I READ with sadness, recently, in the BEN of the passing of Arthur Scowcroft (better known as "Owd Arthur") of Affetside. It was obvious, from the article, that Arthur was a much loved and respected member of the community. I have known of Arthur for some time, but never actually met him. Hs photograph has graced the walls of The Pack Horse Inn, Affetside for several years. Arthur lived all his life in the village (82 years) according to the article, and it made me realise how little change there had been in Affetside during his lifetime.

Affetside is still a fairly unspoilt village, it clings to the high moorland ridge above Bradshaw (to the North) and Tottington (to the South) straddling Watling Street, the Roman road which linked Manchester and Ribchester. The remains of an ancient stone cross in the centre of the village is said to mark the half-way point of the old route. The Pack Horse Inn, Affetside's only pub is a well known hostelry dating back to the 18th century. On a shelf behind the bar rests the skull of a Mr George Whewell a local man, reputed to have been the axeman at the execution of The Earl of Derby which took place at Bolton in 1651.

The stone chapel, circa 1840, is still used as a place of worship and a schoolroom to this day, carrying on a long tradition.

Up to now, Affetside his escaped the ravages of re-development which have marred so many other rural areas around Bolton, and has managed to hold on to its own identity. We have an obligation, I feel, to future generations and to the memory of Arthur to preserve the rural character of places like Affetside before it is too late.

Richard Austin

Broadstone Road, Harwood

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.