UPDATED MARCH 20th 2024
The majority of the IVPC 2024 programme is shown in that section.
EAST LANCS RAILWAY are hosting a WESTERN REGION WEEKEND on 13/14th April 2024.
GWR stock and in steam and diesel versions
Full detail and running schedule with timetables on their web site — see below.
L&CPU
Annual Club Competitions 2024 Update.
Advertising their Annual Individual’s Competition for all members on Sat/Sun May 18/19th.
In camera competition, no viewing possible.. Fuller details on their web site.
More details on both events at, “lcpu.org”
PEEL TOWER OPEN DAYS
In 2024; March 29th, April 21st, May 6th, June16th, July 28th, August 26th, September 26th, September 29th, october 20th, November 24th, December 25th.
In 2025; January 1st, February 23rd, March 30th.
Admission is CASH ONLY, and although sturdy footwear is advised I have no details of actual opening times.
LOCAL WALKING GROUPS
Several are being advertised if you fancy a guided group activity or just an idea for a solo version.
Details from “westpennineway.org.” No membership is required, but sorry no dogs.
LANDSCAPES
If you want a special viewpoint in the Lake District and feel up for a walk, not all easy, then the following have been suggested;
Ashness Bridge, Cumbria which is at the back of Derwent Water.
Loughrigg Fell, Centre of the lakes.
Low Brandlehow Jetty, shore of Derwent Water. Get there early!
Buttermere, North West for the Lone Tree.
Alternatively if North Wales attracts, try these in Snowdonia.
Llyn Dinas
The Clydons
Llynnam Cregannan
Swallow Falls.
IRWELL SCULPTURE TRAIL
This winds from Bacup to Salford Quays and according to their excellent web site “irwellsculpturetrail.co.uk” contains over 70 artworks from locally, nationally and internationally renowned artists.
“visitlancashire.com” is an excellent site showing a lot of local attractions.
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITIONS.
The AP web site is always interesting reading and gives fuller details of these exhibitions.
The latest AP in January has a very full list of exhibitions throughout the year.
The following local museums are also open and allow photography, but no tripods.
Howarth Art Gallery Manchester Road, Accrington, BB5 2JS. Easy parking on site
Excellent local free museum with a good display of Tiffany Glass and other changing art exhibits.
The amount of Tiffany glass on display varies depending on how much is currently out on loan.
Their web site, “ howarthartgallery.org ” gives details and states that current opening is Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 to 16:00 hrs.
The Whitaker Rossendale Museum and Art Gallery Haslingden Road, BB4 6RE is another free museum with the bonus of a good cafe.
Plenty of on site parking.
Their web site “ thewhitaker.org “ states local history as being their forte, with opening times of 10:00 to 16:00 hrs on Wednesdays to Sundays, with late night evening on a Thursday until 20:00 hrs.
THE EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY
This thriving local heritage railway offers lots of photographic opportunities throughout the year and has full details of of its current programme at~
https: //eastlancsrailway.org.uk.
Lots of special events throughout the year, see web site foe details
LOCAL MARKETS
There are several well known local markets in our area which can offer good photographic opportunities.
Ramsbottom Farmers’ Food and Craft markets.
Location is at The Market Place, home of The Urn, in the centre of Ramsbottom. Held on the second Sunday of every month.
The related web site “ramsbottommarkets.co.uk “ is currently suspended.
Ramsbottom Saturday Market.
At the main town car park behind Bridge Street, this popular and lively market runs from 09:00 to 16:30hrs on Saturdays and sells mainly grocery and other food items.
Ramsbottom Sunday Market
Held from 09:00 to 14:00hrs on Sundays between April and December.
This is really a car boot type market selling a wide range of items. Location is in the station car park.
Rawtenstall Market
Location is given as BB4 7QX which is in the centre of town.
Site is specified as the Market Hall and a partially covered outdoor area.
The web site “rawtenstallmarket.com” shows a variety of stalls and also craft events .
Opening times are given as Thursday and Saturday, 9:00 to 16:00hrs
Helmshore Farmers’ Market
Location is given as BB4 4NP and is the Helmshore Textile Mill on Holcombe Road.
A website “helmshorefarmersmarket.co.uk” shows a good range of stalls and other options.
Held the first Sunday of the month from 9:00 to 14:00hrs.
Clitheroe Market
Held in the car park area off Station Road, BB7 2JW.
Partly cabins and some stalls.
Opening time is given as 9:00 to 16:00hrs on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Thursday is a stalls only day.
A flea market (their words) is held on a Friday.
Bury Markets
The most well known and largest of these markets, Bury attracts visitors from a wide area, including coach parties from outside the north west.
It claims to have been established in 1444, and has been voted the best market in Britain.
It consists of three contiguous parts:~ The Market Hall, Fish and Meat Hall, and the Open Market.
It’s by far the most comprehensive of the local markets, but the smaller ones also have their charms.
The web site “burymarket.com/index.a “ gives details of opening days and times.
All parts of the market are open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday., starting at 9:00 to 15:30/16:00hrs
Location is in the centre of Bury near the bus depot and the tram station, and is best accessed through the Mill Gate Shopping Centre.
Post codes are given as BL9 0BJ or BL9 0BD.
NATURE RESERVES
In no particular order the following small selection have had good ratings from visitors:~
Ainsworth Wildlife Rescue in Bury is stated as being currently closed.
Lancashire Wildlife Trust
Web site is “lancswt.org.uk”and their address is 499/511 Bury Road, Breightmet, Bolton BL2 6DH
Brockholes Reserve, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Preston, PR5 0AG
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
Martin Mere WWT
At Tarlscough, Burscough, Lancs and managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. It is 6 miles from Ormskirk
RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Reserve
Details of the comprehensive programme for this large wet land site can be found on the RSPB Web site “rspb.org.uk”
Something of interest for all the family here, and a good place to see mermerations.
Open all year except Christmas Day with plenty of parking. Reduced admission if coming by public transport or cycle.
Visitor centre, cafe and toilets open daily 09:30 to17:00.
Location is RSPB, Leighton Moss, Myers Farm, Storrs Lane, Silverdale, Carnforth LA5 0SW
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Broadhead Clough Nature Reserves, Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, HX7 5RT
note;~ Bit of a walk to get to it since vehicles cannot park directly on site.
Meltham Wildlife Rescue, Meltham, Holmfirth HD9 4EX
The above are fixed venues and events.
I will add other irregular ones as I become, or am made, aware of them.
Suggestions for any relevant events coming up with photo opportunities will be gratefully received at “nichollsr910@gmail.com”