Fri  29 Nov 2013

Unfortunately the video has been removed by the author
 

Here is a fascinating 6min video compiled from still photographs taken in the reservoir along with the Radio Lancashire  interview soundtrack when Rosemary and Boyd were interviewed by Paul Ogorman. The lady who put it all together is a member of Nelson Camera Club.

Thu  28 Nov 2013

Lizzie Jones gave one of her performances at the Hollinshead United Reformed Church, Chorley. Lizzie no longer does her traditional historical monologues of ladies from history. Although she was dressed in 17th century costume she described the lives of two ladies from history. One was Lady Anne Clifford (1590–1676) who was born at Skipton Castle and died at Brougham Castle near Penrth. The other was Anne Murray (1623–1699) or Lady Halkett.
Both women had the same first name and also kept diaries. After that they had little in common. Anne Clifford is still well known due her struggle to regain her inheritance but few have heard of Lady Halkett, and that’s the way she would have wanted it.

Lady Anne Clifford (1590–1676)

Thu  28 Nov 2013

This morning I visited the site of the old Leyland Reservoir at Back Lane, Clayton-le-Woods. Most of the brick structure has now been demolished and crushed. It was a very sad moment taking the photos as I still remember the structural beauty of the underground vaulted brick arches. At least they’ve been recorded photographically before being demolished.

B.H.

Tue  26 Nov 2013

The Leyland Underground Reservoir at Back Lane, Clayton-le-Woods is now just a memory. During previous weeks it has been demolished. We had hoped to save one of the internal brick arches and rebuild it nearby but the structure crumbled while trying to get it out in sizes big enough to rebuild. However a large number of bricks were recovered and it is proposed to offer these for sale as a memento of the reservoir. All money received will go to charity.
It was possible to save several of the coping stones that capped the support arches and Kingswood Homes have donated these for use in a small memorial garden area in nearby Manor Road Primary School. They are also prepared to use their design team to come up with a suitable layout. The construction of the garden will have to be funded separately and this part of the project has not yet been finalised.

Gone but not forgotten.

Mon  25 Nov 2013

LEYLAND UNDERGROUND VICTORIAN RESERVOIR CLAYTON-le-WOODS

Open to the public by courtesy of Kingswood Builders Southport, for viewing
From 19th October – 3rd November 2013. ( 16 days)  before demolition

Thank you, firstly and foremost to Rosemary Boyd who began the ‘save the reservoir’ campaign about 3 years ago, along with the children and staff from Manor Road Primary School, Clayton-le-Woods. Supported along the way by Boyd Harris with his previous knowledge and history of the reservoir, and with the practical support and enthusiasm of the members of Chorley Historical & Archaeological Society

15,000 brochures, defining the history of the reservoir, compiled mainly by Boyd on behalf of C.H.A.S. (Chorley Historical and Archaeological Society) and printed, free of charge, by Kingswood builders, were distributed over the 16 days.

Approximately 20,000 visitors visited over the period, including various photo shoots, fashion, bridal and hall’o’ween, a ukulele player, a singer and a quartet, who played music from the 1880s, when the reservoir was built.

Some were visiting groups who came along, and ordinary members of the public with their babies, children and pets to view the wonderful engineering features, and learn the history of the reservoir.
 

J.D.

Mon  04 Nov 2013

This film is a bit different. It was made by Gary Cunliffe of theyellowfactory.co.uk

Sun  03 Nov 2013

Last one out turn the lights off.
This afternoon the underground reservoir at Back Lane, Clayton-le-Woods was closed
to the public for the last time at 4pm.
Harrison, Hannah & Rosemary Boyd are the last to leave before being closed to the public. They were also the first members of the public to enter the reservoir on Fri 18 Oct 2013

Sat  02 Nov 2013

Oishala performing underground in the reservoir. see below for the video.
 

Oishala performing underground.
This morning Oishala, a group of local musicians, used the venue for a unique performance

Fri  01 Nov 2013

At the Leyland/Clayton underground reservoir guide duty all day, or until my voice gives up. A group of models, photographers and portable lights arrived during the day. It gave me the opportunity to use their set up. Many Photographic groups have used the location for special creative photo sessions.

B.H.