Lancashire Authors’ Association Lancashire Celebrations

Mayor Ian Duckworth presents ‘The Bill O’ Bows Trophy’ to the Late Rita Jones’ daughter Catherine, Rita’s husband Peter and grand-daughter Keira

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Ian and Christine Duckworth, Lancashire Authors’ Association’s (LAA) members and friends, were treated to an afternoon of Lancashire entertainment at the Lancashire Authors’ Association’s Lancashire Celebrations on Saturday (18 November).

Following the traditional Lancashire Fayre, hotpot, apple pie and cream, the Mayor read the Lancashire Day Proclamation and proposed the Loyal Toast.

There followed a special presentation by the Mayor, the 'Bill O’ Bows Trophy’ -which is presented annually to someone who is a stalwart of the Association, works hard and is a keen member.

This year it was presented posthumously to the Late Rita Jones, who died in December 2016.

A spokesperson said: "Rita was a long-standing member, always ready to help in any capacity. She also served on the committee as Publicity Officer."

The trophy and certificate were received by her daughter Catherine and grand-daughter Keira. Rita’s husband Peter was also present. The trophy will be held by the family for 12 months.

Entertainment was provided by Lancashire folk-singer/musician, Mark Dowding, who kept things moving with songs from his extensive repertoire.

The Rossendale Cloggers performed clog dances. Toes were tapping along as the audience was taken back to a time when clogs were standard footwear for many people in the county.

When the answers to the Lancashire Quiz were given, the top scorer was the Mayor, much to his delight.

LAA President Sid Calderbank was due to perform some of his well-known dialect recitations, but although present, he had virtually no voice so had to bow out. He did, however, accompany Mark for one item, playing the ‘bones’. 

Sid’s spot was taken by ‘The Tin Pot Poets’ Ron and Sally Williams, members of the Edwin Waugh Society. Their Lancashire poetry was "very funny" and in true dialect style, quite saucy, “naughty poetry” Sally called it.

Olive Riley, Vice Chairwoman, read a poem, ‘A Bit O’ Fun’ from her new book, ‘A Lancashire Rose’. The Book is dedicated to Rita Jones and is being sold to raise funds for the East Lancashire Hospice, where she spent her last days.

The final word of the event was left to LAA Librarian, Brian Foster who read the poem ‘Owd Pinder’ by Edwin Waugh to close the proceedings.