ERIC MITCHELL
MR Eric Mitchell, of Todmorden Road, Sharneyford, Bacup died in Pendle Community Hospital on Wednesday, April 25, aged 92.
He was born in Bacup where he lived all of his life, mostly in Sharneyford.
A Bevin Boy, he was a miner for over 25 years at Hill Top and Old Meadows pits. He also worked at The Walsden Print Co. in Todmorden and retired from Rossendale Borough Council where he was employed in the highways department.
He enjoyed walking and supporting Bacup Cricket Club where he was a long standing member. MR Michael Darcy, of The Cloisters, Waterfoot, died peacefully in Pendleside Hospice on Monday, April 23, aged 83.
Born in Bacup where he lived most of his life he moved to Waterfoot 21 years ago. He was employed as an ambulance man for over 30 years stationed at Stacksteads and also worked for Bacup Council employed in the direct works building department.
An avid gardener, he enjoyed photography, holidays abroad in Canada, Rhodes and Ireland and also walking his dog Louie.
He leaves wife Rita, children Jeanette, Judith and Damian, stepdaughters Beverley and Julie and their partners, seven grandsons, nephews, nieces and many friends.
The family wish to thank Pendleside Hospice for the outstanding care IRENE Stanhope, of Manchester Road, Haslingden, passed away on Saturday, April 21 in the Royal Blackburn Hospital, aged 78.
She was a loving mother to son Stephen, daughterin-law Eileen, daughter Susan and late son Stuart; MRS June Knight, of Holcombe Road, Helmshore, died on Friday, April 27, aged 82.
June started her working life with Stotts Foundry Haslingden in the office, later working in several shops in the town and retired from the canteen at Holland’s Pies.
She was a member of Rossendale Ladies Choir, travelling with them to Bocholt on a number of occasions.
Wife of the late Ronald, she leaves her son Graeme and sister-in-law Pat.
The funeral will take place on Wednesday, May 9 with service at the Pleasant Street Chapel of Rest Haslingden at 2pm followed by interment at Haslingden Cemetery officiated by Rev. Rick Ormerod.
Family flowers only donations if desired for MRS Winifred Thomas, of Poplar Street, Haslingden, died at Ashlands Nursing home, Newchurch on Friday, April 27, aged 79.
A Haslingden lady, Winifred worked at Hargareaves Street Mill as an overlocker and machinist. She also spent time at Porritts of Stubbins and retired from Hazelwood Nursing Home Haslingden where she was a cook.
Wife of the late Ronald (Tommy) she leaves her daughters Susan and Sharon and son-in-law Phillip, nephews John and Tony; niece Theresa and their families.
The funeral will take place on Thursday, May 10 with service and cremation at Accrington Crematorium at 11am officiated by Fr. John Broadley.
Donations in memory of Winifred are for Diabetes U.K. c/o funeral director Josephine Durning for Johnson, Durning and Woods Funeral Service, Haslingden.
REV DR LESLIE CHAMBERS
REV’D Dr Leslie, of Helmshore, died peacefully on Monday, April 30, aged 91.
The devoted and much loved husband of Jean, he was loving dad of Christopher and Philip, dear father-in-law of Helen and Amparo, cherished grandad of Paul, Anna and Mark and dear brother to Ron, and a good and loyal friend to many.
Leslie started his working life following school in the building trade. It was following this that Leslie found his true vocation in life with the New Jerusalem Church.
Leslie gave over sixty years to the church and it was his passion. He ministered at many churches including in London, Failsworth, Radcliffe, Rhodes and Middleton, Clayton-leMoors, Accrington, Haslingden and Burnley.
An avid reader who loved to learn and expand his already vast knowledge. Leslie continued to learn all his life gaining a doctorate aged seventy studying the influence of Emanuel Swedenborg on the poet William Blake.
He continued to minister for the church all his life up to the very end aged 91.
Leslie was truly devoted to his both his family and his church sharing his time between them both.
He loved family visits and always looked forward to visiting Madrid with his wife to visit their son Philip and his family.
A Service of Thanksgiving for the Leslie’s life will take place at Accrington New Jerusalem Church on Friday, May 18 at 12noon. Family flowers only please. Donations may be made in memory of Leslie via Champ Funeral Services, Bank House, Clayton-le-Moors.
SEE page 16.