Appeal for your Clitheroe Torchlight Procession memories

Here is the first Torchlight Taster, written by Sue Holden, Cultural Heritage Manager at Clitheroe Library.

“The first Clitheroe Torchlight was in 1887 for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee and they have been held on occasions of national and civic rejoicing ever since. Clitheroe Library has some photos in its collection, available for anyone to see, but do any of you have any of your own you would like to share?

We’d also like to make a recording of people’s memories of the Torchlights; we have the North West Sound Archive on our doorstep at the Castle and they have the equipment and expertise. It’s never been done before so let’s get these recollections down for future generations before it’s too late!

There will be a Torchlight Coffee Morning on April 21st at the library at 10 a.m. and someone will be there to take your details.

Did anyone help with the Gas Works creations? There was the Dragon, the Dalek and the Giant. Were you involved with the magnificent creations the French Connection made? And what about that stalwart, Percy the Low Moor Pig? Oh, if only that pig could talk, but although he can’t there must be plenty of Low Moor-ites who could tell a “tail” or two!

There is a complete file of Torchlight programmes at Clitheroe Library and over the next few months we’ll be bringing you a selection of poems from them. So come on, get your thinking caps on and write your rhyme on your PC but don’t be too “PC”, we won’t tell if you don’t!”

Entry forms and all other information for this year’s Torchlight are available from the Town Clerk, Ian Woolstencroft, at Clitheroe Town Council, 9 Church St, Clitheroe. BB7 2DD, e-mail: [email protected]