The highs and lows of 2016
In this final edition of the Free Press of the year, we look back at some of the stories and images that made the headlines in the first half of 2016
JANUARY
HEARTBROKEN residents and businesses were left picking up the pieces after record breaking floods rampaged through the Valley. Communities cut short their festive celebrations and pulled together to help each other out.
HUNDREDS of passengers enjoyed an unforgettable journey as The Flying Scotsman returned to the tracks for the first time in more than a decade.
Following its £4.2m restoration, the iconic railway locomotive transported lucky train enthusiasts on the East Lancashire Railway between Rawtenstall, Heywood and Bury - witnessed by huge crowds.
FEBRUARY
A PRANKSTER from Haslingden became an internet sensation after going for a swim in the Trafford Centre food court pool. Lewis Ellis was filmed wearing a life jacket, swimming trunks and diving goggles before security guards quickly escorted him out of the centre.
ASPIRING young astronaut Charlotte Richards was left ‘over the moon’ after receiving a personal message from space. The six-year-old from Haslingden contacted UK astronaut Tim Peake via Twitter to confirm if he had met any aliens after concerns over his safety.
He replied: “I haven’t seen any so I think you’re safe :).”
MARCH
THE Rossendale Valley took on the appearance of a picture postcard after it was covered in a thick blanket of snow.
As temperatures plummeted, schools and libraries were forced to shut, bin collections were cancelled and motorists and commuters suffered major delays.
A RECORD 20,000 people packed the streets of Ramsbottom for a celebration of all things chocolate.
Bridge Street was transformed into a market Willy Wonka would have been proud of, selling chocolate of every type, and those with a sweet tooth got stuck into a myriad of treats from a range of confectioners.
APRIL
TRIBUTES were paid to former ‘maverick’ councillor and community stalwart Leonard Entwistle.
The 73-year-old from Haslingden was a businessman for over 40 years, running L&B Transport, the West End petrol station and the West Vale motor company.
THE spirit of the Victorian era was brought to life at a historical-themed craft fair. More than 400 people braved the unseasonably cold weather to explore a Victorian craft market with stallholders dressed in period costume at Haslingden Market.
MAY
MASSIVE Burnley fan Sean Keyes said he had no regrets after ‘cashing out’ on a possible £35,000 bet windfall ahead of the Clarets’ famous Championship title win.
He had been sweating on an incredible winning double after placing a bet on Leicester City and Burnley to win their respective leagues at combined odds of 4,000/1. However, after the Foxes’ astonishing triumph in the Premier League, Sean decided to take the money and run – a decision which cost him 7,400 Euros when Burnley went on to win.
SOAP star Gemma Atkinson helped raise thousands of pounds for an animal sanctuary by taking on the Great Manchester Run.
The Emmerdale actress joined a team of 16 other runners to raise around £7,000 for Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary at the annual 10k race.
JUNE
AN outdoor launderette on a main town centre street got residents in a lather.
Nearly 550 people signed a petition calling for the removal of the large al fresco washers on Deardengate in Haslingden.
Council bosses later ordered the ‘eyesore’ machines to be removed after an investigation.
NOSTALGIA enthusiasts donned military uniforms and Forties finery to step back in time at Rawtenstall and Ramsbottom railway’s wartime weekend.
Record breaking numbers attended the 1940s event and they enjoyed watching Allied forces battle invading Nazi soldiers, US military camp displays, German tanks, and a Spitfire roaring across the skies.
Jul to Dec – next week