A Barrowford resident and former baker in Nelson – Nora Mason – has passed away.

Born in County Limerick, Ireland, the second child of Joe and Bridie Fean, Nora was 15 when she moved to England with her parents, brother John and sister Breda.

Her younger brothers, Joseph and Vincent, were born once the family were settled in Burnley while her elder brother Michael stayed in Dublin working for the Irish Post Office.

The family move from Ireland came in the the school summer holidays and Nora learned that the local Parkinson Pill Factory was taking on new staff who were ready to start work straight away.

Nora immediately joined the work force and remained in it instead of returning to school after the summer.

Keen to continue her studies, she moved on from the factory and became an apprentice baker. She worked with and learned her craft from baker Margaret Acton, who at that time owned the bakery in Smith Street, Nelson.

The two became friends and eventually Nora bought the baking business and became her own boss.

For years she ran the small but very popular shop, making delicious bread and cakes as well as catering for weddings, birthdays and other celebrations in the Burnley, Colne and Nelson area.

At the same time Nora was an active member of the Knights of St Columba Club on Yorkshire Street, Burnley. She spent many happy evenings meeting her friends there.

She was also an avid follower of the fortunes of Burnley’s football team. After her brothers moved from Burnley to complete their studies and follow their different careers, she could always be relied on to provide them with the latest news on the Clarets.

In 1979, she married Alan Mason, a widower and long-time family friend who was living in Blackburn but originally came from Nelson. She sold the bakery and moved to Blackburn where Alan was employed by Norweb.

Nora then became a catering assistant, working at a local school and then at Donaghdee Carpets. On Alan’s retirement they moved to Barrowford and Nora worked until her own retirement in the catering department at the Rolls-Royce factory in Barnoldswick.

Nora was the lynch-pin of the Fean family and kept them up to date with each other’s news.

On marriage, she gained step-son Ron and daughter-in-law Sue, and over the following years became grandmother to their children Chris and Anne – a role she thoroughly enjoyed.

Her personality drew the Mason and Fean families together – she was consistently cheerful, caring, ready to listen and keen to help. A person of deep faith, Nora was a popular parishioner at Saints Peter and Paul’s Church in Barrowford.

She passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of August 28th, following a short illness. She is sadly missed by Alan and the family, by her brothers and their families and by her nephew Gary Jordan, son of her late sister Breda.

Nora’s funeral took place last Friday at Ss Peter and Paul’s. And her family hope she will she rest in peace. Her Burnley-born brother Sir Vincent Fean has been a High Commissioner in Malta, an Ambassador in Libya and is now Consul General in Jerusalem.

Burnley and Blackburn Rovers Football Clubs have issued the following joint statement ahead of Saturday’s East Lancashire derby.

“We encourage all supporters attending this game to respect each other and the authorities.

“An East Lancashire derby between our two historic clubs is always a special occasion and we hope Saturday’s Championship game will be remembered for the action on the pitch and the positive backing of both sets of supporters.

“We acknowledge that there will be some disruption to the normal matchday schedule.

“However, this has been done with the safety of all supporters in mind and all fans should be aware that breaches of stadium regulations - including anti-social behaviour - will not be tolerated.

“Burnley and Blackburn Rovers also have a zero tolerance for discrimination of any sort, on the pitch or in the stands.

“If you experience any form of discrimination before, during or after the game, or require assistance in any matter, please contact a matchday steward.

We look forward to welcoming you to Turf Moor.”

The chairman of the Ribble Valley Conservative Association said its members will fully support and stand behind their MP Nigel Evans, who has been charged with offences including sexual assault, indecent assault and rape.

However, despite the charges, Mr Evans will carry on working as normal and hold regular surgeries across his constituency.

In a statement on the associaton’s website released this morning (Wednesday), chairman Mr Michael Ranson said: “Ribble Valley Conservation Association is disappointed that the CPS have indicated that they have charged our MP Nigel Evans with rape and other sexual offences. Nigel has strongly denied all the offences and has said that he will vigorously defend them in the United Kingdom. “A person is presumed innocent until he is found guilty in a court of law and we will continue to support Nigel at this very difficult time.

“We understand that Nigel has resigned as Deputy Speaker and will return to the backbenches where he will continue to represent the people of the Ribble Valley as he has done for the last 20 years. He will hold regular surgeries and deal with the usual heavy caseload of constiuents’ problems.

“We hope that the case will come to court as soon as possible so that the uncertainty hanging over Nigel and the constituency can be quickly resolved.”

The 16 regional finalists of CAMRA’s Pub of the Year competition have been announced to mark the launch of this year’s Good Beer Guide.

The top 16 pubs will go forward and have a chance to win the National Pub of the Year competition, won last year by The Baum in Rochdale. Pubs are judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix, but most importantly –quality of beer.

The Good Beer Guide’s Editor, Roger Protz, had this to say on how pubs are selected for the guide,

“The Good Beer Guide 2014 is the most up to date guide to the best real ale pubs in the UK and is compiled solely through recommendations and independent judgement. Unlike other guides which charge pubs to feature, the Good Beer Guide lists pubs on their merit alone and doesn’t charge any pub or brewery for entry in the guide. If you’re a lover of real ale and want to know where the best places in the UK to drink are, then the Good Beer Guide is an invaluable resource.”

The top 16 pubs in the UK as selected by CAMRA

Central Southern

Pub name: Nag’s Head

5 Russell Street, Reading, RG1 7XD

In six years the nag’s head has established itself as a premier ale and cider venue. Pies and baguettes are available during the week, with a roast on Sunday. An eclectic mix of bottled beers is stocked. Numerous board games are available above the (tuned and working) upright piano.

East Anglia

Pub name: The Dove

68 Hospital Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3JU - {http://www.thedovepub.co.uk|thedovepub.co.uk}

A traditional Victorian Ale House just five minutes’ walk from the historic town centre. The Dove has six handpumps and real ciders but no music, TV, gaming machines or lager. A no frills main bar has scrubbed floorboards, alongside the carpeted parlour. The staff offer a warm and friendly welcome and are knowledgeable about the beers they sell – a varied, ever-changing range from East Anglia and established regional brewers.

East Midlands

Pub name: Horse and Jockey

20 Nottingham Road, Stapleford, NG9 8AA - {http://www.horseandjockeystapleford.co.uk|horseandjockeystapleford.co.uk}

Known locally as simply ‘The Jockey’, this pub is situated close to the main crossroads in the centre of town. Refurbished and turned into a traditional ale house in 2012, it offers a choice of ten ever changing real ale, plus local ciders.

Kent

Pub name: The Berry

23 Canada Road, Walmer, CT14 7EQ - {http://www.theberrywalmer.co.uk|theberrywalmer.co.uk}

Far from an ordinary pub, with its 10 handpumps alongside two ciders and a perry. Entertainment includes darts, pool, a monthly quiz and live music on some Saturdays. There is a real ale festival in February, a cider festival in May, and a continental flavour is assured at the Oktoberfest.

Merseyside & Cheshire

Pub name: Freshfield Hotel

1a Massams Lane, Freshfield, Formby, L37 7EU

Following refurbishment the pub has increased its range of beers to 14. Due to a CAMRA-led campaign the extended bar was retained, even though the refurbishment had been driven by a food based agenda. The enlightened licensees have maintained the pub’s usual consistency in beer, quality and range, with Liverpool Organic beers featuring regularly. This dog friendly pub set in a residential area has maintained its community focus and is an example of how a Green King pub should operate.

Scotland / Northern Ireland

Pub name: The Cobbles

7 Bowmont Street, Kelso, TD5 7JH – {http://www.thecobbleskelso.co.uk|www.thecobbleskelso.co.uk}

An award-winning gastro-pub offering eclectic mix of British classics, Pacific Rim and modern European cuisine, using the finest locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. To the right of the main dining area is a lounge bar where beers from Tempest, the pub’s own microbrewery, are featured. Though the focus is on food, drinkers area welcome here. Private functions are catered for upstairs.

West Pennines

Pub name: Swan with Two Necks

Main Street, Pendleton, BB7 1PT – {http://www.swanwithtwonecks.co.uk|swanwithtwonecks.co.uk}

A pub that was in the final four of CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year competition in 2012. Guest beers are often from micros such as Phoenix, Dark Star and Salamander, and there is always a real cider. A discount if offered for CAMRA members. The home-made food here comes in portions ideal for hungry walkers. There is outdoor seating in the garden and in front of the pub, looking out onto a small stream running through the beautifully kept village. Cosy open fires blaze in the winter months. An amazing collection of teapots is on display.

North East

Pub name: Quakerhouse

2 Mechanics Yard, Darlington, DL3 7QF - {http://www.quakerhouse.net|quakerhouse.net}

Ten times local CAMRA Town Pub of the Year, this bar is the first point of call for CAMRA members visiting Darlington. The lively award-winning free house opened in 1998 in the former Quaker Coffee House in one of the old yards just off the pedestrianised town centre. The drinking establishment has the feel of a cellar bar, offering 10 guests from regional and microbreweries countrywide, and Old Rosie cider. A popular music venue, it caters for all tastes from acoustic to rock – on Wednesday there is a door charge after 7.30pm

Greater Manchester

Pub name: Baum

33-37 Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL12 0NU – {http://www.thebaum.co.uk|thebaum.co.uk}

Fabulous pub with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere set within a conservation area and joined to the original Pioneer building that houses the first ever Co-op. A single bar with eight handpumps, one dedicated to cider, caters for two levels and a conservatory. Local beers are always available alongside others from far and wide. Excellent fresh food is sourced locally. Outside, there is a large beer garden and two boules pistes. Greater Manchester and National CAMRA Pub of the Year 2012,. Not to be missed.

Yorkshire

Pub name: Old No.7

7 Market Hill, Barnsley, S70 2PX – {http://www.oldno7narnsley.co.uk| oldno7narnsley.co.uk}

The jewel in the crown of Barnsley town centre’s burgeoning real ale scene. This Acorn Brewery owned bar boasts seven real ales and one cider/perry, all on handpump. Two further ciders/perries are usually found behind the bar, plus an extensive range of quality foreign beers. The attentive staff and well-run bar attract a broad clientele including circuit drinkers, football fans and beer connoisseurs, who are all made equally welcome. Local CAMRA Pub of the Year 2012 and 2013 and Yorkshire Regional Cider Pub of the Year 2013.

Surrey & Sussex

Pub name: Surrey Oaks

Parkgate Road, Parkgate, Newdigate, RH5 5DZ – {http://www.surreyoaks.co.uk|surreyoaks.co.uk}

Great 16th-century pub offering an excellent and ever-changing selection of ales from microbreweries (hoppy beers and dark ales popular), plus cider. Third-pint glasses are available. Good home-made food is served in the bar and restaurant (no food Sun or Mon eves). Low beams, flagstones and an inglenook feature; outside are two boules pitches in the large garden and a skittle alley in the barn. Beer festivals are held on the late spring and August bank holidays. Local CAMRA Pub of the Year 2003-2013.

Wales

Pub name: Albion Ale House

Uppergate Street, Conwy, LL32 8RF – {http://www.albionalehouse.weebly.com|albionalehouse.weebly.com}

Multi-room heritage pub superbly refurbished by the current owners. The rooms all retain original

1920s features including some amazing fireplaces. There is no music, TV or fruit machines, just pleasant conversation. The pub is managed by four local brewers – Conwy, Great Orme, Nant and

Purple Moose – and showcases their beers as well as guest ales. There are two guest Welsh ciders. An excellent wine list and a good selection of malt whiskies is also offered. Local CAMRA Pub of the Year 2013.

West Midlands

Pub name: Seven Stars

40 Albert Square, Rugby, CV21 2SH

Family brewers Everards of Leicestershire teamed with Banks and Taylor’s of Bedfordshire to create their 24th Project William pub. Following refurbishment, the Seven Stars now has a smart traditional bar area, comfortable lounge, snug and small conservatory. Full of charm and character, it is free of electronic games and music, making conversation a delight. The bar boasts 14 handpumps serving a range of beers including a mild and two ciders. Winner of local CAMRA Most Improved Pub and Pub of the Year 2012 awards.

Wessex

Pub name: Trooper Inn

Golden Hill, Stourton Caundle, DT10 2JW – {http://www.thetrooperinn.co.uk|thetrooperinn.co.uk}

Stone-built, single-room community pub with a separate function room/skittle alley. There is an attached camping and caravan site and a children’s play area next to the beer garden. Good food is available lunchtimes and early evenings, with a popular Friday fish and chips night. Two guest beers are often on tap, one from the pub’s own microbrewery, the other from elsewhere in the region, plus a farmhouse cider. An annual beer festival is held in the spring. Dogs and walkers are welcome.

London

Pub name: The Hope

48 West Street, Carsholton, SM5 2PR - {http://www.hopecarshalton.co.uk|hopecarshalton.co.uk}

CAMRA Greater London Pub of the Year 2012 and local Pub of the Year 2013, this pub is owned by members of the local community. The seven handpumps dispense beers from microbreweries, including a dark ale, and a good range of British and foreign bottled beers is stocked. Real cider is also always available. Regular themed festivals are held, and many other community events. A conservatory has been added to help make room for the many customers from near and far.

South West

Pub name: Old Spot

2 Hill Road, Dursley, GL11 4JQ - {http://www.oldspotinn.co.uk|oldspotinn.co.uk}

Current county CAMRA Pub of the Year, this awardwinning free house dates from 1776, serving up to eight independent ales. Named after the Gloucestershire Old Spot pig, a porcine theme blends with the extensive brewery memorabilia, low ceilings and log fires to create a convivial atmosphere. The pretty garden has a heated, covered area. Wholesome, freshly prepared dishes complement the pub’s enthusiasm for real ale. On the Cotswold Way, it hosts regular beer festivals, and is adjacent to ample free parking.

The National Pub of the Year for 2013 (chosen from the above finalists) will be announced in February 2014.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has today (Wednesday) made a statement to the House of Commons explaining his decision to stand down as deputy speaker after being charged with sex offences.

In a statement to MPs, the 55-year-old vowed to “robustly defend” his innocence after being charged with offences including sexual assault, indecent assault and rape.

Mr Evans, who last night resigned as Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, explained that he will continue to represent his constituents as an independent MP.

He added: “I’m proud to serve the people of the Ribble Valley and the best tribute that I can give them now is to get on with the job they sent me here to do.”

A number of special arrangements will be in place for supporters for Burnley’s Lancashire derby against Blackburn Rovers at Turf Moor on Saturday, September 14 (12.15pm KO).

Both clubs have worked closely with police to ensure that the game goes ahead with the minimum of incident.

Blackburn supporters will be transported to Turf Moor on coaches and taken to a point adjacent to the turnstiles for the away end and, from there, guided immediately into the stadium.

After the match, upon exiting Turf Moor, an area of Harry Potts Way will be cordoned off, and Belvedere Road will be out of bounds for a short time to home supporters on foot.

Those fans affected will have to take an alternative route from the home area turnstiles, via the arrowed routes shown in the document attached.

Before the game, the first coaches from Blackburn will arrive at 10.45am so home supporters and guests using the car park in Harry Potts Way are encouraged to arrive early.

Guests and home supporters will be unable to return to the Harry Potts Car Park until after the coaches have left and it is anticipated that both car parks will remain closed for approximately one hour after the match finishes.

The bar in the Foundation Lounge in the Jimmy McIlroy Stand, open from 10am, will also remain open to all home supporters after the match.

Supporters are also encouraged to use town centre car parks to avoid congestion around Turf Moor.

Meanwhile, all supporters are asked to arrive early with Turf Moor expecting its biggest crowd of the season.

Turnstiles will open at 11am.

Burnley Football Club hopes these arrangements will not adversely affect your enjoyment of the day and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Plans have been submitted to Pendle Council to erect six houses in Trawden.

If given the green light, the proposals, which have been submitted by Mr D. Nicholson, would see three pairs of semi-detached properties built on land at Green Meadow, in Colne Road. The two-and-a-half storey houses would each have four bedrooms.

One of the most important documents which relate to our local social history is the Briercliffe Poor Book of 1754-5. It is a pity that information for only a very short period has survived but this, in itself, is close to miraculous and is repeated for no other Township in our locality.

We have seen that the Overseer of the Poor for Briercliffe found work and training for the children of poor people and they also resolved settlement matters relating to Briercliffe families who had moved elsewhere and families who had moved to Briercliffe but who were settled in other places.

I have been contacted by a number of people who would like to know more about the “concept of settlement” as it applies to the relief of the poor. We can trace this back to the Black Death of 1348, a plague which claimed over one million victims, not in one year, but over perhaps 20 years when there were four or five attacks.

The result was that the balance of feudal society was disturbed. Villages were abandoned largely because the labourers needed to tend its animals and sow its crops were no longer present. There was a shortage of labour which resulted in an increase in its price. Some landlords were prepared to acknowledge this but others were not. The latter often leased their property to small farmers thus preserving at least some of their income but others refused to release tied labourers from the bondage of the feudal system.

It was this that, in part, destabilised society. On the one hand some benefitted from the recognition that things had changed but others remained subject to the rules of the old system becoming increasingly unhappy with their lot. It was, in fact, much worse in that, in 1351, an Act of Parliament attempted to control wages indicating they would not be allowed to rise above the level they had been in 1346.

The Act was not adhered to by everyone and some landowners, even including the administrators of some royal estates, promised higher wages to labourers who would work for them. Workers had, therefore, an incentive to seek work elsewhere in the country but this resulted in harsh laws. People of the labouring classes found themselves moving around the country seeking work. This was one of the reasons that resulted in increased vagrancy which was made a crime by legislation passed in 1349, 1361 and 1383. In fact, the levels of crime in the 14th and 15th Centuries, much of it put down to vagrants, increased dramatically.

Five years later, in 1388, the Poor Law Act was passed. One of the provisions of the Act was that no servant or labourer was allowed to move out of the district in which he lived to serve or live elsewhere, or even go on pilgrimage, unless he had permission from crown officials. Anyone found in another locality, but without permission, was to be arrested, put in the local stocks and imprisoned to be returned to the place of his old service. Beggars and vagrants got the same treatment.

Settlement usually meant the place of an individual’s birth but one could obtain the right of settlement in another place. The significance of this was that the place of settlement became responsible for the maintenance of the poor whether they lived locally or not.

The Briercliffe Poor Book does not say all that much about settlement or vagrancy. We have noted several examples of the former but these references come from other papers that have survived. There are, though, at least two references to vagrant warrants. In October 1754 the Overseer paid 3s.1d to John Smith to administer a vagrant warrant. There was another payment of 2s.6d to John Stanworth in June 1754 for helping with the issue of vagrant warrant. What was probably happening was that the Overseer had obtained a document from a local magistrate to have someone removed from Briercliffe who was not legally settled there.

Another function of the Overseer was to send to Briercliffe families not living in the Township, but still chargeable on the poor rate, monies should they require help. The best example of this is for the Lord family who lived in Rossendale. In June, 1755 there is this reference; “Paid, to two poor children of Lord’s in Rossendale, 19s.6d”. Previously “Mary Lord in Rossendale” had obtained 3s.6d.

Getting back to Briercliffe, it was expected those in receipt of relief should, if they were able to do so, work to offset the cost of their relief. In 1754, for instance, monies were received for spinning, this was a pretty regular income, at least one person was put to knitting and another did some carding.

The knitter and carder shared the same surname. “Old Mary Proctor” did £1’s worth of knitting in July, 1754 and “Old Proctor”, presumably her husband, did a little carding at the same time. It is thought this family gave their name to Proctor Cote in Extwistle. Even children did work as in October, 1754, when “children’s work” brought in 2s.7d.

Involvement in the textile industry, wool at this time, also brought some costs. There are several references to the purchase of wool and money was expended, in 1754, on “a pair of wool cards” and a spindle. Thread, coloured and “gray” was also bought and buttons are mentioned several times.

The purchase of cloth and clothing is also mentioned. In June, 1755 the sum of three pence was spent on cloth for children’s “capps”. In December the previous year, four and a half yards of cloth, costing six shillings, was bought for “William Nuttall, a new coat”. In April, 1754, 18 yards of “canvas cloth” at almost a shilling a yard was bought. Five yards of this was for Henry Nuttall and Thomas Rost “for the workhouse”.

In July, 1755, some twenty-seven and a half yards of “strong plain” cloth was bought by Henry Halstead, presumably the Overseer at the time. It was to be divided among a number of local families some of which include the Lord (of Rossendale?), Shackleton, Pilkington, Proctor, Simpson, Emmot (sic), Greenwood and Nuttall families. We even have details of how the cloth was to be used – Lawrence Proctor and “Old William Nuttall” were to get new “breeches” and Thomas Emmot, James Simpson, and Charles Greenwood intended to use their cloth for “waistecoats”. Mary Lord obtained three yards for a “smock petticoat”.

It is worthy of noting some of these families were in need assistance almost a century later when, in the 1840s, there was considerable unemployment among handloom weavers. In the lists of those receiving help at this time are members of the Simpson and Emmett families.

Footwear was another item bought for poor families. These include clogs for a “child of Shackleton” and the item “shoose mending” is frequently mentioned. Heating and lighting is another area of expenditure. In March, 1755 Grace Taylor obtained 2d worth of coal. None of the sums were very large but coal was granted to people in their own homes on a regular basis. Candles provided most of the light. Purchases were made for the workhouse and people in their own homes.

However, the greatest proportion of income from the poor rates was spent on food and the following items are mentioned between 1754 and 1755; salt, “treackle”, “meal” (presumably oatmeal), “wheat flour”, malt, butter, milk, veal, potatoes, onions, “barms”, mutton and beef. The purchase of meat was rare but some was bought at least once a month. Eight pounds of mutton, costing 1s.5d was bought in October, 1754. Then, early in November of the same year, 2s.9d was spent on beef.

Potatoes were bought regularly. They were often obtained from a shop-keeper, or perhaps a farmer, called Jackson. They were usually bought in bulk, actually in strikes or half strikes. Flour, often spelled “flower”, was also obtained from Jackson’s. Dairy produce, in large quantities, was obtained from Burwains, Yeoman’s, Windle House and Haggate House. Butter could be had at 4d per pound and milk was less than 1d per pint.

The reference to “barms” is worth expanding. These were probably barn-cakes and they were obtained at Holt Hill in 1754. If so, there must have been some sort of bakery at Holt Hill. Alternatively, the reference could be to yeast (which was known locally as “barm”) and, if that is the case, it is possible the workhouse had its own bread ovens.

A man who tried to prevent a young victim from giving evidence in a grooming case has been jailed.

Qasim Hussain (20), of Townley Street, Brierfield, was previously found guilty of perverting the course of justice after a two-week trial at Burnley Crown Court in July and was given a two-year sentence on Friday.

Hussain coerced the victim into travelling to Bradford where she was told to write a letter to say she had made up allegations that she had been abducted and sexually abused at a house on Sackville Street, Brierfield.

A second man, Furqan Amjad (23), of Halifax Road, Brierfield, was jailed for 15 months for the same offence following the trial. He was involved in bombarding the girl with text messages, phone calls and money in an attempt to bribe her against giving evidence

As part of a linked investigation, Amjad’s brother – Mohammed Imran Amjad – was jailed for four years, three months in April after pleading guilty to three offences of child abduction and one of sexual activity with a child.

He was also given a seven-year sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) which prohibits him from contacting any girl under the age of 16 or being in a vehicle with a girl under the age of 16 without express permission from the child’s parent. He must sign the sex offenders’ register and will remain on it for an indefinite period.

On Friday, Hussain was also given another two-year sentence to run consecutively for supplying a class A drug and possession with intent to supply a class A drug. This offence was unrelated to the incident involving the young girl.

He was additionally given an eight-month sentence to run concurrently for another count of perverting the course of justice. This relates to him trying to inaccurately change his bail address while on bail for the offence relating to the young girl.

Detective Chief Inspector Sion Hall said: “I am pleased with the sentence handed to Qasim Hussain, given the ordeal that the young victim was subjected to.

“The result is the last sentencing in a long and complex investigation.

“We’ve worked extremely hard with the young victim over a long period of time. It has been extremely traumatic for her and her family and she has shown a tremendous amount of courage and bravery throughout the case.

“People who interfere with victims and witnesses of crime – whether through bribes or other means – are committing a very serious offence. We treat these incidents very seriously and I hope that the sentences in this case show just how committed we are to identifying those responsible for these crimes and bringing them to justice.”

The funeral of a well-known Colne businessman and former Trawden parish councillor will be held at St Bartholomew’s Church from 10-30am today.

Raymond Clough (75) died from kidney and heart failure on September 3rd, after being admitted to Airedale Hospital with pneumonia last month.

The former Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School student will be remembered for his tireless contribution to the local area, and for his approachable and friendly nature.

Raymond, who was born and brought up in Great Harwood, set up plant and machinery hire business RJ Clough & Son at Parrock Farm, in Winewall, in 1970 – having moved from Hanson Feeds Ltd in his home town.

Due to expansion, the vintage vehicle enthusiast took his firm to Red Scar Works, Primet Street, in 1994, after buying the premises in 1988. Paying tribute this week, Raymond’s son and business co-owner Andrew Clough (47), of Skipton Old Road, said: “He was a very talkative man, and people said to me he was a very nice man. He always had the time of day to talk to somebody. A lot of his customers developed into friends, and quite a few are a bit shocked and upset.”

Raymond, who worked on the parish council for approximately five years, was a member of Ribble Valley Vintage Club, and was also a huge supporter of the annual Trawden Agricultural Show. In his later life he enjoyed travelling.

Donations to be made to the North West Air Ambulance or the RNIB.

An investigation is underway after a fire broke out in the kitchen of a Colne house.

Approximately 15 firefighters from Nelson and Colne were called to tackle the blaze in Walton Street at 10-19am this morning. Eight breathing apparatus and three hose reel jets were used.

According to firefighter Chris Walton, there has been “considerable damage” to the kitchen and back bedroom, and the stairs have been burnt through.

He said: “The fire started in the kitchen, and spread to the rest of the property.”

“We left at about 12. The firefighting took at least an hour-and-a-half. Investigations are ongoing.”

Residents in Colne and surrounding villages are being urged to stay on their guard after a spate of auto crime in the area.

The stark warning has been issued by Sgt Shaun Pearson, from Pendle Police, after 17 incidents of vehicle crime were reported in August – in comparison to seven in 2012.

There has also already been a “noticeable increase” to the number of vehicle incidents reported this month.

Sgt Pearson said that there are either one or several individuals “who are currently active and committed to auto crime”, and added that police are continuing their drive to “target active criminals”. He added that patrols are being carried out in hotspot areas of Colne, both by uniform patrols and plain clothed officers.

He said: “We want to disrupt their lifestyles, rather than them disrupting others.”

As well as theft of articles from a vehicle, vehicle crime also includes theft of number plates, theft of wheel trims/car parts and theft of the vehicle.

To prevent becoming a victim of such crimes, Sgt Pearson advises locking a vehicle, double checking that it is locked, and ensuring that no valuables are on display.

He said: “Leaving something on display in your car is an advertisement – there is something in this car that is small, but also of value. Sat Navs sell, mobile phones sell, glasses sell.”

Backing the police warning is Coun. Joe Cooney, who said: “I welcome the advise by the police that all drivers need to be vigilant on what they leave on display.”

Car crimes reported in the past week include:

• Two male offenders approaching a locked and secure motorbike on Doughty Street at 3-30am on Saturday. They moved the vehicle to the bottom of Duke Street, tampered with the ignition and fled after activating a security light.

• A 56 registered Range Rover being broken into in Skipton Old Road overnight between Friday and Saturday. A £100 pair of Oakley sunglasses and an 8GB, black iPod valued at £120 were stolen.

Call police on 101.

A 53-year-old Brierfield man has been arrested on suspicion of downloading indecent images of children.

A 56-year-old man from Burnley and two other men were also arrested this morning accused of similar offences.

They are currently in police custody and will be questioned by detectives throughout the day.

Police arrested 18 men from across the county earlier in the week as they continued a week-long crackdown on the sexual exploitation of children in Lancashire. All 18 men have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Det. Supt Neil Esseen, who heads up Lancashire Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit, said: “We have executed 20 search warrants around the county which has resulted in the arrest of 22 people who we believe have been involved in receiving and distributing sexual images of children.

“The operation has clearly demonstrated our ability and intention to tackle this issue. The public quite rightly expects us to protect children from being exploited and that is exactly what we will continue to deliver.”

Activities have included multi-agency briefings to staff at bus and railway stations, leisure centres and care homes; visits to local schools providing information packs and access to CEOP online training and visits to key locations where young people are potentially at risk of grooming or exploitation.

POLICE are appealing for information after a car and a HGV collided in Barnoldswick.

Around 12-50pm today, a silver Peugeot 107 and a HGV collided in Skipton Road.

The driver of the Peugeot, a local man in his 80s, has been taken to Royal Preston Hospital. The driver of the HGV was unhurt.

The road was closed for three hours while accident investigators carried out their work.

Sgt Dave Hogarth said: “An investigation is under way into the circumstances surrounding the collision. If anybody witnessed it they are asked to call police.”

Anybody with any information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org

I have been accused of some funny things over the years – but never anything as strange or bewildering as being accused of being a Communist as I was recently in a reader’s letter.

The letter suggested I was a Communist because I said no former coal miner in South Yorkshire could ever go along with the idea of the August Bank Holiday changing its name to Margaret Thatcher Day.

I still cannot personally see what is wrong with that sentiment and still believe it is true.

At no point did I suggest I agreed with them and neither did I suggest I agreed with the majority of the population of Scotland and their reaction to being treated as Poll Tax Guinea Pigs.

But “Disgruntled Reader” or whatever made-up name the letter writer opted for, I actually neither know no care who it came from, believes me to be a Communist merely for offering an opinion.

In my book, when you are not allowed to have an opinion without someone shouting it down, the person doing the shouting is actually more likely to be the Communist!

I am not about to start discussing my own political beliefs, I’ll just say that like most right-minded members of society, I believe there are good and bad points in most mainstream political ideals and I could no more be a Communist than I could Fascist.

I also wrote recently about the progress made locally in the right against racism.

I expected letters and got one. It is a shame this particular correspondent did not want his letter published.

In it he made some very valid points, but also missed the point of what I was trying to say.

One of his biggest points seemed to be that in every case of positive discrimination there was someone who missed out, usually someone of the “indigenous population”.

I never advocated positive discrimination as I don’t like it at all in any circumstances.

What I actually said was: “I still find it very difficult to understand how the colour of someone’s skin, their religion, their heritage culture or language could make them a better or worse person.”

Still seems fair enough to me.

A donation of £300 will be given to Foulridge Parish Council following traffic chaos in the village.

We can announce that United Utilities will be handing over the money after a number of complaints were raised about work carried out on the A56 in August.

While it was understood that the emergency works were necessary, residents and councillors agreed that the job could have been conducted in a more efficient and costly manner.

And calls were made by resident Clive Holt (69) for a “small compensation contribution” to the parish council to help with a Sustainability project.

Chairman of Foulridge Parish Council Coun. Neil Barker said: “The parish council appreciates the donation of £300 from United Utilities and it will be put towards a community project.

“The parish council also appreciate the fact that United Utilities have acknowledged their poor performance regarding the work to repair the leak on the A56 but stress that it is just as important to ensure that there is a commitment to improve any future work.”

In a letter seen by the Colne Times, United Utilities’ case manager Michael Skilky apologised for “any inconvenience caused” and agreed that work “was not carried out to the high standards we strive for”.

A slice of Colne history was enjoyed by over 50 people on Tuesday evening – as local historian Geoff Crambie reflected on the lives of some of the town’s biggest and most memorable characters.

Held at Colne Library, “Cornucopia of Colners” looked at the lives of well-known faces, including Titanic bandmaster Wallace Hartley and former historian Wilfred Spencer.

It was the first time Mr Crambie had hosted a lecture at the Market Street site in 25 years. And now due to its success, the Leader Times columnist has vowed he will be hosting more events in the future

He said: “It was magical – absolutely brilliant. Two ladies wanted to make a video of it, so that would be nice.”

The event was initially going to be held in the venue’s lecture room, but due to demand it was moved to the main body of the library.

This, says branch manager Christine Bradley, has been made possible thanks to a refurbishment paid for by the Big Lottery Fund.

Mrs Bradley, who recently organised a night featuring the Allegra Quartet, added: “The new building means we can move all the books out of the way and fit more people in downstairs. The lecture was excellent – I was thrilled.”

Proceeds were donated to Colne Heritage Centre.

Colne resident and aspiring journalist Kate Whitaker (16) shares her experience of the International Youth Conference in Germany...

Diversity, culture, religion, traditions and friendship – the International Youth Conference took place on August 14th to August 21st, and saw representatives from 12 different countries join together in Marl, Germany to promote tolerance, solidarity and mutual comprehension.

Young people aged 16-19 travelled to this event from England, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Morocco, Norway, Palestine, Poland, Russia, Senegal and Turkey.

As a citizen of Pendle, Marl’s twin town, I was lucky enough to represent England, joining other Pendle representatives, Mohammed Zubair Bashir (18), Awais Hussain (19) and Connor Smith (19). Having just finished university, Rebecca Robertson (21) was asked to be our group leader and did a spectacular job.

Laughter is the one thing that sounds the same in every language. The kindness of everyone was both comforting and welcoming. Sharing a room with three young girls from Bitterfeld, Southern Germany; Anna, Katrin and Samantha provided endless joy all week. In fact, the very second we were introduced, Katrin pulled a box of truffles out of her back, exclaiming “for you!”

International night remained the main event of the week, as the traditions of every country were pulled together in the three hour long production, “The Spectacle of Cultures”. This insightful event saw all participants perform songs, dances, poems and rituals in front of official guests and members of the public.

Simple expressions were learnt by everyone, in numerous different languages. There’s something so touching about six different nationalities becoming close and sitting together at a table learning Arabic. Alaa Mustafa (19) from Palestine is bilingual, and like every participant, can speak fluent English.

She effortlessly writes our names in Arabic so we can learn them, as Lilly Aimee (18) admires “it’s beautiful – your writing is like a drawing.”

Bus rides were another highlight of the week. On one occasion, the entire coach belted out We Will Rock You, whilst people tapped their feet, knocked on windows and drummed on the roof.

It created such an ambience that can only be described as magical. On quieter bus rides, friends I had made from Germany and Morocco would tell me about life in other continents. Lia Bee (18) from Marl has studied natural sciences for a year in England, whilst Rabea Effelsburg (17) has travelled across the border on her own to do work experience in Belgium. Every participant greatly inspired me, through their ambition and determination to be the very best they can be.

I have been honored to take part in such a magnificent event. We should never judge people based on their background – it is their individuality which makes them who they are.

We may come from different places and speak in different tongues, but our hearts beat as one.

Greatness can be achieved by anyone, no matter what age, religion or society they come from. There is a whole world out there – and success can be achieved anywhere on it.

Brierfield couple Ronnie and Joyce Wilkinson are celebrating their Diamond Wedding anniversary.

Ronnie first met Joyce at a pub with a friend who worked with her in the mill, then again when Ronnie picked up Joyce and took her to his 21st birthday party. They were then married in September, 1953, at St Catherine’s Church in Todmorden Road, Burnley.

Ronnie, now 83, had a butcher’s shop on Hurtley Street in Burnley for many years, moving home to Brierfield, where they have lived for 55 years.

Joyce stayed at home to bring up their six children. Lynne, Susan and David still live in the area, Paul lives in Yorkshire with his family, Gail lives in Melbourne, Australia, and Heather lives in Nelson – but it is the one in New Zealand not next to Brierfield!

Ronnie had a butcher’s shop in Nelson’s Open Market in Cross Street for more than 30 years until its closure.

One of their biggest interests in life is obvious. Susan said: “They have been keen horse race fans. They used to be involved in horse racing – with two horses of their own.”

They spent three months visiting their family last Christmas in both Australia and New Zealand, seeing grandchildren and great-grandchildren they had never met. .

Joyce (80) is meeting her half-sisters soon – Susan, who is flying in from Queensland in Australia, and also Sharon. It will be the first time they have all met in 45 years. Daughter Susan Hacking said: “They are spending their anniversary with friends and family, some of their 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.”

So they are having a great time – last Thursday there was a big family do with everyone congratulating them on their successful marriage.

Leading Conservatives in Pendle have welcomed a councillor who has defected from the Labour Party and joined them.

Pendle Council Walverden Ward councillor, Abdul Aziz, has defected to the Conservatives after resigning his Labour membership.

But his former party is now challenging him to resign from the council altogether. He had been an independent councillor for months.

Speaking of his move, Coun. Aziz said: “I woke up and saw Pendle Labour, their president Azhar Ali, and leader Mohammed Iqbal for who they are. They run their councillors like a dictatorship. You aren’t allowed an opinion or to disagree, or you’ll be sidelined – this happened to me and I had the party whip removed.

“That isn’t what I was elected for. I stood up for what I believed in and they didn’t like it. I wanted the voice of the residents to be heard, and the Conservatives are the party to allow me to do that.”

He added: “I have been considering my position for some time now, and have regularly met local MP Andrew Stephenson and leader of the council Joe Cooney over a period of months. Nobody is working as hard for Pendle as the two of them. They are the best people to take Pendle forwards, and I want to be part of that progression.”

Coun. Aziz’s defection brings the size of the Conservative group to 19 – its highest level in 30 years. They are now only six short of an overall majority.

Coun. Cooney, said: “The Conservative Group wholeheartedly welcomes Coun. Aziz, who I have got to know personally as someone who is genuine and has the interests of his electorate at heart. It is clear to see there are many disaffected Labour councillors on Pendle.”

MP Andrew Stephenson added: “I have worked closely with Councillor Aziz over the past few months, and he will be a real asset to the Conservatives. It is a vote of confidence for the work of the Conservative Party in Pendle, and the work everyone is doing”.

Sajjad Karim, the Euro-MP covering Pendle, said: “This is very significant. It shows that people see we are the party to lead in Pendle, and gives great confidence to the leadership of Pendle Council and the good work they have done”.

However, Pendle Council Labour leader Coun. Mohammed Iqbal said: “Coun. Aziz was suspended for an indefinite period a number of months ago for his actions, which had brought him into disrepute with the Labour group. I would challenge him to resign and fight a by-election on his new party’s platform – let the people of Walverden decide if he is worthy to represent them.”