If you have a local lifestyle story you think would be of interest to our readers contact kmcgee@burnley.gov.uk
Photography
Lead magazine photographer: Andy Ford - andyford@mac.com
Karen Clarke - Milk & Honey Food Photography
Acknowledgements
Dr Zoe Dawson | Katie Nolan | Jo Norwood
Emma Holt | Annabel, Poppy and Freddie Siobhan and Indie | Kirsty and Theo
Rachel Bayley | Ella and Olivia | Hafsah Akhtar
Burnley Civic Trust | Reece Howarth
Joe Skinner | Simon Townley | Carly Glover
Ashlyn Pace-Ferguson | George Birtwell | Dave Webb
Jay Stansfield | Vetrano Restaurant
The Dough Ball Pizza Company
Georgia Hargreaves | Active Lancashire
Welcome to another issue of Burnley Lifestyle magazine. Where has the time gone since the last issue?
I’d like to start by saying a big thank you to everyone who sent in feedback on our last edition. Your comments really help the Burnley Lifestyle team plan future issues, and of course everyone who responds is entered into our prize draw. We are very grateful to Vetrano Restaurant and The Dough Ball Pizza Company for kindly donating prizes this time. Head to page 86 to see what’s up for grabs.
Previous feedback has asked for more history features, so head to page 110 to read what American-born Ashlyn Pace-Ferguson thought of her visit to Queen Street Mill, the world’s last surviving steam-powered weaving mill.
We have also been asked to recognise the amazing work of volunteers across our borough. On page 130 you can meet Ashley, who volunteers with Budding Burnley, and find out how you can nominate a local volunteer.
As we move into spring and summer, we are celebrating the fantastic seasonal food available at this time of year. George Birtwell, who you may remember from MasterChef: The Professionals, shares his tips on shopping seasonally. If shopping locally also matters to you, you’ll also love Soup&Spud grocers. Run by our cover stars Alison and Lindsay, the shop works closely with Fennyfold Community Garden to stock homegrown produce alongside fresh fruit, vegetables and some delicious, jarred treats.
Across Burnley we are lucky to have some wonderful food establishments, and in this issue we are celebrating the thriving Sicilian community on our doorstep. Discover how Burnley’s water helps give Gigi Pilitteri’s pizza dough its award-winning quality, and check out our guide to some of the best Italian eateries in the borough. Amongst these is Enzos Takeaway, which is celebrating its 40th year in Burnley. Despite some tough times, including the passing of two of its owners, Enzo in 2020 and Lillo just before the magazine went to print, the establishment remains a real pillar of the local community.
This is also the perfect season to get outdoors, and we have plenty to inspire you. From walks around the Singing Ringing Tree, which celebrates its 20th birthday this year, to accessible walks and cycling routes, there is something for everyone.
We have also included ideas to keep you and your family entertained over the school holidays ahead. From mindful photography to advice on handling sibling squabbles and a boredom-buster guide to days out, we hope there is plenty to spark your interest. And if you were inspired by our section all about food you can try out some cooking of your own with some family, and budget-friendly recipes.
To find out more about advertising in the magazine email kmcgee@burnley.gov.uk
Design Advertising
creative-council.net
This is another jam-packed issue and I really hope you enjoy reading it. There is so much happening locally and we would love to see more people out exploring and supporting our brilliant borough, so please do share the magazine far and wide.
Happy reading!
- Editor -
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A lot has been happening
Dates in the diary
GET ACTIVE
- The hills are alive with the sound of music
- Let’s go outside (accessible adventures)
- Burnley Rugby Union Football Club
- The pickleball pioneers
FEELING PECKISH?
- Soup&Spud
- Top of the crops (Fennyfold Community Garden)
- Mastering the seasons (George Birtwell)
- The man behind Aroma
- The pie’s the limit
- Burnley’s little Italy
SCHOOL’S OUT (AGAIN)!
- Thriving in the school holidays
- Boredom busters
Feedback and win
- Jurrasic village adventure golf
- Fast and lling recipes for the family
- Learning to see
- Meet the Squibbles fun pages
- A visit to Queen Street Mill
Spotlight on: Burnley Light Opera Society
Time to talk
Padiham on Parade 10th anniversary
The making of Huckerby Hotels
Chai Centre Café reopens after 6-year hiatus
Burnley’s Chai Centre Café, Chat & Chai has officially reopened, and early feedback suggests it is already becoming a community favourite. The full relaunch, overseen by Enterprising Habits and staffed primarily by volunteers, coincides with a range of revitalised community services at the Chai Centre.
The café’s mission goes beyond food, with a strong emphasis on healthy eating, social wellbeing, and community engagement. It sits alongside community garden projects run by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, which now offers regular nature and wellbeing sessions at the Chai
Centre. Produce from the garden will even be used in cooking and preserving sessions, some of which will feed straight into the café’s menu. Ibrar Syed, director of Enterprising Habits, said:
“We were very passionate about bringing the café back to give the community a central place to meet and enjoy food together. It’s been great to see members of the community, and different organisations enjoying the space since opening.”
As well as the café and gardening sessions, the Chai Centre continues to offer a wide range of support services and
group activities, from health and wellbeing drop-ins to social support for older people.
Café opening hours are Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 2.30pm, with Friday sessions dedicated to over-60s, making it a welcoming space for all ages.
With fresh decor, healthy food, a friendly vibe, and community at its heart, the newly reopened Chat & Chai is shaping up to be more than just a place to grab a drink.
It is quickly becoming a hub of hope, connection, and support for the people of Burnley.
Culture Makers shaping Burnley Year of Culture
If you have ever wondered who is shaping Burnley 2027, Year of Culture, a growing group called Culture Makers are right at the heart of it.
Culture Makers are local volunteers who are getting a real say in what culture looks like in Burnley. They are actively involved in learning how cultural projects are built and helping steer them with local knowledge and hands on support. There are currently 38 Culture Makers from a wide range of backgrounds.
Since September, the group has met weekly to build confidence, make connections and understand how commissioning and programming work. They have also taken part in cultural exchange visits to Bradford, Manchester Art Gallery and Blackburn’s British Textile Biennial,
seeing first-hand how ambitious cultural work can transform places and returning with fresh ideas and renewed belief in Burnley.
Culture Makers have already delivered their first major public event. The Christmas celebration at Burnley Market Hall welcomed around 200 people, featuring a local brass band, Radio Burnley and carol singers.
Behind the scenes, the group is commissioning new creative work, including a community photography festival celebrating Burnley’s parks and a lithograph print bringing together cultural buildings and community centres across the borough. They have also launched Let’s Mech It, a rolling programme of craft tools, equipment and skilled support to help people discover and develop their creativity.
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FROM THE MOOR: A homecoming to remember for Aitor Throup
Burnley’s cultural calendar reached a high point at the end of October as FROM THE MOOR: A Retrospective of Aitor Throup’s Imagination opened to the public, attracting over 1,000 visitors and drawing audiences from across Lancashire and beyond.
Running from 30 October to 2 November 2025, the exhibition marked the finale of the British Textile Biennial and transformed the long-dormant Burnley Empire into a striking and immersive exhibition space. For many visitors, the opportunity to step inside the Grade IIlisted building, closed since 1995, was a highlight in itself and offered a glimpse of the building’s future potential.
The retrospective showcased more than 100 garments and accessories spanning 22 years of work by multi-disciplinary
artist and fashion designer Aitor Throup, presented in his hometown. The exhibition brought together clothing, sculpture and drawing, with many designs displayed on restored human figure sculptures created specifically to present the work.
Large-scale visual installations added another dimension to the experience. Two integrated screens displayed 100 specially commissioned images, art-directed by Throup and photographed by Leonard Corfu, accompanied by three immersive soundscapes composed by GRAMMYnominated producer Rodaidh McDonald. The soundscapes incorporated layers of music, narrative and audio captured from Burnley FC fans chanting at Turf Moor, creating a strong sense of place.
A complementary exhibition at Gallery OneTwoThree presented
Throup’s sculptures and drawings in a venue with personal significance. The building once housed the menswear store where Throup worked as a young man and first encountered the designs of Massimo Osti, an influence that would later shape collaborations with C.P. Company and Stone Island.
Reflecting on his return to Burnley, Throup said: “The town exposed me to a culture of aspiration, innovation and authenticity that has never left me. It is an honour to return and share the results of my explorations so far.”
With all ticket proceeds supporting the maintenance of the Burnley Empire, and support from Burnley Borough Council, FROM THE MOOR was widely praised for its ambition and for celebrating both local heritage and global creativity.
FROM PITCH TO PLATE: Healthy cooking goals for Burnley youngsters
Aprons on, sleeves rolled up and plenty going on in the kitchen, Burnley Wood Community Centre was a lively place recently as local children got stuck into cooking together.
Former Premier League footballer Marc Pugh joined the group for a hands-on session focused on simple, healthier food. Cooking side by side with the children, he helped them prepare easy snacks and meal ideas they could try again at home, using everyday ingredients and basic kitchen skills.
There was no shortage of activity, with chopping boards, mixing bowls and tasting spoons in constant use. The children chatted as they cooked, talking about what helps them get through the day, from staying focused at school to having enough energy for after-school activities, and how food plays a part in that.
The visit was part of Burnley Together’s Childhood Nutrition programme, which is bringing practical food and cooking sessions into community settings across the borough. The programme aims to
support children and families to build confidence around food in a way that feels local, relaxed and achievable.
For Burnley Wood Community Centre, the session was a chance to bring children together, learn something new and enjoy the shared experience of making and eating food together. It’s not a one-off either, with more sessions planned at community centres across Burnley as the programme continues.
FROM BURNLEY TO BROADWAY: Dave Fishwick’s story hits the stage
Our own Dave Fishwick is about to take centre stage, literally! The world premiere of Bank of Dave: The Musical is set to open in May 2026 at The Lowry in Salford and Curve in Leicester, bringing the remarkable story of our local hero to life with heart, humour, and unforgettable new songs.
Based on the Sunday Times best-selling book, BAFTA-winning documentary, and Netflix’s UK chart-topping film, the musical traces Dave’s extraordinary journey from a builders’ labourer in Burnley to a self-made millionaire and community champion. When traditional banks turned their backs on local people and small businesses, Dave had an idea: start his own bank and put profits back into his community.
The show promises a truly homegrown British musical experience, packed with northern grit, laugh-out-loud
humour, and what Dave himself calls “the best songs in any musical ever.”
With a book and lyrics by Rob Madge (My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?), Cabaret), music and lyrics by Pippa Cleary (The Great British Bake Off Musical, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾), and direction by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (Kinky Boots, A Chorus Line), the production is shaping up to be a major theatrical event.
“This all feels very surreal!” said Dave. “I started work on a building site at 16 and went from builders’ labourer to building the first new high street bank for 150 years in Britain. Then Hollywood turned up not once, but twice! And now theatre has arrived, from Burnley to Broadway via The Lowry and Curve first, of course. Watching someone play me live on stage will be totally surreal.
I am just an ordinary lad from Burnley who does extraordinary things. If I can make it happen, you can too!”
Rob Madge, who penned the book and lyrics, said: “It’s been a joy to tell this story of community, hope, and perseverance. In a world that seems more fractured every day, Dave and his brilliant company of players can help mend the broken pieces. Rule number 1: never give up. Rule number 2: never, ever give up.”
Pippa Cleary added, “Writing these songs has been such a joy, capturing the humour, grit, and heart that makes Dave’s story so uniquely British. We’ve had an absolute blast bringing his fight for fairness to life, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it next year.”
Find out more at bankofdavemusical.com
more than shopping
Here at Charter Walk we want to cater for the needs of ALL our visitors.
ADVERT HERE BROCHURE
We know that not all disabilities are visible and are committed to making the experience in the Centre calm and accessible for all.
We offer several permanent accessible areas such as the Sensory room and Changing Places facility located in our Customer Service Suite at 93 St James Street.
Or if you just need a few quiet moment whilst experiencing nature our Sensory Walkway might be the pace for you with many benches to quietly reflect of or our Happy to Chat bench where you might like to pass the time of day with a like minded individual!
Coming soon will also be a new location on Fleet Walk that will be a place to play, pause, watch or move. A space made by many hands and many minds.
For further information on what we have to offer on site visit accessibility - Charter Walk Shopping Centre.
Opening Times
Monday - Saturday 09.00 – 17.30
Sundays & Bank Holidays 10.00 – 16.00
We host a quiet hour every day 09-10 and 16.00-17.00 because you should have regular choices of when to shop.
Why Burnley Together is already thinking about Christmas
Spring might seem an unlikely time to talk about Christmas, but Burnley Together is already looking ahead to its annual Christmas Gift Appeal.
Burnley Together’s Christmas Gift Appeal helps make sure children and young people in Burnley don’t miss out on gifts at Christmas. Each year, thousands are supported through the appeal, with donations distributed locally through teachers, social workers and other frontline staff.
Last year, the appeal faced shortages of gifts for certain age groups, particularly older children and teenagers. As Christmas got closer, Burnley Together put the word out, and Burnley delivered.
One of the businesses that stepped in at a crucial moment was Burnley-based PVCu window and door manufacturer, VEKA plc. VEKA plc donated £8,000, helping the appeal meet demand in the final days and ensuring children and young people supported through the appeal were able to receive a range of gifts at Christmas.
VEKA’s involvement didn’t stop there. Through its 40 Good Deeds initiative, the company has been looking at different ways to support local communities, and Burnley Together is one of the organisations it is working alongside in 2026.
That support includes staff volunteering at Down Town in Charter Walk Shopping Centre, helping with foodbank activity at key times of year, early involvement in planning the Christmas Gift Appeal, and wider hands-on support for community projects that help local families.
VEKA’s support is a great example of what’s possible when a local business gets behind a local cause. And it doesn’t have to be a huge gesture, sometimes it’s the simple things, done at the right time, that make the biggest difference.
This year, Burnley Together is encouraging residents to start thinking about Christmas donations earlier. If you spot a toy, board game, book or a gift suitable for a teenager while you’re out shopping, you can buy it and put it
aside. Spreading donations out over time can make giving more manageable, and it helps the appeal plan ahead for the different age groups it needs to support.
Run by partners working as part of the Burnley Together network, Down Town is a welcoming community hub in Charter Walk Shopping Centre. It offers affordable food, a café, a pre-loved uniform shop and a range of support for local residents, all in one place. The Christmas Gift Appeal is one part of the wider work delivered through Burnley Together throughout the year, helping people with practical support when they need it most.
People and businesses can support Burnley Together in lots of ways. Some businesses organise staff collections, others fundraise, donate items or offer practical support. Individuals can volunteer their time, donate items or help spread the word about the support available. To find out more about supporting Burnley Together, visit www.burnleytogether.org.uk
A lot has been happening
There’s been a lot going on in Burnley since the last issue of the magazine. Here’s a roundup of just a few of the exciting developments.
Royal Dyche pops up in Kansas
The Royal Dyche headed to Kansas City, Missouri for Premier League Mornings Live, a two-day fan festival. Owner Justine Bedford went over with a pop-up bar to give football fans a taste of The Royal Dyche experience. Over 9,000 fans attended the event and it was great to see Burnley having its moment across the globe.
Wild Venus fresh new look
This gorgeous gift shop on Brown Street has had a refurb. As well as a lick of paint, owner Naomi has put in new display units to show off the handmade stock which ranges from wax melts and soaps to jewellery, cards and prints.
Micro-pub opens on Bank Parade
INN The Doghouse has relaunched as a micro-pub following a full refurbishment by Escape Bars Ltd. Formerly The Circus Café Lounge, the venue now offers a cosy and welcoming atmosphere with a rotating selection of craft beers and ales, including local brews, alongside lagers, wines and more.
New music room opened at Burnley Library
Ellis’s Wondertruck hits the road
Keep an eye out for the Wondertruck at events, match days and festivals. The mobile food truck is also available for private and corporate bookings.
Introducing HAPPA’s indoor bark park
The Horses and Pony Protection Association (HAPPA) has launched an Indoor Bark Park. A safe, enclosed space where dogs can run, play and burn off energy whatever the weather. Every booking helps support the organisation care for horses, ponies and donkeys. Book your session at happa.org.uk/indoorbark-park-arena-hire
The Stocks Massey Music Room at Burnley Library has opened with a performance space for audiences of up to 40. The space also houses a significant collection of sheet music which has not previously been publicly accessible. The room has been made possible through the generous support of the Arts Council England Libraries Improvement Fund, the Stocks Massey Bequest and Lancashire County Council.
New music from C Douglas
Former Burnley student and Paris-based musician C Douglas launched his debut EP 75019.
James Douglas Clarke, known as C Douglas for his solo work, grew up in Todmorden and studied at Blessed Trinity RC College and Burnley College You can buy a copy of the album at goldenlionsounds. bandcamp.com
Honorary Fellowship for Burnley-born goalkeeper
Burnley-born former England goalkeeper and broadcaster Rachel BrownFinnis has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the University of Lancashire. The honour recognises her contribution to women’s football and sports broadcasting. Rachel earned 82 England caps, played at major international tournaments and won the Women’s FA Cup with Everton in 2010. She now works as a football pundit and co-commentator for BBC and TNT Sport.
Will you spot Bill the Bear?
Visitors to Towneley should keep an eye out for the new Bill the Bear mascot who will be popping up at events throughout the year!
Beau Baby & Co turns one
The shop, which stocks baby and children’s clothes, is celebrating its first birthday with the launch of a new collection. The news designs are particularly close to owner Jess’s heart as this is the first time she’s designed some of the pieces. Visit them on Hammerton Street in Burnley town centre.
Raidy’s on the move and new menu at Little White Horse
Raidy’s is moving to its new home at Penny Black Bar while Little White Horse begins an exciting new chapter with a new menu of elevated pub grub.
Award-winning chef
New vendors move into food hall
The Real Food Hall is now home to Levis (wood-fired pizza and pasta dishes), Urban Bites (street food with a global twist), Scencillo by Ste (authentic Mexican recipes) and Spud Shack.
Disco Bowl glow up
The bowling alley now has scrapyard golf and karaoke box!
Congratulations to Muhammad Munir from Aroma restaurant who has been crowned Best Chef in the UK at the Nations Curry Awards 2026.
Down Town looking for volunteers
Down Town café (above New Look in the town centre) is looking for volunteers. If you have one or more days free from 9.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday pop in and have a chat with the team. Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to the community. You’ll gain recognised qualifications, build confidence, socialise, and develop valuable hospitality and customer service experience.
Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026
Congratulations to the Burnley businesses recognised at the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026.
The Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) was successful in three categories. They won the Experience award, Small Visitor Attraction and café manager Andy Black scooped the Unsung Hero award. The Royal Dyche took home the Best Pub award whilst Crow Wood Hotel and Spa won the Large Hotel category.
did you blink & miss this?
Dates in the Diary...
Parks in the Frame – Photography Trail across Burnley Parks – March until April
Experience Scott Park, Thompson Park & Towneley Park in a whole new way as large-scale outdoor photography boards transform green spaces into open-
air galleries. Curated by Burnley Culture Makers, this free exhibition showcases community-submitted images, celebrating local stories, places, and perspectives.
VISIT discoverburnley.co.uk & outdoortown.uk for more events
Burnley
Artisan Market
First Saturday of each month, March - December
A flagship artisan market featuring around 80 independent traders each month, offering food and produce, arts and crafts, vintage items, street food, live music, and free children’s craft activities in Burnley Town Centre.
Padiham Street Market
Second Saturday of each month from March
A lively monthly market bringing together local traders, food producers, and creatives in a friendly community atmosphere.
Park Play
Weekly event to make friends, have fun and move more for FREE in Scott Park every Saturday morning. Facebook. com/ParkPlayBurnley
Juliet & Romeo – Tuesday 24 March
Juliet & Romeo reveals the real story behind Shakespeare’s most famous lovers. They didn’t die in a tragic misunderstanding, they grew up and lived on. Now in their 40s, grappling with mid-life crisis, regret, and the pressure of being the poster couple for romantic love, they confront their struggles by staging a performance about their own lives - an idea their therapist strongly advised against. You can book tickets £12, through Burnley Mechanics for the show at Padiham Town Hall - burnleymechanics. ticketsolve.com/ ticketbooth/shows
Easter Bunny Trail around Gawthorpe Hall Grounds – Sunday 5 April
Gawthorpe’s bunnies have escaped into the grounds, can you help find them? A fun Easter trail for families. £2.50 per child.
Paste Up Festival – Throughout Easter
Large-scale pasted graphics transform walls and streets into bold outdoor galleries. Free to explore in Burnley town centre.
The Artisan Street Fayre - Saturday 18 April
Inside Burnley Market Hall a vibrant artisan fayre featuring handcrafted goods and independent traders. Free entry.
The Enchanted Ball - Sunday 19 April
A magical family experience at Crow Wood with princesses, superheroes, interactive performances, dancing, storytelling, and a two-course lunch. Tickets: £36.50 (under 2s free).
Art Workshop - Watercolour Landscape
- Thursday 23 April
A calming adult workshop led by local artist Val Hughes, focusing on mindfulness and gentle watercolour techniques. All materials provided at HAPPA Café Meeting Room.
Premier Record Fair - Saturday 25 April
A celebration of vinyl culture with records across all genres. Free entry in Burnley Market Hall.
Riot & Rebellion!
The Power Loom Riots - Thursday 30 April
A bicentennial talk exploring the 1826 power loom riots in East Lancashire. Copies of Riot! The Story of the East Lancashire Loom Breakers in 1826 (£5) available in the shop at Gawthorpe Hall. Booking essential £8 per person (includes admission to the Hall).
Burnley Live - Fri 1 – Sun 3 May
A town-wide celebration of live music, performances, and community activity.
Meet the Housekeeper in the Victorian Kitchen - Monday 4 May
Visit the Victorian kitchen in Gawthorpe Hall, the heart of the home - and meet the housekeeper who ran it.
Park Yoga Burnley
- every Sunday from May – Sept
Gentle outdoor yoga sessions suitable for all abilities. 9:30am –10:30am Burnley parks.
Painting Padiham - Saturday 16 May
An artists’ trail around Padiham Town Centre & Gawthorpe Hall Grounds, celebrating plein-air painting, creativity, and heritage, with family activities and free entry to Gawthorpe Hall.
Memories on the Lake - Saturday 16 May
Taking place at Thompson Park, come together with friends and family, to light up a lantern and remember loved ones who are no longer with us.
Turf Talk Thursdays - 1pm – 3pm
Burnley FC in the Community host a friendly weekly social space centred around football chat, quizzes, and guest speakers at The Royal Dyche.
Bludgeonton Manor Murder Mystery - Saturday 20 June
The Lawrence Hotel, Padiham hosts a regencyera murder mystery evening with a three-course meal. Fancy dress encouraged.
Padiham on Parade - Fri 27 – Sat 28 June
Padiham town centre comes alive as a 1940s-themed community celebration with live music, vintage markets, classic cars, and re-enactors.
Dyche-Fest 2026 - Fri 24 – Sun 26 July
Free community music festival at The Royal Dyche with 50+ local acts, supporting Pendleside Hospice.
DISCOVER
OUTDOOR FUN & SO MUCH MORE SCANHERE SCANHERE
Get active!
We’ve got lots of ideas to inspire you. From accessible cycling and walks to pickle ball and rugby.
ARCHITECTS:
LAUNCHED: 15 December 2006
DIMENSIONS: 3m (9.8 ft) Medium: Steel
Mike Tonkin & Anna Liu
The origins and purpose
Part of an adventurous project by the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network, managed by Mid Pennine Arts, the Singing Ringing Tree was one of four landmarks erected on the Pennines with the intention of adding some creative flair to the local countryside.
Interestingly, the location of the Singing Ringing Tree was originally home to a crumbling old Rediffusion transmission station. The building was demolished, with parts being recycled to help create the iconic sculpture.
In total, the structure is stacked up three metres high over 21 layers and was assembled with a staggering 322 pieces of galvanised steel pipes.
Designed by leading London architecture studio Tonkin Liu, with a whopping budget of £150,000, The Singing Ringing Tree was completed towards the end of 2006, quickly garnering acclaim far and wide for its unusual appearance and unearthly echoes. In June 2007, the Singing Ringing Tree even won the National Award for architectural excellence from the Royal Institute of British Architects. Impressive stuff!
How it works
Anna Liu, one of Tonkin Liu’s leading architects, states the Singing Ringing Tree is designed to ‘turn the wind into music’ and make something positive out of the windy Lancashire weather which is so often complained about.
The large hollow steel pipes of the Singing Ringing Tree work in unison as the wind blows through, forming a distinctive choral melody that swooshes over the Pennine hills.
Likewise, Anna says they also set out with the mission to create a sculpture which expresses sound visually, taking inspiration from both the shape of an ear and the classic depiction of a tree blowing in the breeze.
The outlandish sculpture is classed as a wind harp, or Aeolian harp, which is defined as an instrument played by the wind. Harnessing the power of gusty Lancashire to compose its harmony, the melodic tree is described as generating a uniquely piercing and slightly discordant sound.
Discordant just means that all of the notes aren’t quite in harmony, which was certainly an intentional design. During construction, the pipes were purposely tuned according to their length by adding holes to the underside of each. It’s these clashing notes which create the tree’s characteristically unsettling yet peaceful ambience.
Shaped like an oversized woodwind musical instrument, the unpredictability of the weather also means that the sculpture will play a new and different melody each time you visit.
‘We’re so used to turning something on and turning something off. But why? Why should you have the same experience each and every time? Don’t expect to turn nature on, right?’ says Anna Liu.
Location
Positioned atop the hills at Crown Point on the cusp of Burnley in Lancashire, England, the Singing Ringing Tree is by no means difficult to find.
Located just above Burnley Golf Club, if you’re heading here from the town centre, simply make your way up Manchester Road (A682) and keep straight until you reach the left turning onto Crown Point Road.
If you’re coming from outside Burnley, it’s also easily accessible via several nearby motorway links and roads.
For those using public transport, there are several buses which pass close to Crown Point, including the X43 Witch Way, 15 Ribble County, 483 Irwell Line and the 8 Rossendale Rovers.
Reece sat down with Anna Liu, co-founder of Tonkin Liu, to find out more about the history of the Singing Ringing Tree.
THE SINGING RINGING TREE IS AN IMPRESSIVE EXAMPLE OF A MAN-MADE STRUCTURE INSPIRED BY THE SHAPES OF NATURE. WHAT WAS IT EXACTLY ABOUT TREES THAT MADE YOU WANT TO DESIGN YOUR SCULPTURE AFTER ONE?
Anna: I guess the most iconic thing on a hill is a tree. Often you look across and think, ‘Oh, there’s a little dot on the horizon’. It’s the simplest point on that piece of land. It’s the most minimal, I guess. A leaning tree also shows that there’s wind there.
HOW LONG DID THE PROJECT TAKE FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION?
Anna: That’s an interesting question. We won the competition and got it to a good stage, but then it went quiet for quite a while. It was finished on the 7th (December 2006), but we started the project quite a while before that. Maybe it was around early 2005? We did nearly give up on it for a while since it went so quiet. I accepted the fact that it was maybe ‘paper architecture’. We win quite a lot of competitions which don’t quite go anywhere. But they’re still worth doing as a way of testing your ability to develop an idea. It’s important to keep practising.
I RECENTLY SAW THAT A YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE SCULPTURE HAS AMASSED OVER FIVE MILLION VIEWS. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO SEE YOUR CREATION GARNER SUCH A POSITIVE RECEPTION?
Anna: It’s great because, in a way, people are scared of projects that are too in your face. But actually, even though this was a small project, it was extremely impactful. It’s just good architectural design.
If you create something you didn’t think about for a long time, it’s just not going to last very long. It wouldn’t have had such an enduring impact because you haven’t given it any thought or refinement. So many architects loved it, but there were equally other architects who challenged it: ‘This is not architecture; it doesn’t have a toilet!’
DO PEOPLE TRAVEL FAR TO VISIT THE SCULPTURE?
Anna: We had an Australian PhD student who travelled all this way to see it and came to the studio, and we gave him a very long session on how it works – and then he went there and it didn’t make a sound. He was very disappointed. We just said to him, ‘you’ll just have to go back’.
NOW THAT THE SCULPTURE IS MARKING A LANDMARK 20 YEARS, HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE RESPONSE?
Reece: He must’ve been really unlucky to go on a day when it didn’t make a noise. Every time I go up it’s always windy. It must’ve been one of the few sunny days we get in Burnley!
Anna: That’s right! Windless days. I guess what makes the sculpture so unique is that since it’s powered by the weather, you’ll get a fresh experience each time you visit. We’re so used to turning something on and turning something off. But actually, why? Why should you have the same experience each and every time? You should just be happy about how much wind there is, and therefore your experience is different each time!
Anna: In the past twenty years we’ve enjoyed seeing how fully the people of Burnley has taken ownership of the Singing Ringing Tree. We have seen poems and paintings about the sculpture, by people of all ages including children and elders. We’ve been been touched by words in personal letters sent to us. Many queries have come from all over the world, seeking to build their own Singing Ringing Tree. This work, originating in Burnley, has struck a chord universally, such that we continue to receive enquiries from all over the world, with interests in studying and building it. The work expresses nature - the wind, is sited in nature, and connects people to nature. Enabled 20 years ago by Burnley’s bold, forward-thinking community, I feel proud that that Singing Ringing Tree has in turn become a vivid part of Burnley’s shared identity.
There are plenty of interesting titbits around the Singing Ringing Tree that you most likely didn’t know about!
FOR EXAMPLE, DID YOU KNOW THAT:
A second Singing Ringing Tree was constructed in the USA, and a third in Saudi Arabia.
In 2017 - almost ten years after the original Singing Ringing Tree decorated the landscape of Lancashire - a second instalment was erected on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, in a small rural town called Manor. US citizen John Bird originally came up with the idea and even flew architect Mike Tonkin over to Texas to help replicate the original structure.
Kind of crazy to think a structure from little old Lancashire is in such hot demand. Makes me proud to be a local for sure!
THE NAME ‘SINGING RINGING TREE’ WAS PARTLY INSPIRED BY AN OLD KIDS’ FANTASY FILM
Unknown to most, the name of Burnley’s iconic landmark partly originates from a rather bizarre German children’s film from the 1950s titled The Singing Ringing Tree. Described by The Daily Telegraph as ‘one of the most frightening things ever shown on children’s television’, view this psychedelic oddity at your own risk.
THE SINGING RINGING TREE RANKS AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S WEIRDEST MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Classic FM radio network included the Singing Ringing Tree on its list of ‘The 13 weirdest musical instruments ever’. In these rankings, the Lancashire-based creation shares company with a drum kit made from cheese, an electronic badger and a crazy contraption named a ‘Cross-Grainger Kangaroo-Pouch Tone-Tool’.
THE SINGING RINGING TREE HAS OTHER SIBLINGS ON THE PENNINES
While certainly the most popular of the bunch, the Singing Ringing Tree was actually part of a larger project and is just one of four artistic creations dotted around the local countryside: The Atom (Pendle), Colourfields (Blackburn), Haslingden Halo (Rossendale).
Be part of it! & sign up! Celebrating our past, present, + future. Our town, our time.
The path will eventually fork. Take the left path. You'll now be walking alongside the forest.
left and wooden fence on your right until you reach another wooden gate. Go through here where the path will take you through some tall trees. Walkacoupleofminutesandyou'll passthroughanotherwoodengate.
Here you'll get some great views (weather permitting) of Pendle Hill & Burnley, incl. Turf Moor, home to Burnley Football Club.
Keep walking and you'll pass over a small stream, cross over this and take the path to the left. You should be walking for around 20 minutes before reaching your destination. Enjoy the
Look to the right and you should also get your first glimpse of the Singing Ringing Tree.
Keep going up the hill following the path with the road on your right. You'll also see signposts pointing you in the right directions.
ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURES
By Joe Skinner
We all know the benefits of fresh air, from boosting our mood to clearing our heads. But for many people, getting outside isn’t always simple. Joe Skinner, the content creator behind WheeltalkLife, shares his perspective on the barriers that can make outdoor access more complicated and why inclusive spaces matter.
Spring is in the air, a time that represents new beginnings. And whilst the weather may still be a little cold at times, you just cannot beat the feeling of that crisp Lancastrian air wafting against your cheeks. In the borough of Burnley that is accompanied by some idyllic surroundings from the Singing Ringing Tree, Turf Moor or Memorial Park, we have a range of outdoor spaces available for us to enjoy right on our doorstep. However, if you are a disabled person like me that often takes a bit more planning. Your mind is constantly filled with questions like what's the terrain like? Is there disabled parking? Is there a disabled toilet? All of these questions can be off-putting before you have even begun.
However, I speak from my own personal experience the wonders that being outdoors has done for my physical and mental health, and so with this in mind I thought I'd tell you some accessible walks and activities within the Burnley area.
Thompson Park
Thompson Park is a beautiful green space situated on Ormerod Road in Burnley. With paths varying from completely flat to minor inclines, both ambulant individuals and wheelchair users can enjoy a walk or wheel around the lake, or explore the Italian gardens, before finishing up with a drink or a bite to eat at the Boathouse Café open between Easter and September on Saturdays and Sundays and every day during local school holidays, from 12pm-5pm.
Alongside this, the park is home to a Changing Places toilet facility equipped with a hoist, a changing bed, and a shower for those who require it. This facility can be accessed via a Radar Key, which can be obtained from the Park Rangers. Free parking is also available for Blue Badge holders for a period of three hours, after which a charge of £2.50 applies.
If you are a keen cyclist or simply want to give it a try, make sure to head down to the park on Thursday mornings from 10am to midday to check out the Limitless Cycling provision. In partnership with British Cycling, the session offers a range of adapted bikes and hand-cycles for you to try.
For more information, please contact Claire Newton - ClaireNewton@britishcycling.org.uk
The Padiham Greenway
Starting in the heart of Padiham, the Greenway is approximately 2.1 miles long and provides a gentle, consistent gradient that makes it exceptionally accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. The path stretches toward the Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpath near Rose Grove train station, offering a scenic and safe connection between Padiham and the wider Burnley canal network. Again, dogs can be taken on the Greenway, so this is a great option.
Adjacent to the part of the Greenway that connects to Padiham Leisure Centre is the new Active Hive Hub which opened in July 2025. The former disused bowling green has been turned into a cycle track for public use as well as well as a hub for recreational physical activity sessions and a social group combined for all ability levels. Contact Melanie de Meester of Burnley PCN Network on melanie.demeester@nhs.net for more information.
There are more examples of accessible walks and activities across the borough of Burnley but quite simply it would be difficult to fit them all in one article. So, my biggest advice is, the Internet is your friend, ask questions and most importantly get out there, explore and have fun because Burnley has lots to offer.
Towneley Park
Towneley Park is another fantastic option for both individuals and families. Integrated within the grounds of Towneley Hall, here you can find a range of paths. Some surfaces can be uneven, so if you are ambulant, you may feel that having someone with you is better however it's all down to personal choice. There are also tarmacked and less uneven surfaces within the grounds. The great thing about this park is that you can take dogs, so if your pet wants to have a wander round in the woodland area then look no further!
Like Thompson Park, Towneley also has a changing places facility available where the same applies with the radar key and it also has Blue Badge Parking on site. My personal favourite thing about this option is the hot chocolate, which you can get from The Rotunda Cafe in the Riverside car park. The Park Life Café also offers a range of sweet and savoury options for you to devour.
About the author: Joe Skinner
Joe Skinner is the creator of WheeltalkLife, a platform he started two years ago to share an honest view of life with a disability while showing who he is beyond it. A 26-year-old sports journalism graduate, Joe combines a busy social life with sharp northern humour, producing content that is raw, unplanned, and authentic.
Through humour and observation, Joe challenges perceptions of what disabled people can and cannot do, addressing everything from gigs and lads' trips abroad to employment and mental health. Joe has also launched United by the Groove, with his friends Lee, Gabe and Charlie, an inclusive music event which held its first event at The Yard in Manchester. Sponsored by ReStart Consulting the event raised over £1,400 for the charity Sense, featuring sensory rooms and braille signage to show that accessibility is possible when venues work together. The group plan to arrange more events in the future. You can follow Joe on Instagram @wheel_talklife
Joe’s message is simple: Keep persevering, CHALLENGE YOURSELF, & put yourself out there!
SEXPLORING BURNLEY BY BIKE
omeone else who's been making the most of the great Burnley outdoors is Simon Townley. Simon, who uses a wheelchair due to living with with brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta) loves cycling with his son. Simon Townley has been enjoying the great outdoors using his handcycle, he says, “I’d had the handcycle for ten years but barely used it because I was self-conscious. After my son Austin and I were in a serious car crash in 2024, I found he was really struggling with PTSD. Exercise seemed to really help him, so I found my way back to cycling. Riding together has become our thing, Towneley Hall is our go-to – it’s an accessible five-kilometre loop."
"My bike is shoulder-height, armpowered, with gears and a bit of power assist for the hills. This comes in handy at the back of Towneley as it’s all up hill. This is Austin’s favourite spot though as we will grab a drink from the café and sit on a bench looking at the views. It’s really nice just to sit quietly without the distraction of our phones."
"We also like going on the canal, in the summer we like to ride towards Nelson and stop at The Swan and Goose at Reedley Marina. There’s also a nice route going through Thompson’s Park towards Rowley. Although it’s
worth noting that there are some places that aren’t easy to access so you might need an able-bodied person to help you on, Rowley is definitely one of those places for me."
"It’s only been recently that I have really accepted I’m disabled, I used to feel a bit embarrassed and not want to draw attention to myself. Now I have, I really want to encourage others to get out and try things. I’ve started a vlog, chatting while I’m out on the bike and the response has been really positive.”
LIMITLESS CYCLING...
Burnley is championing a more inclusive way to get around on two wheels, led by Burnley Leisure and Culture (BLC) and delivered through strong partnerships with Burnley West Primary Care Network and British Cycling.
As part of its vision for Burnley as an OutdoorTown, BLC is driving the development of a Limitless Cycling offer that ensures everyone can experience the benefits of cycling, regardless of age, ability, confidence or background. The focus is on removing barriers and making cycling a welcoming, everyday activity that supports health, wellbeing and connection to Burnley’s outdoor spaces.
Working in partnership with British Cycling’s Limitless programme and a range of local organisations, BLC is taking a joined-up approach to growing cycling opportunities. This includes collaboratively shaping cycling infrastructure, improving and promoting accessible routes, and ensuring cycling spaces feel safe, inclusive and easy to use.
From traffic-free greenways to the borough’s scenic canal towpaths, Burnley offers a variety of routes that make cycling accessible for leisure, travel and exploration. These routes play a key role in encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors at their own pace, whether they are new to cycling or returning after time away.
Building confidence is central to the Limitless Cycling approach. Inclusive cycling sessions and communitybased opportunities create supportive environments where people can try cycling, develop skills gradually and access adapted bikes where needed. These sessions are designed to help people feel comfortable, capable and confident, often for the very first time.
To stay up to date with inclusive cycling sessions and opportunities, visit OutdoorTown.uk or follow the Burnley OutdoorTown Facebook page.
BURNLEY RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB
A CENTURY OF RUGBY, RESPECT & COMMUNITY
Burnley Rugby Union Football Club is more than just a sports club. It is a cornerstone of the local community, built on a love of rugby, family values, and deep-rooted respect.
Founded in 1926, Burnley RUFC, formerly known as Calder Vale, is proudly celebrating its centenary year. That was a year etched into history for both the town and the country. While the nation faced challenges like the General Strike and economic uncertainty in the post-World War I era, the club offered a bright spot for the community. Amidst the mills and industrial hum of Burnley, rugby became a place for young people and families to come together, enjoy healthy competition, and build lifelong friendships.
“We are incredibly proud to be marking our 100th anniversary,” says Michael Skelton, former player, previous club president, and long-standing volunteer. “We’ve got a whole host of events planned, including a match in November on the exact date of our very first game, which coincidentally was against Blackburn Rugby Club. We are also producing replica shirts based on the kit worn a century ago.”
Based on Holden Road, just behind the Oaks Hotel, Burnley RUFC is a thriving, inclusive club catering for players aged six right through to a well-established veterans’ team. It is a place where rugby is learned, friendships are formed, and traditions are proudly upheld.
Chairman Pete Allen says: “Our club sits at the heart of the community, bringing people together through a shared love of rugby and the values it represents. We’re proud to offer an inclusive environment where players of all ages and backgrounds can belong, grow, and enjoy the game.”
BUILDING THE FUTURE
One of the club’s greatest strengths is its junior section. With players aged 6 to 17, the club regularly sees over 200 young people training and playing each weekend, a clear sign that the future of rugby in the borough is in safe hands.
Simon Finnan, community coach at Burnley RUFC, plays a vital role in introducing the sport to new generations. Working in partnership with organisations including the RFU and Burnley Schools Sports Partnership, Simon delivers rugby sessions in all 29 primary schools across the borough. Further external funding enables him to take rugby into secondary schools too.
His commitment to grassroots rugby has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, Simon was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the town when he was named Burnley Community Coach of the Year.
“The feedback from schools is fantastic,” Simon explains.
Rugby isn’t something many pupils have experienced before and they love learning something new. It is a brilliant way to teach discipline, teamwork, and a positive work ethic.
GROWING TALENT
Alongside those that play for the fun and to improve their fitness the club is also renowned for growing real talent. Previous players have gone on to play at regional and international level with former player Chris Leck now coaching with the Scottish National team.
“Burnley Rugby Club is woven into the fabric of who I am. It was the first place I ever picked up a rugby ball at the age of 4 and the place where I finally put it down at the end of my playing career. One of my fondest memories was the club welcoming me back with open arms to play touch rugby with them in an attempt return from an injury that ended up in me retiring from professional rugby. There’s no other place I’d rather have ended it.
“The club instilled in me enduring values, close relationships, hard work, teamwork, and an openness to friendships with people from all walks of life. It laid the foundations that allowed me to recognise my potential and pursue my dream of becoming a professional rugby player.
Burnley Rugby Club has shaped me into the person I am today for sure and I will always be deeply grateful for everything it has given me,” Chris says.
With a thriving junior section and a clear pathway into senior rugby, the club continues to produce talented young players making their mark both locally and beyond, proof that Burnley RUFC’s next century is already well underway.
HERE ARE SOME RISING STARS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
Archie Hamer (Lancashire U20s, North of England U18s)
Niamh Hamer & Olyssa Cruise (England U18s Player Development Group)
Ava Smith, Isobel Williamson, Lexi & Madison DuckworthShackleton (Lancashire U18s)
Tom Finnan, Hamza Asghar & Oscar Bradley (U16s Sale Sharks Player Development Group)
Austin Corner, Ted Christian & Taylor Mubayiwa (U15s Sale Sharks Development Player Pathway)
Imogen Ferguson (Gloucester Hartpury)
Tillie Ferguson (Manchester Met)
Willow Bell (Sale Sharks)
RESPECT AT THE HEART OF THE GAME
One value that Burnley RUFC holds particularly close is respect, for teammates, opponents, and officials alike. Rugby’s traditions are proudly upheld at the club, with referees always addressed as “Sir” and their decisions accepted without question.
“Respect for the referee is non-negotiable,” Michael says. “Their decision is final and that is something we teach from the very youngest age groups right through to the senior teams. It is part of what makes rugby special.”
That respect extends off the pitch too. Referees are welcomed as guests on match days, offered a brew before and after games, and treated as an integral part of the rugby family.
“It is our unofficial role to look after the referees,” laughs Kath Skelton, who alongside Michael has served as club president and remains heavily involved. “We always make sure they are welcomed properly and looked after.”
While matches are fiercely contested, Burnley RUFC prides itself on sportsmanship. After the final whistle, opposing teams are welcomed into the clubhouse for food and a drink, continuing a long-standing rugby tradition.
“Once the match is over, that is it. Everyone comes together,” explains Michael. “Teams even choose a player of the match from the opposition. Respect and camaraderie are just as important as winning.”
Respect for the referee is non-negotiable
A CLUB FOR ALL
The club has also recently restarted women’s training sessions, having previously run a highly successful women’s section.
“Our women’s team was the only side in the club’s history to reach national finals,” Kath says proudly. “Unfortunately, postCovid the team disbanded, but training numbers are growing again and we are hopeful competitive matches will return.”
Victoria Barnes started training at the club after watching the England women’s team success in the Six Nations last year. She says: “I’m really enjoying learning to play rugby, it’s a good laugh and it’s helping my fitness. There’s a great mix of ages and abilities and everyone is really welcoming and helpful.”
Over its long history, Burnley RUFC has welcomed countless characters through its doors, each adding to the club’s unique personality. That sense of belonging has seen many people stay involved for decades, allowing the club to field a strong veterans’ team and maintain its welcoming atmosphere.
And it wouldn’t have been possible without the support from the business
community too. “We are so grateful to all the businesses that have sponsored us over the years,” explains Simon. “It is their financial support which enables us to provide our teams with a proper kit and means that our setup remains professional, something that other teams often comment on when they visit.”
But who the club really want to thank during this milestone year is the volunteers. “Without them we simply wouldn’t exist,” says Michael. “The time and dedication they put into every aspect of the club from coaching, organising matches, taking photographs, ordering kit – the list is endless!
“We are always looking to welcome more volunteers, and you don’t need a rugby background to get involved,” he adds.
As the club celebrates 100 years of rugby, one thing remains clear. Burnley RUFC is not just about the sport. It is about respect, tradition, family, and community, values that have stood the test of time.
Keep an eye on Burnley RUFC’s social media channels for centenary events, match dates, and training sessions.
Rugby has been such a huge part of our family’s life...
PUTTING BURNLEY ON THE MAP
FOR WOMEN’S RUGBY
Burnley College is playing a key role in the continued rise of rugby in the town through an exciting new partnership with professional club Sale Sharks. The Sale Sharks Women’s Rugby Academy offers a pioneering dual-career pathway for talented players across Lancashire, combining elite-level rugby training with a tailored post-16 education. Students benefit from RFU-qualified coaching, strength and conditioning led by UKSCA professionals, nutritional support and sports rehabilitation, all delivered alongside their studies in Burnley College’s state-of-the-art facilities.
The partnership gives young women unprecedented access to the professional game, including opportunities to train alongside Sale Sharks Women’s first team at the Carrington High Performance Centre. With TASS accreditation and access to industry-leading gyms, therapy suites and performance technology at Burnley College, the academy underlines Burnley’s growing reputation as a hub for sporting excellence. As rugby continues to thrive locally, this collaboration represents a powerful commitment to nurturing both academic success and elite athletic talent in the next generation of players.
Find out more about BRUFC visit burnley-rufc-demo.vercel.app
PICKLEBALL T HE
Itfeels like the popularity of padel has exploded, with courts springing up across the country, including in and around Burnley. However, did you know that there’s a more accessible and affordable sport that was introduced to the North West by a woman who has incredible links to Burnley?
Elaine Shallcross joined Burnley Borough Council in 1991 as principal sports development officer and was based at what was the Thompson Centre. It was during a break in Thailand in 2013 where she came across a game she’d never seen before –and that game was pickleball.
“Once I’d retired, I started to spend six months in Thailand and six months in the UK. I played badminton in Thailand and sometimes played with a lady who played internationally for Scotland. She would spend six months in Thailand and six months in the US, and it was in America that she first discovered pickleball,” Elaine explains. She continues: “She told me next time she was back in Thailand, she’d bring some pickleball equipment and I could give it a go. I was immediately hooked! I’d been involved in sport for 60 years and had competed competitively, so I loved trying a new sport. It took off from there.”
Back in the UK, Elaine missed pickleball so assembled a group of players whom she thought would enjoy pickleball and that quickly turned into Burnley Pickleball Club. She convinced St Peter’s Leisure Centre to hold sessions, as at the time the only other place you could play the sport was in Oxford! Burnley therefore is home to the North West’s very first pickleball club.
Pickleball combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis and was originally founded in the USA by two former tennis players who wanted to create a sport that was much more accessible, but still highly addictive and fun. As such, pickleball courts are small, with
lower nets and no overarm serves required. According to Pickleball England, the official governing body of the sport, all ages and abilities including wheelchair users can get involved. It’s also much cheaper and easier to build pickleball courts than padel.
Elaine confirms it is an accessible sport and that is also another reason why she champions it so much.
“Obviously as you get older you have some health niggles and I’d picked up injuries during my sporting career. Pickleball allowed me to still take part in regular sport and it’s one where you can play recreationally or competitively, it’s totally up to you.
“Being the competitive person I am, I of course played in tournaments, particularly in Madrid!” Elaine says.
St Peter’s Leisure Centre started to offer pickleball to its over-50s programme, which is where Janette Bamber, who lives in Worsthorne, discovered it.
“After two sessions I was hooked – it’s incredibly addictive and lots of fun. I don’t usually like racquet sports, but I quickly found myself a regular,” Janette says.
However, when the pandemic hit, sessions had to stop. Once restrictions eased a little and outdoor sport was allowed, Burnley Tennis Club hosted the pickleball sessions. Finding regular space at venues is tricky through, and whilst the sessions couldn’t continue there, they have found themselves a regular home at The Leisure Box, Fitness Evolution at Burnley College and Broadfield Specialist School.
Elaine quickly expanded pickleball across nearby locations such as Clitheroe and Longridge, but she wanted to travel the UK to introduce pickleball to more communities. Janette was so taken by the sport that she took over the running of the club, which has a dedicated Facebook page and boasts 60 players. Her mission is to not only spread the word about pickleball, but to also build a permanent dedicated home.
PIONEERS
“Our sessions are popular and we get around 20 players at each one, ranging from teenagers up to 70+. We have even had wheelchair users join us, which is amazing to see and exactly why we want to promote pickleball as an accessible sport.
“A dedicated space would take funding, although it still would be nowhere near the cost of padel courts. Whether it’s a purpose-built racquet centre or a conversion of a current building, it would be a dream to see that happen in Burnley. The venues we use can get so booked up that it means we can’t grow as quickly as we’d like to,” Janette explains.
Janette’s dedication to pickleball meant she was nominated as coach/ instructor of the year in 2021 at the Burnley Sports Awards.
It’s not just Janette who has been recognised. In June 2023 at the King’s first birthday honours, Elaine was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to pickleball. She also established the North West Pickleball League and helped set up Pickleball England, which in 2024 was officially recognised by Sport England as the national governing body of pickleball. Alongside this, pickleball was officially recognised as a sport, which opens up potential funding for areas which want to introduce it to residents.
“Achieving the BEM was an incredible experience for what is still such a minority sport. I’ve put in so much work over 12 years, but I never expected it. I received a letter to say I’d been nominated but I had to keep it confidential. I didn’t take it as a given until it was announced on the King’s birthday.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire awarded it me at Lancaster Castle, and I was then invited to a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace. It rained all day but it was a brilliant day,” Elaine regales.
Elaine was also nominated for the USA Pickleball Hall of Fame, the first ever non-US citizen to do so. Whilst she didn’t make the final list, the nomination alone was
an honour. Throw in the Burnley Sports Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, and it’s clear Elaine is highly respected within the industry.
They really are quite the achievements for two women connected to Burnley who decided not to gatekeep their love of pickleball.
So what next for the pair?
Elaine would love every North West borough to have a pickleball club and Janette would like a purpose-built facility in Burnley to help support growth.
We’re sure if anyone can make these goals happen, these two ladies can!
BAMBERJANETTE
Monday & Wednesday 10am - 12noon
The Leisure Box, Northlight, Glen Way, Brierfield BB9 5NH
If you would like to try pickleball for the first time, please email your details to burnleypickleballclub@gmail.com and they will let you know when their next introductory session will be held. The first session is free and all equipment is provided.
Find out more about the sport at pickleballengland.org
10am–3pm
14th March • 11th April
9th May • 13th June • 11th July • 8th August
12th September • 10th October
14th November • 12th December
BLANK/ food intro?
Feeling peckish?
From fresh fruit and veg to a taste of Italy, there is plenty to tickle your taste buds in our borough.
By Jo Norwood
a Selfridges food hall on the doorstep!
For Adrienne and Nick, Soup&Spud is already a firm favourite. “Everything is fresh, ripe, not over ripe, and the selection is just what we need. We like that the produce is loose, so if we just want one of something we can get exactly what we need. Plus, it’s an environmentally friendly shop which is helping keep the town alive, we love supporting a local business.”
So why a fruit and veg shop now? Alison explains that feedback from customers at Mooch was that a shop like this was wanted on the independent high street. “There’s a great community in Padiham with people who want fresh produce, even though they know it might cost a bit more. Local people have allotments and appreciate home-cooked food with fresh ingredients, with Soup&Spud we can meet their needs.”
The ladies are full of ideas, and customers are already sharing their recipes on the shop’s Instagram page. Maybe we’ll see a recipe book on the counter in the coming months - definitely food for thought.
As we continue to chat between customers coming and going, Alison and Lindsay tell me that the new shop gives them the opportunity to buy products for both businesses, using some at the established café and selling others in the shop. Leftovers can easily be made into soups, highlighting another priority: sustainability and the environment. With that in mind, the shop has already struck up a link with Fennyfold Community Allotment, who will be supplying products in the summer months.
T OP OF THE
The difference in flavour and shelf life between mass-grown supermarket sourced tomatoes and locally grown organic ones is massive.
TCROPS
Fennyfold Community Garden
ucked away near Padiham Leisure Centre, Fennyfold Community Garden is a thriving green space that’s quietly making a big impact in the local community. What was once a derelict garden has grown into a vibrant hub for learning, growing, and bringing people together.
The garden is headed up by Jean Hanson, whose passion and vision have helped transform the space since she took it on in November 2021. Having recently retired and taken on a nearby allotment, Jean spotted an opportunity to support others who wanted to learn but lacked gardening experience. She believed a community garden could be the perfect place to build confidence, share skills, and grow together.
Mark Jackson oversees the maintenance of the garden and also serves as vice chair of the group, helping to keep everything running smoothly. Together, they’re supported by around 20 volunteers, with more always welcome. No gardening experience is needed, just enthusiasm. From carpentry and practical skills to creative interests like art, knitting, or sewing, Fennyfold is a space where everyone has something to offer. The garden has even hosted art classes in the past and is always open to new ideas.
Students from Lancashire Adult Learning regularly use the garden for hands-on experience as part of their City and Guilds qualifications, while local schools and community groups are invited into the children’s garden to learn
Elizabeth St, BB12 7AT
about growing food and caring for nature. Jean says one of the most rewarding parts is seeing children return and proudly remember what they learned the year before.
Fennyfold is particularly well known for its organic tomatoes. Jean explains, “The difference in flavour and shelf life between mass-grown supermarket sourced tomatoes and locally grown organic ones is massive. When you think about how many thousands of miles shop-bought tomatoes have travelled, it’s no surprise.”
Local support has played a huge role in the garden’s success. Alison from Mooch Cafe87 has long championed the project, using Fennyfold’s produce in the cafe for some time. The garden will now also be supplying Alison’s latest venture, Soup&Spud greengrocers, helping to keep locally grown produce right at the heart of the community.
Funds to keep the garden running are raised through the sale of items such as hanging baskets, seasonal plants, and vegetable starter packs to plant in your own garden or allotment. They also run fundraising events and many local businesses have generously donated materials and support over the years. The Lancashire Environmental Fund has also played a big part in the development of the garden investing £30,000 over the past three years.
Fennyfold Community Garden is proof that with passion, teamwork, and a bit of soil under your nails, something truly special can grow.
GEORGE BIRTWELL
FIRST CAPTURED OUR ATTENTION ON MASTERCHEF:
THE PROFESSIONALS 2024
, making it all the way to the final. Since the show, he has gone on to set up a private dining company, The Epicurean Duo, with partner Samira. He also continues to work closely with his mentor, Tommy Banks, in his role as Head Chef of Tommy’s Events Hospitality division. Previously featured in issue 26, George is back to share his practical advice on choosing and cooking with local, seasonal ingredients.
Locally sourced producean honest way to cook
When you work with ingredients that are grown nearby and picked at their peak, you're starting with the best possible flavour and freshness. It’s also a way of staying connected to the land and the people who cultivate it, farmers, foragers, producers who put care into their craft. Where I grew up in Barley, I was lucky to be surrounded by local farmers, so it only felt right to eat the vegetables and animals that I'd seen grow from seed/calf. I see it as a partnership and a respect for others and their craft. Cooking seasonally challenges me creatively too. It forces me to evolve with the calendar, to let the ingredients lead rather than impose a fixed idea of a dish. That’s what keeps the work exciting, and ultimately, more enjoyable and tastier.
Does seasonal mean expensive?
Not all 'premium' ingredients cost a fortune. I actually find that some of the best ingredients are cheap, if not free, you just need to know where to look, or how to shop. Seasonality plays a huge part in the price of ingredients, so knowing what’s in season and what’s not is a great place to start when planning what to cook. For instance: spring lamb, autumn and winter venison, summer berries, or root vegetables in late autumn. When ingredients
are in abundance, they’re more affordable and taste their best. I totally understand that not everyone can afford to shop at a farmers’ market every weekend. But there are still plenty of ways to get great quality without overspending. For meat, go to a proper butcher if you can, and talk to them. Ask about less popular or secondary cuts like neck, shin, or bavette. They’re often far cheaper than prime cuts, but just as flavourful when cooked properly. The same goes for fish; mackerel, pollock, coley, all underrated, affordable, and delicious.
Preserving, fermenting, and freezing seasonally is another smart move. You can pick up a tray of ripe tomatoes in August for next to nothing and make sauces that’ll last you through winter. It’s about changing how we value ingredients, moving away from the idea that good food has to be expensive, and towards an approach that’s rooted in knowledge, timing, and care.
Ingredients to look out for
From April through to September, it’s an incredible stretch for seasonal British produce. It’s when everything really comes alive.
In spring, look out for wild garlic, asparagus, Jersey Royals, and early rhubarb. These ingredients don’t need much, just simple cooking to let their freshness shine. Lamb is at its best in spring too, especially new season lamb, which is super tender.
As we move into summer, you’ll start seeing broad beans, peas, courgettes, summer squash, heritage tomatoes, and all kinds of soft fruits; strawberries, gooseberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, a lot of which are free from our hedgerows. It’s a great time for lighter dishes, grilling, salads, and preserving the abundance of fruit for later in the year.
By late summer and early autumn, the game season starts creeping in. Think mallard, partridge, and wild venison, all of which you can get in abundance from local butchers for very cheap in game season. It’s also the beginning of the mushroom season, and you’ll see the first root veg coming back in; beetroot, carrots, early squash. Apples and pears start showing up too.
The key is to cook with what’s truly in season, not just what’s available in supermarkets. That’s when ingredients are not only more affordable, but also at their absolute best.
See what George is upto next on Instagram. @georgebirtie
ABDUL MAJ EED, the man behind A ROMA MEET
Celebrating four decades of flavour, family & heartfelt hospitality
When Abdul Majeed arrived in Burnley from Pakistan in 1979, he was just 21 years old, carrying with him determination, family support, and a dream that would go on to shape one of the town’s most beloved dining institutions.
Together with his uncle, Abdul took on the challenge of opening an Indian restaurant at a time when Burnley’s food scene looked very different to today’s.
“It was a challenge at the time,” Abdul recalls. “People weren’t as accustomed to Indian food back then, so we had to adapt some of our dishes to suit English tastes.”
The working hours were long and
demanding. The restaurant opened late into the night, welcoming customers once the pubs and clubs had closed.
“We opened very late back then,” Abdul explains. “People would come in to eat after a night out. With such long hours, it was lucky I lived above the restaurant.”
The original restaurant on Manchester Road ran successfully until 1986, when Abdul moved to Church Street under the name Shalamar. In 2007, the business rebranded as Aroma, marking a new chapter built on creativity, confidence, and culinary ambition.
“When we rebranded, I was very passionate about creating something special,” Abdul says. “I wanted a modern, unique menu, and working
closely with our chefs, I really feel we achieved that. I’m very proud that when you read our menu, the dishes are created by us.”
Aroma’s success is driven by a committed team that has grown together over decades. In February 2026 the restaurant's chef Muhammed Munir was recognised as the best chef award at the Nation's Curry Awards. Muhammed, Abdul's brother.-inlaw, has been at Aroma for over 20 years, a testament to the welcoming, supportive environment he fosters.
“Having such experienced chefs means we can maintain a consistently high standard of food,” Abdul explains.
“It’s a place where people enjoy working, and that dedication shows in every dish that leaves the kitchen.”
Abdul Majeed’s journey is one of resilience, humility, and passion
“We wanted to level up the sophistication of our interior, to match our modern dishes and continue our modern theme,” Mush explains, a reflection of how tradition and innovation continue to sit comfortably side by side at Aroma.
Aroma’s reputation now reaches far beyond Burnley. The restaurant caught national attention when it was selected to appear on BBC Two’s Fabulous Feasts with acclaimed chef Andi Oliver.
“The production company told me that wherever they went in Burnley, people kept talking about Aroma,” Abdul says. “They knew they had to come and see us.”
Viewers will see Abdul cooking
alongside Andi, preparing one of Aroma’s most popular dishes Murgh Harabara, a vibrant plate of chargrilled chicken infused with spinach, mint, green chillies and yoghurt.
“Andi loved it,” Abdul smiles. “She tasted it and wanted to take the rest with her. She was fantastic to cook with, so lively and warm. I never felt nervous at all.”
The appearance followed a year of well-earned recognition. Aroma was named Best in the UK for Customer Service at the English Curry Awards, and Abdul himself received a Lifetime Achievement
Award, celebrating more than four decades of dedication to hospitality.
For Abdul, the accolades are appreciated, but the heart of Aroma has always been about people, the customers, the staff, and the family who have grown alongside the business since 1979.
From late nights above a Manchester Road restaurant to national television and industry acclaim, Abdul Majeed’s journey is one of resilience, humility, and passion - and Aroma remains a place where Burnley doesn’t just come to eat, but to feel at home.
THE LIMIT
As interview timings go, sitting down with Haffner’s Ted Cockett and Neil Wood on National Pie Day (23rd January, in case you want to mark it on your calendar for next year!) seemed truly fitting. Whether this was planned or not, we’ll leave it with you the reader to decide, but we’re surprised they had any energy left after the day they’d had so far.
“We’ve had an interview for the Booths Taste Awards
this morning, as we’re a finalist in the Bakery – Pies and Pastries category, then we had the shoot for this magazine feature,” explains Ted, who bought the Burnley institution that is Haffner’s with his brother Dean in 2022. We’re aware Burnley Lifestyle goes far and wide, so in case you’re not from Burnley, Haffner’s was founded in 1889 in Burnley and has been known for its quality pies ever since.
George Kristian Haffner arrived in England in 1879 at the age of 16 and went to work for his uncle in Carlisle, who already had a well-established pork butcher’s business. In 1889 he opened his own pork butcher’s shop in Burnley accompanied by his wife, Karoline Rummler, another German immigrant who he married in Carlisle, and their first-born son George Christian Alexander Haffner (the grandfather of John Haffner, the final managing director of the family).
When John announced the business was up for sale, social media was full of posts from people who didn’t want to see the business close forever.
“I actually saw the news on Facebook and messaged my brother Dean as he’d just sold his company Businesswise Solutions. We grew up in Burnley and really stressed in our pitch to buy Haffner’s that it would be remaining in a Burnley family’s hands. They received numerous offers, but ours was chosen,” Ted says.
They must have impressed, as Ted’s background was culture and people within the insurance sector and Dean’s was energy. However, John Haffner remained in the business for a couple of months to ensure Ted and Dean were up to speed with everything.
However, Ted had quite the shock very quickly, as he explains: “I thought I’d spend most of my time trying to convince people to buy our pies, but the shock of the sale meant customer demand went through the roof. There were queues of people at the shop counter and myself and John were a bit shocked to be honest. We make 9,000 pies a week over six days, so no, I didn’t need to actively convince people to buy our pies!”
It was a baptism of fire for Ted, who was clocking up 13,000 steps a day and starting at 6am. It’s a good job he was doing all those steps, since he admits that prior to taking on Haffner’s he ate around 10-15 pies a year. Since 2022, he believes he’s probably eaten 800 pies - all for quality control purposes, of course!
The ease of the transition is mainly due to the talented and loyal staff at Haffner’s, Ted tells us. With demand high, he asked what the most disliked job at the company was and the response was making the pie lids, which was time consuming. The Cocketts invested in new kit to make it easier. There were also five butchers sharing a small butcher’s block preparing the meat for the pies, which was also proving cumbersome. Their solution was perhaps more extreme than buying new equipment – they bought another business!
When pies just weren’t enough!
Pasture Farm, a butchers company in Colne, came up for sale in 2024 and the brothers realised that this could solve a major problem for them, as meat could be prepared at the facility and they could have tighter control of the supply chain to ensure only the best ingredients went into their produce. This is where Neil comes in, who was hired as operations director the same year to help manage the growing empire that was Haffner’s, Pasture Farm and, in the same year, Whiteside’s Bakery also in Colne.
“The staff at Pasture Farm were also hard working and high quality and we’re proud to have trained two butchers apprentices there, as it’s a trade we don’t want to lose. We made the strategic decision to close the retail counter at Pasture Farm so we could turn it into a bakery to make more pies, but people can still buy meat online via meat2u.net.
“People might have thought we were crazy for also buying Whiteside’s the same year, but it was closing down and people had been made redundant. It’s been going for 40 years and is known for its quality sandwiches and cakes - we believe the cakes are the best out there - and again, it allowed us more space to sell the ever-popular pies, which complement the other fresh produce sold there,” Neil states.
Whiteside’s has been rebranded to Haffner’s Eats, the food-to-go outlet that offers everything from breakfasts and coffee to pies and salads. You would think the team would stop there, but they quickly spotted another opportunity - the former Oddies on Network 65, which served the busy business park, with workers “really embracing us - they’d definitely missed having somewhere to go for lunch”, Ted says.
He adds that the back-to-back acquisitions has only been made possible with the appointment of Neil, who has a fruit and veg wholesale background.
“Neil has given me breathing room and he understands the industry inside out. I was working incredibly early mornings and late nights, and although I was enjoying it, I wasn’t seeing my wife and children much. He’s guided us through the acquisitions and made sure all sites and operations are aligned.”
When you think the team had enough on their plate, another unexpected opportunity arose - Burnley Market. Haffner’s was approached by Marie and Raynor from the market, which had a Haffner’s 20 years ago. The stall next door used to be Donald Smith, which sold the famous black puddings with mustard and vinegar. A solution was born – combine the two at a new Haffner’s Eats. Needless to say, the trip down memory lane has proven a hit - “I’m genuinely amazed at how busy the market is”, Neil says.
The breakfast items are particularly popular at all Haffner’s Eats outlets, especially the Hash Bang Wallop (a gravitydefying breakfast sandwich), whilst meat and potato pies make up a quarter of total pies sold across the group.
each
home match requires 4,000 pies
They still didn’t have their fill
Of course, you may be getting the sense that no challenge is too big for the team, and the next success story followed a social campaign to get Haffner’s pies into Burnley FC’s home ground, Turf Moor.
If 9,000 pies a week sounded a challenge, each home match requires 4,000 pies, which Ted admits is a “logistic nightmare”.
“It’s been a learning curve; we weren’t happy with the product for the first few games. We can’t just recreate our usual pie, as it has to be smaller to support the customer requirements. We’ve spent £80,000 on a new oven that can bake the pies for the full Turf Moor allocation in about two hours, rather than the eight to ten hours it would take otherwise. This oven also improves the quality of the bake; its rotary motion ensures no cool spots, so we should achieve a much more even bake!”
We thought the story ended there, but when
Pendle business Diane’s Catering went up for sale in 2025, Ted, Dean and Neil decided it would be the ideal fit, allowing them to provide outside catering. They’ve decided to keep her brand and staff, as well as her core offer of pie and peas and buffets.
Surely that’s enough for now!? Ted laughs as he reveals they are regularly approached to buy other businesses, but they’re focusing on what they already have, proud of the local jobs they provide.
Overall, the business has invested nigh on £1 million since 2022, but all parties recognise they couldn’t have done it without the support of the local community who have backed their vision.
Not only was our interview on National Pie Day, but it was also lunchtime. Needless to say, we came out feeling rather hungry after talking about food for an hour, but also proud that a long-standing iconic Burnley business has evolved to hopefully ensure it lives on for many more years to come.
Opened in Burnley when Pino Cafasso came looking for his next venture and immediately fell in love with the building, seeing its potential to become something truly special for the town. Drawing on years of experience in Italian hospitality, Pino has built The Palazzo into a go-to destination for Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Specialities include classic Italian dishes inspired by age-old family recipes alongside contemporary Mediterranean plates. Signature dishes include the six-hour slow-cooked blade of beef Brasato, the Calzone Diavola, created by Pino’s father, and the homemade Gnocchi Palazzo - potato gnocchi with crumbled pork sausage, spicy ’nduja, tomato sauce and Parmesan. Another highlight is the Tagliatelle Agnello with slow-cooked shredded lamb, garlic, rosemary, red wine lamb jus and Parmesan. The menu is refreshed twice a year to reflect the seasons and the creativity of the chefs.
The Palazzo is committed to quality and authenticity, using the finest Italian ingredients sourced through trusted partners. The flavours
are said to benefit from the sunshine of Italy itself. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available, and the restaurant caters for a wide range of dietary needs.
According to his team “You can take Pino out of Italy, but you can’t take Italy out of Pino. His passion and attention to detail ensure every guest feels like the most important customer.”
THE VIBE?
Warm, welcoming, and full of character. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or enjoying a leisurely dinner, the atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated, with a focus on genuine Italian hospitality.
FANCY A TAKE OUT?
The Palazzo offers takeaway options so you can enjoy its signature Italian dishes at home. They have also recently added a wine shop in the restaurant’s cellar, one of the original vaults. Guests can purchase fine wines to enjoy at home or pair with their meal, and the space will host intimate wine-and-dine events.
Opened in Padiham five years ago, with Antonio bringing over 37 years’ experience in the kitchen and more than 20 years cooking in the local area. Born in Palermo, Sicily, Antonio trained as a chef in 1999 and has worked in a variety of restaurants across both Italy and England.
Specialities include authentic Italian cuisine rooted in Sicilian tradition, inspired by family recipes passed down from Antonio’s mum and grandma. The menu blends classic Italian dishes with subtle modern twists to suit local tastes, featuring pizzas, pasta, steaks cooked on hot lava stone and homemade desserts, including Antonio’s much-loved tiramisu. A regularly changing specials board and menu which is refreshed every six month keeps things fresh.
“For me, the kitchen is my passion. Simple, fresh ingredients, cooked properly, that’s what Italian food is all about.” says Antonio.
THE VIBE?
Family-run, community-focused and full of personality. Walk into Vetrano and you’ll find Antonio everywhere, not just in the kitchen, but in the décor too. He paints, builds and decorates the tables himself, carefully curating the space inside and out. Artwork by Jack Vettriano lines the walls, while outside a beautifully lit garden features a fountain, Sicilian teste di moro centrepieces and, in the warmer months, candlelit dining.
FANCY A TAKE OUT?
Vetrano offers an extensive takeaway menu, bringing its award-winning pizzas, pasta and desserts to enjoy at home.
Awarded multiple times at the English Italian Awards and officially recognised as a Real Italian Restaurant, Vetrano has become a goto destination for Italian food in Padiham and beyond, a true slice of Sicily, served with heart.
Specialities include classic Scillian recipes, inspired by Francesco’s Italian heritage, including risotto, arancini and Frito Miso. The menu also includes burgers, a homage to Kenanks, the sites previous incarnation, and hanging kebabs. And of course, what’s an Italian restaurant without wood-fired pizzas!
Whilst there are plenty of vegetarian options, meat lovers will enjoy the steaks cooked on stone grills at your table. Served with a choice of sauces and sides, the lava rocks are a healthier way to cook meat and mean that every bite is cooked perfectly to your taste and is piping hot!
“Everything we cook is fresh and homemade. We get our fruit and vegetables from just up the road at Bury Market and our meat is locally sourced too.”
THE VIBE?
Family friendly and great for groups. With an outdoor BBQ area that seats 150 Ballaró is the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat whilst letting the kids play in the dedicated play area. There are even screens outside so you can enjoy watching the football with your meal.
FANCY A TAKE OUT?
The restaurant offers a selection of its restaurant dishes through it’s take-out service Ciao, available on Just Eat and Deliveroo.
Owners - Lynn and Giovanni (also known as John) Scibetta
This town centre restaurant may be small, but the flavours are anything but. “Passionate for the taste” is proudly written above the door, and it’s a motto that John and Lynn live by.
John uses the skills inherited from his mother and his experience in Sicilian restaurants to bring authentic food to their loyal customers.
“When John moved here from Sicily, he worked for a baker in Nelson and asked him to teach him everything he knew about bread and cake,” says Lynn. Combining this with his Italian roots has resulted in awardwinning food which has remained a hit with customers since they opened in 2012.
Over the years they have received many Italian Food Awards, with judge Aldo Zilli being particularly impressed with John’s Cassata Siciliana cake.
THE VIBE?
Knowledgeable and friendly staff give Bellissimo’s customers a warm welcome. John was diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2008, which gave him a new appreciation for gluten-free food. Customers travel from outside the borough to enjoy tasty gluten-free dishes, including John’s homemade bread and cakes, which are Coeliac Society approved.
John’s passion for his food shines through and you’ll often find him popping out of the kitchen to talk to customers through the latest cake or new recipe.
Bellissimo's serve a wide variety of pastas and pizzas. The coffee and cake offer is also popular, as is the breakfast brunch, which includes bacon “cooked the Italian way”, scrambled eggs and sausages on homemade bread. Meat is sourced from Haffners, the local butchers, and only the highest-quality Italian gluten-free flour and produce are used.
The venue is licensed, so you can enjoy a drink with your meal. Staying true to John's heritage they even stock Zibbibo wine, sourced from close to John’s birthplace.“We love meeting new people and welcoming our regulars. We are one big family,” says Lynn.
on quality, respect the process, and let the product speak for itself.
Raised in an Italian family with strong food traditions, Gigi grew up immersed in kitchen life. Surrounded by the sights, sounds and rhythms of food being made properly, he developed a fascination with dough, how flour, water, fermentation and time interact, and how small adjustments can completely change the final result.
in the market: professionally made dough that delivered consistency and performance without sacrificing flavour or integrity. Production moved into a dedicated unit, allowing Gigi to refine his methods and focus on one core objective: producing frozen dough balls that behave like fresh dough when baked. Rather than chasing rapid expansion, the emphasis remained on control, repeatability and process.
UK: dough that is easy to work with, bakes reliably, and reflects traditional fermentation techniques adapted for modern kitchens.
That commitment to doing things properly has earned national recognition. The Dough Ball Pizza Company is now the most awarded pizza dough manufacturer in the UK, with multiple Great Taste Awards over several years, recognition that reflects consistency rather than one-off success.
Behind the scenes, the business operates to equally rigorous standards. It holds SALSA (Safe and Local Supplier Approval) certification and has achieved a SALSA Star for three consecutive years, highlighting excellence in food safety and manufacturing.
and gain a deeper understanding of dough. Equipped with its own pizza oven and informal seating, the space has hosted professional training sessions, team-building events and community visits.
dough directly to home cooks.
Dough to Door allows customers to order frozen dough balls by post, ready to be stored in the freezer and used whenever the mood for pizza strikes.
It is also the only pizza dough manufacturer in the UK certified organic, reinforcing its cleanlabel approach and commitment to ingredient transparency.
More recently, the company has begun working towards B Corp certification, aligning operations with broader goals around sustainability, ethics and long-term responsibility.
Alongside manufacturing, Gigi has created a dedicated space for training and learning, where businesses can send staff to develop pizza-making skills
“Pizza is a great entry point into food,” Gigi explains. “People already love it, so it becomes an accessible way to talk about ingredients, technique and process.” This approach also inspired Gigi to work closely with local schools, showing students how to make pizzas, something he is keen to do more of in the future.
With The Dough Ball Pizza Company producing dough for a wide range of brands, many people have likely eaten one of its pizzas without realising it. Now, with the launch of Dough to Door, Gigi is bringing that same professional-quality
Designed to be simple and flexible, the service gives home pizzamakers access to the same dough used by professionals without compromising on fermentation, ingredients or performance.
For those who enjoy experimenting, Dough to Door also offers a rotating selection of styles, giving customers the chance to explore different dough characteristics and discover new favourites. A gluten-free option is available, and all varieties are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
I do not want to be the biggest... I want us to be known for doing it properly.
Ask Gigi what makes the dough special, and the answer is simple.
“It’s about respecting the process,” he says. “Good dough does not need shortcuts. It needs the right ingredients, time, and consistency.”
That philosophy runs through every step of production. From carefully selected flours to controlled fermentation and freezing at peak maturity, each stage preserves quality rather than rushing it. Being based in Burnley also helps, with naturally soft local water lending itself well to fermentation and balance, something the process is built around rather than artificially altering.
The result is dough that performs reliably in real kitchens, whether professional or domestic, reflected in the loyalty of customers who return again and again.
You do not need specialist equipment to get great results at home.
“Get your oven as hot as it will go,” Gigi says. “Preheat a heavy tray or pizza stone for at least 30 minutes, and do not overload the toppings. If the dough is right, the rest follows.”
For Gigi, the goal has never been rapid expansion.
“I do not want to be the biggest,” he says. “I want us to be known for doing it properly.”
ICONIC ENZO’S TURNS
Enzo’s takeaway on Colne Road is something of a Burnley institution. Its ethos of restaurant-quality food at takeaway prices has helped the business build a loyal customer base, and it is loved by many, with people travelling from far and wide to buy a pizza or pasta.It’s no surprise then that the business is still going strong, and this year marks the huge milestone of 40 years in business. Katie McGee caught up with Nicolo and Lillo Manta to find out more.
Enzo’s plays a massive part in my childhood. We would pick my mum up from working at Sainsbury’s on a Saturday night before picking up an Enzo’s to enjoy while watching Casualty. Sitting on the windowsill whilst waiting for your pizza to cook was as much part of the tradition as the food. Italian football would more often than not be playing on the TV and the shop would be bustling, with the owners laughing and joking with customers.
Fast forward more years than I care to admit and, whilst the shop has changed slightly from when I was a child, the same warm welcome awaits and you’re always guaranteed delicious food.
Set up in 1986 by brothers Vincenzo (known
affectionately as Enzo) and Lillo Manta, Enzo’s was born out of a desire to serve the people of Burnley. Both brothers had independently run ice cream vans, but they decided to join forces and Enzo’s takeaway was born. Their third brother, Joe, joined in 1990 and together they built a thriving business alongside Lillo and Enzo’s wives, Domenica and Maria.
“In the beginning, pizza was a new food compared to the traditional food shops in the area, as Italian takeaways weren’t really a thing back then,” explains Lillo. “We had people coming in asking for potato pie, chips and gravy, wanting traditional British food,” he adds.
The change in the culinary offering was too much for some, with a handful of disappointed people storming out of the shop.
“We’d even have people hurling insults at us, and members of the old Conservative Club next door used to come and remark about the smell of Italian cooking - in particular the garlic! Later, these same people became some of our most loyal customers. People’s perceptions changed, our customer base grew, and we became a firm favourite on Colne Road and across town,” Lillo reflects. Although locals soon saw how delicious the food was, it didn’t stop one strange request. “A pregnant customer once came into the shop wanting a tuna pizza, but asked if we could top it with a sliced banana she’d brought with her,” laughs Lillo.
The characters coming through the doors are a big part of what gives Enzo’s its character.
“Over the years we’ve been lucky enough to serve people from all walks of life, including some very familiar faces. Enzo’s has been a firm favourite for many years with well-known Burnley names such as radio presenter Jordan North and footballer Jay Rodriguez. What means the most to us is that, famous or not, they’ve kept coming back. The loyalty shown to us by our customers means the world to us,” says Lillo.
“The people here have supported us from the early days. We’ve seen the town go through ups and downs, but the loyalty never fades. Our customers feel like friends and family - we know names, favourite orders and what’s going on in their lives. We were even asked to record a message for someone's wedding reception!” he adds.
“Our customers feel like friends and family to us.”
Tough times
Whilst the business was going from strength to strength, it hasn’t been without its challenges, as sadly in 2020 Enzo passed away. A much-loved figure in Burnley, this was a huge loss to both the business and the local community.
“COVID was a really strange time for us. Obviously, with Enzo passing away and all the restrictions in place, it was really difficult,” says Lillo.
“The outpouring of love and support we received was very touching and really helped us during this time.”
Lillo and Joe decided to carry on and, with Lillo also suffering with ill health, it was at this point that his son Nicolo came on board. “With Dad being ill, it just felt like the right time to leave my job at Nelson & Colne College and help out,” Nicolo explains.
40 years & going strong
So why do they think Enzo’s has been a firm favourite with the community for so long?
“I think it’s partly down to consistency,” says Nicolo. “We’ve used the same suppliers over the years and we keep things the way people like them. Our pizzas aren’t traditional Italian pizzas. We call them Burnley Italian, as they’re made to be high quality but also really filling, so you get good value for money.”
Whilst the style of pizza might not be traditionally Italian, the techniques are - with dough and sauces made fresh on site.
“Enzo’s opened with simple values: quality ingredients, consistency and friendly service. The dough recipe, the toppings, the way we prep everything - it’s still done the way we always have. People tell us the taste hasn’t changed in decades, and that’s exactly what we want,” says Lillo.
What's the most popular items on the menu?
“Meat Feast and Pepperoni are probably our most popular pizzas, although lots of people also love a Margherita. We also have items that people don’t know we do, like calzones, and we make our own tiramisu. Our pastas are popular too, and we get lots of people travelling from all over just for the chips,” Nicolo proudly tells me. “Our customers feel like friends and family to us.”
So, what’s next for Enzo’s?
“We are so proud to be celebrating our 40th year in business and are looking forward to further strengthening our relationships with the community and continuing to serve great food. We’ve also launched our own merchandise due to customer demand. We’ve already had photos from people sharing their love for Enzo’s from across the globe,” says Nicolo.
“Reaching 40 years in business feels surreal. We feel so proud that people still continue to come here. Enzo’s has always been more than a takeaway; it’s been part of the community. We’ve served families for generations. Some of our customers who came in as kids now bring in their own children. That’s the best part of what we do,” adds Lillo.
As for the future, Enzo’s plans to celebrate its milestone year with special ideas, new menu additions and updated touches, while staying true to the tradition Burnley knows and loves.
“We want to keep doing what we do best: making great pizza and giving Burnley a takeaway it’s proud of. Here’s to the next chapter,” says Nicolo.
And finally, a message from Lillo:
“Thank you. Whether you’ve been with us since the early days or only just found us, you’re the reason we’re still here. Burnley has been amazing to us, and we can’t wait to keep serving you.” -In loving memoryLillo Manta (1960 - 2026)
We were very sorry to learn that Lillo passed away shortly before publication. He took great pride in Enzo's and valued the support it received from the local community. With the blessing of Lillo's family, we are honoured to include this feature as a small tribute to him.
INDOOR CARLESS CAR BOOT
School's out (again)!
With a school holiday around every corner we've got expert advice, helpful tips and creative ideas to keep the kids entertained.
THRIVING IN THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
By Dr. Zoe Dawson MBACP (Snr. Accred), director at The Hill Counselling Practice, Padiham
School holidays can often feel frantic, pressured and another plate to spin. Whilst we might not have the school run to contend with, routines change, childcare becomes more complex, and we can often get pulled into the comparison game as people we know rhyme off a list of all the fun and exciting plans they have for the holidays. For working parents, the challenges around routines and childcare ramps up the need to be organised and managing competing demands. How do we manage to be emotionally present for our children whilst also staying focused at work. It can feel like an impossible balance. One helpful shift is moving away from trying to do everything well, all of the time. That’s means setting clear expectations, both with your employers and also with your children. It is so helpful to let children know when you are available and when you are not as this can reduce frustration on both sides.
Children often struggle with the loss of structure during the holidays, even if they appear excited at first. School provides predictability, social contact,
and a sense of progression so when that disappears, some children become unsettled, irritable, or withdrawn. Creating a loose rhythm to the day can help. This does not mean recreating school at home, but having anchor points such as regular mealtimes, planned activities, and downtime. For all of you.
Extended time together can be a wonderful opportunity for families to connect and create memories or to simply unwind and embrace a slower rhythm. It’s normal for siblings to have occasional disagreements, especially when children are full of energy, bored, overstimulated or looking for attention. Whilst it can be tempting to step in, parents can guide children to name their feelings, take a break when needed, and work toward making things right. These moments are chances for children to practice understanding, problem-solving, and empathy, helping them grow emotionally and socially. With gentle support, even small conflicts can become learning opportunities that strengthen family bonds and build resilience, making the holidays a joyful time for everyone.
Thriving in the school holidays is a lot about balance and managing expectations (yours and theirs). It means being realistic, flexible and cutting yourself a bit of slack. Some days will feel like a win and others might not go as you intended. All are normal. Small adjustments, clear boundaries, and lowered expectations can make the holidays feel more manageable and enjoyable.
Burnley Lifestyle’s TOP 5 TIPS for thriving in the school holidays
LOWER EXPECTATIONS
You don’t need to plan something amazing every day. Quiet days, rest and even boredom all have value.
2. 3. 4. 5.
CREATE A GENTLE DAILY RHYTHM
Keep a few predictable anchors like mealtimes, screen time and bedtime to help children feel secure without over-structuring the day.
BE CLEAR ABOUT WHEN YOU’RE AVAILABLE
Let children know when you can give them your attention and when you can’t. Clear boundaries reduce frustration for everyone.
ACCEPT THAT MIXED EMOTIONS ARE NORMAL
Excitement, tiredness, irritability and boredom often come together during the holidays. Naming feelings can help children feel understood.
CUT YOURSELF SOME SLACK
Not every day will go to plan, and that’s okay. Flexibility and self-compassion make the holidays far more manageable.
From soft-play centres to indoor adventure zones, Burnley offers plenty of options to keep kids active and entertained, perfect for rainy days or a few hours of fun close to home.
Large indoor soft-play centre with slides, sensory zones, bumper cars, laser tag, and activities suitable for all ages.
FRANKIE + LOLA’S
Indoor play centre with tunnels, slides, climbing areas, and a café.
THE LITTLE LANCASHIRE VILLAGE
Role-play themed indoor village for younger children, with mini shops, vehicles, and dress-up activities.
KIDDY KIDS
Soft-play space for younger children offering a safe indoor environment with inflatables, soft-play and football pitch.
KK’S KRAZY GOLF
Family-friendly mini-golf and putting challenges with interactive games, offering fun and active play for all ages.
AIR UNLIMITED
Inflatable play centre with obstacle courses, slides, and bounce areas suitable for energetic play sessions and parties.
PICTURE ME ROLLIN
Roller-skating and party venue for all age groups with a darts room, pool and arcades and tots playroom.
DISCOBOWL
Recently renovated, this bowling alley also has karaoke booths and scrapyard golf.
The Little Lancashire Village
Picture Me Rollin Air Unlimited
KK's Golf Funda Land
HISTORY & CULTURE
From historic halls to local arts venues, Burnley and Padiham offer inspiring cultural experiences for families - a chance to explore, learn, and enjoy creative activities together.
#2
TOWNELEY HALL
Historic hall located in Towneley Park, featuring museum and art collections, a programme of contemporary exhibitions, and family-friendly activities.
GAWTHORPE HALL
Elizabethan house with gardens, riverside walks, and outdoor play area. There’s also a hidden walled garden that opens for events throughout the year.
QUEEN STREET MILL
Queen Street Mill is the last surviving 19th century steam powered weaving mill in the world. Open for tours and special events.
MECHANICS THEATRE
Arts and performance venue hosting theatre, live music, and family shows.
BURNLEY YOUTH THEATRE
Youth-focused theatre offering performances, workshops, and creative opportunities.
REEL CINEMA BURNLEY
Cinema offering the latest family films, special screenings and great value tickets, making it an easy option for a relaxed day or evening out.
THE VAULT CINEMA
Independent cinema showing a mix of family-friendly films, classics and a mix of public and private screenings in a luxury setting.
Reel Cinema
The Vault Cinema
Queen Street Mill
Queen Street Mill Mechanics Theatre
DiscoBowl
Burnley Youth Theatre
Towneley Hall
Towneley Hall
Towneley Hall Gawthorpe Hall
PARKS, GREENSPACES & WALKS
TOWNELEY PARK
From Green Flag parks to local trails, towpaths, reservoirs, and everyday greenspaces, Burnley offers many ways for families to get outside, whether for a full day out or a short walk close to home.
450 acres of historic parkland to explore with woodland trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, cafes and open space. The park is also home to an 18-hole par 3 pitch and putt course - perfect for juniors, golf novices and fun-seeking families.
THOMPSON PARK
Park featuring a boating lake, miniature train, gardens, café, and play areas.
QUEENS PARK
Open green space with play areas, mini cycle track, tennis courts and skatepark.
PADIHAM MEMORIAL PARK
Children’s play areas, skate pump track, picnic spaces, and riverside walks.
SCOTT PARK
Park with playground facilities, open green space and tennis courts.
IGHTENHILL PARK
Park with play equipment, outdoor gym equipment, tennis courts and bowling green.
LEEDS & LIVERPOOL CANAL TOWPATH
Flat, accessible routes ideal for walking, cycling, scooters, and wildlife spotting.
CLOWBRIDGE RESERVOIR
Countryside location popular for walking, birdwatching, and enjoying open views.
HURSTWOOD & CANT CLOUGH RESERVOIRS
Peaceful walking routes with scenic views at the edge of the Pennines.
BRUN VALLEY GREENWAY
Scenic walking and cycling route linking Burnley and surrounding areas, perfect for family strolls, bike rides, and spotting local wildlife.
SINGING RINGING TREE
Iconic wind-powered sculpture on a hilltop walk with panoramic views.
Greenway Cycle Path
Singing Ringing Tree
Leeds & Liverpool Canal Towpath
Towneley Park
Cant Clough Reservoir
Thompson Park
Whether it’s swimming, sports, or multi-activity venues, Burnley’s leisure centres provide opportunities for families to stay active together, whatever the weather.
burnleyhaf.org.uk
Find out more about the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme which provides free meals and holiday activities for children and young people eligible for benefits-related school meals during the holidays.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LEISURE & SPORTS CENTRES
ST PETER'S LEISURE CENTRE
Swimming pools (including family sessions), sports halls, gym and fitness classes ideal for active family time.
discoverburnley.co.uk
Find out more about Burnley town centre businesses and events.
outdoortown.uk
Our outdoor spaces are the heart of our borough - find out more about the great Burnley outdoors.
PADIHAM LEISURE CENTRE
Community leisure centre with swimming pool, gym, fitness classes, tennis courts, and pump bike track.
USEFUL WEBSITES
burnleytogether.org.uk/ down-town
Based above New Look in Charter Walk shopping centre. Down Town has a uniform shop, community grocery and often runs family friendly events during school holidays
PRAIRIE SPORTS VILLAGE
Multi-activity venue featuring a Toptracer driving range, crazy golf, and an on-site bistro.
#5
Keep an eye out on these websites for useful info and upcoming events.
Prairie Sports Village
St Peter's Leisure Centre
Prairie Sports Village
Prairie Sports Village
Padiham Leisure Centre
Padiham Leisure Centre
Down Town
Queens Park
Tell us youwhat think!
We love getting your feedback here are just some of the comments we received about the last issue...
The magazine is now in North Wales there I live. The variety of content in the magazine is great - features about current townsfolk who are doing well in their chosen fields, balanced with articles about the town’s past. It projects a positive image of the town.
A magazine of discovery and wonder showcasing everything our area has to offer.
I didn’t know Towneley Hall had their own merchandise so I’ll definitely be taking a walk there.
Well done, I really do appreciate anything that promotes the town, its businesses and people.
Always find out more about Burnley, a town that I like to visit. you asked for...
Keep doing what you’re doing, promoting our town in a positive way and it’s great to see!
EVERYONE WHO SENDS THEIR FEEDBACK WILL BE ENTERED INTO A PRIZE DRAW TO WIN EITHER:
A pizza making experience for four
Win a private pizza-making experience with Gigi Pillitteri, founder of The Dough Ball Pizza Co, at their Burnley HQ and learn to create pizza using their award-winning dough.
A delicious two-course meal for two At Vetrano Italian restaurant, complete with a welcome drink to start your dining experience.
One lucky runner-up prize
Will receive a box of The Dough Ball Pizza Co new Dough to Door doughballs to enjoy at home.
All you need to do is fill in a short feedback questionnaire - scan the QR code or visit www.burnley.co.uk/issue28
Closing date for entries: 11pm on Friday 7th August 2026. Full terms and conditions can be found at www.burnley.co.uk/issue28
Step back in time at Burnley's:
JURASSIC VILLAGE A DVEN T U R E GOLF
It does not matter whether you are a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun family day out. Each hole offers something different to keep both children and grown-ups entertained from start to finish
Looking for a fun and family-friendly day out this spring or summer?
Burnley’s newest attraction, Jurassic Village Adventure Golf at Prairie Sports Village, is now open and promises to transport visitors straight into the age of the dinosaurs. Following a £500,000 investment, this 18-hole adventure golf course has already captured the imaginations of children and adults alike and is perfect for school holidays and weekend visits.
From towering 4-metre dinosaur models to a bubbling volcano, intricate sculptures, a sparkling water feature, and a dramatic artificial rockwork entrance, every corner of the course has been carefully designed to create an immersive Jurassic experience. Whether you are a mini-golf pro or just looking for a playful day out, each hole offers something new and exciting to keep the whole family entertained from start to finish.
Wes Kellow, leisure commercial and development manager at Burnley Leisure and Culture, explains that the Jurassic theme has been a hit from the very beginning. “It does not matter whether you are a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun family day out. Each hole offers something different to keep both children and grown-ups entertained from start to finish,” he says. Over the first four weeks of opening, the course saw more than 1,100 plays and has been warmly welcomed by visitors.
One of the first guests, Chris Wright from Hapton, says, “We used to drive 45 minutes to Warrington to play on a course very similar to this, so it is great to have it on our doorstep. We are here most weeks for football, so I would say we are going to be regulars. It is a brilliant family activity and will appeal to everyone.”
Jurassic Village Adventure Golf is part of the wider Prairie Sports Village, which last October celebrated its 10th anniversary. The venue transformed from simple playing fields with a pavilion into Burnley’s premier multisports and hospitality complex, and it continues to attract visitors of all ages. Today, it hosts a Toptracer driving range, a PGA professional golf academy, floodlit football pitches, the Prairie Bistro, grass and rugby football pitches, and topclass conference facilities. With over 1.3 million visitors and more than 22 million balls hit on the Toptracer Range, Prairie Sports Village has become an integral part of the community.
The Jurassic course is the latest addition, building on the Prairie’s reputation for attracting children to sports and family activities from an early age. Booking is recommended, especially during weekends, school holidays, and peak times. Clubs and balls are provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. The course can also host children’s parties, making it a perfect option for birthdays or family celebrations.
If you are looking for a prehistoric twist on your next day out, Jurassic Village Adventure Golf offers fun, excitement, and memories that will last long after the dinosaurs have gone. To book your visit, go to blcgroup.co.uk/jurassic-village
Fast & filling recipes for the whole family
If you like the look of these recipes you can find more in the Burnley Together cookbook -scan the QR code and take a look!
Your kids may be small, but their appetites are huge. When they’re off school, it can feel like you’re juggling parenthood with running a snack bar, with constant demands for food! Thankfully, Dave Webb, development chef at Burnley Leisure and Culture, is here to help with quick, easy, and healthy recipes.
DIY Veggie Wrap Station
METHOD
• Prepare all of your veggies.
INGREDIENTS
Hummus or cream cheese
Grated carrot
Cucumber sticks
Lettuce
Thinly sliced peppers
Mini tortilla wraps
• Kids can spread their wrap with hummus or cream cheese, add their choice of fillings and roll up.
• You can experiment with different fillings according to individual tastes.
PICNIC ITEM - PINWHEELS
• Use the same ingredients but substitute mini wraps for large tortilla wraps.
• Spread a wrap with hummus or cream cheese, add veggies then roll up.
• Slice into rounds for an easy and healthy picnic item.
INGREDIENTS
110g self-raising flour
¼ tsp baking powder
25g salted butter, cubed
60g grated mature cheddar cheese
60ml milk (plus extra milk to glaze)
Cheese scones
METHOD
• Add flour and baking powder to a mixing bowl and combine.
• Add the cubed butter and allow to soften for a few minutes.
• Rub in the butter using your fingertips until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs then add the grated cheese and rub this in too.
• Stir in the milk and mix with a spoon until it starts to come together.
• Form into a dough using your hands then flatten out to about 2cm thick.
• Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out your scones and place onto a parchment lined baking tray.
• Re-shape the dough and cut more scones.
• Brush the tops with milk then bake at 200ºC for 10-12 minutes until browned on top. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
INGREDIENTS
1 onion, sliced or diced
2 carrots, small dice
1 leek, washed, halved and thinly sliced
1 litre vegetable stock (made with stock cubes)
A handful of spring greens, spinach or nettle leaves if you're feeling adventurous
1 tablespoon tomato puree
½ teaspoon dried herbs (optional)
150g orzo pasta
Spring vegetable & orzo soup
METHOD
• Fry onion, carrots and leeks until the onions are slightly softened.
• Add the stock, tomato puree and orzo.
• Simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is nearly cooked.
• Add the spring greens/spinach/nettles and cook for another 3 minutes.
• Make sure the pasta is cooked then taste and season with salt plus a grind of pepper if you like.
• Serve with cheese toasties or cheese scones.
New Potato, Spinach & Feta Empanadas (makes
8)
INGREDIENTS
FILLING
2 medium onions, peeled and sliced
400g new potatoes, diced into 1cm cubes (skin on)
2 crushed garlic cloves or 2 heaped tablespoons of chopped wild garlic leaves
2 large handfuls of washed spinach (150g)
125g feta cheese
1 egg for glazing
PASTRY
400g plain flour
200g salted butter
100g cold water
METHOD
• Add flour to a large mixing bowl.
• Cut butter into 1cm cubes and add to the flour then rub in with your fingertips until sandy.
• Add water and mix in until it starts to come together.
• Bring together with your hands and knead until just smooth then form into a log shape.
• Wrap in cling film and refrigerate.
• Boil the diced potatoes until soft but not falling apart then drain.
• Fry the onions until softened and starting to brown then add the garlic and fry for one minute more.
• Add the spinach and stir until wilted then add the potatoes, roughly mash them into the mixture with a spoon then crumble in the feta cheese and mix well.
• Leave to cool then chill in the fridge.
• To make the empanadas, slice off a round of pastry (you need about 85g) and roll out on a lightly floured surface to about 15cm in diameter.
• Add some filling (about 85g) then brush the edges lightly with beaten egg. Fold in half and seal together then use a fork to crimp the edges.
• Make 2 cuts in the top to let the steam out as they bake then place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
• Repeat until you have used up your pastry and filling then brush them all with egg.
• Bake at 200ºC for 25-30 minutes until golden. Can be served hot or chilled and eaten cold.
Egg Muffins(makes 12)
INGREDIENTS
11 medium eggs
40g plain flour
¾ tsp baking powder
1 tsp sea salt flakes or ½ tsp table salt
2 sliced spring onions
METHOD
• Cut your broccoli into small florets, add to a pan of boiling water and cook for 3 minutes.
• Drain the broccoli then place in cold water to chill. Drain again once cooled and allow to drip dry or place on kitchen paper to soak up excess water.
• Mix the grated garlic or chopped wild garlic with the sliced spring onion.
• Grease the non-stick 12 hole muffin tin using the butter or oil.
1 small head of broccoli
1 garlic clove (finely grated) or a heaped tablespoon of chopped wild garlic leaves
A handful of grated cheddar cheese Butter or oil for greasing
• Combine the plain flour and baking powder in a large jug. Whisk in 1 egg until fairly smooth (a few lumps are fine) then gradually whisk in the remaining eggs and the salt.
Sprinkle cheese over each muffin and bake for about 25 minutes at 180°C until the egg is set and the top is golden brown.
• Add some spring onion/garlic mix and some broccoli florets to the holes in your muffin tin then pour egg mix into each one – try to divide your ingredients equally between the 12 holes to ensure they cook evenly.
• The muffins can be eaten straight away once they have cooled a little, chilled and eaten cold (like a Spanish frittata) or chilled and re-heated (ensure they are piping hot right the way through).
Cheese toasties
INGREDIENTS
Any sliced bread - 2 slices per toastie (use sourdough for really crispy toasties)
Butter or spread (butter is best!)
Grated cheddar cheeseabout a handful per person
METHOD
• Butter one side of each piece of bread.
• Turn one slice of bread over so the butter is underneath then top with a handful of grated cheddar.
• Place a second slice on top with the butter facing upwards.
• Repeat for your remaining toasties.
• Place into an air fryer on a low setting (150-170ºC) or into a dry frying pan on a low heat.
• Cook and turn your toasties until they are golden brown on the outside and the cheese has melted in the middle – this will take 10 minutes or so - be careful, they can burn easily!
Eat well, live well
Burnley Together's Eat Well, Live Well campaign is here to support you with simple, affordable ideas that work for real families.
Every child in Burnley deserves to grow strong, learn well and feel good each day and we are offering advice and support to enable this.
Find out more about the campaign, including tips on healthy food swaps.
'Feeding your family healthy meals can feel daunting, especially when children are off school for longer periods. Although they may be out of the usual school routine, trying to stick to three regular meals a day, starting with breakfast, and adding a couple of simple snacks in between can really help. This can support children in getting a balanced and nutritious diet, with the odd treat of course, and can also help support positive mood and behaviour, benefiting parents and carers too.
Remember that healthy eating does not have to mean fresh food only. Tinned and dried fruit also have nutritional value and can be a convenient option. We know that children who are well fed benefit not only in their physical health, but often in their mood and behaviour too.'
Dr James Flemming GP Partner, Padiham Medical Centre
by Emma Holt
Ina world where children are increasingly surrounded by screens, photography offers a truly creative output: it teaches them to slow down and really look. The real beauty of photography when done outdoors, whether that’s a wood, park or expansive gardens, means it then becomes far more than a technical skill. It becomes a way for children to connect with the world around them, and with themselves. And, they don’t even need to have a fancy camera, no! The use of a phone camera can be just as educational and enjoyable! It's all about connection and getting creative. When I teach photography to children, the first thing I encourage is curiosity. Before a camera or smart phone is even lifted, we explore. We touch the rough bark of a tree, trace the veins of a leaf with our fingers, feel the softness of flower petals. These tactile experiences matter. Children learn best when they are engaged with all their senses, and nature provides an endlessly rich classroom. Texture, detail, pattern, shape, and light are not difficult to find, the great outdoors offers a chance for children to truly connect, and its right there at their fingertips!
Photography helps children develop the ability to see. A child who has photographed the cracked surface of a stone or the spirals of a fern will never walk past those things in the same way again. They notice small details: how light changes through the day, how colours change in shade, how repetition and contrast exist everywhere in nature. This awareness nurtures both creativity and mindfulness. Many children who struggle to concentrate indoors become deeply focused when given a camera outside.
There is also something quietly empowering about photography. Children learn that their viewpoint matters. There is no single ‘right’ photograph, only their interpretation of what they see. This builds confidence, decision-making skills, and visual literacy. Over time, children learn to trust their instincts and express their ideas visually, often before they can articulate them in words.
Obviously there is also the benefit of fresh air, they are away from screens, but being outdoors also encourages children to have a deep respect for the natural world. When children spend time observing insects, plants, and landscapes up close, they develop a sense of care and responsibility. Nature is no longer just a backdrop, it becomes something accessible and enjoyable. Many children begin to ask questions, tell stories, and make connections between what they photograph and how the world works.
Having taught photography for many years, I have seen firsthand how powerful this combination can be. My photography school has been fortunate to receive numerous awards, but the real reward is watching children grow, creatively, emotionally, and socially, through their experiences with connection.
I find Towenley Park, in Burnley, is the perfect creative backdrop to explore. It's wonderful for children and teenagers and is my favoruite local spot for photography, with a mixture of hidden parts a beautiful, wooded area, a rugged stone bridge and plenty of wildlife, it’s a fantastic place to start their photography journey.
Ultimately, photography gives children a genuine creative outlet, the opportunity to experience nature and the world around them and something meaningful to capture and explore. I have also found that it’s an excellent way to encourage mindfulness, children can switch off from homework, exams or peer pressure. When the two come together, learning becomes truly joyful!
About the Author
Emma Holt is a professional photographer and educator with a first-class degree in Photography and many years of teaching experience. She is the founder of Emotive Capture Photography School, a multi award winning photography school dedicated to nurturing creativity, confidence, and connection through photography. Emotive Capture offers photography tuition for children, adults, and professional photographers, with a strong focus on learning through engagement and connection with the world around you.
More information can be found at www.emotivecapture.co.uk
squibbles follow the on their burnley adventure
Evie adores her garden and grows wonderful plants and veggies. She believes looking after nature helps you grow too.
colour me in
Jay Stansfield a Lancashire-based illustrator and award-winning creative, and the creator of The Squibbles® launched during the 2020 lockdown, The Squibbles® began as a colouring book and has since developed into books, comics, animation, music, and creative workshops for children and families.
His work focuses on imagination, creativity, and emotional connection through playful storytelling. It’s been featured in Times Square, Miami and Indy Best Top Ten colouring book for creative kids.
Web: jaystansfield.com | thesquibbles.com
Facebook: /jaystansfieldmusic | /thesquibbles
Instagram: @jaystansfield | @thesquibbles
HAVE A TEE-RIFFIC DAY OUT
AT PRAIRIE SPORTS VILLAGE
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer, first-timer, or just looking to have fun with your friends, our Toptracer driving range at Prairie Sports Village has an activity for you.
BURNLEY’S ONLY PURPOSE-BUILT TOPTRACER RANGE
ISTRO PRAIRIE
Take in the panoramic views of Pendle Hill while enjoying a delicious meal with family and friends.
SCAN TO VIEW OUR MENUS AND BOOK YOUR TABLE
SCAN TO FIND OUT MORE
Smokestacks, a steam engine, and stories woven from cotton and human effort, Queen Street Mill stands as one of Burnley’s most powerful links to its industrial past. With its machinery still in motion and its history deeply rooted in the lives of local families, the mill offers a rare glimpse into the town’s working-class heritage.
We sent Ashlyn Pace-Ferguson, who moved to Burnley from America in 2022, to explore the world’s last surviving steam-powered weaving shed.
• The Mill has starred in many famous TV and film productions including The King's Speech, Life on Mars, North & South, The English Game and A Christmas Carol.
• Workers in cotton weaving mills had their own form of communication called 'Mee-mawing' – in which they used hand signals and lip reading to speak to each other over the racket of the looms!
WHAT WERE YOU EXPECTING FROM YOUR VISIT TO QUEEN STREET MILL?
I expected to see a lot of machinery, but I had no idea that we would get to see them actually run! I think museums are often a place where you see objects frozen in time.
Queen Street Mill brings Burnley’s history to life. As the machines weave their cotton, you can almost see the hands of the workers as they rush to fix any little errors before they get sewn into the cloths. There truly was so much skill required to keep these complex machines running!
WHAT WAS THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU LEARNT DURING THE TOUR?
I found it very interesting learning all the different jobs there were to do. I had no idea that there would have been a specific pair of horses to pull the loads of cotton each day. There would have even been stable boys specifically employed to take care of those horses. I also didn’t know about how steamy the mills were in order to keep the cotton from breaking in the machines. Because there was no steam being pumped into the air on our tour, we were able to see just how easily the fragile cotton would break in the machine.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE TOUR?
My favourite part of the tour was actually seeing the break room where the employees would have been for lunch. Seeing it felt like a very human moment, realising that these people would have stayed right there in the mill even for their break because they were getting paid for every minute they spent working. To see chairs they would have sat in only a few feet away from the workspace that they would spend hours in was very eye opening to me. These mills were run by real hands, lungs, and bodies. Many of their bodies paid the price for such intense labour. It’s not hard to feel grateful for our own working circumstances after taking a minute to look at the small break table and reflect.
• Weavers often worked on 'Piece' rates, so they got paid for every 100 yards (or Piece) of cotton they wove. As earnings we based on how much you could weave, this was one of the rare jobs in the early 19th Century where women had the opportunity to earn the same amount as men. DID YOU KNOW?
WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE SHOULD VISIT THE MILL?
For many local families, this history isn’t distant. These spaces were inhabited by people’s parents and grandparents, etc. That makes this building deeply personal to so many Burnley locals. I think it’s incredible to be able to see the machinery still in motion, weaving cotton as it once did. By visiting it helps us honour those who came before us by hearing the loud clanging of the machinery, and walking the steps they took day in and day out. Often working from childhood until the ends of their lives. The fact that there is still a mill to visit shows respect for these ordinary people who dedicated their lives to a labour that built Burnley into what it is today. Queen Street Mill is a living memory of Burnley itself.
YOU’VE LIVED IN BURNLEY FOR FOUR YEARS NOW. DID YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT OUR RICH HISTORY WHEN YOU MOVED HERE?
Not really, no! I had watched the Netflix show called The English Game which taught me a bit about working-class mill towns in the north. I had always been quite interested in learning about the industrial revolution in school. When I first came to Burnley I was immediately curious about all the smokestacks, it was like seeing a glimpse into the town's past.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE LOCAL HISTORY IN THE AREA THAT FASCINATES YOU?
One of my passions is genealogy work, and I have spent a lot of time learning about the people who have lived in this town. I think what fascinates me most is considering what day-to-day life looked like for the people who were born in Burnley. What did life have in store for them, how did the contribute to the world around them? How did they struggle, and what did they enjoy? I think history become very personal when we take closer look at people’s lives and remember that one day people will look back at the time we’re now living in too. These people’s lives were spent in mills like Queen Street Mill, and without their labour Burnley would not be the town that it is today.
OPENING TIMES...
Queen Street Mill welcomes visitors throughout the year, opening Wednesday to Friday from November to March, and Wednesday to Saturday from April to October. Doors open from 12pm to 4pm, inviting guests to explore the mill’s remarkable heritage through guided tours led by knowledgeable volunteers and live demonstrations of its
original textile machinery. Schools and groups can also arrange tailored visits. During your trip, the on-site cafe, Weavers Rest, is open alongside the museum, offering a tempting selection of drinks, light lunches, and delicious cakes - the perfect way to complete your visit.
TOWNELEY HALL
OPENING TIMES & PRICES:
Wed - Sun 12-4.30pm (last entry 4pm) until 1st Nov
COFFEE using our exclusive Life Café Blend, ethically roasted with Clifton Coffee Roasters, or cool off with milkshakes and infused lemonades. With seasonal specials throughout the year, Park Life Café is the perfect spot to unwind.
OPEN DAILY, with extended hours in spring & summer.
SPOTLIGHT ON: BURNLEY LIGHT OPERA SOCIETY
Burnley Light Opera Society (BLOS) has been bringing the magic of musical theatre to East Lancashire for more than 90 years. Since its first production, Rose Marie, in 1934 the society has staged over 100 shows, making it one of the region’s longest-standing amateur theatre companies.
And before you say you’re "not a fan of opera”, BLOS’s name doesn’t quite do what it says on the tin. What audiences can expect is high-quality musical theatre rather than opera.
BLOS member Graham Cheshire explains: "Our current show is My Fair Lady, and in 2025 we performed The Hunchback of Notre Dame. If you’re a fan of musical theatre, you’ll love our productions."
BLOS secretary Susan Hardwick joined the society in 1979. Although she had always danced, she didn’t see herself as a singer and hadn’t considered joining until a family friend encouraged her. She began behind the scenes as part of the props team.
"There are actually lots of roles for people who don’t want to be on stage," Susan explains. "From costume and makeup to lighting and set-building, we even need people to help brew up during rehearsals!"
"But we do need more men on stage," Graham laughs. "We don’t have many male performers at the moment, and that does limit which shows we can programme."
From costume and makeup to lighting and set-building, we even need people to help brew up during rehearsals!
So what do people get from joining BLOS?
"As well as being part of a high-quality production, it really is like a family," says Graham, who rejoined the society in 2021 after living abroad for several years. "I originally came back just to catch up with old friends, and somehow ended up as a member."
The society is clearly one that people want to stay part of. Cynthia Morris has been a member for over 60 years.
"The society has been a lovely part of my life since being a teenager," she says. "I joined in 1956 and performed as part of the chorus until 2005. I’m now chair of the ladies committee and enjoy spending time with all the other members. It’s lovely that we have lots of young people on board, they bring lots of fun and it’s nice to be a part of that."
Younger members are welcomed with open arms.
So what’s next for the society?
BLOS is open to anyone aged 18 and over. Stage manager Florence, 27, says: "BLOS has always been a welcoming society and made me feel at home as soon as I joined. Everyone is brilliant about helping new members find a place in the group and training newbies to take part in whatever way they want to. I've moved from helping with props to stage managing, and the confidence I've found to do that has been boosted by the support from every member of the society."
Director Anthony Williams, who has worked in professional theatre throughout his career, has been directing productions at BLOS for 29 years. His creativity ensures that, while the shows are much-loved classics, each production still offers something fresh and surprising for audiences.
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame last year was probably the most creatively ambitious show we’ve ever produced," says Graham. “We had scaffolding extending into the audience, flames, and a 25-piece choir. It was a real show-stopper."
"Our next production is My Fair Lady," says Susan. "Rehearsals start in May, with performances running from Monday 9 to Saturday 14 November."
"We also have a concert planned for April 2027, which will help us raise much-needed funds for our main show later that year."
Like many voluntary organisations, funding is increasingly tight. The society raises money through member events, programme advertising and donations.
"It can cost upwards of £50,000 to stage a show," Susan explains. "We don’t want ticket prices to become too high, and we don’t want to compromise on production quality, so fundraising is incredibly important."
Tickets for My Fair Lady are available from the Burnley Mechanics box office. You can also keep up to date with BLOS by following the society on social media.
conversations that continue long beyond the final whistle
The power of conversation
Talking, listening, and sharing stories sit at the heart of Turf Talk, a philosophy that aligns with BFCiTC’s recent partnership with local mental health organisation Six Connections.
Through a series of activations called Talk on the Turf, the partnership aims to engage young people, fans, and the wider community, reinforcing the belief that one conversation can be a game-changer.
Six Connections’ message focuses on helping mates talk and support each other, making tough conversations easier. One healthy conversation can be the catalyst for another, then six more, and then six more again.
On the collaboration, director of Six Connections
Dave Scholes said: “It’s really exciting to be partnering with Burnley Football Club and Burnley FC in the Community to launch our Talk on the Turf initiative.
“Since founding Six Connections in 2021, having a presence at Turf Moor has always been high on our agenda. As an organisation helping to make conversations around mental health more comfortable in everyday places, in the good times as well as the more challenging, Turf Moor feels like the perfect place to make a genuine impact.
“I’ve lived in Burnley all my life, so to be selected by the Fan Advisory Board for this opportunity means a great deal. It also shows how much this subject matters to people in our town. If it can encourage thousands of people to look out for each other every home game, we can create something positive, not just in Burnley, but for football on a wider scale.”
Thanks to Turf Talk and Talk on the Turf, conversations are continuing long beyond the final whistle, strengthening connections across the local community. If you would like to join the Turf Talk group, please contact Martin Payne at m.payne@burnleyfc.com
PADIHAM ON PARADE: A DECADE OF C OMMUNITY
REMEMB R ANCE PRIDE, &
In2026, Padiham on Parade proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary, a significant milestone that honours not only a hugely successful event, but also the strength, spirit and unity of a community determined to keep remembrance alive.
Before Padiham on Parade was born, the annual remembrance service was usually held in Burnley. However, regeneration work in the area prompted the
decision to move the service to Padiham. Veterans’ groups from both Padiham and Burnley worked together to deliver the service, and from this collaboration grew the idea for a new event, one that would honour our Armed Forces, past and present, while capturing the unmistakable spirit of the 1940s. From that shared vision, something truly special emerged. A celebration of vintage style, military tradition, and community pride, Padiham on Parade was proudly born.
“The success of the Padiham on Parade event brings home the fact that it’s a local event, being organised by locals, for the locals. And boy oh boy do the locals support it. It’s theirs, in their town! Visitors also travel from far and wide for this fantastic event and it’s become one of the borough’s much-loved weekends,” explains Ida Carmichael, chairperson, Padiham on Parade Committee.
A key part of the event’s appeal is its immersive 1940s atmosphere. The Town Hall ballroom is transformed into a bustling vintage fair, filled with stalls, memorabilia and period charm. Vintage bus rides transport visitors to Gawthorpe Hall, offering a nostalgic journey through local history, while wartime crafts provide hands-on activities for all ages.
Live entertainment brings the era to life across the weekend, with performances on the Town Hall plaza and inside the marquee. Music, singing and dancing create an authentic wartime feel, complemented by a lively bar, vintage market in the ballroom, traditional fairground attractions and plenty more besides. Together, these elements recreate the sights, sounds and spirit of the 1940s, making Padiham on Parade a truly immersive experience.
Looking ahead to 2026, the 10th anniversary year, the committee has exciting plans to mark the occasion with a beer brewed especially for the event, to be enjoyed in the marquee.
As the event has grown in scale and popularity, so too has the support behind it. An event of this size requires an enormous amount of planning and organisation, and the committee is keen to thank the small local businesses of Padiham who stand behind them every step of the way. Continued backing from the people of Padiham, all the sponsors, Fort Vale Foundation, Hameldon Hill Wind Farm, The Community Foundation for Lancashire, Padiham Town Council and Burnley Borough Council ensure that the event goes from strength to strength each year.
The atmosphere of the weekend is further enriched by the regular attendance of eventers, military vehicle owners and entertainers, whose passion and dedication help bring history to life and create the unique community spirit that visitors have come to love.
Recognition of the dedication behind Padiham on Parade came in 2024, when the organising committee was honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Widely regarded as the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary groups, this prestigious award recognises outstanding commitment, hard work and impact within the community. The accolade is a fitting tribute to the many volunteers whose passion, time and effort have helped Padiham on Parade grow into the much-loved event it is today.
We would like to recognise the invaluable contribution of our volunteers. Some of these volunteers work behind the scenes and are rarely seen, but their efforts are essential. They are local people, quietly supporting their local event and Padiham on Parade simply could not happen without them,” says Ida.
As Padiham on Parade celebrates a decade of remembrance, nostalgia and community pride, the committee hopes you will join them once again and be part of this very special chapter in Padiham’s story.
Royal
Keep an eye out for this year’s event, which will take place over three days: 27th, 28th and 29th June – promising another unforgettable weekend of remembrance, entertainment and community spirit.
There’s just something about Padiham
For someone who was living in Manchester at the time and who is well travelled, Michael couldn’t quite believe the welcome he received from Padiham’s residents.
“I hurt my back and ended up on crutches and someone offered to walk my dog [Sprocker Spaniel Hetti who is a regular presence at the dog-friendly The Lawrence]. I honestly thought she wanted to steal her, I didn’t know what to think!” Michael laughs.
“I have lived in New York, Manchester, London and Florida and before living in Padiham, I had no idea what community was. People here genuinely care about one another.”
Of course, only a couple of years after Michael opened the doors, the pandemic hit. Some people may have admitted defeat, but not Michael, nor the people of Padiham.
“When the crisis first started, I went out into the community and some people were scared of the situation. This was when basics like toilet roll, hand sanitiser and pasta were scarce in the supermarkets. A lot of nearby residents are elderly and didn’t feel safe in big shops, so I bought basics such as milk, eggs, pasta and toilet roll and sold them to people at the same price I bought them. I cleared the bookcases in the lounge to store the items. I grew up with my parents running a small supermarket, so it felt like I’d come full circle.”
People could either collect their items or have them delivered to their home. Similarly, the hotel delivered meals within the community.
Michael is keen to point out that other businesses in the area stepped up during this time. The Hardware Store had been led by Eric and Carol for over 20 years. Before the lockdown was announced, they closed their doors, despite not being asked to, to set an example that people needed to take the situation seriously. They reopened three weeks later as they were aware that gardening, baking and other creative DIY tasks were important to people’s mental health.
“They are real community champions. Their cellar filled to the top following flooding earlier in the year. It felt like the entire town came out with buckets to help. I couldn’t believe my eyes; it was lovely to see.”
The support didn’t end there. Aside from eating out at the hotel when restrictions lifted, the community pulled together once more when Michael’s head chef suddenly passed away. Alison from Mooch Cafe87 and Amber Corns, who was then at Burnley Council, rallied round to provide the funeral catering so Michael didn’t have to worry about it.
Fast forward to 2024
We could talk all day about how successful The Lawrence has been. Its mezzanine suite with roll-top bath, interiors and genuine customer service could put any boutique hotel in Manchester to shame.
However, Michael admits he came to (another!) crossroads when he decided whether he should semiretire with the hotel doing well, or throw his energy into a new project.
explains, although we could immediately sense a but.
“But if you know me, if an opportunity arises, I have to grab it. The historic Springbank Manor in Darwen came up for sale and I couldn’t resist a viewing. It is steeped in history and has expansive gardens, more than what was ever used by the previous owner. I knew it would be a huge project to bring it back to its former glory, but it was a diamond in the rough and I bought it in August 2024,” Michael states.
He’s certainly wasted no time with the mammoth renovation project. As we talk in the refurbished lounge, which is reminiscent of his style choices at The Lawrence - think plush, jewel-coloured velvets and eclectic artwork - tradespeople are busy in other parts of the hotel laying floors, filling the former swimming pool and painstakingly uncovering features that had been hidden over the years.
Springbank Manor (formerly named by its previous owners as The Whitehall Hotel) was constructed in 1898 when it was first built for a wealthy mill owner, John Pickup. Apparently, many a fantastic party was held there, before it was eventually turned into a hotel and wedding venue. It has 16 beautifully designed bedrooms; Michael is still working through the room renovations, but the signature room features a roll-top bath in the window, overlooking the stunning gardens.
Michael believes it will take two years for the renovation to be fully complete, including an outdoor ceremony area that overlooks the hotel’s own waterfall (yes! It has a waterfall!) and big plans for an outdoor wellness area including cold plunge baths.
“Perhaps harking back to my own health issues, I want to make sure that when people stay at either The Lawrence or Springbank Manor - both now part of the Huckerby Hotels group - all stress eases away,” Michael notes.
As we're sat talking I notice a Huckerby Hotels logo. What made him decide to create a new brand?
“As a kid in French, I’d sketch out the logo for my own hospitality brand; and it’s the exact logo that I’ve chosen for the group. Never did I think it would come to life and include two hotels, serviced accommodation in Manchester and America and also the gin distillery that is on site at Springbank Manor, which includes gin-making classes,” Michael reminisces.
What next for Michael (& Hetti)?
Michael and his team clearly have enough going on, but we couldn’t help but ask if this latest acquisition is the final jewel in the Huckerby crown and the lure of semi-retirement on the horizon once the Springbank renovation is complete?
“I probably should have semi-retired to be honest. I’ve moved to Ightenhill and have wonderful neighbours with a beautiful garden. Of course, Ightenhill Park is perfect for dog walks. Hetti always makes it very well known that if we spend time outside of Burnley, she wants to be back. Our events immediately sell out, so I could have probably stepped my foot off the gas a little and let the operations manager Josh and his incredible team lead the way,” Michael
“Right now I’m enjoying getting stuck into this renovation, although it’s proving to be something of a money pit! It will pay off though, as it truly is a historic place to get married, enjoy a break or even come for a drink or a meal. Of course, Hetti is enjoying her walks in and around Burnley and all the attention she gets when she visits both hotels [both are dog friendly].
“I’m not missing Manchester. Obviously, I enjoy quieter meals these days rather than big nights out and I love popping to M&S or Starbucks, as well as the independent shops and cafes both Burnley and Padiham town centres have. I think we just need a Wagamama’s and I’m all set!” Michael concludes.
It doesn’t sound like Michael is about to slow down any time soon, but we’re glad he chose our borough as the place to expand his hospitality empire and settle down for a slower(ish) pace of life.
R
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to make a difference in their community?
We’d love to hear about them. Each issue, we will shine a spotlight on a local hero.
If you know a volunteer like Ashley, we’d love to hear their story. They could feature in our next issue.
Email Katie: kmcgee@burnley.gov.uk
“recognition he truly deserves”
Meet the wonderful Ashley Gracey, nominated by Chloe Shapland.
Ashley is a dedicated volunteer at the Budding Burnley sensory garden and allotment, where he helps out twice a week caring for the garden space. With a passion for gardening that spans over 15 years, he was delighted to get involved when the project began five years ago. Ashley plays a key role in looking after the plants and flowers, planting seeds, and making sure the area is always welcoming, neat, and well cared for.
Ashley was nominated by Chloe from Charter Walk, who says:
"Here at Charter Walk we really appreciate all that Ashley does for Budding Burnley and would love to celebrate him and give him the recognition he truly deserves."
If you’d like to get involved with Budding Burnley email buddingburnley@charterwalk.com
