MEMBERS of Burnley Soroptimist Club went back three centuries to raise money for Pendleside Hospice with an event at Towneley Hall.

Local actors in period costume helped to bring history to life by acting out scenes from the Towneley family history dating back to the 1680s. Sir Richard Towneley, famed for his scientific investigations into the weather, clocks and lines of longitude was played by John Thacker.

His mother, Lady Mary Towneley, who went to Marston Moor looking for the body of her husband killed while fighting for the Royalist cause was taken by Janet Oakes.

David Rushton took the part of steward George Kemp and Ann Towne was his sister and house keeper.

The performance took place in the Regency Room at the hall.

After a meal in the restaurant, guests returned to the Regency Room for coffee with musical entertainment by mezzo soprano Lynn Slater and pianist Jack Frost.

Soroptimist officer Nora Simpson said: "It was a thoroughly pleasant and enjoyable evening. We hope to have made at least £1,000 for the hospice."