25 Spaggers in two groups, Four Folds, fascinating history, a descendant from a knight of Agincourt, tea and cake at the Barlow, and (almost) no rain. What’s not to enjoy…….

We started at the Barlow and the faster team managed to see the old open air swimming pool and boating lake, part of the Barlow grounds. Then the Old Russia Mill Lodges that supplied the Quarlton Vale Print Works back in the day.

The others took an easier route and we met up at 17^th Century Brandwood Fold. Then Grubb Street, Kettle Row and Teapot Row. Past the former Methodist School built in 1828, but now apartments.

Up Harbour Lane (named Windy Harbour in 1850) to the top of the “The Quarry”. Fab views across the now nearly empty Wayoh Reservoir to Thomasson Fold and the old Friends Meeting House and Cemetery with head stones still in the front garden.

Then a rear view of Horrocks Fold House, now Thimble Hall and former residence of the owners of the Horrocks Cotton business in Preston. And the site of the 1866 Congregational Church demolished in 1961.

The Quarry was indeed a quarry until the early 60s when locals and subsequently the local authority started to tip domestic waste here. When it began to smell they stopped, covered it with top soil and then landscaped it. A local tourist notice welcomes visitors to this traditional Lancashire Grass Meadow – but we know different!

Along Horrocks Road to Isherwood Fold and a super talk by Kathleen Smith née Entwistle who can trace her family local history back over 600 years.

Then back East along Horrocks Road where the section past the Congregational Church Graveyard is the LIDAR proven Roman Road (whatever the OS map says). I guess it’s easier to demolish a church than move bodies. Then a look at the other side of the old Quaker buildings and a former red brick Catholic church that is now dwellings.

And on to the Barlow Café for tea and cake. I must thank Kathleen Smith for sharing her childhood memories of Isherwood Fold in the 30s and 40s.