurants and cafes provide a cosmopolitan choice of tempting meals from around the world – Indian, Chinese and Italian are all available to tempt you, but if you want something more traditional, like the Great British Sunday lunch in the countryside, we have plenty of country pubs for you to enjoy. I’ve listed a few of people’s favourites here but make sure you check out visitburnley.com for more details.

The New Waggoners Burnley - T. 08714 329005 Close to Clowbridge reservoir a popular, walking, cycling and sailing centre, this wonderfully refurbished country pub (re-styled internally with bright, clean, modern lines) offers a great dining experience with international cuisine and magnificent views across the valley.

The Ram Inn Cliviger - T. 01282 459091 On the edge of the Thursden Valley this picture postcard country pub and restaurant with 3 log fires offers delightful hearty food and a friendly, cosy atmosphere. In the summer the views from the pub garden are stunning – if it’s sunny get there early – it’s a popular place!

Bay Horse Inn Worsthorne - T. 01282 702221 A real village pub, with locals mixing with ramblers, cyclists and day trippers out to enjoy the surrounding countryside. Facing the village church the pub offers good pub grub and weekend events and entertainment, and a nice outdoor area in the summer.

Crooked Billet Worsthorne - T. 01282 429040 A lovely-looking pub, with original glazed tiles near the entrance, together with what appears to be the original floor, a semi-enclosed bar with decorative glasswork, wooden panelling and other old features and two cosy fires always burning on cold days. Pub Grub and great pie and peas.

Thornton Arms Burnley - T. 01282 428286 Located on the edge of Rowley Lake on the edge of the Brun Valley Forest Park , with wildlife, fishing, walking, the Thornton is well known for its delicious Sunday roast or try their 21 day hung Steak.

Mama Mia’s Padiham - T. 01282 772170 A homely traditional style Italian restaurant, cosy atmosphere, decorated in a traditional Sorrento style.

Aldo’s Burnley - T. 01282 455990 Italian ristorante & Wine-bar - a homely, relaxed, truly Italian atmosphere with excellent food. Italian ingredients and fabulous wines! Italian cuisine in the heart of Burnley Town Centre.

The Red Lantern Burnley - T. 01282 426846 Serving delicious Chinese, Cantonese and Thai food in a typically Chinese restaurant setting .

The Usha Burnley - T.01282 457529 This multi-award winning indian restaurant brings you the finest Indian food, using authentic ingredients to create traditional dishes.

69

BURNLEY Kid for 70

s

Nature’s Wonderland

- Where the wild things are...

A

recent report for The National Trust found that children today spend less than 10% of their playtime in wild places, yet spend an average of 2½ hours a day watching the television. This doesn’t even take into account the myriad of other technology such as the internet, mobile phones and various gaming devices that your child is probably never more than a few feet away from.

In a whopping contrast, children’s grandparents spent a huge 50% of their spare time outside, often playing unsupervised for the whole day - the report also found that the roaming radius has declined by 90% in the last 30 years!

The benefits of outdoor play are seemingly endless, ranging from medical claims that it halves the chance of short sightedness, helps combat obesity and can even help prevent mental health issues. Nobody is denying that modern technology has many virtues, but often the simplest outdoor activities leave the most lasting memories for kids, remember… skipping a stone? crafting a daisy chain? building secret hideouts? Exploring the world around you is a crucial part of a precious childhood and more often than not, costs nothing!

71

Burnley is perfect for childhood adventures...

72

Cupcakes by Libby Martin at For Goodness Cakes

...alongside our six magnificent Green Flag parks, we have some mightily impressive countryside. Worsthorne Moor, Cliviger Gorge, Crown Point and Briercliffe are all glorious places to explore and perfect for engaging a child’s imagination - hide and seek in the woods, picking pine cones to make decorations, building a den where adults aren’t allowed or identifying and following animal tracks along the ground.

Additionally, the new Brun Valley Forest Park is now moving forward at a pace with new paths and trails including a four mile wildlife trail with carved animal marker posts, signs, bird and bat boxes, wildflowers and fruit trees – just perfect for introducing children to the great outdoors and there are loads of fun ideas to try. A nature scavenger hunt is a brilliant way for your child to engage and recharge her senses - collect conkers, hunt down creepy crawlies or track down mysterious footprints. You could also take home your treasures whether it’s colourful flowers for pressing or some delicious wild fruit to whip up a delightful crumble.

Getting children to use their imaginations can make the outdoors so much more fun than sitting in front of the television, after

all building your very own special fairy house out of anything you can find lying around when exploring the woods can lead to all sort of wild adventures. So why not turn off the TV, shut down the computer and get out into the countryside and see what fun you can have just exploring where the wild things are!

73

“...the magic of imaginary

play and the natural environment...�

74

Towneley Boggart Children are so enthusiastic to embrace the magic of imaginary play and the natural environment encourages them to play in the most varied and imaginative ways of all. Why not have an adventure with them and seek out Burnley’s very own Boggart in Towneley Woods.

Boggarts feature in lots of popular culture from the ‘Boggles’ of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia to the Boggarts of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

However, they can also often be found in the folklore of North West England.

Always roguish and troublesome by nature they are believed to be responsible for all manners of mischief from souring the milk to making things disappear.

Often being described as squat, hairy and smelly they live under bridges or on dangerous bends on roads.

Just behind Towneley Hall is an old road which stretched out to Todmorden. Now one of Towneley’s network of visitor pathways, part of this old road spans a small stream and is called ‘Boggart Bridge’. Here lived a particularly nasty Boggart who demanded gifts from travellers 75

before he allowed them to cross.

A deal was eventually reached by agreeing that the Boggart could keep the soul of the first thing that crossed his bridge one morning, in turn he was never to appear again as long as there was greenery around. The locals sent an old hen over the bridge which the Boggart claimed then disappeared leaving behind only the smell of brimstone and sulphur. Evergreen shrubs were quickly planted and the nasty Boggart has not been seen since, but perhaps you can prove otherwise?

Ghosts, Ghouls, Spectres and Spooks As well as the Towneley Boggart, Burnley has many tales of ghostly goings-on from the Legend of the White Doe which is said to appear once a year on the anniversary of the death of Lady Sybil, a beautiful white witch who was shot with an arrow fired by her lover John Towneley, to the goblin funeral at Extwistle Hall which predicted the death of Captain Parker the owner of the hall.

Join one of the ghost walks to find out more about the haunted happenings, you never know quite what you will see, will it be the ghostly form of the murdered monk. Or will Towneley’s Boggart return once more to demand a new soul as payment for crossing the bridge.

Ghost walks take place at several times throughout the year, look out for details on www.visitburnley.com.

Parklife A family outing to the park is a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon and if that park is Thompson Park then you are in for a treat. This beautiful Green Flag park is just the ticket for families: it has stunning gardens and flowers, trees where you can play hide and seek and plenty of grassy areas to run around on.

You’ll find a large boating lake where you can hire a rowing boat, a miniature railway for children to ride on, a fantastic playground with the latest play equipment and one of the last outdoor children’s paddling pools in the area.

Bring a picnic and settle in for a while, buy an ice cream from the kiosk and soak up the sun while the children enjoy themselves and make friends. If you time it right you will catch one of the special events that take place in the park all year round from Easter Egg Hunts in the spring to a special visit from Father Christmas in December.

It’s Showtime Enchanting, thrilling, hilarious and heart-warming. Live theatre can make you feel part of the action in a way that films and television just don’t seem to be able to manage. The 2013 children’s shows at Burnley Mechanics cover all these emotions with exciting productions for children of all ages.

Join the audience for rib-tickling fun with the fabulous Chuckle Brothers as they meet the scary Phantom in a ghostly adventure with puppets, magic and songs, or bring the little ones to see Cbeebies favourite Sid as he undertakes an epic quest to find his lost shoes and socks - are they floating in space, at the bottom of the sea or deep in the jungle?

Children’s books are brought to life on stage allowing kids to see the characters in a new light and experience a new take on their treasured stories. Three children’s favourites will delight youngsters this year. The timeless classic Wind in the Willows offers the chance to meet Ratty, Mole and Badger, not forgetting the excitable Mr Toad, in an interactive musical version of the much-loved story.

Australian fairy tale, The Elephant Bridesmaid, tells the story of Nessie the Elephant and her jungle friends as they search for the perfect dress for the jungle’s first and most beautiful elephant bridesmaid. Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales is a medley of Julia Donaldson’s best loved tales, all in one fantastic show, featuring Tiddler, A Squash and a Squeeze, Monkey Puzzle and the Smartest Giant in Town.

Tel. 01282 664400

Theatrical Ambitions If you have always wanted to put on a performance, if you love singing show tunes or if you are just longing to recite Shakespeare then Burnley Youth Theatre could make all your dreams come true. Run especially for youngsters from 5 – 25 years of age, children can learn all about the theatre whether they want to be on stage or work behind the scenes. The purpose built theatre is located in its own grounds next to Queen’s Park and puts on dynamic and inspiring performances by children, for children (although adults are welcome) throughout the year, from classic theatre to new, original and contemporary pieces. Come along and join the dance and drama workshops and let your creativity shine.

76

Cabinet of Curiosities “‘Curiouser and curiouser!’ cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English).”

Curiosity is such a big part of growing up; it is important to know why something is the way it is, what it feels like, what it sounds like, even what it smells like, and now a new entrance exhibition at Towneley Hall positively welcomes curious children to find out more.

The Cabinet of Curiosities is filled with the weird and wonderful, exciting and fascinating things from Towneley’s vast collections. There are holes to peep through, feely boxes for little fingers to touch strange new things and interactive displays to encourage imaginations to run wild. There could be an elephants skull or a genuine shrunken head, a medal from World War One or a stuffed dormouse. You never know just what you will find.

Look closely, remember the things you’ve seen or how they feel then collect a trail sheet and let your curiosity take you on a tour around the hall to discover some of the fascinating treasures that make Towneley such a fabulous place to explore.

Own a Pony Days

Your dreams of riding a pony across the fields or entering a gymkhana and winning first prize, can start to become a reality if you come along to one of the ‘Own a Pony Days’ at HAPPA. These day long courses for children aged seven years and over take place during school holidays throughout the year and must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.

Starting first thing in the morning you will learn all the basics of looking after your own pony. Find out how to muck out the stables and lay down new bedding so that the pony has a comfortable space to relax in, before learning how to groom your pony to make sure he is clean, tidy and happy. You will be taught about tack and how to get the pony ready before your ride – how to put on the saddle and bridle and make sure it is all fastened properly so that both you and the pony will be safe and secure. Once all this is done, you will be able to have a short ride around HAPPA’s home at Shores Hey Farm.

For further details call 01282 455992

Scale the Heights If you are looking for a challenge and don’t mind heights then why not do something completely different and have a go at scaling the climbing wall at Burnley Campus?

At 6.8m high the wall has nine top roped climbs and is built to the latest safety specifications with two main areas including a featured fibre glass area with overhang and flat walled sections.

Call in advance to book your sessions with the qualified instructors who will kit you out with harnesses and guide you through your sessions so that you get the most out of your visit.

For further details contact Burnley Campus on 01282 682271

Mountain Biking Have you always fancied having a go at mountain biking? If so, the new trail at Hurstwood could be just the place to start. This 1.6km blue graded trail offers a fun route which anyone can ride and is ideal at providing a taster of what a man-made trail can offer. There are lots of rollers and berms and it is an excellent place for learning, sharpening skills and building confidence, here you can get the basics of body positioning, cornering, braking, riding with control and flow just right.

Hurstwood is a compact route but it is part of a larger network of cycle trails which includes the Mary Towneley Loop, so experienced mountain bikers can shoot around it several times then continue on with their longer ride.

Courses are available throughout the year for beginners and those who want to improve their technique.

The Crib Designed as a space for 1425 year olds to enjoy, practise and create music The Crib at Burnley Library is located in the old Stocks Massey music library at the top of the building. This contemporary and vibrant space is there to give young people somewhere to make and produce music, there are radio booths where they can listen to their favourite sounds, laptops for surfing the web, DVDs to watch and games consoles where they can play the latest games.

With study areas for homework, space for meetings and presentations and the chance to learn through workshops and showcases about creativity and culture The Crib is an amazing place to mix reading, fun and music with just hanging out with friends.

77

Strike For a cool night out doing something a bit different you could try ten pin bowling at 1st Bowl, you can go bowling as a family or with friends, you can even join a bowling league if you want to add a little competition to your night out. As well as the 24 fully automated bowling lanes there are tons of amusements, pool tables and an American style diner. Birthdays can be celebrated in style and parties include food, drink and gifts as well as the chance to challenge your friends to find out who is the best bowler. So why not have a go? It’s fun and a little friendly rivalry always adds a spark to the game.

It’s my party

by Claire Smyth

With what seems like a constant stream of birthday parties at various play centres throughout the year, I wanted to do something a little different to celebrate my daughter Maisie’s 5th Birthday.

I had heard a couple of glowing reports about this Burnley venue so decided to give them a call. They have three wonderful themed rooms to choose from which provide an impressive backdrop for your child’s birthday adventures - be it pirates, princesses, fairy tales or superhero adventures. For an older child you have an additional option of a high energy X Factor style disco party in their dance and recording studios.

After talking my requirements through with It’s My Party I opted for the Princess & Pirate Party and promptly sent out invites to my little girl’s friends. It’s My Party promises to treat your child’s birthday “as the most special day of the year, not just another playtime or a couple of hours to kill”.

This couldn’t have been truer, from the moment we arrived they made Maisie feel like a genuine princess and the experience was truly magical, from a rather grand red carpet entrance to a final round of applause and curtseys.

The two party entertainers who are dressed in theatrical costumes stayed in

78

character the entire time, ensuring that all guests, regardless of age, were involved and engaged with the activities and the role play games. All the children were enchanted by these superb actors who enthusiastically created a fantasyland of pirates and princesses. The room which was exclusively ours was set out just like a fairy tale scene, with a huge wooden pirate ship that was at the heart of all the adventures. The magic and games continued throughout meal time and Maisie sat on a throne at the head of a medieval themed table. The food was great and was brilliantly presented in theatrical bowls and goblets. Maisie and her guests especially loved the interaction between the entertainers and their parents - at times it was like being in our very own pantomime.

Having been to lots of party venues throughout the North West with my two girls, It’s My Party is undoubtedly the best, it’s different, is great value for money, the staff are fantastic and we have some brilliant memories - we can’t wait to go back!

It’s My Party is an award winning venue in Burnley which offers a unique and enchanting experience for your little birthday star.

With awards for Creative Business of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to Tourism from the Chamber of Commerce, It’s My Party creates enchanting parties for children in their venue in the Weavers’ Triangle.

With experience of producing shows with Ronnie Wood, U2 and Robbie Williams and working alongside former Disney executives Marie Marks and her cast have created an incredibly innovative venue that brings magic to your child’s birthday party. www.itsmypartyonline.co.uk

79

! c i Ep ie Frank Antonia

y

Harr

Ben Joe

Izzy

an

Greig

s t n e m e l E

by Paul Barlow Outdoor It’s the crate stack, in the end, that truly sorts the kids into their tribal factions... Let me explain...

There’s a hidden woodland valley in Simonstone, just north of Padiham. It’s a natural playground augmented with ropes, belays and old milk crates. Jim and Lee own and run Outdoor Elements, an adventure centre that welcomes school parties, businesses, individuals and families looking for a fun day out. They offer a mixture of daring tree top activities, team building exercises and survival skills.

The three girls and four boys that we took had a thrilling day that included a 300 foot zip line and archery. They loved it and can’t stop talking about it - here are some of their highlights:

80

Leap of Faith

Climb to the top of the tree and leap off. It’s a test of mind over matter because even in a safety harness and with Lee’s reassuring guidance it’s not easy to step into the void. There’s a ball floating in mid-air in front of the tree and the aim is to make contact with it.

This helps take the mind off the dizzying drop. Greigan performed a stunning mid-air kick at the ball.

Zip Line

Frankie had already done zip lines at other adventure centres, but it was nothing like as exhilarating as this one.

It’s over 300 feet and takes you from the top of the centre right through the trees almost to the other side. With a gleeful scream she launched from the top of the wooded valley at a dizzying speed, through the trees, down, down and up the other side and then... Back again, until settling in the centre of the line. Frankie hovered over the valley, suspended in her harness, until being lowered down to the woodland floor by Lee. Fantastic!

81

Archery

Could there be any better setting for Robin Hood’s favourite sport than this seven-acre woodland glade?

Our merry band, with appropriate instruction and cautions, were soon firing off arrows, with some accuracy, into the brightly coloured targets. Joe, the youngest in the group, found it difficult at first -the bow was taller than he was - but he found the strength and precision that may one day make him an excellent bowman.

Crate Stack The next task forced everyone to work together. Intriguingly the boys still viewed it as two teams...

Crate stack is like a massive game of Jenga using milk crates and with two people at the top of the tower.

It was during this challenge that the boys declared a win for their team on account of there being boys at the top. From where I was sat it seemed clear that it was Antonia’s clear instructions from the base that gave them the advantage…

What we didn’t do

Outdoor Elements, Dean Wood, Trapp Lane, Simonstone, Nr. Burnley BB12 7JD

It’s not possible to do all the activities at outdoor elements in one day. On the way out young Joe spied a display listing everything they offer. “I want to come back. And do the bug hunting. And abseiling and canoeing and survival skills…” So do I.

Tel: 01282 416396 www.outdoorelements.co.uk

82

Attractions 1st Bowl

Sun - Fri 12:00 - late Saturday 10:00 - late Finsley Gate BB11 2HE T. 01282 452050 www.1stbowl.com/burnley

Barden Mill

Mon - Sat 09:30 - 17:00 Sunday 10:30 - 17:00 Barden Lane BB12 0DX T. 01282 420333 www.bardenmill.co.uk

Gawthorpe Hall April - October

Wed - Sun 12:00 - 17:00 Burnley Road BB12 8UA T. 01282 771004 www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums

HAPPA

(Horses and Ponies Protection Association)

Fri - Mon 12:00 - 16:00 Open Bank Holidays Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe BB10 3QU T.01282 455992 www.happa.org.uk

Burnley Football Club

Ground tours Wednesdays and non-match Saturdays Turf Moor, Harry Potts Way BB10 4BX 01282 700001 – ring to book www.burnleyfootballclub.com

Market Hall

Open Market

Manchester Road BB11 2EG T. 0871 220 6000 www.apollocinemas.com

It’s My Party

Westgate Mill, Sandygate, BB11 1RW Tel. 01282 453000

Burnley Markets Mon - Sat Except Tues

Hollywood Park Apollo Cinema

09:00 - 17:00 10:00 - 15:00

Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat 09:00 - 16:00 Market Square BB11 1AZ T. 01282 477188

www.itsmypartyonline.co.uk

KarLen Antiques

Open 7 days a week 10:00 - 16:00 Bank Hall Works BB10 3AT T. 01282 431953 www.antiquesshipper.co.uk

www.burnley-markets.co.uk

Burnley Mechanics

See website for performance details Manchester Road, BB11 1BH Tel. 01282 664400 www.burnleymechanics.co.uk

Burnley Youth Theatre

See website for performance details Queen’s Park Road BB10 3LB T. 01282 427767 www.burnleyyouththeatre.org

Charter Walk Shopping Centre

Moorhouses Brewery

Accrington Road BB11 5EN T. 01282 422864 www.moorhouses.co.uk

Oak Mount Mill Engine House Open on the following dates: 30th & 31st March 14:00 - 16:00 6th May 14:00 - 16:00 25th May 14:00 - 16:00 25th Aug 14:00 - 16:00 14th & 15th Sept 14:00 - 16:00 Wiseman Street BB11 1RU T. 01282 452403

Market Promenade BB11 1AE T. 01282 425368

www.weaverstriangle.co.uk

www.charterwalk.com

Oak Mount Mill Shop

Craftrange

Mon - Sat 10:00 - 16:00 2 Boran Court, Network 65 BB11 5TH T. 01282 833091 www.craftrange.com

Mon - Sat 09.15 - 17:00 Wiseman Street BB11 1RU T. 01282 414950 www.finefabrics-burnley.co.uk

Offshoots

Mon - Fri 09:00 - 16:00 first Sat of the month 09:00 - 16:00 Towneley Park BB11 3RQ T. 01282 450270

Outdoor Elements

Trapp Lane, Simonstone, BB12 7JD. 01282 416396

www.outdoorelements.co.uk

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum

Queen Street, Harle Syke BB10 2HX T. 01282 412555 www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums

Pendle Explorer Canal Cruises Sat, Sun & 12:30 & 14:00 Bank Holiday Monday Barden Lane BB12 0DX T. 01282 420333 www.reedleymarina.co.uk

Rossendale Valley Sailing Club

Manchester Road Clowbridge BB11 5PF T. 01282 421674 www.rvsc.co.uk

St. Peter’s Church

Church Street BB11 2DL T. 01282 413120 www.stpetersburnley.com

Springwood Garden Centre 40 Springwood Road BB10 4HR T. 01282 832271

Towneley Garden Centre

Mon - Sat 09:00 - 17:00 Sun 10.30 - 16.30 Towneley Park BB10 4SD T. 01282 424162 www.towneley-gc.co.uk

Towneley Hall

Saturday – Thursday 12:00 – 17:00 Towneley Park, BB11 3RQ Tel. 01282 477130 www.burnley.gov.uk/towneley

The Weavers’ Triangle Visitor Centre

Easter – September Saturday – Tuesday 14:00 – 16:00 October Saturday & Sunday 14:00 – 16:00 85, Manchester Road, BB11 1JZ Tel. 01282 452403 www.weaverstriangle.co.uk

www.offshoots.org.uk

Prices & Opening Times: It is advisable to check the prices and opening times before visiting as these may be subject to alteration.