Rawtenstall Town Hall Update

A new proposal was submitted regarding the old Town Hall just before Christmas:-

Existing

Proposed

What does this proposal for a new entrance to the old Town Hall say about present day Rossendale?  2017 is the 50th anniversary of legislation to protect and enhance Conservation Areas. Much has been learned in that time about respecting older buildings and blending modern ones into the townscape. Has the message got back here yet?

We have put in a strong objection and a request for a return to the drawing board for something much more compatible with 21st century expectations.

And we haven’t yet ruled out the possibility of keeping at least some of the building (and the irreplaceable stonework) that is there now…………..

Kenneth Lees 1927-2017

We are sad to report that Kenneth Lees, founder member of Rawtenstall Civic Society and committee member of Rossendale Civic Trust, died this afternoon. Just a few days short of his 90th birthday.

We would like thank him for his endless enthusiasm, passion and commitment to Rossendale over the many years he was our colleague.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family.

Rawtenstall Market December 2016

Our stall on Rawtenstall Christmas Market 2016 Photo by Peter Wood

Congratulations to everyone who organised and took part in Rawtenstall Market in the fantastic Christmas Market this Saturday.

Rawtenstall’s traditional indoor market had it’s Annual Christmas event on Saturday 10th December and we are glad to report it was very busy, as always. As usual the traders and public helped create a strong festive atmosphere welcoming people from across the country to our town.

Local groups and charities, including ourselves, the local scouts, churches and even wildlife preservation groups participated to make it a special occasion. It really goes to show what a community we have and how it can come together with a little effort for a good cause.

 

Good news September 2016

Many, many thanks to all members and friends who helped out and visited our end of season Craft Fair at the Cottage over the weekend.

Visiter numbers this summer have topped the 600 mark for the first time since 2002 and loosen our car parking space to Ilex Mill, the Health Centre and 12 years of disruptive roadworks.

Lancashire County Council have agreed to lift the parking ban at the top end of Fall Barn Road, so that should help our weekday use the Cottage grow again. specially the Tuesday afternoon History Group

Craft Fair at the Cottage

This weekend is our second annual Craft Fair at the Weavers Cottage. Where we hope to showcase traditional arts and crafts from around Lancashire and North Yorkshire.

This year we have lace makers, stone masons, glass carvers, wood workers and even iron forgers. All demonstrating their skills for the visiting public.

Come on down and see whats happening. Doors open 11 am on Saturday and Sunday!

 

Rawtenstall Town Centre September 2016 Update

For the last few years there has been a slowly developing project to redevelop Rawtenstall’s town centre. At the heart of these plans is the demolition of existing buildings, including the historic Town Hall and the construction of a new, more modern, bus station in the town square.

While we would be the first to agree that the current Rawtenstall Bus Station is in desperate need of an upgrade the planned bus station is, in our opinion; unfeasible, impractical, out of keeping with the town. In turn we strongly oppose any demolition of the old Town Hall, which is one of the few remaining icons of the classic Rawtenstall townscape. We believe this action would be for the worse.

Both ourselves and national historical groups have protested against this development and through hard work, dedication and some intensive campaigning have been able to save part of the old Town Hall. Forcing the developers to re-think their plans, however the battle is not won yet. Nearly half of the landmark building is still scheduled for, what we feel is, needless destruction. The only thing gained by this act would be a handful of parking spaces, already earmarked for private use.

Rawtenstall Through Time

Rossendale Civic Trust holds the remaining stock of Rawtenstall Through Time books, which originally sold at £14.99.

These are for sale through us at £10.00, with all profits going directly to us

Copies are available at the Weavers’ Cottage or from David Graham’s book stall on Rawtenstall Market.

Grane Mill opening a huge success.

Grane Mill at Haslingden had one of its best ever open days with a constant stream of visitors to its magnificent steam engine this last weekend (10th & 11th September) as part of Heritage Open Days!

Heritage Open days

Heritage Open days ( https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk ) is the celebration where historical buildings around the country are open to the public and it’s this weekend!  Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th 2016

In Rossendale we’ve got a lot of  buildings opening their doors and taking part this year!

Including Grane Mill, Haslingden, Quaker Meeting House, Crawshawbooth and Stubbylee Hall, Bacup

As always we’re also open from 12.30 to 5 so come on down!

 

New website, new phone number

Google is still directing people to the old website, we’d just like to confirm that this is the new, current, website for the Rossendale Civic Trust.

There are still some rough edges but we’re here to stay, for the foreseeable future that is. On that note the new phone number for the Weavers’ Cottage is 01706 531550 and we once again have full service.

We also have our monthly committee meeting this Monday (August 8th 2016). All members are, as always, welcome.