AT the September meeting of the society, members were given an insight into the history of a family from Colne, during a talk by Kate Mulholland, based on her novel The King's Shilling.

Separated by 50 years, a father is shipwrecked and drowned following a freak earthquake in England, having enlisted in order to provide for his family; and a grandson is transported after having been found guilty of a crime of which he was innocent; impoverished hand-loom weavers, the onset of industrialisation, and the beginnings of the chartist movement, Kate's talk - and novel - are based on research covering the period 1795 to 1841.

She graphically described not only the deprivation to which working-class families were subject, and the harshness of the penal system, but also the endeavours of those aspiring to improve their lot.

It was an interesting and informative talk, and a very readable book. Thanks were given by Jack Kenneford.

Following Kate's talk, chairman Tony Murphy gave an outline of a request from BMBC to the society to agree to a proposal that the arts, libraries and lifelong learning division use Ramsbottom Heritage Centre as temporary premises, on a shared basis, whilst the existing library building is redeveloped to provide an expanded service.

The work is due to begin in January and take about seven months to complete. Society members, committee and ordinary members, following consideration, have agreed to the proposal in principle, and expressed a wish to work with the arts and library service in developing the shared service concept. The Heritage Centre, Carr Street, Ramsbottom, is open on the second and fourth Saturday, and every Sunday, of each month until the second Sunday of December, when closure will take place following a Carol concert, starting at 3.00pm, everyone welcome!