Re: The Coppice
 

I also must admit that I cannot understand anyone who creates something so good can just sit on it and not be proud enough to show it off to a wider audience. :([/quote]

What I can't understand is the need to seek praise from others, you can't eat it, you can't see it, or touch it.
As the Vulcan Mr Spock would say, completely illogical.

Retlaw.

Re: The Coppice
 

I don't see a problem with Retlaw doing what he wants with what is obviously a great love and interest to him. Not like anyone has commissioned him to do it. He has pointed the way to anyone else wishing to do research, helped officials with information, etc., and answered lots of questions on here publicly about certain individuals to relatives, so no issue to me.

In the meantime, went up the Coppice today and took a few 'photos for JG.

The marker :-

Attachment 13666Attachment 13667

The trenches :-

Attachment 13669Attachment 13670

The metal cross :-

Attachment 13668

Re: The Coppice
 

cross was timber when i used to lug it.:)

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Never new if the farmhouse was really haunted , it was just typical story passed down , a bit like Rough lee and its apparent ghosts.

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No you can't. If you can see it on your PC you can copy it.

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I know Cashy, took this 'photo for you really, hollow aluminium tubes aren't so heavy are they ... :D

Was talking to my brother today Retlaw, and he reminded me that the popular theory for the trenches being dug on the Coppice was to stop enemy aircraft landing. Now that piece of land is bumpy anyway, so can't see that really. Why were they actually dug, for the Homeguard, troops practising digging trenches or what ? :confused:

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obviously cos the young uns aint as physically fit these days.:D;)

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Was talking to my brother today Retlaw, and he reminded me that the popular theory for the trenches being dug on the Coppice was to stop enemy aircraft landing. Now that piece of land is bumpy anyway, so can't see that really. Why were they actually dug, for the Homeguard, troops practising digging trenches or what ? :confused:[/quote]

A lot of strange activity took place at the outbreak of WW2, especially with the issue of identity cards, I still have mine somewhere) issue of gasmasks, formation of the C.D., & L.D.V., later renamed as Home Guard, one company was stationed in Hargreaves St School, next door to where I lived, several men from WW1 joined the unit. They used to practice manouvers all over the Coppice area. Then we have all the concrete pill boxes being built, the concrete blocks to stop tanks etc.
Barrage Balloon unit on Broadway, Police Station and Fire Station fronts were covered in sandbags, you can still see the marks on the walls, where they caused water to attack the stone work. Best of all school shut for a week.

Then as the war progressed you could hear the Heinkels & Dorniers droning overhead, on the way to Manchester. I could see the search lights from my bedroom window, and see the flashes of the ack ack shells as the exploded, I was always getting pasted for hanging out the bedroom window to watch.

Retlaw.

Re: The Coppice
 

Forgetting WW3, which seems to be brewing between our historians, the cross on the coppice intrigues me. I can't remember that but I'm sure I remember a cross that used to be erected in the gardens on Broadway, next to the Odeon and opposite the market, at Easter. Please correct me if I'm wrong but it persists in my memory.

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Remember the "Sunken Gardens" west ender, can't remember the cross in em,:confused: ya got me intrigued now. someone will know.:)

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When I worked at ministry of Pensions and National Insurance, the office was above Bata shoe shop next to the bank (1960 -1965), with a view down Broadway with the sunken gardens. I never saw a cross there at Easter either.

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I could have sworn there was one there at least one year. The Blackburn buses used to start from beside the garden and I have this memory of seeing one from the bus. My mind must be playing tricks. :o

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Im a little confused by Retlaws attitude to anyone elses opinion and to be honest find it a little offensive the way he talks to people.
Im always interested in his posts and impressed with his local knowledge and Im sure his research is invaluable however burning records which have taken years to collate cannot be a positive thing and demeaning people with less experience is in my opinion patronizing.
I have a set of WW1 medals from a veteran from Oswaldtwistle and an antique bottle associated with the "Pals" which I would like to donate to a local history club or enthusiast but id be worried Retlaw would end up putting them on his bonfire.

Sorry if ive gone over the top and Im sure I will get slated for this post however this is how I feel

Regards

Chris

Re: The Coppice
 

Just going back to the Coppice, found a statement my grandaughter made, who had not been up there since a very young age, very profound.

She commented that she didn't think it was particularly beautiful, and why had the people of Accrington let it become so neglected. Explained that schemes were in place to improve the paths and the whole area.

I always accepted it as it was, and never looked at it through the eyes of someone who hadn't visited (or fogotten) .... yes, guess is lacking, and look forward to the improvements.

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tell yer grandaughter our wonderful council let it go to the rats, when they planted those stupid trees on it.:(