MEMBERS MESSAGE BOARD

The Society was formed in 1965 to stimulate interest in Towneley Hall.  The Hall is known locally as “The Jewel in Burnley’s Crown” and became increasingly famous nationwide featuring in tv programmes such as “Antiques Master”,  “Antiques Roadshow”, “Flog It!” and “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” .

The Society meets regularly at the Hall, usually on the second Monday of the Month from September to May, and members enjoy a programme of interesting lectures. During June, July or August, our ‘summer outing’ has taken members to such delightful places as Leighton Hall, Newby Hall & Gardens, Holker Hall, Gresgarth Gardens and The Midland Hotel in Morecambe.  Other outings are often organised - past visits have included Chethams Library, The Midland Hotel in Manchester, John Rylands Library, Cliffe Castle Museum and Saltaire.

Fundraising is part of our work.  Additional money is raised through the Society’s collection box in the shop/ticket office and by holding our now very popular book stall sales on bank holiday and special events days. Our funds have been used to purchase many items for the Towneley Hall collections and for the Hall itself. In the 26 years to 31st March 2026, the Society provided a total of £206,099  in gifts to the Hall

If you would like to join us, annual membership is £25 - Life Membership is £175.

Committee Members 2026/7

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

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

Registered Charity No. 515939

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

Exploring the Collections at Towneley on U-Tube

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

Patron - Peregrine Towneley

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

Secret books and secret jigsaws, sold in the hall shop over the last three years have raised over £2000.

Many thanks to all who have contributed to these fundraising efforts

Thanks to our fundraising efforts, we were able to contribute to the restoration programme at the hall by providing funds to refurbish the clock  both the face and the workings.  

Other items purchased for the hall this year : Bill the Bear Children's Book, Glass slides of Burnley’s Mining Heritage, Medieval Silver Brooch and Bill the Bear Costume

Our next fundraising date will be August Bank Holiday Monday (weather permitting!)

LECTURES & EVENTS

2026

Tuesday August 11th

Summer Outing

NOW FULLY BOOKED

This years summer outing takes us to Sizergh Castle and Gardens in Kendal, Cumbria with free time in Kirkby Lonsdale en route.    

Sizergh Castle is celebrated for its tranquil atmosphere and historic interiors - the enchanting gardens are easily accessible with well-marked trails - some visitors however may face challenges in the steep paths.

NOW FULLY BOOKED

By coach from in front of the Hall at 9.30am prompt.

Parking on the events car park - please put your membership card on dashboard.

National Trust members must have evidence of membership.

Whistle Down the Wind: 65 years on

Join us for a special memorial screening and Q&A celebrating 65 years of Whistle Down the Wind!

8th and 9th August 12.00-5pm in Towneley Hall Lecture Theatre

Join us for a memorial screening of Whistle Down the Wind, celebrating the 65th anniversary year since its release!

Followed by an intimate Q&A session, you can share memories and ask questions of the original cast members. This event will be filmed and your question may even be included in a documentary!

Don’t miss this special in-person event filled with nostalgia and community spirit. A must for any fans of Whistle Down the Wind.

This event is not-for-profit: it is a fundraiser to support WDTW65, a legacy project documenting the anecdotes of the surviving cast members of Whistle Down the Wind and archiving their memorabilia. For more information, visit WWW.WDTW65.COM

Upgrade your ticket to include an autographed print from Diane and Alan, and a guaranteed opportunity to get your picture taken with some of the cast. Buy the standard ticket and then add on your extras.

The screening itself will include a brief interlude for refreshments and a leg-stretch.

Here are the links to buy tickets:  

8th Aug: https://WDTW65TH1.eventbrite.com  9th Aug: https://WDTW65TH2.eventbrite.com

Monday September 14th

1.30pm

Book Launch and Afternoon Tea with Katie Grant

“Clinging to the Crags” was published in July, her memoir of growing up in an eccentric, rambunctious family.  Conversations, questions and, of course, book signing.

£6 charge

Booking required

Non-members welcome

Our new programme of events commences in September and our first ‘lecture’ is a very special one....