MEMBERS MESSAGE BOARD
The Society was formed in 1965 to stimulate interest in Towneley Hall. The Hall is known locally as “The Jewel in Burnley’s Crown” and became increasingly famous nationwide featuring in tv programmes such as “Antiques Master”, “Antiques Roadshow”, “Flog It!” and “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” .
The Society meets regularly at the Hall, usually on the second Monday of the Month
from September to May, and members enjoy a programme of interesting lectures. During
June, July or August, our ‘summer outing’ has taken members to such delightful places
as Leighton Hall, Newby Hall & Gardens, Holker Hall, Gresgarth Gardens and The Midland
Hotel in Morecambe. Other outings are often organised -
Fundraising is part of our work. Additional money is raised through the Society’s collection box in the shop/ticket office and by holding our now very popular book stall sales on bank holiday and special events days. Our funds have been used to purchase many items for the Towneley Hall collections and for the Hall itself. In the 26 years to 31st March 2026, the Society provided a total of £206,099 in gifts to the Hall
If you would like to join us, annual membership is £25 -
Committee Members 2026/7
Tony Mitchell -
Howard Mitchell : Nancy Mitchell : Jill Turner : Paulene Woodhead -
THS Privacy Policy
Registered Charity No. 515939
Look out for a new 3D scan of the Art Galleries on the hall’s website. http://towneley.org.uk/
"Wish you were here"
"100 Stories"
Burnley Civic Trust
ART UK Towneley Hall page
Art UK
Link to Visit Lancashire Website
Link to Towneley Hall Museum & Art Gallery Website
The Arts Society
Parkinsons' Kilkof & Kures
Exploring the Collections at Towneley on U-
with Gina Criscenzo-
Towneley Hall Collections
Patron -
2026 Fundraisers -
Secret books and secret jigsaws, sold in the hall shop over the last three years have raised over £2000.
Many thanks to all who have contributed to these fundraising efforts
Thanks to our fundraising efforts, we were able to contribute to the restoration programme at the hall by providing funds to refurbish the clock both the face and the workings.
Other items purchased for the hall this year : Bill the Bear Children's Book, Glass slides of Burnley’s Mining Heritage, Medieval Silver Brooch and Bill the Bear Costume
Our next fundraising date will be August Bank Holiday Monday (weather permitting!)
LECTURES & EVENTS
2026
Monday September 14th
1.30pm
Book Launch and Afternoon Tea with Katie Grant
“Clinging to the Crags” was published in July, her memoir of growing up in an eccentric, rambunctious family. Conversations, questions and, of course, book signing.
£6 charge
Booking required
Non-
Our new programme of events commences in September and our first ‘lecture’ is a very special one....
Monday October 12th
1.30pm
The Jewel Restored : Towneley Hall & Parkland
Simon Goff, Head of Green Spaces and Amenities takes us on a visual journey of the major restoration programme which will protect the hall and its collections for future generations to enjoy.
Monday November 9th
1.30pm
If it’s to be -
Tracey Dowson, former Senior Park Ranger, who recently retired after 27 years of service with Burnley Borough Council, talks about her life and career.
Prepare to be surprised!
Monday December 14th
1.30pm
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
Members Only £6
(please book.)
2027
Monday January 11th
1.30pm
The Golden Age of Radio
The golden age of radio spans the 1920s to the 1950s when music dominated the airwaves, accounting for half of all the broadcast hours. Bands like Bert Ambrose and Harry Roy with singers like Al Bowley and Vera Lynn were hugely popular.
With his star vocalist, Roy, a selection of musical memories will be presented, played and sung by Roger Browne.
Monday February 8th
1.30pm
Politics is more difficult than physics
So said Noble Prize winner, eminent scientist Albert Einstein. Former M.P. Gordon Birtwistle talks about his life in local and national politics spanning 43 years.
Tuesday 11th August and the sun continued shining for the society’s annual summer
outing -
