Coal Clough

We went to one of Kelly Loughlin's photograph scanning sessions at Coal Clough library. She is collecting a database of old photos of the area for the Ground UP project, and meeting local people to chat about their memories/photos. The photographs are all being scanned, to create a database of archive images.

Kelly was mid discussion with one person when we arrived, and another arrived soon after... and I joined in the conversation, finding out amongst other things, about the Cornish miners who moved into the area in the 1870's. It was really interesting to listen to the stories/take part in the discussion, and I found out a lot about a part of Burnley's history that had previously been unknown to me.

Some of the photos were of Kelly's own family, as she grew up in the area... and it was great to find out more about some of the amazing old photographs.

Caroline and Dave, Huckleberry Films

Add your photos to the collection

Days I'll be available to scan photos - come along and add your photos to the collection. Kelly

You Are Here

It has been a very hot and an interesting week. Walking the streets of Coal Clough, Hargher Clough, Stoops and Bleak House; meeting people and following leads...

Returned to Stoops & Hargher Clough Community Centre to gather school photographs from Chris, then got talking to people on Cog Lane about some of the photos - and the faces and places they recognised.



This led me to return to Coal Clough Lane at the weekend to visit Lilly, an elderly housebound resident who has lived in her terraced house since 1950. Old biscuit tins were brought down from the bedroom and we spent the afternoon going through the contents (photographs) and talking about family. Mary, the next door neighbour called in with a plate of hot, home cooked food for Lilly; and joined in the discussion about history, family and place.

In the next few days I'm off to visit a lovely lady called Irene. Irene's full of stories and a keen family historian. She grew-up on Bleak House then raised her own family on Stoops. She's a grandmother and at the heart of a strong family.

Another Cog Lane resident came forward asking if I'd like to look at his dad's old cine films (Super8) which are stored in the attic. I love old home movies - let's hope this bunch has survived intact and are viewable. Looks like another interesting week ahead!
Kelly