British Association of Friends of Museums North West Regional meeting
Saturday, 19th April, 2008
Towneley Hall Society hosted the annual British Association of Friends of Museums North West Regional meeting at Towneley Hall Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday, 19th April, 2008.
The day began at 10-30am with a welcome from Sir Simon Towneley, Patron of the Towneley Hall Society, to some 80 delegates from 20 different groups, followed by
Society President, Mr Colin Sanderson, with brief comments about the past 40 years
of the Society’s existence.
The Towneley Hall curator, Miss Susan Bourne, then talked of the history and development of the Hall and its benefactors, who have made major contributions to its displays.
Katie Grant, journalist, broadcaster and writer of children’s books and daughter of Sir Simon Towneley, followed with a lively and fascinating account of her life as a Towneley descendent and her life at Dyneley.
After lunch and tours of the Hall, Prof. Alan Smith began the afternoon session with an informative talk on the re-construction of the Greenwich Clock, originated by Richard Towneley in the 17th century, and now on display in the Great Hall.
Local Councillor and historian, Roger Frost, then traced the origins of Burnley from village to large thriving town, illustrating the many buildings and relics of historical importance still in existence.
The Chairman of the Society, Mr Tony Mitchell, thanked everyone for providing an interesting and informative day and that was followed by an Open Forum chaired by the Regional Co-ordinator, Mr Davis Shipway.
