LFHHS ONE DAY CONFERENCE AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Saturday 16th May 2026

9.45 to 4.30

at Rhyddings Methodist Church Hall
Watson Street off Rhyddings Street
Off Union Road (main road by War Memorial)
Oswaldtwistle BB5 3EP




All members, non-members and friends are warmly invited to this Annual Event

Do come, meet old friends and make new ones - You will be most welcome

Programme:

09:15 - 09:50 Registration and Coffee or Tea

09:50 - 10:00 Welcome and Introduction

10:00 - 11:10 Speaker: Keith Stevenson – Hoghton Tower
Hoghton Tower, built in 1565 on the site of buildings dating back to 1109, commands a hilltop with impressive views of the Lakes, Irish Sea, and Wales. Its strategic location brought centuries of royal and artistic guests, giving it national prominence.

11.10 - 11.20 Intermission, Tea / Coffee

11:20 - 12:20 Steve Irwin – The Women’s March (and Men’s too…)
How we all got the vote. From the Great Reform Act of 1832 to the Equal Franchise Act of 1928, how did we all end up able to vote? What were the routes and reasons by which men and women gained the vote? Suffragists vs. Suffragettes – the personalities and methods they used to advance their cause.

12:20 - 1:45 Buffet Lunch

1:45 - 2:45 Kate Hirst – Catholic Blackburn c.1550 to c.1850
This illustrated talk traces Catholic history in Blackburn, from sixteenth-century recusancy fines to eighteenth-century acceptance and community establishment, using newspaper extracts, maps, parish registers, and notable figures' stories


2.45 - 3.10 Intermission, Tea/Coffee and Raffle

3:30 - 4:30 LFHHS Annual General Meeting and Open Forum

4.30 Farewell and Departures

We extend a warm welcome to the Conference and lunch to non-members of LFHHS, please signify as "Guest" on the "Add Comments" area at Checkout

There will be opportunities to chat and exchange information throughout the day. A selection of books, CDs and fiche will be available for purchase or order. Do not forget - you may need your Debit or Credit Card.

All attendees- On the "Add Comments" area at Checkout please include all the names in the form that you want them to appear on your name badges and whether any dietary requirements are needed. Please quote Membership Number or Guest if Non-member.

Copies of Nominations and Motions will be sent with receipts to everyone who books for the AGM.

Any member unable to attend requiring a copy of Nominations and Motions should send a stamped self-addressed envelope (9" x 4") to Stephen Benson 32 Slater Lane Leyland PR25 1TN