On one rainy evening in May 1964, an abandoned railway station in Manchester became alive with the soul-stirring sound of gospel and blues.
Category Archives: #Lancashire
The Duties of a Gamekeeper: January, the Hard Month
The month of January, in the heart of winter when claws of ice, wind and rain grip the British countryside, can prove hard for those that work outdoors, it is also a pivotal time when decisions must be made and tallies taken, especially for our 3000+ gamekeepers.
Cotton Chronicles: Lancashire Clog Fighting, A Brutal Northern Tradition
This vicious activity was once a widespread pastime across industrial Lancashire and other northern mining communities, lasting roughly 200 years from the 18th century into the mid-20th century. It was especially popular among colliers and mill workers, who used it to settle grudges, prove toughness, or even as a semi-professional spectacle with promoters, pub venues, and travelling champions.
Whalley Abbey
The ruins of Whalley Abbey stand on the northern bank of the Calder in Lancashire’s Ribble valley and were once the second-richest in the county.
Lurking in the Canal; Perch, the Highly Adaptable Piscine Predator
The European perch, Perca fluviatilis, is a highly adaptable predatory freshwater fish native to the British isles. It is found in a wide variety of habitats from ponds and lakes to brooks and rivers but has found a particularly thriving niche in our man-made canals.
Happy New Year!
Here’s wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous 2026! From Alex and Louise Burton-Hargreaves in Lancashire Louise & Alex Burton-Hargreaves (Dec 2025)
The Lord of Misrule and his Merry band of Mummers
“Here we stand before your door, As we stood the year before; Give us whiskey, give us gin, Open the door and let us in.”
Christmas Song, by Edwin Waugh
Bring in the green holly, the box, and the yew, the fir, and the laurel, all sparkling with rime; Hang up to the ceiling the mistletoe-bough, and let us be jolly another yule-time!