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 - past visits have included Chethams Library, The Midland Hotel in Manchester, John Rylands Library, Cliffe Castle Museum and Saltaire.

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 - Life Membership is £175.

Committee Members 2026/7

Tony Mitchell - President  :  Rita Walsh - Chairman  :  Sheila Williams - Hon. Secretary  :   Sandra Thompson - Membership Secretary : Peter Woodhead - Hon. Treasurer  :

 Howard Mitchell : Nancy Mitchell : Jill Turner :  Paulene Woodhead - Webmaster

 

Registered Charity No. 515939

 

Look out for a new 3D scan of the Art Galleries on the hall’s website. http://towneley.org.uk/

 

Exploring the Collections at Towneley on U-Tube

with Gina Criscenzo-Laycock, Eric Knowles and Phillip Bourne  (Links below)

Patron - Peregrine Towneley

Home Newsletters Financial Accounts How Funds Spent The Towneley Heritage Towneley on TV Previous Lectures Previous visits

 

2026 Fundraisers - May Bank Holiday stalls raised £346.16 and £50 : Classic Car Sunday raised £185.74

August Bank Holiday stalls raised £106

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

 

 

LECTURES & EVENTS

 

2026

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 -it’s up to me

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 November 23rd

2.00 pm

ANNUAL QUIZ

A date for your diary!

More info coming soon!

 

 

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.

 

Monday March 8th

1.30pm

Behind the Carte

The story of Melissa Sinden’s parents who escaped 1950s Stockton for fun and frolics with the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and their programme of Gilbert & Sullivan comic light operas.

 

Monday April 12th

1.30pm

Performance Poetry

Steven P Taylor recites a variety of poems he has written about his environment, life’s annoyances, his childhood and some of the comic and tragic characters he has encountered.

 

 

Our special September lecture - Book Launch and Afternoon Tea with Katie Grant -  was a great success.

Katie Grant, the third daughter of the late Sir Simon and Lady Mary Towneley gave members a fascinating talk with readings from her recently published book, “Clinging to the Crags”, a memoir of growing up in an eccentric, rambunctious family in the ‘Not so Grand House’ !

.  There were readings from the memoir, conversations, questions and, of course, book signing.

 

Newsletters

1965-2007