HISTORIC buildings throughout East Lancashire opened their doors to mark National Heritage Weekend. The Weavers' Triangle at Burnley held a demonstration of lace-making at its visitor centre and organised a guided walk along the canal. Walkers learned more about mill buildings, warehouses, bridges and housing in the town centre conservation area.

In Pendle, Bancroft Mill Engine Trust, Barnoldswick, allowed visitors to view the historic mill for free. The cotton mill was the last to be built in Barnoldswick in 1920 and closed in 1978. In 1980 a trust was formed to preserve and reopen the mill. It has a rope-driven working steam engine which once powered 1,250 looms and the trust was recently granted lottery money to overhaul the boiler. In Rossendale, historic Goodshaw Chapel allowed visitors to peek inside. The chapel is now owned by English Heritage and last year the building was specially lit for the Larks of Dean to perform a carol concert in the style of the 1800s. In the Ribble Valley, Sawley Abbey celebrated its 850th birthday in style. A weekend of activities was held in the grounds to mark the anniversary. A parade featured the Utopia Marching Brass.

Other activities included a production by the Bolton-by-Bowland Drama Group. Demonstrations included medieval tiled floor-laying, calligraphy, wood-turning and stone-carving. Sunday's activities included a service conducted by the Rev David Mewis, Rector of Grindleton, which featured drama and music by St Mary's of Clitheroe Choir. The abbey was founded in 1147 and since 1995 has been managed by the Heritage Trust for the North West.

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