Carnforth

This week we visited Carnforth, a market town situated around seven miles north of Lancaster, which grew in the 19th century through the presence of the railway and ironworks.

The name “Carnforth” is thought to derive from its old function as a ford of the River Keer on which it is situated. Over time the name “Keer-ford” may have morphed into the modern “Carnforth”.

In 1945, Carnforth railway station was used as a location for the David Lean film Brief Encounter, starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard.

Fans of this film were one of the major factors in the recent refurbishment of the railway station, including construction of a refreshment room to match the studio set used in the film. This reopened in 2021 as the Brief Encounter Refreshment Room Bistro and Bar.

The heritage centre, now run by the Carnforth Station Trust, features a small cinema area, shop and exhibitions. A few of us ventured into the town, and all in all we had a great day out.

Photos can be seen here. Some are black and white photos with some subjects in colour!

Legacy of ’67 – The Symposium

The Legacy of ’67 project launched in February 2022 to illuminate the stories and histories of LGBT+ people before and after the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967. Personal stories of older people who identify as LGBT+ were collected and preserved in Archives+ at Manchester Central Library. These interviews formed the basis for a theatre show and exhibition.

The Symposium is the last public event of the project – a day-long gathering of presentations, discussion and debate inspired by speakers from the arts, law, academia, research and more exploring the changes in attitude towards LGBT+ people since the 1967 Sexual Offences Act, and how these changes have impacted our communities.

The day will be engaging, stimulating, conversational, discursive, thought provoking, funny and participatory.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided.

The event will be on 6 June 2023 from 10.00am to 5.00pm at Friends’ Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS.

Tickets are £5.00 or free to people who are unwaged or low waged. Booking is essential here. 

Rainbow Lottery – Win a Summer Getaway!

As the weather (slowly!) gets more summer-y, we’re thrilled to be able to bring you this amazing prize.

To thank you for your ongoing support for Out In The City, we’re giving you the chance to win a fantastic European City Break this May! Whether you want to see the architecture and nightlife of Barcelona, sample the art and food of Florence, soak up the culture in Paris – or simply unwind and see the sights – this prize is simply not to be missed!

The special prize draw will take place on Saturday 27 May. For existing ticket holders there’s no need to buy separate tickets, you will be automatically entered into this prize draw. Of course, you are welcome to buy additional tickets. Every ticket you buy is an extra chance to win, and an extra fundraising boost for Out In The City.

All this for just £1 a week.

Thank you and good luck!