Wars Remembered, Family History and So Much More!
Our November meeting saw a visit from two local people who were researching family history. Not unusual you might think, but it was quite a coincidence. In the spring we’d had a visit from an Octogenarian cyclist from near Aldershot, interested in seeing the places where his ancestors had lived in Yorkshire. We had a great day, showing him the sights. Our two November visitors were, like the cyclist, researching the Gott family. We have been able to put them in touch, using the internet. This family history side of our work is not something we considered when we set up the group, but it is growing in importance as can be seen in the last paragraph of this report.
As Remembrance Day and Sunday were imminent we had a timely reminder, with war extracts from the school log book. I’ve since heard that the most up to date list of the Cowling fallen was read out for the first time, at the memorial, compiled from the research of one of our members.
Also presented to the meeting were a list of Highway repairs from 1627-9, a document dated1873 from Cliffe Castle re the Hugh Smith Charity and a list of Trades People in Cowling Parish in 1791.
An excerpt from a Dry Stone Radio programme was listened to because of its history content. Following this the Chairman was instructed by the group to offer our services as history advisers to the radio station.
The group were brought up to date regarding the posibilities for a proposed replacement bridge at Ridge Mill. There is to be another Council open meeting with County Council representatives, within the next two months. The old bridge, on the historic Corpse Road to Kidlwick was damaged beyond repair by a fallen tree three years ago.
The group went part way to deciding on two major objectives for the coming year. This decision making will be concluded at the next meeting.
It was decided to continue with meeting throughout the winter months, unless the weather intervenes.
Finally it was reported, that since the last meeting, two family history enquiries had been received, St Andrew’s had informed us that they were to sell some Alice Smith CD’s, information regarding a Lane Ends Bridge of 1791 was received and Moonrakers had assisted the Parish Council in a letter to Pendle Labour Party regarding a query about the maintenance of the Philip Snowden Memorial and signs.
All that and a cup of tea. It’s no wonder that two hours flashed by.
