Barrowford

Barrowford is a large village and civil parish in the Pendle district of Lancashire.

After travelling on Bus X43 from Manchester to Burnley, and then transferring to Bus Number 2, we eventually arrived at the White Bear Pub, which was built around 1667. There we enjoyed Steak and Ale Pies with Puff Pastry, Cheese and Onion Pies and Caesar Salads. The food was excellent and the service was brilliant.

On the walk to the Pendle Heritage Centre, we passed one of the original toll houses, dating from 1804 at the junction with the road to Colne, complete with a reproduction of the table of tolls which were paid. The toll house was restored in the 1980s and is owned by the trust which operates the Heritage Centre.

The Centre includes a museum which explains the fascinating history of Park Hill and the ancient Bannister family, including the story of its modern descendant, Sir Roger Bannister, the first athlete in the world to run a mile in less than four minutes.

It tells about the mysterious Pendle Witches of the seventeenth century and of George Fox, whose vision on Pendle Hill inspired the international Quaker movement.

The exhibitions include “The story of the notorious Pendle Witches” which resulted in their famous trial of 1612. The twelve accused were charged with the murders of ten people by the use of witchcraft. All but two were tried at Lancaster Assizes on 18–19 August 1612. One was tried at York Assizes on 27 July 1612, and another died in prison. Of the eleven who went to trial – nine women and two men – ten were found guilty and executed by hanging; one was found not guilty.

Six of the Pendle witches came from one of two families, each at the time headed by a woman in her eighties. The outbreaks of ‘witchcraft’ in and around Pendle may suggest that some people made a living as traditional healers, using a mixture of herbal medicine and talismans or charms, which might leave them open to charges of sorcery.

The journey home was much quicker than the outward journey and some great photos can be seen here.

Manchester Astronomical Society

Last Thursday evening, ten of us went to an event  “Astronomy Under the Stars – A Superhuman View of the Cosmos“.

There were some really cool astronomy and space videos between 7:00pm and 7:30pm, which were followed by a presentation by Tom Vassos, Founder of Cosmologists Without Borders.

We saw what the cosmos would look like if we all had superhuman vision. We immersed ourselves in awe-inspiring images of nebulas, galaxies and supernova explosions that are invisible to the naked eye. We learnt about doomsday meteorites that are like 4.5-billion-year-old time capsules from the beginning of our Solar System and the birth of planet Earth.

We handled meteorites – actual evidence that reveals where we all came from. It was a fascinating experience, and a great evening

“Cruise” at HOME Theatre

Fifteen of us went to see “Cruise” based in Soho in 1988.

The stunning, joyful and wholeheartedly life-grabbing Olivier award nominated play is the true story of what should have been Michael Spencer’s last night on earth.

When he’s diagnosed with HIV in 1984, Michael is told he’ll have four years to live – at most. On the last night of his four-year countdown, Michael decides to go out with a bang. He says his goodbyes, dances, sings, and says yes to everything and everyone … and then survives.

Written and performed with vast charm, empathy and energy by Jack Holden, “Cruise” is a celebration of queer culture. A kaleidoscopic musical and spoken word tribute to the veterans of the AIDS crisis with an irresistible 80s soundtrack. 

“Cruise” will make you laugh, cry and inspire you to live every day as if it’s your last.

LGBT+ abuse in care homes revealed

One of the joys of growing old is being able to unashamedly be yourself – but sadly that isn’t proving to be the case for many older LGBT+ people living in care.

A report by the charity Compassion in Care found hundreds of cases of elderly people experiencing homophobic or transphobic attacks in care settings. Some are even being forced back into the closet.