TUTORS from the Darwen Workers' Educational Association will be leading local historical visits during the next five weeks.

The first event, led by Kathy Fishwick, will take place on Wednesday, June 10, and will include visits to The Weavers' Cottage in Rawtenstal, and to Goodshaw Chapel near Crawshawbooth. An insight into the quality of factory village housing in Ashworth, Egerton and Bank Top, near Bolton, will be presented by Dr Geoff Timmins on Wednesday, June 17.

The group will meet outside the Globe Inn, past Ashworth Lane houses.

On Wednesday, June 24, Raymond Watton will lead a visit to Martholme and Whalley Railway Viaducts and Calderstones Hospital Railway, meeting at 7.15pm in Martholme Lane.

Tutor Dr Mary Higham, will lead the final two visits on Tuesday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 7.

The first will be a guided walk around Mearley, Pendleton and Worston, meeting at Pendleton Village Hall car park, and the last event is a guided walk around the Leagram Park Boundary, meeting at the car park in the centre of Chipping.

Members and non-members are welcome and should meet each week at 6.45pm at Borough Road Car Park, near Darwen Leisure Centre, or at the venue by 7.15pm.

Each visit costs £2.70 or a concessionary rate of £2 for retired over-60s and full-time students. The events are free for those in receipt of Unemployment Benefit, Income Support, Family Credit, Disability Allowance, Housing/Council tax Benefit, and for their unwaged dependant.

For further information contact the branch secretary on Darwen 705292 or e-mail eilencowen@ad.com .

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