CLUB NEWS BACUP NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
FOLLOWING the phenomenal success of our HLF sponsored ‘Fossil Fest’ on Sunday, February 3, which saw a steady stream of both young and old visitors throughout the five to six hours for which we opened, we have taken the decision to retain many of the attractions for a ‘Mini Fossil Fest‘ on our normal third Saturday in the month opening on February 16, from 10.30am until 1.30pm.
There are still fossils to be dug out of the sand and retained, perhaps after a thorough study under our easy to use binocular microscopes, as well as a viewing of some of our collection of spectacular fossils and crystals.
Be amazed at a 50 million year old insect forever trapped in amber.
If you are already an aficionado, bring along your own prized specimen, if not, come and look at ours!
On the following Thursday, February 21, at 7.30pm, we restart our monthly lecture programme with local historian, Lavinia Tod, speaking on ‘The Industrial Revolution from cottage to mill‘.
As always, for both events, entrance is free, all are welcome.
ROSSENDALE RAMBLERS
THE recent milder weather has made walking conditions easier, though without the lovely wintry views.
On Wednesday, February 6, 24 ramblers had an interesting 10-mile walk in the Rivington area, including Lever Park, the former estate of Lord Leverhulme, the soap magnate and the magnificent Great House Barn café.
We even visited the ruins of Liverpool Castle (a folly) and skirted the Terraced Gardens – currently being restored.
Then on Sunday, February 10, we had an excellent turnout of 16 walkers for the first shorter Sunday walk of the year, starting from Nuttall Park in Ramsbottom.
It was lovely to have three new walkers with us, who were made very welcome.
Coming up, on Saturday, February 16, we invite you to join us at Whitaker Park in Rawtenstall for our first two-hour pub walk of the year.
We will take it very slowly and hope that everybody will join us at The Whitaker afterwards for some social, a drink and maybe a snack.
Finally, on Wednesday, February 20, we have a 10-mile walk in the lovely Forest of Bowland.
If you have never visited this hidden Lancashire gem, you are missing out, so please come along to experience it with us.
Further information about Rossendale Ramblers can be found on our website at www. rossendale- ramblers. co.uk or, instead, you can contact us via our secretary Glyn on 01706 561 042, or at glynbr45@ gmail.com.
CENTRAL METHODIST CHURCH LADIES FELLOWSHIP BACUP
JANET Helm, one of the fellowship ladies, led the first meeting of the year on Tuesday.
Janet had organised a quiz with photos of well-known ladies, each bringing their own quality of beliefs, faith and help to others.
As well as the photos there were two columns of dates and their fame and the ladies had to decide which went together.
Some of the pictures were of Mother Teresa of Calcutta who cared for the dying in the slums of the city, Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, Elizabeth Fry, the prison reformer, also three authors, Dorothy Sayers, Harriet Beecher Stowe, both devout in their worship and Helen Steiner Rice, a great writer of religious poetry.
A few of the ladies failed to recognise Rosa Parks, who helped initiate the civil rights movement in USA and refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white man.
Janet also mentioned Rev Kate Bottley, well known for her appearances in various TV programmes.
She did not come from a church-going family and only started going to church herself because she fancied the vicar’s son.
She now preaches in Nottinghamshire and is passionate about giving talks on strong beliefs to the widest audience possible.
Michelle Obama is also a woman with strong faith and wanting to help others, which she shares in her new autobiography.
She has set up various charities and done amazing good work during her life helping others and showing her pride in the things she has achieved.
Janet finished the very interesting evening with a poem by Helen Steiner Rice and was applauded by the ladies and thanked by Irene Wilkinson.