At the September meeting of the Society, members heard an appropriately clad Donna Hughes relate the history of hand spinning.

Wearing 17th century style hand spun and woven, woollen and linen garments, and with the assistance of a fleecy, handmade, model sheep, Blodwen, Mrs Hughes attributed her interest in the subject to her familys involvment in the textile industry.

She spoke of origins thought to date from about 25000 years BC, when very basic spinning had been evidenced in cave paintings of the period. One imagined animal skin clad cave dwellers beginning the drawing and twisting of yarn whilst idly chatting in front of a fire.

With the assistance of Blodwen, a shearing demonstration was given. Followed by a description of washing, walking, and drying the fleece, the teasing and carding of wool to remove impurities and the use of a drop-spindle in a very early process of drawing thread to produce imperfect yarn. A series of processes in which whole families, from children to grandparents, were involved.

By the middle ages in Britain, spindle wheels were in use, soon to be superseded by treadle wheels. Climatic conditions had determined central and east Lancashire to be ideal for the spinning of cotton yarn. The spinning of woollen yarn gradually migrating to west Yorkshire.

The decline of hand spinning began toward the end of the 17th century with the gradual introduction of mechanisation, although pockets of hand spinning remain to this day.

An informative talk delivered in a very entertaining manner. Thanks were given by Tony Murphy.

A reminder that the opening of the Heritage Centre was subject to the willingness of helpers to attend, and was constantly under review. Times of opening of the Centre may be obtained from 01706-827245.

Next month's meeting will be on Wednesday, October 19, 7.45 pm, at Ramsbottom Civic Hall, when Mr W. Hargreaves will give a talk entitled The Manchester Guardian, 1821-2005. All welcome.